LabyrinthThe Dark Crystal DVD with Jim Henson, Kathryn Mullen, Frank Oz (PG) +Movie Reviews

Superb movies, flawed package

Justin Werfel | Virginia, USA | 09/28/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Packaging this wonderful pair of Henson creations together is a great idea and a natural way for fans to save on both movies at once. However, it looks like whoever designed the set slipped up by changing the material included on each DVD.Plenty's been said about both movies elsewhere on Amazon.com and on the net, almost all of it positive. Labyrinth is a fantastic film, visually outstanding, great characters, good music, and a decent plot; enormous fun for (really) all ages. You'd expect no less from the collaboration of three of the great creative minds of our time--Jim Henson, George Lucas, and Michael Moschen (the only juggler to have received a MacArthur Foundation "genius" grant). And then there's David Bowie, who makes an astonishingly effective Goblin King.The Dark Crystal is cut from a different mold. It's much darker in tone, for starters, so it may not be appropriate for small children. Brilliant visuals--no humans appear at any time in the film; instead you'll see some of the most innovative puppetry out there. The creators define a truly rich fantasy world, detailed in every respect; one of the best scenes to watch for is where the camera just pans across a landscape of alien flora and fauna.HOWEVER, if you're going for DVD, it may be preferable to buy the two movies separately. One of the best things about the versions released individually is the extras they include--deleted scenes, making-of specials, etc. At the time of this writing, there's no indication that this two-disc set includes any of that extra material; and according to an Amazon.com customer service representative, "It appears that the "Dark Crystal/Labyrinth" two-disc set does not contain the same deleted scenes and/or special features as the Special Edition discs, for sale individually."So my recommendation is: get these movies, they're worth getting. But if you're interested in the bonus material--and it's worth being interested in--stick to the individually released DVDs rather than getting this package and missing out on the extra content."

Two "must haves" for any video collection

Adam M Villalobos | Farmingdale, NY United States | 04/05/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Labyrinth seems to be suited more for a younger audience than The Dark Crystal. There is singing, dancing, amusing sidekicks, a simple plot, and even some lessons learned. Still, this movie is popular among all age groups, even if to poke fun at some of the dramatics.The Dark Crystal is a classic good against evil tale. Though it uses puppets, the theme is darker and more violent than Labyrinth. I've watched younger kids close their eyes, or get scared during some of the "scary" scenes. I think what's great about this movie is that it keeps on moving, you're never stuck in the same place for too long, as the characters are always on the go.This collection presents two movies that are similar only in the fact that puppets are used in both. Based on your age, the mood of each movie will vary greatly. Still, these are great films, and classics that will be around forever."

Box set IS full special edition, but still flawed

E. C. Johnson | West Hollywood, CA United States | 10/25/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Pay no attention to reviewer Justin Werfel below (who I'm sure is a fine fellow). But, I've purchased the box set of Dark Crystal/Labyrinth and they ARE the exact same special editions, complete with deleted scenes and all the extras, that are available separately.

HOWEVER, I can't recommend the Labyrinth DVD specifically. Great movie but, for some ungodly reason, the negative which was used for this DVD is severely flawed and, in my opinion, unwatchable in parts. Along the bottom of the screen, just after some cuts, there is a bar of discoloration which lasts exactly one frame. Sometimes it's just a lightening of the regular picture. Sometimes, it's actually green or purple. This makes the cuts pretty jarring. This happens particularly during the Wise Old Man scene and the Within You scene (the staircases).

I thought it might be just my copy, so I exchanged it and had the same problem on the new copy. Online, I have found other owners of the DVD who report the same problem. So, the problem exists on the whole release.

If you're not a perfectionist, (which calls into question why you're a DVD owner), you may see past these flaws. But, for me, the movie is ruined by them."

Jim henson is a genious!

Mary A. Copus | Newport News, va United States | 03/06/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"what stands out in my mind is the day i found out that jim henson died. I remember asking my mom why my sister was crying and she said "Because Jim Henson died." she absolutly loved his work. i, too, am a big fan. i love jim henson and wish he was still alive to create these brilliant movies and fascinating characters.
labyrinth is my all time favorite movie. i watch it at least once a day. it revolves around sarah, a girl who wishes the goblin king to take her baby brother away. he does and the movie focuses on her quest to get him back and the people/things she meets along the way. david bowie is excellent in this movie. the songs are great and i couldn't imagine anyone else being the goblin king. i don't think he's ever been so sexy. the sets are amazing and the creatures are just beautiful. they all have seperate personalities and if you left out just one, the movie would not have been the same. my favorite is ludo but i've always been a fan of big animals.
the dark crystal is completely different in almost every way. there are no humans at all, it's all puppets. the story revolves around the skeksis and they mystics who once were the same but became seperated (like the good part of a person and the bad part) when the crystal broke and a shard was lost. the skeksis worship the crystal becuz it gives them power. the story surrounds jen, a gelfling, who is the last of his kind. he is charged with finding the lost shard and replacing it in the stone to reunite the two halves and bring life back into the dead land. along his journey he meets kira (another gelfling), fezgig (her dog, sort of), the podpeople (who've taken care of kira since all the other gelflings were killed), augrah (the keeper of the shard and other knowledge), and many monsters who are minions of the skeksis.
both these films are awesome. the movement is wonderful, the dialogue is witty and the visuals are stunning. jim hensons team of set designers and creative developers are the best around and these movies will make you wish there were more like them.
as a side note, i'd like to point out that labyrinth was filmed at elstree studios, the same place as part of the rocky horror picture show which is also a favorite of mine.
buy this movie and enjoy it with everyone you know."

The Wonderful Wizard Frank Oz

Mary A. Copus | 10/02/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"These 2 films are, in my opinion, 2 of the absolute best childrens' (and parents') entertainment available. These movies are engaging, visually stunning, and offer SO much to talk about with children. Labyrinth may be more appropriate for older kids, maybe 8 and older, but Dark Crystal is great for all ages. Both movies do contain some "bad guys" who can be a little frightening, but I remember being more terrified of the Evil Queen in Disney's Snow White than by David Bowie's Goblin King. In fact, the Goblin King is a very human seeming character, if a little morally flawed. (But that's the point of the villain, isn't it?) Both movies are wonderful, but I recommend watching them WITH your children. There's a lot to discuss, and trust me, it won't be a chore! The movies are great. I'm in college, but I own both and watch them on a regular basis. I wish I could thank Frank Oz personally."

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