Synopsis
On another planet in the distant past, a Gelfling embarks on a quest to find the missing shard of a magical crystal and restore order to his world, before the grotesque race of Skeksis find and use the crystal for evil.
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Cast
- Jim HensonJen / High Priest, Ritual Master
- Kathryn MullenKira, a Gelfling
- Frank OzAughra, a Keeper of Secrets / Chamberlain
- Dave GoelzFizzgig, a Friendly Monster / General, Garthim Master
- Steve WhitmireScientist (voice)
- Louise GoldGourmand
- Brian MeehlOrnamentalist / Urzah / Dying Master
- Stephen GarlickJen (voice)
- Lisa MaxwellKira (voice)
- Billie WhitelawAughra (voice)
Recommendations
- 88
Miami Herald
Imagine for a moment Lord of the Rings peformed by puppets and hydraulically operated monsters against a background of realistic fantasy, and you have an idea of The Dark Crystal. It's the kind of film that children may take for granted, but that adults are transfixed by; there is much oohing and aahing in the seats. [20 Dec 1982, p.B8] - 83
The A.V. Club
The story is a standard fairy-tale concoction, but the New Agey philosophy about healing and heroism makes for a classic Henson story, all heart and rapturous wonder at the world's incredible possibilities. - 80
Empire
Well-paced and stunningly shot. - 80
Variety
The Dark Crystal, besides being a dazzling technological and artistic achievement by a band of talented artists and performers, presents a dark side of Muppet creators Jim Henson and Frank Oz that could teach a lesson in morality to youngsters at the same time it is entertaining their parents. - 80
Time Out
Henson, creator of the Muppets, has put all his energies into creating a spectacular range of live-action creatures who prance and gobble their way across the screen with an unprecedented conviction. - 75
TV Guide Magazine
Once again employing his famous muppets, Jim Henson creates a brilliantly detailed universe with this intriguing fairy-tale adventure. - 70
IGN
Design and artistry here is the primary draw of The Dark Crystal, not necessarily the writing or the performances or the direction (Henson and Frank Oz shared the directing responsibilities for this one), although the are no glaring missteps in any of those areas. - 60
Time
The invention is impressive, but there is little indication of the Henson-Oz trademark: a sense of giddy fun.
