The Dark Crystal has been released on 4K UHD Blu-ray today, 5th March 2018 and has been lovingly restored into 4K from the original camera negative
Jim Henson co-directs, produces and lends his voice to this classic animated adventure set on the planet Thra. 1000 years ago, a mysterious crystal was broken creating two new races, the evil Skeksis and the kind Mystics. With fueding all around him, Gelfling Jen (voice of Henson) – the only one left of his kind – dreams of the day when he can restore peace to his planet. A Mystic tells him that in order to return Thra to its former glory Jen must heal the crystal before the three suns align. If he fails, the Skeksis will be free to rule forever…
Included in the set is the 4K UHD, standard Blu-ray disc and digital download and comes with the following extras –
Special Features:
ALL-NEW: “The Myth, Magic and Henson Legacy” featurette: Go behind the scenes of this iconic film with stories from Lisa Henson and Toby Froud.
Deleted Scenes
Commentary with Brian Froud
Picture-in-Picture Storyboard Track
Original Skeksis Language Scenes with Introduction by Screenwriter David Odell
“The World of The Dark Crystal” Documentary
“Reflections of The Dark Crystal: “Light on the Path of Creation” & “Shard of Illusion”” featurette
Photo Galleries
Theatrical Teaser & Trailer
This is available now to purchase from HMV.com
This year also sees the 35th UK anniversary of the movie and our friends over at The Prince Charles Cinema are hosting some special screenings. Click the link to find out more information HERE
I have been lucky enough to offer THREE lucky winners to receive one copy of the 4K Blu-ray as well as a copy of The Dark Crystal: The Ultimate Visual History, is a lavish compendium featuring candid set photography, unseen concept art and amazing removable pieces such as script pages and sketches form Henson, a must-have for any Dark Crystal fan!
Dark Crystal: The Ultimate Visual History is the definitive collection of rare artwork, interviews, and on-set photos from the beloved Jim Henson fantasy classic.
A true masterpiece brought to life by the ingenious puppetry and peerless storytelling of Jim Henson, Dark Crystal is revered by an entire generation of fans. For the first time, this deluxe and highly comprehensive book tells the complete story of this deeply personal Henson project, highlighting the unique creative journey and groundbreaking techniques that brought the film to the screen. Drawing from unseen archive interviews with Jim Henson and new interviews with the film’s behind-the-scenes creative team, Dark Crystal: The Ultimate Visual History leaves no stone unturned in chronicling the entire production, from the initial concept based on themes close to Henson’s heart to the ingenious conceptual design, puppet construction, and logistics of the shoot itself. The book also delves into the wider world of Dark Crystal, exploring the creation of comics, novels, and other official projects inspired by the film.
This deluxe coffee-table book contains an in-depth look at the day-to-day production of the film and showcases a huge range of incredible visuals, including candid set photography, previously unseen concept art, storyboards, production notes, and more. The book also features a plethora of amazing removable items, such as script pages, notes and sketches from Henson, and other unique treasures. Definitive, enthralling, and revelatory, Dark Crystal: The Ultimate Visual History is the last word on an enduring modern classic and the book that fans of the film have been waiting for.
To be in with a chance of winning, please reply with an answer to the following question –
What is your favourite Jim Henson creation, and why? (Character, show, etc)
This giveaway is open to everyone so get commenting!! The giveaway ends March 20th and winners will be contacted via email
It’s Dark Crystal. First film I ever saw on the big screen and was blown away! Just love the fantasy, the creatures were like nothing I’d ever seen before. It also scared the life out of! Favourite character has to be Chamberlain. Every time I heard that ‘mmm…’ I hid behind somehing. Sinister and yet funny also. Just love this film!
My favorite of Jim’s design wise would have to be The Dark Crystal. The way the world is constructed and the characters feel is absolutely spectacular. Also the first and only film to be all puppets is a benchmark that has never been attempted since. And while I love Dark Crystal, I have to say the Muppets hold a much larger part in my heart.
Growing up my dad had the show on VHS and we’d watch some episodes. Until we watched them all. Then I myself would watch them over and over again. And then one Christmas I bought him all the seasons on DVD. It was some cute full circle type stuff.
I’m actually an aspiring filmmaker and am going to school right now for film. I wouldn’t mind doing something with all practical puppets like The Dark Crystal; or even the small inclusion of puppets like The Muppets. It seems like that’s such an untapped well that only Jim and his colleagues tapped into.
Whilst the Dark Crystal holds a special place on my heart (right next to Labyrinth), I’d have to say my favourite would have to be the Muppets. Constantly funny, consistently caring they are an ever present memory of my childhood, and I love them as much (if not more) now.
does David Bowie’s crotch count?
if not, certainly Swedish Chef from The Muppets BOK BOK BOK BOK!!!
My favorite Jim Henson creation is Labyrinth. I first saw it when it came out, and I was immediately sucked into the story, characters, and visuals. I’ve seen it countless times over since then. The Muppets also hold a special place in my heart, but if I had to choose a favorite, I’d pick Labyrinth.
My favourite Jim Henson creation is Labyrinth. I was very taken in by the visuals and the concept and found it unforgettable.
The Dark Crystal is my favorite Henson film, I watched it so many times with my sister growing up.
My favourite has to be Ludo from Labyrinth. He’s just adorable.
My favourite Jim Henson creation is Kermit the Frog because he’s loyal and you can’t help put smile when you see a picture of him.
Labyrinth I just love the film and the design
I was always partial to Sprocket. The dog from Fraggle Rock. Because he always looked and moved so realistically and I always felt so sorry for him! Those guys really were masters of their craft. Thanks for the giveaway 🙂
Labyrinth will always be my all time favourite Jim Henson movie. I grew up watching Labyrinth, it is one of the first films I remember along with The Neverending Story, The Pagemaster and a few others. The character dialog is what I love best and the relationships built between the characters. The final bedroom scene is also great!
So, did someone win? When do we find out?