The Dark Crystal: 35th Anniversary Screening (1982)

'The Dark Crystal' is one of the late Jim Henson's best and most creative creations and even after 35 years, that still holds true but not without some scars and less than graceful aging. The film's story is as simple as you can get for the 1980's fantasy genre: a mystical battle between good and evil with a little creature needing to fulfill an ancient prophecy before evil sweeps the land. It isn't the story here were coming for and that is honestly one of 'The Dark Crystal's biggest flaws. The story is paper thin and goes at such a quick pace, it comes and goes without much impact on the viewer once you turn off your DVD. I understand that the film is aimed at a younger audience, but even as a kid I couldn't see myself invested in much other than the visual splendor on screen. The universe in which this film takes place is one I wish was more well established.

The film also has some strange dialogue moments, which to be fair is more than likely the result of some quick reshoots due to a infamous test screening. Even so, it's a frequent issue that the main hero Jen is seen mostly talking to himself, rarely openly speaking aloud as if the voice over was quickly dubbed over, or maybe they simply didn't have much luck with the Gelfling puppetry. A big positive to this added dubbing is the villainous Skeksis now speak English, as opposed to the original audio's in which they would have spoken their own language. This helps what little plot there is become much clearer than if they'd chosen the former option. 'The Dark Crystal' was and for the most part still is an artistic treat, with the best of Henson's Muppet work going into it. I can't say the same for the optical effects or blue screen work. It was commendable for them to attempt this early computer work, but watching the film in 4K, it's noticeably ugly, washed out, and easily the worst effects in the film. Still, the beautiful matte paintings, puppets, and the world feeling so alive despite no live action players on screen more than make up for the weaker effects.

Trevor Jones' score to 'The Dark Crystal' is one of my favorites in the fantasy genre. The film's main theme is one I frequently have on my film score playlist, next to John Williams and Jerry Goldsmith. The music at times has a horror vibe to it, with heavy strings that stands out as strange to me, but the music as a whole works with the film perfectly and Jones would go on to score Jim Henson's 'Labyrinth' as well. I had not seen 'The Dark Crystal' since I was but a lad, but it always stayed with me thanks to its unique visuals and the fun puppets. Watching it today, I see it with a little less fondness, but I think that's sadly to be expected once I became an adult. The film is simplistic because it is aimed at a younger audience and it does make it harder to get invested as an adult. However, that doesn't take away the overall power of 'Dark Crystal' and when you sit down and watch those first few minutes, you can easily see why the film still has appeal today and despite its flaws coming to the surface more than my first time watching, I will sit down and watch it again and again.

7.0/10