The Dark Crystal (1982)

Parkinson calls the film mesmerising and says it will enchant older children and adults. He particularly praises Jim Henson’s affinity for fantasy and the humour enlivening the adventure.

The review is positive, praising the film as entertaining while offering a moral allegory. It singles out the memorable world and characters created by Henson and Oz, especially Aughra.

Nathan finds the film an imaginative, successful children’s fantasy adventure. He especially praises its extraordinary design and the energy of its puppets.

The critic finds the film’s pacing sometimes lumpy but praises its heartfelt wonder and enduring imaginative world. The puppetry and handcrafted creature designs remain especially convincing despite dated video effects.

The accessible page identifies this as a film review, but provides no critic verdict. Its metadata snippet points to the technical challenges of epic fantasy filmmaking, without revealing the review’s praise or complaint.

The review finds the film fresh and relevant even four decades later. It especially praises the puppets and practical effects, along with the story’s nuanced message of healing and balance.

Kermode finds the film an enduringly enjoyable fantasy, with strong characterisation and an inventive setting. She particularly praises the puppetry and the detailed craftsmanship behind its creatures and world.

Pickavance calls the film a flawed masterpiece whose visual imagination outstrips its storytelling, and finds the Blu-ray transfer underwhelming. He particularly praises the puppet work and Brian Froud’s extraordinary creature and world designs.