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Press Kit cover letter

"THE DARK CRYSTAL," a tale of myth, mystery and adventure is currently slated to open nationwide on Friday, December 17.

One Thousand years ago, a mighty convulsion shook the universe. The great Crystal, glowing with the power of the world's Three Suns, cracked and darkened; the rich and beautiful land became barren and the evil reign of the Skeksis, protected by fierce, armor-plated Garthim mercenaries, began.

Now, the time when the Three Suns become one approaches. If the Crystal remains dark, corruption will endure through eternity. It is written that only a Gelfling, one of the gentle elfin race, can restore the Crystal's light, and this must be done at the moment of the Great Conjunction. But the Skeksis, mindful of the prophecy, have systematically slaughtered the glflings. Or so they believe.

One still lives. The boy Jen. Raised by mystics, gentle philosophers of the Valley of the Stones, he must now fulfill his destiny. During his quest he encounters magic, danger, betrayal, temptation, and learns to his joyous amazement that he is not - as he was told - the last species.

The Three Suns come closer together. The moment of the cabalistic conjunction draws near. Jen, armed only with a slender silver shard, reaches the shadows of the castle where the secret of the Dark Crystal waits.

Lord Grade Presents for ITC Entertainment a Jim Henson Film, "THE DARK CRYSTAL." It was produced by Jim Henson and Gary Kurtz, and directed by Jim Henson and Frank Oz. The screenplay was by David Odell, story by Jim Henson. Brian Froud was the conceptual designer, and the executive producer was David Lazer. It is distributed by Universal Pictures and Associated Film Distribution Corporation.

Promotional Program

Set in another time, "The Dark Crystal" is an adventure fantasy which portrays a strange and powerful world, featuring dazzling fantasy characters and bizarre creatures. It tells the story of Jen, a Gelfling, who journeys from the Mystic Valley through the hostile wilderness into the Great Castle of The Dark Crystal to fulfill a prophecy.

"The Dark Crystal."

A new world. From the best of two other worlds.

US Theater Program

Another time, another place in the age of wonder, a distant world was ruled from a glittering castle by the urSkeks, a breed of exalted thinkers and creators. At the heart of the castle was a great Crystal, which glowed with the power gathered from the world's Three Suns. While the urSkeks were experimenting with the energies absorbed by the Crystal, an accident took place. The world was suddenly convulsed by a terrible shock; the Crystal cracked and darkened; and the rulers were split into two separate beings: the good and wise Mystics, and the cruel and greedy Skeksis. The Mystics made their way to the Valley of the Stones. Gentle and aging visionaries, they were obsessed solely with their collective inner life. The Skeksis, however, had ice in their heart and a thirst for blood and darkness. Evil masters of the Dark Crystal, they took control of the now corrupt and brooding castle. Suspended at its heart was the Dark Crystal, the key to Skeksis power and the center of their strange rituals.

The Skeksis feared only one thing: an ancient prophecy foretelling the end of their rule by Gelfling hand. To foil this prophecy, the Skeksis created Garthim, armored warriors of destruction, to eliminate the Gelfling race and enforce Skeksis rule.

But unbeknownst to the Skeksis, the Mystics had rescued a Gelfling from the systematic slaughter of his race and had raised him with loving care. They called him Jen. In all the years Jen was growing up, he knew no other place and spoke with no other beings but the Mystics and the woodland creatures.

As The Dark Crystal opens, the security of Jen's existence is shattered by the death of urSu, the Mystic Master. With his last breath, urSu sets before Jen his quest: to discover the secret of the Dark Crystal, to find the crystal shard and with it to heal the wounded Crystal and restore its light. This Jen must accomplish before the Great Conjunction, when the Three Suns come together as one. Should Jen fail, harmony and goodness would forever be destroyed.

Jen's adventures are fraught with danger as he travels through an alien wilderness landscape. A spying Crystal Bat transmits Jen's whereabouts back to the Skeksis. Terrified that the ancient prophecy will be fulfilled, the Skeksis send the Garthim warriors to track the Gelfling down and destroy him.

Meanwhile, Jen comes upon the observatory of Aughra, Keeper of Secrets, who is a sorceress with prophetic powers. Beneath a vast dome of glowing radiance and an enormous model of the Three Suns, Jen finds the crystal shard and learns something of his destiny.

The Garthim soldiers attack, and to escape, Jen plunges into the swampland. There, lost and frightened by creatures of bizarre appearance, he is astonished to meet Kira, a girl Gelfling, and realizes that another of his kind is alive.

Together, they continue on the journey, to the festive village of the Podlings, simple peasants living in the depths of the forest who, having rescued Kira from a Garthim raid, have raised her; then on to the ancient ruins of the Gelflings, where Jen first understands the meaning and urgency of his mission. It is also among the ruins that the outcast Skeksis Chamberlain extends his hand to the Gelflings, promising friendship in place of fear. Though Jen is tempted, Kira is quick to mistrust, urging Jen to reject the Chamberlain's offer and to heed urSu's last words.

With renewed resolve, the Gelflings race across barren deserts and over mountainous terrain atop Landstriders, beasts of swift passage Kira has named; then onward they proceed, to the malevolent Castle of the Dark Crystal. Climbing up through the castle's sewers, they again come face to face with the disgraced Chamberlain. Once more he extends his offer; once more it is rejected. In retaliation, he attempts to kill Jen, who is buried beneath a heap of stone and soil. With Kira writhing in his grasp, the Chamberlain then makes his way to the Council Chamber.

With time running out, Jen fights his way out of the rubble to the Crystal Chamber. There, around the shimmering Dark Crystal, the Skeksis are gathered for their power rejuvenation ceremony. As the Three Suns become one, Jen, in one final desperate attempt, lunges forward to complete his quest and fulfill the ancient prophecy.

UK Leaflet

THE FILM

THE DARK CRYSTAL, a fantasy adventure film was created by Jim Henson, world renowned creator of the Muppets, long time associate Frank Oz, and Gary Kurtz producer of Star Wars.

The film is designed by Brian Froud and written by David Odell. With the help of a large cast of performers, designers and technicians this extraordinary world comes to life.

For the first time ever a totally live action film inhabited only by creatures, is set in another world, another time in the age of wonder…

THE STORY

In another world, another time, in the age of wonder inhabited by strange and mysterious creatures, unlike anything we know, the story of THE DARK CRYSTAL unfolds.

Jen a Gelfling, one of the last survivors of the elfin-like race is told of a prophecy by his master, a wise and gentle mystic and set to the task of returning the crystal shard to the all powerful Dark Crystal making it whole again and restoring light to the world.

On his journey to the castle where the crystal is guarded by the cruel and evil Skeksis, he encounters many exciting adventures. He is rescued by Kira, a young female Gelfling…, with the help of Aughra the sorceress, he discovers the shard and is pursued by the Garthim warriors.

Climaxing in the crystal chamber at a time of The Great Conjunction, Jen finally confronts the Skeksis and attempts to fulfil the prophecy preventing everlasting darkness…

1982 US VHS

THE DARK CRYSTAL, a fantasy adventure film, was created by Jim Henson, world renowned creator of the Muppets; long-time associate Frank Oz; and Gary Kurtz, producer of "Star Wars". The film was designed by Brian Froud, one of Britain's foremost fantasy artists.

The tale begins when Jen, a Gelfling (one of the last survivors of the elfin-like race), is told of a prophecy by his master - a wise and gentle mystic. Jen sets to the task of returning the crystal shard to the all powerful Dark Crystal, making it whole again, and restoring light to the world.

For the first time ever, here is a totally live action film inhabited only by creatures - set in another world, another time…in the age of wonder.

1982 & 1992 UK VHS

"Another world, another time…a magical quest"

Watch The Dark Crystal, one of the most extraordinary and successful films of recent years and journey into a mysterious, alien world. Follow the adventures of the heroic Gelfling Jen, one of the last survivors of a persecuted elfin-like race, as he seeks to fulfil the last prophecy of his wise mentor.

In this hugely popular, action-packed fantasy thriller, battle with Jen and his followers as they strive to succeed in their quest to overthrow the wretched masters of evil, the decadent and greedy Sheksis. Jen's task is to return the crystal shard to the all powerful Dark Crystal, which in turn will restore light to his world.

1982 Australian VHS

For the first time ever, here is a totally live action film inhabited only by creatures - set in another world, another time…in the age of wonder.

A new direction in Hi-Tech fantasy that can be enjoyed by all the family - again and again.

1983 UK VHS

One of the most extraordinary and successful films of recent years, The Dark Crystal is a luxuriantly original, live action fantasy inhabited by alien beings, set in another world, another time, in the age of wonder.

The tale begins when Jen, a Gelfling (one of the last survivors of the elfin-like race) is told of a prophecy by his master, a wise and gentle mystic. Jen sets to the task of returning the crystal shard to the all powerful Dark Crystal, making it whole again, and restoring light to the world.

1994 US VHS

Face heart-pounding risks with the Gelflings as they race against time to restore goodness and light to the world. Their mission - find and replace the missing piece of the all-powerful Dark Crystal before the ugly, vulture-like Skeksis kill them! Along the way there's a whole strange world of Mystics, Pod People, Landstriders, Garthim and lots more outrageous creatures ready to help the Gelflings or make sure evil wins out!

Co-produced with Gary Kurtz (producer, Star Wars), this is Jim Henson's award-winning, original feature-length, live-action movie. It's a fantasy adventure that explodes with extra-special effects and excitement kids will love!

1999 US VHS and DVD

The Dark Crystal is a masterful live-action fantasy starring some of Jim Henson's most imaginative creatures ever! Directed by Jim Henson and Frank Oz and produced by Gary Kurtz (Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back), The Dark Crystal brilliantly weaves a timeless myth of Good and Evil!

In another time, The Dark Crystal - a source of Balance and Truth in the Universe - was shattered, dividing the world into two factions: the wicked Skeksis and the peaceful Mystics. Now, as the convergence of the three suns approaches, the Crystal must be healed, or darkness will reign forevermore!

It's up to Jen - the last of his race - to fulfill the prophecy that a Gelfling will return the missing shard to the Crystal and destroy the Skeksis' evil Empire. But will young Jen's courage be any match for the unknown dangers that await him?

1999 UK VHS and DVD

The Dark Crystal is a remarkable fantasy adventure, starring some of Jim Henson's most imaginative creatures ever. Five years in the making, this magical tale of good and evil is directed by Jim Henson and Frank Oz and produced by Gary Kurtz (Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back).

US A. C. H. Smith novel

In a faraway world a mighty astronomical event is about to occur, the Great Conjunction of the planet's Three Suns. At this time, the cruel Skeksis who rule this world from the Castle of the Dark Crystal are frightened to learn that an ancient prophecy may be coming true: A survivor of the Gelfling, an elfin race they thought they had destroyed, is seeking to restore the missing shard of the Dark Crystal before the moment of the Great Conjunction, thus ending the tyranny of the Skeksis. Hidden in the valley of the urRu, young Jen the Gelfling has been raised by a tribe of mystics and knows little of the world outside, but now his Master's dying words have charged him with his mission to find the lost shard before it is too late. Traveling through many strange places and encountering many extraordinary beings, Jen races against time to unravel the mystery of his quest and save his world from the forces of evil.

Jim Henson, creator of the Muppets, has conceived a movie of startling originality, one that takes us into a world unlike any we have known. He has been aided in this wizardry by Gary Kurtz as co-producer, Frank Oz as co-director, and David Lazer as executive producer. The screenplay was written by David Odell, and the original conceptual designs are by Brian Froud. The Dark Crystal is a Universal Pictures release.

Now A. C. H. Smith, author of several novels and plays, has woven all the colorful strands of this fantastic tale into a novel that is as enthralling as the movie itself.

UK A. C. H. Smith novel

Out of time and place, the world of The Dark Crystal is both beautiful and strange, secret and frightening: a world of creatures beyond experience. And dominating all is the mystery and power of The Dark Crystal.

In the Castle Of The Dark Crystal, the cruel Skeksis learn with fear of an ancient prophecy: a survivor of the Gelflings will restore The Dark Crystal and destroy their evil power. The story of Jen the Gelfling and his quest now joins the ranks of epic fantasy fiction in this powerful novel of adventure and imagination.

The Dark Crystal is based on the movie produced by Jim Henson and Gary Kurtz, directed by Jim Henson and Frank Oz, screenplay by David Odell, and conceptual design by Brian Froud.

Soundtrack LP poster

The distant world of The Dark Crystal is a place inhabited by fantastical beings unlike any we have ever known before. The good and wise Mystics have retreated into themselves and live within the protected Valley of the Stones. The cruel and greedy Skeksis, evil masters of the Dark Crystal, rule from a dark and brooding castle.

The Skeksis fear only one thing: an ancient prophecy foretelling the end of their reign at the hands of the Gelfling, a race of elfinlike creatures. To foil this, the Skeksis have created the dread Garthim warriors to eliminate all Gelfling from the world.

But unknown to the Skeksis, the Mystics have rescued a Gelfling child from Garthim claws and raised him with loving care. They call him Jen.

As The Dark Crystal opens, Jen is setting out on his adventure: to restore harmony to the world by finding a crystal shard and with it healing the Crystal at the moment of the Great Conjunction, when the world's Three Suns come together as one.

Jen's adventures are filled with danger as he travels through an alien wilderness landscape. The Skeksis learn of his existence, and, terrified that the ancient prophecy will be fulfilled, they send the Garthim warriors to track the Gelfling down and destroy him.

Meanwhile, Jen comes upon the observatory of Aughra, Watcher of the Heavens and Keeper of Secrets, and learns something of his destiny. The terrible Garthim attack, and to escape Jen plunges into the swamplands, lost and frightened by creatures of bizarre appearance. There he is astonished to meet Kira, a Gelfling girl, and realize that another of his kind is alive. Together, they continue on the journey, to the festive village of the Pod People, simple peasants who rescued and raised Kira; to the ancient ruins of the Gelfling; across barren deserts and over mountainous terrain atop Landstriders, beasts of swift passage Kira has tamed; then onward to the malevolent Castle of the Dark Crystal, to meet their fate.

View-Master reels

On a far, mysterious planet, three suns are about to converge above the Castle of the Dark Crystal. When these suns join, the rule of the evil Skeksis race will be confirmed. Only if the broken Dark Crystal is made whole by a Gelfling will the reign of evil end.

Jen, the only Gelfling boy to survive Skeksis raids, has been raised by the mystic urRu. From his dying master, Jen learns of the Gelfling mission. Alone in a strange world, Jen wanders helplessly until Aughra the Astronomer gives him a magic shard from the Dark Crystal.

On his quest, Jen discovers Kira, a lovely Gelfling girl. She too was spared in the Skeksis raids. Kira takes Jen to the village of her foster parents, the gentle Pod people. Suddenly Garthim warriors sent by the Skeksis attack the village. Jen and Kira escape the savage onslaught with renewed determination to fulfill the prophecy for their race.

As Jen and Kira approach the Castle of the Dark Crystal, the three suns are also approaching their conjunction. Through dungeon and tunnels in the place of evil, Jen and Kira fight for their lives until Jen finally leaps atop the Dark Crystal. With Kira's help he replaces the shard. The Crystal glows again with restored power, the Skeksis are undone, and Jen and Kira can live in a world free of terror.

Sierraventure Hi-Res Adventure #6 video game

In a faraway world, an event of cosmic importance is about to occur: a Great Conjunction of the planet's Three Suns.

A thousand years ago, when the Suns last came together, a cruel and selfish tribe known as the Skeksis seized control of the radiant Crystal that once brought harmony to all beings. A quarrel erupted and blows were struck, fracturing the Crystal and sending a shard flying off into the countryside.

The Crystal darkened, and evil spread like a cloud across the land.

Now, as Jen, last known survivor of the Gelfling race, it is up to you to travel the world and fulfill an ancient prophecy by restoring the missing shard of the Dark Crystal. The power to end the Skeksis' reign is yours….

But there is much to be learned, and time is short. Unless you heal the Crystal before the Great Conjunction, all things whole and good will be destroyed, and the tyranny of the Skeksis will be reconfirmed forever!

The Dark Crystal is a Hi-Res Adventure designed by Roberta Williams and based on the epic fantasy film conceived by Jim Henson.

Jim Henson hit! flat

The Dark Crystal is a remarkable motion picture from Jim Henson and Frank Oz, the creators of the Muppets, and Gary Kurtz, the producer of 'Star Wars' and 'The Empire Strikes Back'. It is a feature film fantasy conceived and executed on the epic scale, and to bring this mythic adventure to the screen, Henson had been inspired to extend the frontiers of puppetry, and move beyond them, creating life-sized creatures that appear to actually think and breathe. Here computer-age technology has been blended with the artistry of the Henson performers to achieve a degree of naturalism that is unprecedented in the field. The Dark Crystal tells the story of an exotic world, designed by British artist Brian Froud, in which the last survivor of the Gelflings, a beautiful elfin race, set out to liberate their world from the reptilian Skekses and their evil Garthim Warriors. In order to restore light to the world, the Crystal Shard must be returned to the all powerful Dark Crystal and make it whole again.

2003 Superbit DVD

An all-Muppet fantasy feature about a Dark Crystal that maintains equilibrium in a mythical kingdom. When the Crystal is broken, the evil Skeksis take over, killing off the good-guy Gelflings and enslaving everyone else. Two of the Gelflings have survived: Jen was raised by the all-knowing Mystics, while Kira grew up amongst the swamp-swelling Podlings. Jen and Kira join forces to "heal" the precious Dark Crystal and restore order to their world.

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