I first saw The Dark Crystal on the big screen when I was very young, and so I was keen to see if it has stood the test of time. This was an impulse buy: it was in a double-pack with Labyrinth which will probably be the next movie that I rewatch.
Thinking back over it, I only remember a few scenes from the film – the initial set-up, a couple of large set pieces, one or two lines, and the ending. As such, it seemed a much longer movie than I remember.
This is a kids movie (probably for older kids due to the ongoing sense of danger that is presented to the main characters) and a Jim Henson movie – there are all manner of puppets that inhabit this fantasy world. Some work better than others.
The bad guys have a sense of menace about them, but also a sense of foolishness: likewise the soldier creatures – they’re really not very good at what they’re trying to do.
And the ending – I won’t give the details on the off-chance you haven’t seen the film, but they use the 1982 equivalent of CGI for it, and I think it would have been better to stay with the puppets.
Nonetheless, it was a pleasant return to a childhood favourite. It’s aged well, and I’m looking forward to sharing it with my kids once they’re old enough.