In Search of the Crystal Skull Episode 30: The Dark Crystal

Continuing with Jim Henson Month on In Search of the Crystal Skull, Arun and Patricia look back on the 1982 fantasy film The Dark Crystal. 1000 years ago, everything was peaceful and prosperous, but then a crystal known as The Dark Crystal was cracked and a shard was missing making its guardians divided into two creatures: the Mystics and the Sketsis. The Sketsis rule the world leaving the world in disarray while living in luxury while The Mystics are awaiting a prophecy to being fulfilled. A young Gelflin named Jen is told that he is destined to find the shard of The Dark Crystal and put it together to restore the world to its former glory. When the film premiered in theaters, it made $41 million dollars out of a $25 million dollar budget with mixed reviews by critics calling it a watered down fantasy story with bland characters, a dark undertone that was out of place from Jim Henson's Muppets, and a lack of charm, whimsy, and fun. However, the critics were impressed with the puppetry and background set pieces. It currently has a 78% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Nowadays, it has gained a cult following and in recent years, comic books, novels, a visual history book by pop culture author Caseen Gaines, a video game, and a prequel series on Netflix helped The Dark Crystal reach a new audience. What did Arun and Patricia think of the film? Listen and find out.