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The Dark Crystal (1982)

PG  |   |  Adventure, Family, Fantasy  |  17 December 1982 (USA)
7.2
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Ratings: 7.2/10 from 38,708 users  
Reviews: 210 user | 80 critic

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.

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Writers:

(screenplay), (story)
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Title: The Dark Crystal (1982)

The Dark Crystal (1982) on IMDb 7.2/10

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Nominated for 1 BAFTA Film Award. Another 2 wins & 4 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
...
Kathryn Mullen ...
...
...
Fizzgig, a Friendly Monster (performer) / General, Garthim Master (performer)
...
Scientist (voice)
Louise Gold ...
Brian Muehl ...
Ornamentalist (performer and voice) / Urzah (performer) / Dying Master (performer and voice)
Bob Payne ...
...
Tim Rose ...
Jean-Pierre Amiel ...
Weaver (performer) (as Jean Pierre Amiel)
Hugh Spight ...
Cook (performer) / Landstrider (performer)
Robbie Barnett ...
Numerologist (performer) / Landstrider (performer)
Swee Lim ...
Hunter (performer) / Landstrider (performer)
Simon J. Williamson ...
Chanter (performer) (as Simon Williamson)
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Storyline

Another planet, another time. 1000 years ago the mysterious Dark Crystal was damaged by one of the Urskeks and an age of chaos has began! The evil race of grotesque birdlike lizards the Skeksis, gnomish dragons who rule their fantastic planet with an iron claw. Meanwhile the orphan Jen, raised in solitude by a race of the peace-loving wizards called the Mystics, embarks on a quest to find the missing shard of the Dark Crystal which gives the Skesis their power and restore the balance of the universe. Written by Anthony Pereyra {hypersonic91@yahoo.com}

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Taglines:

Another World, Another Time... In the Age of Wonder.


Certificate:

PG | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

|

Language:

Release Date:

17 December 1982 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

The Dark Chrysalis  »

Box Office

Budget:

$15,000,000 (estimated)
 »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

(35 mm prints)| (70 mm prints)

Color:

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1
See  »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Pre-production work revolved around Brian Froud's designs without a finished script. When Froud originally presented Jim Henson with concept drawings for the crystal, Henson seemed totally perplexed. When Froud asked why, Henson said he had no idea what the designs were for. As it turned out, Froud had misunderstood Henson during early production conversations - Henson intended the film to be called "The Dark Chrysalis," referring to the Skesis dominance over the world. Henson, however, loved the concept art and integrated the idea of the crystal into the storyline. See more »

Goofs

When Aughra squats down and tells Jen "There is much to be learned and you have no time." As she says that there is a piece of hair in her mouth, as she says the line it falls out, but when they cut back to her the hair is back in her mouth. See more »

Quotes

General: Chamberlain! I challenge!
Chamberlain: Trial by stone.
General: Trial by stone!
See more »

Crazy Credits

The opening credits show only the credits for the crew. See more »


Soundtracks

Gelfling Song
(uncredited)
Written by Trevor Jones
Performed by Lisa Maxwell
See more »

Frequently Asked Questions

See more (Spoiler Alert!) »

User Reviews

 
If only Jim were still with us...what magic he'd make!
25 April 1999 | by (United States) – See all my reviews

When this movie first came out (1982) I was 13 years old, and remember seeing it in the theatre with friends. I loved it then and love it now. It remains one of the best fantasy films of all time, but only because of the sheer effort given to it by the Henson company; only he could have made this all work. His genius is timeless. If only he were still alive now to make more films like this (and better!)

Our world is a dimmer place without Jim Henson.


30 of 45 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you?

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What disturbed you most about this film? crazytwinks13
Dark Crystal or Labyrinth nessanddave
Puppet monsters with glowing eyes are scary, CGI monsters are not lisacamillek
Why didn't Aughra heal the Dark Crystal herself? jessicahjoy87
Miscellaneous and plot hole gibsonrickenbacker-1
A Masterpiece matthewcs25
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