The Power of The Dark Crystal

[Z-MAN7]

as a sequel set to the 1982 fantasy film "The Dark Crystal" set for an 09 release. The sequel will of course use only highly detailed puppets but as well as use some GCI animation. A number of people who helped create the first film will be coming back on this project. Also the guy who directed "Samurai Jack" and "StarWars: Clone Wars" is set to direct.

Plot summary:
living for many years as rulers of their land with the crystal of truth, Jen and Kira of the Gelifing race have an unexpected guest: A girl named Thurma whom claims she lives in the center of thier world says her people's sun is dying and the only thing that can restore it is a shard of the crystal. Knowing the chaos that would ensure again if the crystal was broken the Gelifings refuse Thurma's request. Desparate, Thurma breaks the pure crystal and steals a shard and flees to her world under. soon after the pure crystal is tainted and transforms in into the Dark Crystal. The cruel Skesis from the first movie reappear and the upper world is in turmoil. Jen and Kira begin a quest to find Thurma and the shard before it's too late.


my thoughts:
I just watched the original movie last year and I'm eager to see the new sequel. those of you who never saw the first film and wondering what the Dark Crystal is like, here is a trailer to the original film. trailer



here is the muppet wiki page on the sequel

[Vega]

Wha wha whaaaa?!

My immediate instincts are telling me to make a wailing pilgrimage to Jim Henson's grave like a hysterical widow, although I'm going to try my best not to be too judgmental just now.

The Dark Crystal, and Labyrinth, are testaments to Jim Henson's genius as a film maker and they still stand up as some of the best children's films ever made. They have the same appeal as classic Disney movies (Snow White, Lion King come to mind) in that they don't patronise children, and they're willing to include genuinely frightening moments and adult themes.

Eurgh, and CGI is the bane of my film-going life. If they're going to do justice to the original then the CGI needs to be kept to a minimum. The Dark Crystal is still a visually stunning film, and far more impressive than anything that's came out of Disney Pixar IMHO. I'm not completely against using CGI in films, because obviously there are times where it will be unavoidable, but I don't like how overly reliant some films are on it. As much of a technical achievement as Golum was in Lord of the Rings, I still think that they should have had a human playing that role - and not just for laying down animation references.

Tim Burton is going to be doing Alice in Wonderland, and I swear to god, if they try this CGI **** with the Mad Hatter or the Cheshire Cat...

[DK]

I've been keeping my eye on this for some time now. Dark Crystal was one of my favorite movies as a kid (along with Labyrinth), so I'm excited about a sequel, yet a little bit pescimistic at the same time.

The story so far doesn't sound overly original, but at least my beloved skeksi's make a return. The one with the pathetic whimper had better be back!

As for the use of CGI, I've got pretty much the same opinion as Vega. It's overused, and often looks like a cheap way out of achieving effects. It is getting better in more recent films, but I still miss all that funny 80's puppetry. I hope it's kept to a minimum in this new movie, but I'm quite doubtful. It should be used for scenery and nothing more.



I'll never get over how creepy these things are. Especially that emperor.

[Z-MAN7]

The Dark Crystal, and Labyrinth, are testaments to Jim Henson's genius as a film maker and they still stand up as some of the best children's films ever made. They have the same appeal as classic Disney movies (Snow White, Lion King come to mind) in that they don't patronise children, and they're willing to include genuinely frightening moments and adult themes.

yeah I watched both of them last year and I hate myself for not seeing these awsome movies sooner. cartoons and movies were way better before political correctness set in. I hope Power of the Dark Crystal will be just as dark as the first film and possibly a little more.

As for the use of CGI, I've got pretty much the same opinion as Vega. It's overused, and often looks like a cheap way out of achieving effects. It is getting better in more recent films, but I still miss all that funny 80's puppetry. I hope it's kept to a minimum in this new movie, but I'm quite doubtful. It should be used for scenery and nothing more.

yeah all the characters will remain muppets but I think they will only use CG for, like you said, scenery and as well as enhanceing certain characters. Like Thurma is a girl "made of fire" and it looks like some CG animation will be used to give her hair a fiery look.

[Daphnes]

It sounds interesting, and I'm tempted to see if I can find the original online.

I never knew about the movie, so I don't have much else to say.

[Z-MAN7]

they released a anniversary edtion of the first film not too long ago, you should at least rent it. It just so good the story, the setting and the use of puppetry to bring a fantasy world to life.

[Vega]

Originally Posted by DK

As for the use of CGI, I've got pretty much the same opinion as Vega. It's overused, and often looks like a cheap way out of achieving effects. It is getting better in more recent films, but I still miss all that funny 80's puppetry. I hope it's kept to a minimum in this new movie, but I'm quite doubtful. It should be used for scenery and nothing more.

THANK YOU!

Part of the reason that films like the Dark Crystal and Labyrinth still stand out today is because there is still a genuine sense of wonder when you're watching them. There is more imagination, creativity and ingenuity in those movies than the vast majority of fantasy films that followed, IMO, which is partly due to the animatronics and use of sets - which is far from dated.

Originally Posted by DK

I'll never get over how creepy these things are. Especially that emperor.

Urgh.

With the way that family movies are today, the skeksis will probably be replaced by Queen Latifa and Will Farrell. As much as I love the first couple fo Shrek movies, I'm growing really tired of the seemingly endless clones.

I wouldn't be surprised if they threw in a couple of musical numbers with Zac Efron either.

Yes I'm still cynical, and I will continue to be so until they give me the position of director.

Originally Posted by Z-MAN7

they released a anniversary edtion of the first film not too long ago, you should at least rent it. It just so good the story, the setting and the use of puppetry to bring a fantasy world to life.

Hmm, think I might have to watch this film again at the weekend.

[Galedeep]

"Special" Effects are only special when they are used sparingly. I won't say it's a bad thing to be using them in this flick until I see just how much they are doing CGI. There are some good examples of CGI work out there, but there's far more examples of too much overdone CGI. Sometimes even in the same movie.

It's a good thing they aren't CGI-ing the whole thing like the Star Wars prequel trilogy. You might as well just spit on Jim Henson's grave. Which is like...the worst thing you could ever do. Ever. I'm actually getting upset just thinking about it.

Vega, I am so up for the pilgrimige.

[Vega]

Originally Posted by Galedeep

"Special" Effects are only special when they are used sparingly. I won't say it's a bad thing to be using them in this flick until I see just how much they are doing CGI. There are some good examples of CGI work out there, but there's far more examples of too much overdone CGI. Sometimes even in the same movie.

I'm not completely against CGI, and I accept that Dark Crystal and Labyrinth had their fair share of technical wizardry, but like you say, it is possible to go overboard and kill the thing.

Originally Posted by Galedeep

It's a good thing they aren't CGI-ing the whole thing like the Star Wars prequel trilogy.

They can make Jar Jar Binks, and yet they couldn't CGI some expression onto Hayden Christensen's face...

You've grown too Padme. More *squinting into distance to read autocue* ... beautiful.

George didn't write the best script in the world, and that line is particularly horrible, but come on!

Originally Posted by Galedeep

Vega, I am so up for the pilgrimige.

Yes!
Okay, who are you going as?
Miss Piggy? No, you can't be Miss Piggy, because I'm going as Miss Piggy. I already have the heels on, see?

I'm so pleased that there are so many Jim Henson fans on the board who recognise his work beyond the Muppets - fantastic as they are!

[GDwarf]

Henson was a master.


It's been forever since I saw the original Dark Crystal, I know I watched it often as a child, but I don't remember a thing about it, other than how scary the villains were and how...dark, I guess, the world was.

Not the sort of thing one sees in modern children's movies.

Same with Labyrinth actually, I know I saw it when I was younger, I know it scared me, I know I did like it, but I don't remember it.


I think I'm going to have to nip down to the video store soon.

[Galedeep]

Originally Posted by Vega

Yes!
Okay, who are you going as?
Miss Piggy? No, you can't be Miss Piggy, because I'm going as Miss Piggy. I already have the heels on, see?

I'm so pleased that there are so many Jim Henson fans on the board who recognise his work beyond the Muppets - fantastic as they are!

I'm cool with Beaker, Swedish Chef, or Rowlf. OR ANIMAL! I want to go as Animal! I might settle as going as Dr. Teeth, if I grow my beard out enough.

It's hard to choose .

We could always do a theme thing and go as Statler and Waldorf...

Originally Posted by GDwarf

Henson was a master.

Jim Henson is easily my favourite entertainer. Hands down, without a doubt. The characters and worlds he created defined my childhood in a way I don't think anything else quite did. When I found out he was dead when I was six (two years after his death) it was devastating. I didn't sleep without my stuffed Ernie or Snuffleupagus for months afterwards. In 2000 on the ten year anniversary of his death I looked up about his funeral and various tributes and bawled like I was still six. Still makes me tear up thinking about it. He's the only "celebrity" I've ever shed tears over.

[Vega]

Originally Posted by GDwarf

Henson was a master

Yeah, he was.
In terms of creating entertainment that can be enjoyed by the widest possible demographic, I think he's really only comparable to people like George Lucas (who worked with Jim), Walt Disney and Steven Spielberg.

Although I must say that the Jim Henson company are still producing great work.

Originally Posted by GDwarf

Same with Labyrinth actually, I know I saw it when I was younger, I know it scared me, I know I did like it, but I don't remember it.

It could have been so much worse.
Micheal Jackson was originally lined up to play Jareth...

Originally Posted by GDwarf

I think I'm going to have to nip down to the video store soon.

Yup!
Grab yourself Dark Crystal, Labyrinth, and I Know Who Killed Me.

Originally Posted by Galedeep

We could always do a theme thing and go as Statler and Waldorf...

LOL!
I'll admit that I didn't recognise the names, but when those faces popped up on Google - haha, it's like looking into the future. Urgh, I can't wait to be so old that I can insult whatever I like, and everybody thinks I'm just being cute.

Originally Posted by Galedeep

Jim Henson is easily my favourite entertainer. Hands down, without a doubt. The characters and worlds he created defined my childhood in a way I don't think anything else quite did. When I found out he was dead when I was six (two years after his death) it was devastating. I didn't sleep without my stuffed Ernie or Snuffleupagus for months afterwards. In 2000 on the ten year anniversary of his death I looked up about his funeral and various tributes and bawled like I was still six. Still makes me tear up thinking about it. He's the only "celebrity" I've ever shed tears over.

I've only really ever read about his funeral, and watched the few minutes they have on YouTube, but I'd really like to see a full recording of it some time. Am I right in saying that it was basically a variety show alongside more traditional personal tributes?

On YouTube there's a clip of Big Bird (I always forget that Sesame Street is one of Henson's for some reason) singing in front of the crowd. It looks like it was a trip, but I suppose that's fitting for the occasion.

[Z-MAN7]

Originally Posted by Vega

Urgh.

With the way that family movies are today, the skeksis will probably be replaced by Queen Latifa and Will Farrell. As much as I love the first couple fo Shrek movies, I'm growing really tired of the seemingly endless clones.

I wouldn't be surprised if they threw in a couple of musical numbers with Zac Efron either.

I would not worry too much, I'm sure they won't ruin the movie. I mean I am sure the Henson company is keeping a close watch on the movie so it will measure to the level of quality as the first one. And they are trying to bring as many people as they can who helped make the first one back for the follow-up.

I am curious to see what new creatures we'll see in the film. Thurma the fire girl is one of them. maybe some other new races who show up as well.

because Jen and Kira must follow Thurma to her world, we'll see the underworld of Thra (the planet which the movies takes place on) I wonder what things are down there. I bealive this movie will be cool.

[Galedeep]

They should just release a movie of this song but with ALL of the Jim Henson puppets getting a line or verse. Now THAT is a movie I would watch many many times.

[Lantean]

I like CGI, so NYA.

I saw The Dark Crystal way back when. I didn't love but, but didn't hate it either.

[Z-MAN7]

Hey I found a little slide show that shows a few images of the film and possibly some concept art from the story boards. Not much of a preview but I'll take anything. YouTube - Power of the Dark Crystal