WSR Detailed LaserDisc Review

Dark Crystal, The
Genre:Family

Reviewed In Issue 10 Of Widescreen Review® Stars:
The Voice Talents Of Jim Henson, Kathryn Mullen, Frank Oz, Dave Goetlz, Joseph O’Connor

WSR Review Scores
Picture Rating: 4
Sound Rating: 3
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Reference Systems
Critics' Composite Score:
Internet Links

Supplementals

DVD General Information
(Studio/Distributor): Dimension Home Video
(Catalog Number): 2596AS
(MPAA Rating): PG
(Retail Price): $29.99
(Running Time In Minutes): 93
(Color Type): Color
(Chaptered/Scene Access): Yes
(Closed Captioned): Yes
(Theatrical Release): 1982
(LD Release Date): 7/94
(THX® Digitally Mastered): No

Credits Information
(Director): Frank Oz and Jim Henson
(Screenplay/Written By): David Odell
(Story): Jim Henson
(Music): Trevor Jones
(Director Of Photography):
(Production Designer): Harry Lange
(Visual Effects): NA
(Costume Designer): Brian Froud
(Editor): Ralph Kemplen
(Supervising Sound Editors): Nicholas Stevenson
(Re-Recording Mixers):
(Executive Producers): David Lazer
(Co-Producers): NA
(Producers): Jim Henson & Gary Kurtz

DVD Picture Information
(Principal Photography):
(Theatrical Aspect Ratio): 2.35:1
(Measured LaserDisc Aspect Ratio): 2.15:1

DVD Sound Information
(DVD Soundtrack): Dolby Surround
(Theatrical Sound): Dolby Stereo A & 70mm 6 Track Dolby
(Theatrical Re-Issue Soundtrack):
(Remastered Dolby Digital):
(Remastered DTS Digital Surround):
(Additional Languages):

WSR Narrative Review
Story Synopsis:
The Dark Crystal is a magical and imaginative marvel from the genius of Jim Henson that tells the story of the gentle Gelflings and their race against time to save the good light of their world before it is destroyed by evil. In order to do this, they must find the missing piece to a dark crystal.

LaserDisc Picture:
The color book picture has been reframed at 2.15:1 and is misaligned on the vertical center axis. The picture has an overall pastel appearance with excellent contrast. The transfer is clean with few artifacts.

LaserDisc Soundtrack:
The soundtrack is undistinguished and conventional by Hollywood standards. It is generally less dynamic than one would expect for the subject matter.
(Surround Bass Below 50Hz):
(Aggressive System Surround):
(Intense 25Hz Bass):
(Deep Bass Challenging):
(Aggressive 0.1 LFE):
(Holosonic Soundfield):
(Aggressive Split Surround):
(Center Back Surround Imaging):
(Directionalized Dialogue):
Superb Sound Effects Recording Quality:
Superb Music Score Recording Quality:
Superb Special Visual Effects Quality:
Superb Color Fidelity:
Superb Cinematography:
Reference LaserDisc:
Collector Edition: