A few years back, I saw the restored version of Jim Henson's LABYRINTH in theaters. Not only was the print of the film drop-dead-gorgeous, the experience of once again viewing the movie on the big screen transported me back to a time when practical effects were king, and Henson was a god among visual storytellers.
Today, it's been announced that Jim Henson's THE DARK CRYSTAL will be returning to theaters for a special 4K screening (in select theaters) come February 2018. The limited-time event is being planned by Fathom Events, The Jim Henson Company and Universal Pictures.
The newly restored in 4K version (where available) of the film will play at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. (local time) on Sunday, February 25, and Wednesday, February 28, only. As an added bonus, each screening of THE DARK CRYSTAL will be preceded by a brand-new interview with Lisa Henson, CEO and president of The Jim Henson Company, who will reflect on the making of the one-of-a-kind film and the legacy of her father, Jim.
Following shortly after the event, THE DARK CRYSTAL will be released on 4K Ultra HD, and return to Blu-Ray and digital on March 6, 2018, from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.
THE DARK CRYSTAL is a visually arresting film takes place in the world of Thra, which has been torn asunder by a fracture in a great magic crystal, causing two races to be created: the tranquil Mystics, or urRu, and the evil Skeksis, who all but destroyed Thra’s native species, the Gelflings. Now, the Mystics have summoned Jen, one of the last surviving Gelflings, to find the lost piece of the crystal. The quest sends him on an unbelievable adventure that can restore harmony and peace to Thra. The timeless classic features some of The Henson Company's top puppteers in their prime, who deliver a transcendent performance through their every gesture and bits of philosophic dialogue.
Tickets for THE DARK CRYSTAL can be purchased beginning Friday, January 12th online at FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices. A complete list of participating theater locations is set to be posted on the same day.
THE DARK CRYSTAL features performances by Jim Henson as Jen (voice of Stephen Garlick),Kathryn Mullen as the Gelfling Kira (voice of Lisa Maxwell), Frank Oz as the astronomer Aughra (voice of Billie Whitelaw), and Dave Goelz as Fizzgig (voice of Percy Edwards), with Henson, Oz and Goelz also performing as the Skeksis. Kiran Shah also performs the body of Jen, Kira and Aughra. With a screenplay by Dave Odell (THE MUPPET SHOW), THE DARK CRYSTAL also features a majestic score by Trevor Jones (EXCALIBUR, LABYRINTH).
“Jim Henson created a truly one-of- a-kind experience with The Dark Crystal, one that is rarelyseen on the big screen,” said Tom Lucas, Fathom Events Vice President of Studio Relations. “Fathom Events could not be more excited about the privilege of working with The Jim Henson Company and Universal Pictures to give movie lovers the chance to see the visual splendor of The Dark Crystal in movie theaters.”
Once again, both theater locations and tickets for THE DARK CRYSTAL 4K event will become available beginning on Friday, January 12th. The event it self will take place at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. (local time) on Sunday, February 25, and Wednesday, February 28, only.