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I’m probably
the wrong person to tell you about the newest
DVD release of “The Dark Crystal.”
I’d like to tell you that my review
will be subjective, but I would be lying.
You see, if I ever had a hero growing up,
it was Jim Henson. The man was more than
just a puppeteer or a storyteller…
he was a true visionary. He was world famous
for his creation of the Muppets, but he
also was father to some wonderfully inventive
fantasy films. There are those who dismiss
“The Dark Crystal” and “Labyrinth”
as no more than children’s fluff.
But for every one detractor, there are thousands
of fans intelligent enough to recognize
the wonder of these films.
As with most good stories, “The Dark
Crystal” is a tale of good and evil.
Based on the work of Brian Froud, it centers
on Jen and Kira, the last remaining Gelfings.
They must return a shard of the Dark Crystal
to its rightful place in order to keep the
world from being rules by the evil Skeksis.
It is a dark tale, perhaps a little too
dark for younger children, but its perfect
for older kids and imaginative adults.
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There are already a few DVD releases available,
including a collector's edition back in 2004 as
well as one of Henson’s other masterpiece,
“Labyrinth.” They were really nice
sets that used a case design that resembled books.
When you opened the books, you were treated to
a number of collectible items. I figured these
would be the 'definitive' releases. But that wasn't
quite the case since the studio is once again
releasing both movies in Anniversary Editions.
And while they don’t have the little collectible
items, mega-fans will be excited to find all-new
Hi-Def transfers and additional features with
newly discovered footage.
Included in this new set are a few returning features
such as “The World of The Dark Crystal”,
which was a documentary that was made back when
the film first came out in 1982. I remember watching
it on television at the time, and fortunately
having the wherewithal to record it. Unfortunately
that tape ended up being lost so having it on
these DVDs is great.
The documentary runs about an hour and covers
in great detail everything about the making of
the film. There is lots of interview footage with
Henson and partner Frank Oz, as well as Brian
Froud. Plus there is a ton of behind the scenes
footage that shows how the complicated sets and
costumes were created. We get to see how the actors
learned to move within the full and over–sized
costumes. Every little move had to be practiced,
even the most simple. Making this film was an
enormous challenge and this documentary showcases
every aspect. They also carried over some deleted
and early work print scenes, storyboards and photo
galleries that are a must see for Henson fans.
New to this set is a commentary by conceptual
artist Brian Froud. After having listened to him
on the new "Labyrinth" set, I wondered
how he could possibly have more to say about another
movie. However, the man has an amazing memory
and is a good storyteller. The mix of these two
offers yet another mesmerizing commentary.
Additionally you'll find two brand new Behind
the Scenes documentaries that delve even deeper
into the making of the film as well as its concepts.
Here is where you will find some of this newly
discovered footage and updated interviews.
Now, where I said fans would be delighted with
this new release, there is a depressing side.
I was rather that they did not carry over all
of the other awesome features from the earlier
edition. Missing is the “The Mithra Treatment”,
which was a read-only version of the original
treatment Henson came up with. It is rich with
details of the world of “The Dark Crystal”,
the original trailers and the option to listen
to the score only. There is simply no reason that
these could not have been included.
The “The Dark Crystal” may not appeal
to everyone, but for those imaginative souls I
mentioned before this is almost a must own DVD.
Being that it should have been able to replace
the earier edition as opposed to supplementing
it is the only thing that knocks it down a few
points.
Directed by: Jim Henson and Frank Oz
Extras: New High Definition Film Transfer, New
Commentary from Brian Froud, Original Making of
Documentary “The World of the Dark Crystal”,
Deleted Scenes, Work Print Scenes, Character Drawings,
Reflections of the Dark Crystal: “Light
on the Path of Creation” & Shard of
Illusion” Two All-New behind the scenes
documentaries that include rediscovered footage
from the Henson archives and newly recorded interviews
with the people who created The Dark Crystal.
Studio: Sony / Columbia Tristar
Release Date: 8/14/2007
Region 1
MPAA Rating: PG
Website
We'll give The Dark Crystal: 25th Anniversary
Edition a B-.
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