The Dark Crystal on DVD

The Dark Crystal

by Jim Henson and Frank Oz [DVD j Dark]

In 1982, Jim Henson and Frank Oz, fresh off the success of the comedic The Muppet Show (1976-1981) wanted to push the boundaries of storytelling with their puppetry, and the result was The Dark Crystal. Oz had also recently performed as Yoda in The Empire Strikes Back, and the various fantastic creatures of The Dark Crystal bear far more resemblance to Yoda’s almost lifelike qualities than the obvious felt-and-strings appearance of Kermit and Miss Piggy. The Dark Crystal features a classic “epic quest” saga, in an exotic fantasy setting. Jen and Kira, a pair of young gelflings, find themselves in the middle of an epic battle between the forces of good (the aged Mystics) and evil (the hideous Skeksis), as the Dark Crystal, a source of Balance and Truth in their land, has shattered and they must seek to heal it or their world will suffer ruin. The look and feel of this film is tremendous, as are the designs of all the fabulous creatures that populate it. This film should appeal to both kids and adults (who may remember seeing the film when they, themselves, were kids). The music by Trevor Jones is one of my favorite film soundtracks. This DVD also features a marvelous “Making Of” documentary, which is well worth watching. If you’ve never experienced The Dark Crystal before, don’t pass it up now!

[If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try Labyrinth, starring David Bowie and featuring the same type of puppetry and fantasy setting. Or, the classic The Muppet Show, to admire the work of Henson and Oz and company in a more recognizable format.]

[ Internet Movie Database entry for this film ]

Recommended by Scott C.
Bennett Martin Public Library

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It's Not Easy Being Green

It's Not Easy Being Green: And Other Things to Consider
by Jim Henson [808.882 Hen]

I picked this up after having the chance to see a traveling Smithsonian exhibit of the history of Jim Henson and his puppetry, and read it straight through in just two sittings. This is "the world according the Jim Henson"-like -- with dozens of quotes from Henson, his co-workers, and those who were inspired by the man and his work ethic. Broken up into a variety of categories, this is inspirational but lite-weight, however if you grew up on any of Henson's creations -- the Muppets of Sesame Street, Kermit, Fozzie, Miss Piggie and the others of The Muppet Show, the creatures of Fraggle Rock, or the various one-shot productions (like The Dark Crystal), you'll appreciate this peek into the psyche of the man behind them all. [If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try Jim Henson: The Works, and No Strings Attached.] -- recommended by Scott C. - Bennett Martin Public Library

[ Entry on this book in the Muppet Wiki ] | [ official Jim Henson Co. web site ]

Have you read this one? What did you think? Did you find this review helpful?

New reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide web site. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog individually over the course of the entire month.

Jim Henson's Designs and Doodles: A Muppet Sketchbook

Jim Henson's Designs and Doodles: A Muppet Sketchbook
by Alison Inches [791.5 qHenYi]

For anyone who's a fan of The Frog, and anything else Muppet-related, this is a "behind the scenes" treat. It combines quite a bit of biographical information on Henson with a trove of drawings, and it also has examples of non-Muppet works. It's a nice slice of the creative processes of a gentle genius and his skilled team of artists and performers. [If you like this, you may also enjoy No Strings Attached by Matt Bacon; The Muppet Show Book by Jim Henson; It's Not Easy Being Green by Jim Henson; and Jim Henson: The Works by Christopher Finch.] -- recommended by Becky W.C. - Walt Branch Library

[ official Jim Henson Legacy web site ] | [ official Jim Henson Co. web site ] | [ This book's page on the Muppet Wiki web site ]

Have you read this one? What did you think? Did you find this review helpful?

New reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide web site. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog individually over the course of the entire month.