Woodyanders Review of The World of 'The Dark Crystal'

The World of 'The Dark Crystal' (1983 TV Movie)

A very thorough and fascinating behind-the-scenes making of documentary

[10/10 · 29 February 2008]

This highly engrossing and informative documentary covers many different bases concerning the making of the fantastic fantasy adventure cult favorite "The Dark Crystal." Among the people interviewed are Jim Henson, Frank Oz, conceptual designer Brian Froud, Froud's wife Wendy Widener, producer Gary Kurtz, Garthim supervisor Fred Nihda, Kira performer Kathryn Mullen, and choreographer Jean-Pierre Amiel. The topics covered herein include the evolution of the creatures from drawings to sculptures, the building of the puppets, how the vile reptilian villains the Skeksis are based on the seven deadly sins, the use of a large and diverse array of technicians for the demanding and ambitious project, casting mimes, dancers and acrobats as performers in the picture, the meticulous creation of a whole elaborate alternate world from the ground up, the occasional artful use of matte paintings, the building of the sets, the great stroke of having ace cinematographer Oswald Morris shoot the movie, the unique decision of having both Oz and Henson collaborate on directing the feature, and the filming of the destruction of the Skeksis castle for the thrilling climax. Everyone involved talks about all the hard work and effort that went into making "The Dark Crystal;" any sense of smug self-congratulation is thankfully absent. Essential viewing for fans of the film.