Flush with success, acclaim, and cash from his
endeavors with The Muppets, Jim Henson decided to take his craft
to the next level. In 1982, Henson (along with co-director Frank
Oz) created “The Dark Crystal,” a challenging, richly detailed
fantasy film that underwhelmed audiences so used to the antics of
Kermit, Fozzie, and Miss Piggy.
Over time, a cult has grown for “The Dark
Crystal,” especially in these days when such fantasy fair as
“Lord Of The Rings” is met with open arms. But even in 82,
“Crystal” was a marvel. It is a true work of magic, mystery,
and filmmaking that it boggles the mind to this day on how such a
film like this could even be conceived, much less seen into
production and release. The film takes great chances, allowing
mood and character development (remember, these are puppets
we’re talking about) to lead the way, and also allowing for
moments of true fantasy/horror to break through. It’s a very
complex, teen-to-adult oriented adventure, that I feel has been
inappropriately marketed to children over the years. Backed by
Trevor Jones’s massively scope-appropriate score, “The Dark
Crystal” remains Henson’s least acknowledged masterpiece. I
love the Muppets with a passion, but this film truly explored the
passion within Henson’s bottomless imagination. It is a flawless
gem.
In 1986, Henson tackled another similarly
complex fantasy, but this time played it a little more safely.
“Labyrinth” is as equally imaginative as “Dark Crystal,”
but is admittedly a little more goofy, and willing to meet family
audiences halfway. Losing Frank Oz, and teaming up with George
Lucas, Henson’s “Labyrinth” is more effects heavy, and
features more human characters, thus removing the magic crucial to
this type of fantasy film. It deals with goblins, monsters, stolen
babies, a 16 year-old Jennifer Connelly, and David Bowie (who also
provides some songs) in tights, so really, there is something here
for everybody. “Labyrinth” is great fun, don’t get me wrong,
but it lacks the ferocious concentration of “Dark Crystal,”
and a little bit of the handmade wonderment.
Sony, after releasing minor special editions of
both films two years ago, have decided to return to the titles,
and add them to their prestigious “Superbit” dvd line of
releases.
The Visual
Both films are presented in widescreen.
Digitally mastered anamorphic video. 2.35:1 ratio.
The Audio
“The Dark Crystal” and “Labyrinth” are
presented in separate English 5.1 (Dolby Digital) and DTS audio
tracks.
Special Features
In keeping with the Superbit motto of maximum
audio and visual presentation only, no special features have been
included on these discs. The previous incarnations did include a
small collection of extra material, most notably the “Making
of” documentaries for both films.
“The Dark Crystal”
Film ---- 10/10
DVD --- 6/10
“Labyrinth”
Film ---- 8/10
DVD --- 6/10
