Watch the Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance: Now streaming on Netflix
Have you been eagerly awaiting the return to Frank Oz’ and Jim Henson’s world of the Dark Crystal? Wait no longer! The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance is now available to stream immediately with a Netflix subscription.
A popular cult classic, the original The Dark Crystal film was released in 1982 by Henson and Oz and distributed by Universal pictures. Intended to be a dark-fantasy told by Muppet-style puppets, the film initially was released to mixed reviews. The cult status of the film has grown since its release, and the film is often mentioned along the same lines as Labyrinth (another Henson project) as an iconic addition to the fantasy genre.
At the time, Henson had grown tired of the same style of Muppet entertainment and wanted to create something much different. In an interview with SF Gate in 2007, Oz said the following about Henson’s vision for the Dark Crystal:
"“What Jim wanted to do, and it was totally his vision, was to get back to the darkness of the original Grimm’s fairy tales. He thought it was fine to scare children. He didn’t think it was healthy for children to always feel safe.”"
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The Dark Crystal was considered ground-breaking at the time with its use of animatronics, some of which were radio-controlled. Some of the puppets even had to be controlled by 6 different puppeteers at once, which was unheard of at the time.
While you should probably watch the original film before you watch this series, there a few things that are important to know if you haven’t already seen it. The film takes place on the planet Thra a thousand years ago. There are two main creature types, the good guys: the Gelflings and their nemesis the Skeksis (hulking bird-like creatures.
The new series will be a prequel to the original film and will tell its story in 10 episodes. Even cooler is that the show will be avoiding the use of CGI and will be returning to its’ puppet roots, though with the use of green screen here and there. The filmmakers wanted the show to be as close to the original’s style as possible.
Here’s a quick look at the new show:
Next. 4 Things Disney’s Lion King remake had to get right. dark
Excited yet? You should be! Critics are already raving about the show and it looks primed to receive certified fresh on Rotten Tomatoes before all is said and done. As of this writing, the show is sporting an 88% approval rating. Critics are raving about the story-telling and the heart of the new series and claim it will please new fans just as much as old lovers of the movie. It appears destined to be one of Netflix’ next hits.
The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance will be available to stream on Netflix on Friday August 30, 2019.