Muppets creatorJim Hensonwas delivered a rough hand with two of his most advanced and misunderstood movies. One of these was Labyrinth, and the other wasThe Dark Crystal.Released in 1982, the film was originally released to mixed reviews and although it did not land as a complete box office disaster, it was by no means a runaway success. Now,the dark fantasy classic has secured the number one spot on Tubi’s free streaming charts.
The Dark Crystalintroduces audiences to the mystical world of Thra, where Jen, the last of the Gelflings, is tasked with restoring the balance of the world by retrieving the pieces of the shattered Crystal of Truth. The fragmentation of the crystal has allowed the malevolent Skeksis, a race of vulture-like creatures, to seize control of Thra, and they’ve spread darkness and decay throughout the world. Jen must embark on a perilous journey in an attempt to defeat the Skeksis and bring about peace again.
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Jim Henson and long-time collaborator Franz Oz worked really hard on the intricate world-building withThe Dark Crystal,and through the use of groundbreaking puppetry, Henson was able to create a completely immersive universe of characters. The movie also boasts an impressive cast of voice actors, such as Stephen Garlick as Jen, Billie Whitelaw as Aughra, and Barry Dennen as the Chamberlain.
The Dark Crystalinitially faced a mixed reception and had only a modest box office performance,grossing around $41.4 million against a $25 million budget. Critics were divided;some praised its ambition, while others found the story too dark and complex.Over time, however, the movie has become one of the most beloved fantasy offerings from one of of the world’s greatest dreamers.
‘The Dark Crystal’ Spawned An Emmy-Winning Prequel Series
The enduring legacy ofThe Dark Crystaland its cult status resulted inthe creation of a prequel seriesalmost four decades later. In 2019, Netflix premieredThe Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, a series that takes place before the events of the original film, to widespread acclaim. It explored the history of Thra and focused on the resistance formed by the Gelflings against the oppressive Skeksis regime. Three young Gelflings – Rian, Brea, and Deet – took center stage and uncovered the truth behind their evil rule, went on to unite different tribes, and fight back.
The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistancefeatured an all-star cast, including Taron Egerton, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Nathalie Emmanuel, along with Mark Hamill and Lena Heady. Consisting of 10 episodes, it became an instant hit with both longtime fans and new audiences and received immense praise for its visual effects, captivating storytelling and faithfulness to Henson and Oz’s original vision.The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistancewent on to win an Emmy Award for Outstanding Children’s Program and was nominated for the Critics' Choice Awards for Best Animated Series.Despite the positive response, it was canceled after just one season. However,the legacy of the franchiseis strong asThe Dark Crystalcontinues to thrive on streaming and ensures the lore remains a cherished part of the fantasy genre.
The Dark Crystal
