Jim Henson’s ‘The Dark Crystal’ Tops Tubi Streaming Charts for Free Fantasy Fix

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The creator of the Muppets faced a challenging situation with two of his innovative but often misunderstood films. One of these was Labyrinth, and the other was The Dark Crystal. Released in 1982, this film initially received mixed reviews and, while it avoided being an outright box office flop, it certainly didn’t become a smash hit either. However, today, this dark fantasy classic has claimed the top spot on Tubi’s free streaming charts.

In the fantastical realm of Thra, we meet the enchanting world introduced by The Dark Crystal. Here, the solitary Gelfling named Jen is entrusted with a momentous mission: reassembling the fragments of the shattered Crystal of Truth to restore harmony. The fracturing of this crystal has granted the wicked Skeksis, bird-like beings, dominion over Thra. Under their rule, shadows and decay have spread across the land. Jen bravely embarks on a treacherous quest, aiming to vanquish the Skeksis and once more establish peace.

In the creation of the captivating realm of The Dark Crystal, Jim Henson and his long-term partner Franz Oz put in a tremendous amount of effort. Using innovative puppetry techniques, Henson brought to life an entirely immersive world brimming with intriguing characters. The film’s ensemble is further enriched by talented voice actors like Stephen Garlick as Jen, Billie Whitelaw as Aughra, and Barry Dennen as the Chamberlain.

At first, “The Dark Crystal” encountered a mixed response and didn’t perform exceptionally well at the box office, earning approximately $41.4 million while having a production budget of $25 million. Critics had differing opinions; some admired its boldness, but others felt the narrative was too ominous and intricate. However, as time passed, this movie has become one of the most cherished fantasy productions from one of the world’s foremost visionaries.

‘The Dark Crystal’ Spawned An Emmy-Winning Prequel Series

Nearly four decades after the lasting impact of “The Dark Crystal” and its devout following, a prequel series was born. In the year 2019, Netflix debuted “The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance”, a show set before the original movie’s timeline, garnering widespread approval. This captivating series delved into the history of Thra and centered around the resistance formed by the Gelflings against the repressive Skeksis government. The trio of young Gelfling characters – Rian, Brea, and Deet – became the focal point as they uncovered the origins of their tyranny, united various tribes, and rose up in revolt.

The television series titled “The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance” boasted an illustrious ensemble, including Taron Egerton, Anya Taylor-Joy, Nathalie Emmanuel, Mark Hamill, and Lena Heady. Comprising 10 episodes, it swiftly gained popularity among both old and new admirers. It was lauded for its exceptional visual effects, gripping narrative, and commitment to Jim Henson and Oz’s original concept. The series was awarded an Emmy for Outstanding Children’s Program and earned a nomination for the Critics’ Choice Awards’ Best Animated Series. However, after a single season, it was unfortunately discontinued. Nevertheless, the influence of the franchise endures as “The Dark Crystal ” persists on streaming platforms, ensuring its mythos remains a beloved aspect of the fantasy genre.

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2025-02-26 18:31