The Dark Crystal

Name: The Dark Crystal
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Family
Released: December 17, 1982
Duration: 93 min
Rating: 66
Cast: Bob Payne, Brian Muehl, Dave Goelz, Frank Oz, Jim Henson

1982

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 13 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 50 Ratings

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7.6

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The Dark Crystal

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Movie Details & Credits

Universal Pictures | Release Date: December 17, 1982 | PG

Starring: Bob Payne, Brian Muehl, Dave Goelz, Frank Oz, Jim Henson, Kathryn Mullen, Louise Gold, Mike Quinn, Steve Whitmire, Tim Rose

Summary: On another planet in the distant past, a Gelfling embarks on a quest to find the missing shard of a magical crystal, and so restore order to his world.

Director: Frank Oz and Jim Henson

Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy, Family

Rating: PG

Runtime: 93 min

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Critic Reviews

Bill Cosford

Imagine for a moment Lord of the Rings peformed by puppets and hydraulically operated monsters against a background of realistic fantasy, and you have an idea of The Dark Crystal. It's the kind of film that children may take for granted, but that adults are transfixed by; there is much oohing and aahing in the seats. [20 Dec 1982, p.B8]

Gary Arnold

The Dark Crystal leaves no doubt that Jim Henson and his colleagues have reached a point where they can create and sustain a powerfully enchanting form of cinematic fantasy. [21 Dec 1982, p.C1]

Tasha Robinson

The story is a standard fairy-tale concoction, but the New Agey philosophy about healing and heroism makes for a classic Henson story, all heart and rapturous wonder at the world's incredible possibilities. Read full review

TV Guide Magazine Staff (Not Credited)

Once again employing his famous muppets, Jim Henson creates a brilliantly detailed universe with this intriguing fairy-tale adventure. Read full review

Cindy White

Design and artistry here is the primary draw of The Dark Crystal, not necessarily the writing or the performances or the direction (Henson and Frank Oz shared the directing responsibilities for this one), although the are no glaring missteps in any of those areas. Read full review

David Ansen

As drama, The Dark Crystal comes fully alive only at its rousing climax, and it's hampered by the Ken Doll blandness of our hero. As a bestiary, however, it is bountiful -- a prodigious and amusing parade of things that do much more than go bump in the night. [27 Dec 1982, p.61]

Jay Scott

The Dark Crystal sees through a dark crystal: There is much to marvel at, but there is much that is obscure, and much that may not be there at all. [17 Dec 1982]

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User Reviews

kyle20ellis

Mar 28, 2022

Jim Henson had brought us the immortal Muppets and films like Labryrinth, but The Dark Crystal is a wonderful film, that was part of my childhood, as well as my brother's. A lot of effort clearly went into this, and it really does show, with the rich details of the characters. It tells theJim Henson had brought us the immortal Muppets and films like Labryrinth, but The Dark Crystal is a wonderful film, that was part of my childhood, as well as my brother's. A lot of effort clearly went into this, and it really does show, with the rich details of the characters. It tells the story of Jen, a Geffling who must return the Crystal shard to the dark Crystal, before the conjunction of the three suns, or the skeksies will rule forever. The film is recognised as fantastic by people, because of its clear symbolism and themes such as the personifications of good (the mysties) and the evil (the skeksies). The film is directed by the immensely talented duo Jim Henson and Frank Oz. The film looks dazzling,with fabulous visuals and very well staged sequences, and Jen and Kira are very engaging as title characters. The mysties are very mysterious, and the Skeksies are very, very scary. There is a well-above average script, and a sweeping music score that is phenomenal. The characters are well voiced by some Muppet regulars such as Oz himself, and they are tone-perfect. The story may be a little simplistic and some elements a little too frightening for youngsters, but visually and audibly, it is an absolute treat, and should be recognised as a truly wonderful film. 10/10 Bethany Cox.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

BigBeerBilly

Aug 31, 2019

Visually stunning! If you enjoyed Avatar, Lord of the Rings and the original Star Wars you'll like this as well.

I don't normally write reviews, but this series was so nostalgic yet brand new that it deserves a comment.

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

Donnie1

Nov 4, 2018

Even tho their is a line and this movie steps across it too many times, this movie is beautiful.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

Came

Sep 4, 2019

The dark crystal is a beautiful & amazing fantasy adventure family film.
the puppet work is great and the details of the world are beautiful. The plot is good for a fantasy film, it's the usual the chosen one storyline but again it's works fine.

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

ArcanaThe4th

May 28, 2019

This odd little movie made me wonder who wrote this for a while. It was only when I realized that this wasn't meant to be watched the way I normally watch movies, I could appreciate it. The plot is irrelevant. The movie is essentially a showcase of the creator's skills at worldbuilding andThis odd little movie made me wonder who wrote this for a while. It was only when I realized that this wasn't meant to be watched the way I normally watch movies, I could appreciate it. The plot is irrelevant. The movie is essentially a showcase of the creator's skills at worldbuilding and artistry, as well as to amaze the viewer with the backgrounds and the world we're presented. Do not expect to be floored by characters and plot twists, but you'll be visually pleased and in awe of the world.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

imthenoob

Nov 28, 2020

It's an odd yet beautiful looking movie that features the kind of work you honestly wouldn't really expect to see in movies nowadays. The one big takeaway is that it's boring. So little happen and often times too far and in between that it makes for a very slow movie that can be a bit toughIt's an odd yet beautiful looking movie that features the kind of work you honestly wouldn't really expect to see in movies nowadays. The one big takeaway is that it's boring. So little happen and often times too far and in between that it makes for a very slow movie that can be a bit tough to stay interested in.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

KellyGaudreau

Jan 4, 2020

Happy I didn't see this movie when it originally opened, might have been on Crack today.

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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