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Jim Henson's The Dark Crystal: The Novelization
The official novelization of Jim Henson’s cult classic film along with a behind-the-scenes look at the film’s conception from the Jim Henson Archives.
Experience the incredible magic of Jim Henson’s fantasy epic The Dark Crystal adapted by A.C.H. Smith and personally overseen by Jim Henson. Featuring unpublished illustrations by legendary illustrator Brian Froud and the production design team at JIM HENSON’S CREATURE SHOP as well as Jim Henson’s never-before-seen notes on an early draft of the adaptation detailing his vision for the fantastical world of Thra.
Experience the incredible magic of Jim Henson’s fantasy epic The Dark Crystal adapted by A.C.H. Smith and personally overseen by Jim Henson. Featuring unpublished illustrations by legendary illustrator Brian Froud and the production design team at JIM HENSON’S CREATURE SHOP as well as Jim Henson’s never-before-seen notes on an early draft of the adaptation detailing his vision for the fantastical world of Thra.
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1982
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About the author
A.C.H. Smith
26 books55 followersAnthony Charles Hockley Smith (born Anthony Charles Smith) is a British novelist and playwright.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
September 12, 2019
Read with my good friend Cillian aka Tsunami aka Sharknami on a buddy read that began 09/06/19.
February 7, 2017
The Dark Crystal by A.C.H. Smith is the second title taken from the films of Jim Henson’s films. Like Labyrinth I remember the film although over the years certain details and scenes became hazy (come on it was 1986).
Like Labyrinth this was a story that dramatically departed from the world of Henson’s Muppets which he is most famous for, in fact Henson made a point of experimenting and challenging the ways stories were told. So as different as it may have been I think given the opportunity we could have seen many more.
No wonder he chose then a dark “fairy tale” of a story inspired and coloured by the designs and illustrations of his friend Brian Froud (in fact this deluxe edition has a number of the original sketches and designs dotted through the pages as well as production notes taken from Henson’s own notes).
Looking back the story is pretty straightforward – but then again so are many fairy tales, it is more in the telling and the atmosphere that it is complexity and unique storyline. However what did surprise me was how dark the story got – one reference towards the end of the events in the Podling village struck me as particularly bleak.
That all said the books really does capture the feel of the film and reading through the pages it all came flooding back. There is a timeless feel to these stories which I think helps explain why both films (and obviously their stories) remain with us today even when film techniques have dramatically improved over the years. There is still so much love for this story today that there are still new books being published on the subject 30 years after the film was released.
Like Labyrinth this was a story that dramatically departed from the world of Henson’s Muppets which he is most famous for, in fact Henson made a point of experimenting and challenging the ways stories were told. So as different as it may have been I think given the opportunity we could have seen many more.
No wonder he chose then a dark “fairy tale” of a story inspired and coloured by the designs and illustrations of his friend Brian Froud (in fact this deluxe edition has a number of the original sketches and designs dotted through the pages as well as production notes taken from Henson’s own notes).
Looking back the story is pretty straightforward – but then again so are many fairy tales, it is more in the telling and the atmosphere that it is complexity and unique storyline. However what did surprise me was how dark the story got – one reference towards the end of the events in the Podling village struck me as particularly bleak.
That all said the books really does capture the feel of the film and reading through the pages it all came flooding back. There is a timeless feel to these stories which I think helps explain why both films (and obviously their stories) remain with us today even when film techniques have dramatically improved over the years. There is still so much love for this story today that there are still new books being published on the subject 30 years after the film was released.
Want to read
June 4, 2019Netflix is bring this out as a series!!!!!
The trailer looks AMAZING!!!
Omg I need to read this! I am so glad I have a copy!
The trailer looks AMAZING!!!
Omg I need to read this! I am so glad I have a copy!
June 20, 2019
"I was born under a shattered sky," he finally got out.
Dark fairy tale about a boy raised by mistics, a land tainted , and a prophecy because there is always one , innit?
This is a novelization of the film "The Dark Crystal"(1982), a wonderful film to watch made with animatronics - tech that I'm most fan.
The book did not give more details that the film, though after all the years I just remember the basics : . So the kind of richness imagination of the world creatures is a bit missing.
Jen is a naive kid (a Gelfling) raised by paceful wise urRu in a isolated valley, that one day is given a dangerous mission without much background. Just that is necesary when the Great Conjuction of the three suns is about to start.
In their collective obsession with rituals there was something slavish about the urRu. It affected everything in their lives, even the ordinary business of a day—sleeping, eating, walking, talking. It was always too slow for Jen, this labored, mannered, painstaking connection of things. What was the point? Turned inward, away from the world, they were, Jen thought, collectors of knowledge for its own sake. Why did they never do anything with it? Why could they not make the only connection that seemed to him useful: applying all their knowledge to change the world?
In the journey he enconuntered danger and a friend: Kira, another survivor of a massacre commited by the evil Skerksis , a sort of buzzard/reptile villains, that enslave and made atrocious experiments with the other sentients beings in the planet.
The sort of reluctant hero is forced to go to the Black Castle in search of the Crystal to end with the horrors in Thra.
She understood why. Jen represented hope; and hope, she instinctively knew, would always be shadowed with pain, just as her despair, now, in the niche behind the tapestry, was shadowed with something like the opposite of pain—a numbed uncaring, an acceptance of the thrall of death, almost a fervent wish for it.
The idea of all things are interconnected is around the tale.
Also about scientist abusing power and destroying the balance in the world.
Well, enjoy the movie, friends. Seems like Netflix is about to put a sort a prequel after all this years. The rest of canon is in graphic novels.
Dark fairy tale about a boy raised by mistics, a land tainted , and a prophecy because there is always one , innit?
This is a novelization of the film "The Dark Crystal"(1982), a wonderful film to watch made with animatronics - tech that I'm most fan.
The book did not give more details that the film, though after all the years I just remember the basics : . So the kind of richness imagination of the world creatures is a bit missing.
Jen is a naive kid (a Gelfling) raised by paceful wise urRu in a isolated valley, that one day is given a dangerous mission without much background. Just that is necesary when the Great Conjuction of the three suns is about to start.
In their collective obsession with rituals there was something slavish about the urRu. It affected everything in their lives, even the ordinary business of a day—sleeping, eating, walking, talking. It was always too slow for Jen, this labored, mannered, painstaking connection of things. What was the point? Turned inward, away from the world, they were, Jen thought, collectors of knowledge for its own sake. Why did they never do anything with it? Why could they not make the only connection that seemed to him useful: applying all their knowledge to change the world?
In the journey he enconuntered danger and a friend: Kira, another survivor of a massacre commited by the evil Skerksis , a sort of buzzard/reptile villains, that enslave and made atrocious experiments with the other sentients beings in the planet.
The sort of reluctant hero is forced to go to the Black Castle in search of the Crystal to end with the horrors in Thra.
She understood why. Jen represented hope; and hope, she instinctively knew, would always be shadowed with pain, just as her despair, now, in the niche behind the tapestry, was shadowed with something like the opposite of pain—a numbed uncaring, an acceptance of the thrall of death, almost a fervent wish for it.
The idea of all things are interconnected is around the tale.
Also about scientist abusing power and destroying the balance in the world.
Well, enjoy the movie, friends. Seems like Netflix is about to put a sort a prequel after all this years. The rest of canon is in graphic novels.
August 12, 2021
Oh look ANOTHER book that Goodreads removed from my read shelf that I had added YEARS ago.
July 9, 2019
Really great adaptation! I still like the movie more, but all the same this was good.
December 24, 2019
Growing up, Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal was one of my favorite movies, hands down. Now that I am a weird kid who has grown up into an even weirder adult, with the new Netflix series The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance I have found myself re-immersed in this unprecedented, fantastical world. This includes reading the Jim Henson's The Dark Crystal: The Novelization.
Ultimately, this book should be read after seeing the original film, as it is a novelization that enhances established information, rather than working as a stand-alone book. For instance, there are numerous early concept images of the Skeksis interspersed throughout the novel that really have nothing to do with the plot on the page next to it, and would probably be more confusing than anything if you are not already familiar with them.
Overall, this is a solid book for any Dark Crystal fan. I definitely recommend it if you fall into this category.
Rating: 3.5 stars
Ultimately, this book should be read after seeing the original film, as it is a novelization that enhances established information, rather than working as a stand-alone book. For instance, there are numerous early concept images of the Skeksis interspersed throughout the novel that really have nothing to do with the plot on the page next to it, and would probably be more confusing than anything if you are not already familiar with them.
Overall, this is a solid book for any Dark Crystal fan. I definitely recommend it if you fall into this category.
Rating: 3.5 stars
May 17, 2021
I loved this book. I felt that it gave me much more understanding of the characters of the Dark Crystal Universe. Their motives are better explained and I feel it was darker than the film, but not overly so. A must-read for fans of the film and tv show!
May 30, 2021
Num outro mundo, num outro tempo, chega-nos esta história fantástica adaptada de um filme simplesmente sensacional!
Temos aqui uma adaptação extremamente fiel do filme The Dark Crystal (1982) de Jim Henson por parte do autor A.C.H. Smith. Há semelhança da maioria dos livros que já fiz review, nunca tive contacto com o A.C.H. Smith, contudo, fiz uma breve pesquisa para deixar aqui registadas algumas informações. Pois bem, só me resta dizer que foi uma leitura maravilhosa e todo o mundo de Thra é mágico, envolvente e simplesmente místico! Deixo aqui, após uma jornada heróica para salvar o mundo, a minha review!
Um pequeno Resumo: Cerca de mil anos após a última Grande Conjunção dos Três Sóis de Thra, o Imperador dos Skeksis, skekSo e o líder dos sábios UrRu, UrSu, morrem. Antes de morrer, UrSu pede a Jen, um pequeno Gelfling que foi adotado pelos UrRu, que parta numa aventura em busca do fragmento do Cristal Encantado para por fim ao reinado dos malvados Skeksis antes da próxima Grande Conjunção, que está quase a acontecer. Jen parte então para a maior aventura da sua vida, saindo do Vale dos UrRu rumo ao Castelo do Cristal Encantado.
Sobre o Autor: Foram poucas as informações que consegui obter sobre o autor, contudo, posso dizer-vos que o nome completo do autor é Anthony Charles Hockley Smith e é um dramaturgo britânico que não só esteve encarregue de escrever esta adaptação a pedido de Jim Henson, como também escreveu a adaptação do filme Labyrinth (1986) em 1986. Senti que A.C.H. Smith tem uma escrita detalhada e leve, preocupa-se com as descrições e, após ler algumas das cartas divulgadas nas últimas páginas do livro de Jim Henson a dar indicações e sugestões de melhoria (para que fossem registados detalhes que não surgiram no filme), vi que A.C.H. Smith teve um cuidado enorme para entregar aos leitores uma experiência mágica que reflectisse toda a essência este universo criado por Jim Henson.
Sobre a História: A primeira coisa que senti ao ler esta história foi a presença de vários elementos da Jornada do Herói, tornando a narrativa linear e simples: o protagonista tem de encontrar um fragmento do Cristal Encantado, colocar esse fragmento no Cristal e pronto, o mundo fica salvo. Porém, não é assim tão simples visto que os Skeksis controlam por completo todo o reino de Thra, possuindo espiões que vigiam as terras (o caso dos Morcegos-do-Cristal, que funcionam como câmeras que gravam tudo o que acontece e transmitem para o Cristal Encantado que está no Castelo dos Skeksis) e terríveis guerreiros grotescos que seguem cegamente as suas ordens (o caso dos Garthim, criaturas com características crustáceas, idênticos a caranguejos gigantes, que funcionam como a guarda-real dos Skeksis).
A narrativa varia entre a visão de Jen no decorrer da sua jornada e a visão dos Skeksis, que vivem no Castelo do Cristal Encantado a disputar o trono do falecido Imperador. Ao longo dos capítulos vamos conhecendo mais sobre o passado do reino de Thra e sobre as personagens (é-nos revelado o que aconteceu aos Gelflings e como os Skeksis subiram ao poder e ganharam controlo do Cristal Encantado). No decorrer da jornada, Jen conhece Kira, que também é uma Gelfling e o seu fiel amigo felpudo, o Fizzgig (que é uma espécie de cão só com uma boca cheia de dentes e quatro patas). Kira junta-se a Jen e ambos partem a caminho do Castelo do Cristal Encantado, passando pela aldeia do Povo Pod (criaturas inteligentes que são utilizadas como escravas pelos Skeksis) onde Kira viveu até então e chegando finalmente o Castelo, onde lutam contra os Skeksis. Após a luta, Jen consegue colocar o fragmento no Cristal Encantado e os UrRu unem-se aos Skeksis, transformando-se nos UrSkek, criaturas de luz que vieram das “estrelas” e, ao serem corrompidos durante o tempo que estiveram em Thra, tiveram as suas almas separadas em dois pelo Cristal (o lado Bom que são os UrRu e o lado Mau que são os Skeksis). Por fim, os UrSkek voltam para as “estrelas” e a ordem é restaurada em Thra graças a Jen e Kira.
Sobre as Personagens: Pode não parecer, mas esta pequena obra tem dezenas de personagens cuidadosamente explorada e desenvolvidas que contribuem para a narrativa. Jen e Kira, ambos Gelflings que foram adotados por outros povos e escondidos da maldade dos Skeksis, formam a dupla perfeita para esta aventura, completando-se um ao outro. O pequeno Fizzgig é um alívio cómico, sendo o famoso (corajoso-cobarde). Os UrRu e Skeksis são o reflexo do lado Bom e Mau dos UrSkeks, criaturas que vieram do espaço para trazer tecnologia e meios civilizados a Thra e Aughra uma “feiticeira” primitiva tão antigas que lembra-se da época quando não existiam ainda Gelflings em Thra. Muitas destas personagens e as respectivas histórias são exploradas na série da Netflix O Cristal Encantado: Era de Resistência e nos livros do autor J.M. Lee (que inspiraram a série da Netflix). Porém, acho que a verdadeira estrela de todo o universo de The Dark Crystal é o skekSil, conhecido também por Lord Chamberlain, o“chorão” manipulador e malvado que tenta à força toda obter poder através das ações dos outros. Na minha opinião, todos são personagens soberbos!
Sobre o Jen: Não há muito a dizer sobre este protagonista que, de órfão e último da sua espécie, torna-se num herói ao salvar todo o reino de Thra. No decorrer da narrativa é possível sentir-mos a evolução das emoções de Jen que, de tímido e inocente, transforma-se num ser de coragem e determinação com um objectivo a cumprir. Não é revelada a idade de Jen e aquilo que sabemos sobre o passado é que foi o aprendiz de UrSu, o líder sábio dos UrRu
E a minha Conclusão Final é: Jim Henson's The Dark Crystal Novelization é uma adaptação que acrescenta conteúdo não só ao filme, como também a todo o universo criado por Jim Henson. Esta narrativa cheia de criaturas fantásticas num mundo que está a ser corrompido pela ganância e escuridão apresenta-nos um autêntico Ying-Yang na compreensão daquilo que é o Bem e o Mal e, acima de tudo, leva-nos a sonhar e imaginar. Só me resta dizer que Jim Henson's The Dark Crystal Novelization foi uma leitura óptima, relaxante e fundamental para qualquer fã d’ O Cristal Encantado e do trabalho de Jim Henson, não é o melhor livro que já li ao longo da minha vida, mas é uma adaptação excelente que merece reconhecimento!
Temos aqui uma adaptação extremamente fiel do filme The Dark Crystal (1982) de Jim Henson por parte do autor A.C.H. Smith. Há semelhança da maioria dos livros que já fiz review, nunca tive contacto com o A.C.H. Smith, contudo, fiz uma breve pesquisa para deixar aqui registadas algumas informações. Pois bem, só me resta dizer que foi uma leitura maravilhosa e todo o mundo de Thra é mágico, envolvente e simplesmente místico! Deixo aqui, após uma jornada heróica para salvar o mundo, a minha review!
Um pequeno Resumo: Cerca de mil anos após a última Grande Conjunção dos Três Sóis de Thra, o Imperador dos Skeksis, skekSo e o líder dos sábios UrRu, UrSu, morrem. Antes de morrer, UrSu pede a Jen, um pequeno Gelfling que foi adotado pelos UrRu, que parta numa aventura em busca do fragmento do Cristal Encantado para por fim ao reinado dos malvados Skeksis antes da próxima Grande Conjunção, que está quase a acontecer. Jen parte então para a maior aventura da sua vida, saindo do Vale dos UrRu rumo ao Castelo do Cristal Encantado.
Sobre o Autor: Foram poucas as informações que consegui obter sobre o autor, contudo, posso dizer-vos que o nome completo do autor é Anthony Charles Hockley Smith e é um dramaturgo britânico que não só esteve encarregue de escrever esta adaptação a pedido de Jim Henson, como também escreveu a adaptação do filme Labyrinth (1986) em 1986. Senti que A.C.H. Smith tem uma escrita detalhada e leve, preocupa-se com as descrições e, após ler algumas das cartas divulgadas nas últimas páginas do livro de Jim Henson a dar indicações e sugestões de melhoria (para que fossem registados detalhes que não surgiram no filme), vi que A.C.H. Smith teve um cuidado enorme para entregar aos leitores uma experiência mágica que reflectisse toda a essência este universo criado por Jim Henson.
Sobre a História: A primeira coisa que senti ao ler esta história foi a presença de vários elementos da Jornada do Herói, tornando a narrativa linear e simples: o protagonista tem de encontrar um fragmento do Cristal Encantado, colocar esse fragmento no Cristal e pronto, o mundo fica salvo. Porém, não é assim tão simples visto que os Skeksis controlam por completo todo o reino de Thra, possuindo espiões que vigiam as terras (o caso dos Morcegos-do-Cristal, que funcionam como câmeras que gravam tudo o que acontece e transmitem para o Cristal Encantado que está no Castelo dos Skeksis) e terríveis guerreiros grotescos que seguem cegamente as suas ordens (o caso dos Garthim, criaturas com características crustáceas, idênticos a caranguejos gigantes, que funcionam como a guarda-real dos Skeksis).
A narrativa varia entre a visão de Jen no decorrer da sua jornada e a visão dos Skeksis, que vivem no Castelo do Cristal Encantado a disputar o trono do falecido Imperador. Ao longo dos capítulos vamos conhecendo mais sobre o passado do reino de Thra e sobre as personagens (é-nos revelado o que aconteceu aos Gelflings e como os Skeksis subiram ao poder e ganharam controlo do Cristal Encantado). No decorrer da jornada, Jen conhece Kira, que também é uma Gelfling e o seu fiel amigo felpudo, o Fizzgig (
Sobre as Personagens: Pode não parecer, mas esta pequena obra tem dezenas de personagens cuidadosamente explorada e desenvolvidas que contribuem para a narrativa. Jen e Kira, ambos Gelflings que foram adotados por outros povos e escondidos da maldade dos Skeksis, formam a dupla perfeita para esta aventura, completando-se um ao outro. O pequeno Fizzgig é um alívio cómico, sendo o famoso (corajoso-cobarde). Os UrRu e Skeksis são o reflexo do lado Bom e Mau dos UrSkeks, criaturas que vieram do espaço para trazer tecnologia e meios civilizados a Thra e Aughra uma “feiticeira” primitiva tão antigas que lembra-se da época quando não existiam ainda Gelflings em Thra. Muitas destas personagens e as respectivas histórias são exploradas na série da Netflix O Cristal Encantado: Era de Resistência e nos livros do autor J.M. Lee (que inspiraram a série da Netflix). Porém, acho que a verdadeira estrela de todo o universo de The Dark Crystal é o skekSil, conhecido também por Lord Chamberlain, o
Sobre o Jen: Não há muito a dizer sobre este protagonista que, de órfão e último da sua espécie, torna-se num herói ao salvar todo o reino de Thra. No decorrer da narrativa é possível sentir-mos a evolução das emoções de Jen que, de tímido e inocente, transforma-se num ser de coragem e determinação com um objectivo a cumprir. Não é revelada a idade de Jen e aquilo que sabemos sobre o passado é que foi o aprendiz de UrSu, o líder sábio dos UrRu
E a minha Conclusão Final é: Jim Henson's The Dark Crystal Novelization é uma adaptação que acrescenta conteúdo não só ao filme, como também a todo o universo criado por Jim Henson. Esta narrativa cheia de criaturas fantásticas num mundo que está a ser corrompido pela ganância e escuridão apresenta-nos um autêntico Ying-Yang na compreensão daquilo que é o Bem e o Mal e, acima de tudo, leva-nos a sonhar e imaginar. Só me resta dizer que Jim Henson's The Dark Crystal Novelization foi uma leitura óptima, relaxante e fundamental para qualquer fã d’ O Cristal Encantado e do trabalho de Jim Henson, não é o melhor livro que já li ao longo da minha vida, mas é uma adaptação excelente que merece reconhecimento!
June 4, 2020
As a child of the 80s I love all things Jim Henson. This has rolled over into adulthood.
I came across this particular paperback @ The Booklegger in Huntsville. It was in immaculate condition; if a little stiff and dry. Attempting to read this 30+ year old paperback has led it to begin falling apart. The cover just decided to abandon the rest of the book. So now it is equal parts Scotch tape and book.
I believe this movie novelization is my first. I've seen them around for years, but always wondered what was the point? I understand reading the book if a movie is based on it but the reverse? Seems pointless. In this case my assumption was proven correct. Reading The Dark Crystal adds little or no new insights to the story, characters, or world. In fact, it's quicker to just watch the movie.
With the May/June group read several individuals have voiced their dislike or uninterest in this book/movie. I understand. I get it. As an adult I feel the same way. The movie/book is slow, with little action. What it does have in abundance is weird. Locales, people, creatures. Henson's creature shop excels at this.
So I didn't love the book. I'll stick with watching the film. And the Netflix movie put me to sleep, but I don't watch t.v. much anyhow.
Meh.
I came across this particular paperback @ The Booklegger in Huntsville. It was in immaculate condition; if a little stiff and dry. Attempting to read this 30+ year old paperback has led it to begin falling apart. The cover just decided to abandon the rest of the book. So now it is equal parts Scotch tape and book.
I believe this movie novelization is my first. I've seen them around for years, but always wondered what was the point? I understand reading the book if a movie is based on it but the reverse? Seems pointless. In this case my assumption was proven correct. Reading The Dark Crystal adds little or no new insights to the story, characters, or world. In fact, it's quicker to just watch the movie.
With the May/June group read several individuals have voiced their dislike or uninterest in this book/movie. I understand. I get it. As an adult I feel the same way. The movie/book is slow, with little action. What it does have in abundance is weird. Locales, people, creatures. Henson's creature shop excels at this.
So I didn't love the book. I'll stick with watching the film. And the Netflix movie put me to sleep, but I don't watch t.v. much anyhow.
Meh.
August 11, 2016
Inevitably the book will be compared to the film, and that's tough competition--especially for the nostalgic ones among us! But I would say that Smith did a good job translating the film into fiction. He does have a powerful descriptive ability and some of his choice of words left me pondering the paucity of my own vocabulary. But it's nicely written and it's quite a short novel, so things keep moving.
A minor complaint might be the extensive use of foreign languages in the book for the Skeksis, et al., which I felt slowed things down a bit--basically, you're reading all this dialogue that has no meaning to you and may just as well be written in English or whatever language you happen to be reading in translation. The film of course, did the same thing, but more sparingly so I thought it worked out better. Still, I enjoyed the read and A.C.H. Smith's poetic handling of the tale as well as his depiction of Jen's inner thoughts and feelings.
A minor complaint might be the extensive use of foreign languages in the book for the Skeksis, et al., which I felt slowed things down a bit--basically, you're reading all this dialogue that has no meaning to you and may just as well be written in English or whatever language you happen to be reading in translation. The film of course, did the same thing, but more sparingly so I thought it worked out better. Still, I enjoyed the read and A.C.H. Smith's poetic handling of the tale as well as his depiction of Jen's inner thoughts and feelings.
February 15, 2020
Really enjoyed! I didn't expect much from a book made from a movie, but it was very well done. It read kind of like a fairytale. Would have liked a little more world building, but definitely worth a read! Also like seeing a fantasy book that's short, it's not something often seen in this genre.
October 6, 2017
Read this book to my daughter at bedtime. She really enjoyed it and is ready to watch the movie.
I watched the movie as a kid and loved it. When I found out that it was made into a book, I had to get my hands on it. I tried to read it a few months back but couldn't get into. It wasn't unil a few weeks ago that I thought it would be a great idea to read it to my daughter. I tried to have her watch the movie a few years back but she was too young then and got scared of the skeksis. Reading it and having her use her imagination worked a lot better. It didn't hurt to have the drawings in the book as well to help with visualization.
I watched the movie as a kid and loved it. When I found out that it was made into a book, I had to get my hands on it. I tried to read it a few months back but couldn't get into. It wasn't unil a few weeks ago that I thought it would be a great idea to read it to my daughter. I tried to have her watch the movie a few years back but she was too young then and got scared of the skeksis. Reading it and having her use her imagination worked a lot better. It didn't hurt to have the drawings in the book as well to help with visualization.
August 8, 2022
I love the Dark Crystal movie, and I enjoyed the recent tv show. It was a shame that it wasn't renewed for a second season.
ACH Smith does a great job with the novelization of the movie. It reads like a real fantasy epic, and it develops some of the magic and mythology of Thra in a very complimentary way to the film.
I particularly liked Jim Henson's notes on the novel (typos and all) included at the back of the copy of the book I purchased.
A great addition to the bookshelves for the Jim Henson fan.
ACH Smith does a great job with the novelization of the movie. It reads like a real fantasy epic, and it develops some of the magic and mythology of Thra in a very complimentary way to the film.
I particularly liked Jim Henson's notes on the novel (typos and all) included at the back of the copy of the book I purchased.
A great addition to the bookshelves for the Jim Henson fan.
December 27, 2022
Non ce la faccio... troppi ricordi... (cit.)
Dark Crystal è, insieme a Labyrinth, Legend, Willow, ecc, uno dei film fantasy con cui sono cresciuto e che mi è entrato nel cuore, forse tra questi il mio preferito in assoluto, per via della grandissima dedizione e amore con cui questo film fu realizzato.
Il romanzo, se escludiamo le postfazioni varie e una splendida galleria di bozzetti e schizzi in coda, consta di 130 pagine e ripropone in modo molto fedele, con qualche piccolissima variazione qua e là, la storia originale, in cui troviamo un briciolo di approfondimento in più sulle personalità di Jen e Kira, nonché sugli Skeksis e gli urRu e il rapporto che li lega. Un rapporto che nel film a me non è mai sembrato molto ben introdotto e mi ha sempre dato la sensazione di spuntar fuori di punto in bianco solo sul finale, risultando comprensibile a una seconda visione solo con il senno del poi.
Questo romanzo è un tuffo nostalgico a uso e consumo degli amanti del film originale che non ha chissà quali pretese letterarie, ma che per noi fan rimane sicuramente una lettura piacevole e poco impegnativa.
Dark Crystal è, insieme a Labyrinth, Legend, Willow, ecc, uno dei film fantasy con cui sono cresciuto e che mi è entrato nel cuore, forse tra questi il mio preferito in assoluto, per via della grandissima dedizione e amore con cui questo film fu realizzato.
Il romanzo, se escludiamo le postfazioni varie e una splendida galleria di bozzetti e schizzi in coda, consta di 130 pagine e ripropone in modo molto fedele, con qualche piccolissima variazione qua e là, la storia originale, in cui troviamo un briciolo di approfondimento in più sulle personalità di Jen e Kira, nonché sugli Skeksis e gli urRu e il rapporto che li lega. Un rapporto che nel film a me non è mai sembrato molto ben introdotto e mi ha sempre dato la sensazione di spuntar fuori di punto in bianco solo sul finale, risultando comprensibile a una seconda visione solo con il senno del poi.
Questo romanzo è un tuffo nostalgico a uso e consumo degli amanti del film originale che non ha chissà quali pretese letterarie, ma che per noi fan rimane sicuramente una lettura piacevole e poco impegnativa.
July 28, 2019
What a wondrous imagination Jim Henson and his team of creators had! I first fell in love with the Dark Crystal many years ago and wanted to revisit this story prior to the release of the Netflix series Dark Crystal: Age Of Resistance. This novelization by A.C.H. Smith wonderfully expands on Henson’s vision of the world of Thra and a quest to heal that which was broken. I love the nature of the hero’s quest, to right a wrong of a previous generation (in this case) falls to both a young boy and girl (gelfling) and they embark on this mission to save their world. This story has been told many times through books, films, and even epics, poems, and plays of the ancients Greeks and Romans. What stands out in the story is the incredible creativity of the world Thra and the interconnectedness of all its inhabitants. The Crystal most importantly, as it seems to be a nexus that impacts the health of the planet. If the Crystal is in discord, so is the world. The races of Thra are astounding, I especially loved how he author related the Crystal and its shard to harmonious or discordant themes depending on how the Crystal has been utilized. Gorgeous story, wonderful writing, and a truly imaginative tale.
August 9, 2023
Growing up, I loved Jim Henson’s dark fantasy film ‘The Dark Crystal’. I am pleased to say that the novel does not disappoint, and accurately reflects the feel and the wonder of the world Henson created. The plot follows Jen the gelfling as he attempts to restore the Dark Crystal and heal the world. What makes the story stand out is the creatures and characters created by Jim Henson and his team - it really is an unique world he has created. I particularly enjoyed the evil Skesis and their design.
In addition, it was great to see Henson’s notes to the author included in the back of the book. It really conveyed the passion that Henson possessed for his fantasy creation. I would certainly recommend this book to anyone who enjoyed the film. Even if you have not watched the film, why not give it a try?
In addition, it was great to see Henson’s notes to the author included in the back of the book. It really conveyed the passion that Henson possessed for his fantasy creation. I would certainly recommend this book to anyone who enjoyed the film. Even if you have not watched the film, why not give it a try?
April 6, 2015
It's one thing when books are converted to films; generally you should read the book first, then the film is fine. But when films are converted to books, it doesn't generally work; this is no exception.
The film is one of my all-time top five, indeed I tend to think of it as my favourite ever film; it's a masterpiece. So I was fairly enthused to read the book. The story is mostly faithful to the film, more a case of adding in extra detail where it differs. One might think that was a good thing, certainly the author and Henson did, but I find it unnecessary.
The main problem I have with the book is the author's style and phrasing. Bearing in mind the film is a children's film primarily, despite it being entertaining for adults, this book would be utterly unsuitable for children. Not because it would attract above a PG rating at best, probably a U, if it were classified like films, but because the English usage is deliberately very high brow, complex with constant usage of words that would not be used in normal language by the majority, certainly that a child would baulk at. The language usage is also rather scientific and clinical at times, like listening to a recording of a forensic pathologist doing an autopsy. Then there is the made-up language usage, which is laid on with a trowel, and far more confusing than it is in the film, ill-explained, or over-explained, becoming either pointless or the meaning lost - a shame, as I usually relish such things.
The last scenes with the tension of the conjunction were pretty good, the story is a good one despite the way it is told. The copy of the book I had was enhanced with a long set of notes on a draft of the book, written by Jim Henson himself - he had some of my concerns too, though probably caused some of them also. Nice to hear in his own words the thoughts on the wider world of that story.
The film is one of my all-time top five, indeed I tend to think of it as my favourite ever film; it's a masterpiece. So I was fairly enthused to read the book. The story is mostly faithful to the film, more a case of adding in extra detail where it differs. One might think that was a good thing, certainly the author and Henson did, but I find it unnecessary.
The main problem I have with the book is the author's style and phrasing. Bearing in mind the film is a children's film primarily, despite it being entertaining for adults, this book would be utterly unsuitable for children. Not because it would attract above a PG rating at best, probably a U, if it were classified like films, but because the English usage is deliberately very high brow, complex with constant usage of words that would not be used in normal language by the majority, certainly that a child would baulk at. The language usage is also rather scientific and clinical at times, like listening to a recording of a forensic pathologist doing an autopsy. Then there is the made-up language usage, which is laid on with a trowel, and far more confusing than it is in the film, ill-explained, or over-explained, becoming either pointless or the meaning lost - a shame, as I usually relish such things.
"Jen was not sure if they had registered his approach. They betrayed no sign of fear, yet the locus of their lateral movements began to edge closer to the stream, until several of them were dancing on the water itself."
"Jen played a tune, trying to finger harmonies that might answer the thunderclouds. He double-stopped one pipe of the flute, as a kind of chanter, and on the other experimented with quarter-tone effects he had discovered by partial stopping. He tapped his foot in a slow rhythm, shut his eyes, and improvised a sinuous melody."
"The Skeksis had profited prodigiously from the knowledge and from their control of the Crystal within the fortress they had carved from the mountain that contained it. Along all the ley-lines of energy around the planet, they had continuously fed noxious pulses, fomenting the misery and weakness throughout the world. And along the same ley-lines they had sucked in geodynamic energies. The lightning Jen had seen was focused into the Standing Stones and transmitted to the castle. The Skeksis controlled the nodal points of the planet by terrestrial acupuncture."
The last scenes with the tension of the conjunction were pretty good, the story is a good one despite the way it is told. The copy of the book I had was enhanced with a long set of notes on a draft of the book, written by Jim Henson himself - he had some of my concerns too, though probably caused some of them also. Nice to hear in his own words the thoughts on the wider world of that story.
March 14, 2022
Follows the plot of the movie quite faithfully, with prose that's stilted when the movie is stilted and an unapologetically broad—alright, bombastic—vocabulary and literary frame of reference that serves this kind of story well. It's a movie novelisation, sure, but one that a lot of people—including Jim Henson, whose notes to an early draft are included in an appendix, himself—cared deeply about.
A unexpected good example of how novelisations can and should be done.
(One notable way in which the book diverges is in its retention of a thing that was ultimately cut from the movie: the language of the Skeksis. I've read this described by various people as based on Ancient Egyptian, "formed from Indo-European roots", or being a mixture of Egyptian and Greek; my Egyptian isn't what I'd like it to be, but a lot of it is certainly recognisable as pretty Greek:
It's really just a detail—the longest sentence is four words and the total vocabulary can't be more than fifteen—but I like it.)
A unexpected good example of how novelisations can and should be done.
(One notable way in which the book diverges is in its retention of a thing that was ultimately cut from the movie: the language of the Skeksis. I've read this described by various people as based on Ancient Egyptian, "formed from Indo-European roots", or being a mixture of Egyptian and Greek; my Egyptian isn't what I'd like it to be, but a lot of it is certainly recognisable as pretty Greek:
"Ekdideothone." The Garthim-Master commanded the Garthim to release the sack.
Still calm, the Ritual-Master pointed out the obvious, that the Gelfling had to be killed. "Kataftheeressthou."
It's really just a detail—the longest sentence is four words and the total vocabulary can't be more than fifteen—but I like it.)
July 25, 2007
I picked up this book after recalling the 1982/83 film inolving Jim Henson and Frank Oz. The book is a novelization of this film and therefore, as novelizations go, ran the risk of being lame. Although I agree with other reviewers, that the books scientific and technical explanations of the visual aspects of the story fall short of the wonder of their portrayal on the big screen, I was impressed by A.C.H. Smith's word choices and his addition of some political drama that I don't recall being in the original film (I'll have to check). The book does have a few pages of pictures from the motion picture, but that clearly is a far cry from the work that Brain Froud and Henson crafted. I'd recommend this to anyone who has seen the film or enjoys fantasy. There is a hint of philosophy throughout the novel that I've enjoyed as an adult that was lost on me as a kid. Worth the read.
July 23, 2021
Novela basada en la película de Jim Henson, estrenada en 1982. La pieza audiovisual ya contaba con cierta atmósfera tenebrosa aún dentro de un mundo de fantasía, la novela consigue dar un paso más allá en esa oscuridad y deja ver aún más la crueldad que habita en Thra.
Sin dejar de lado una ternura con la que también se destacaba la película de marionetas (preciosas todas, incluso los Skeksis), podemos conocer la historia de Jen y Kira desde un medio distinto, parándonos a observar ciertos matices en detalles que la película no podía ofrecer.
Sin dejar de lado una ternura con la que también se destacaba la película de marionetas (preciosas todas, incluso los Skeksis), podemos conocer la historia de Jen y Kira desde un medio distinto, parándonos a observar ciertos matices en detalles que la película no podía ofrecer.
February 12, 2017
I love the film, but don't think the novelisation really lives up to the it. There are some nice bits of background that let you know a little more about Jen, but I would have liked a little more about Kira.
September 9, 2019
I've never been a big fan of fantasy, but the original Dark Crystal film was a real standout memory of my childhood. It was released when I was eight years old, and I was obsessed with it for years. I just loved the alien world it created, and all the strange creatures and odd goings-on. It was an extraordinary creation, visually stunning and a fantastic piece of world-building. However, I'm the first to admit that there's a lot of flaws in the film, but more on that in a minute.
I was absolutely gobsmacked to discover that Netflix has revived the world of Thra and brought it back to the screen no less than 37 years after the film! I only found out about a week before the series was released. The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance was an absolute joy to watch and returned me straight back to the age of wonder that was my childhood. :)
It made me realise just how much incredible detail went into creating the world for the film, as so much of what went into the plot of AoR was designed and written forty-odd years ago. The world was designed first, with the film following, which barely scratched the surface of it all. I rewatched the film before binging on the series, and I was reminded that some of it isn't great. In particular, the Gelfling characters - meant to be the heroes of the piece - are rather bland characters let down by a poor script and, in a few places, some dreadful voice acting.
The basic story is sound, though, so I thought I'd give this a read again after many years. I'm glad I did. It's a very faithful novelisation of the original film, but in many ways it's better - it's more detailed, giving away much more about the world of Thra and how it works, and examining the complex motives of the Skeksis much more comprehensively. You're also given more of a glimpse of Jen and Kira's backgrounds, and what they remember of what happened to their families in infancy. Much of this is handled rather better than the film. Kira in particular comes across as a much stronger character in the novel - in the film, her dialogue is particularly bad - and Jen is a somewhat less bland hero. The plot is fairly standard fantasy-quest fare, but it's handled well here.
It does make me reflect upon the strength of vision and ideas that went into the film, but sadly that quality doesn't always make it to the screen. Having seen Age of Resistance, it was nice to imagine, as I read this, what could be done if the original story was remade using the technology and resources now available to the producers. I guess we never saw any prequel or sequel to The Dark Crystal for so long because the resources and markets for it just weren't there. I'm assuming a lot of people will be coming to the world of Thra for the first time, thanks to Netflix picking this up, and reading this book is a great way to scratch beneath the surface and see where it all began. A very good companion to the film, complete (in the edition I have) with some photos from it.
I was absolutely gobsmacked to discover that Netflix has revived the world of Thra and brought it back to the screen no less than 37 years after the film! I only found out about a week before the series was released. The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance was an absolute joy to watch and returned me straight back to the age of wonder that was my childhood. :)
It made me realise just how much incredible detail went into creating the world for the film, as so much of what went into the plot of AoR was designed and written forty-odd years ago. The world was designed first, with the film following, which barely scratched the surface of it all. I rewatched the film before binging on the series, and I was reminded that some of it isn't great. In particular, the Gelfling characters - meant to be the heroes of the piece - are rather bland characters let down by a poor script and, in a few places, some dreadful voice acting.
The basic story is sound, though, so I thought I'd give this a read again after many years. I'm glad I did. It's a very faithful novelisation of the original film, but in many ways it's better - it's more detailed, giving away much more about the world of Thra and how it works, and examining the complex motives of the Skeksis much more comprehensively. You're also given more of a glimpse of Jen and Kira's backgrounds, and what they remember of what happened to their families in infancy. Much of this is handled rather better than the film. Kira in particular comes across as a much stronger character in the novel - in the film, her dialogue is particularly bad - and Jen is a somewhat less bland hero. The plot is fairly standard fantasy-quest fare, but it's handled well here.
It does make me reflect upon the strength of vision and ideas that went into the film, but sadly that quality doesn't always make it to the screen. Having seen Age of Resistance, it was nice to imagine, as I read this, what could be done if the original story was remade using the technology and resources now available to the producers. I guess we never saw any prequel or sequel to The Dark Crystal for so long because the resources and markets for it just weren't there. I'm assuming a lot of people will be coming to the world of Thra for the first time, thanks to Netflix picking this up, and reading this book is a great way to scratch beneath the surface and see where it all began. A very good companion to the film, complete (in the edition I have) with some photos from it.
September 21, 2021
The Dark Crystal is my favorite film of all time. I had no idea there was a novelization, or that Henson was actually passionately involved with it. It was no cheap cash in…as the bonus notes from Henson on the original draft illustrate.
So how is it? For the most part its pretty good. It’s nice to see aspects of the world more fleshed out than in the film. It’s interesting to see this interpretation of events, or removed elements of the film added back in. It made a film I’ve watched a dozen times feel new again.
The writing itself can often be sublime, though at other times it does feel mechanical like he is embellishing someone else’s notes. Which he was.
For the most part I really enjoyed it and once it got past the initial exposition it was hard to put down.
The bonus art is awesome.
I would recommend this to fans of the film in a heartbeat, don’t let your preconceived notions of movie novelizations deter you.
So how is it? For the most part its pretty good. It’s nice to see aspects of the world more fleshed out than in the film. It’s interesting to see this interpretation of events, or removed elements of the film added back in. It made a film I’ve watched a dozen times feel new again.
The writing itself can often be sublime, though at other times it does feel mechanical like he is embellishing someone else’s notes. Which he was.
For the most part I really enjoyed it and once it got past the initial exposition it was hard to put down.
The bonus art is awesome.
I would recommend this to fans of the film in a heartbeat, don’t let your preconceived notions of movie novelizations deter you.
October 7, 2018
No one hardly ever says this about anything ever, but: the movie was actually much better.
Yes, the movie was there first and it shows, since it's so much more atmospheric, has better characterizations and in general the story seems to work better as a visual medium.
This, even if it wasn't bad, lacked the charme of the film for me. I also wasn't sure if I liked the writing style. I thought it was well written at first but after some time I got tired of this style, it's much too needlessly complicated for something based on a family film, I guess.
I also feel Chamberlain, my favorite character from the movie, really lost a lot of his "screen time" here.
The book was still enjoyable but I still recommend (re)watching the movie over reading it.
Yes, the movie was there first and it shows, since it's so much more atmospheric, has better characterizations and in general the story seems to work better as a visual medium.
This, even if it wasn't bad, lacked the charme of the film for me. I also wasn't sure if I liked the writing style. I thought it was well written at first but after some time I got tired of this style, it's much too needlessly complicated for something based on a family film, I guess.
I also feel Chamberlain, my favorite character from the movie, really lost a lot of his "screen time" here.
The book was still enjoyable but I still recommend (re)watching the movie over reading it.
April 7, 2023
There are several things in this book that I would have loved to have seen in the movie, but were probably too difficult to do with the practical effects at the time. There are some aspects of this book that I'm glad they left out of the movie, such as the Skeksis speaking their own language (I believe that's what they did for the first draft of the movie, but they changed it because it got too confusing and that's why the Chamberlain talks so weird... hmMMMm)
This is a rare occasion where I'll say that the movie was better than the book. (but the movie came out first, so... yeah. Go watch the movie, it's great.)
This is a rare occasion where I'll say that the movie was better than the book. (but the movie came out first, so... yeah. Go watch the movie, it's great.)
October 8, 2017
Way higher level of reading than is really necessary. Is this just how books were written? So that you constantly need a thesaurus or dictionary? I'm pretty well-read and still there were parts where I had to look words up. Context clues didn't even help.
Labyrinth is next and since it's the same author I guess I know what to expect.
Labyrinth is next and since it's the same author I guess I know what to expect.
February 28, 2021
I had such a great time reading this novelization! To be honest, I have never read a novelization, and I did not know what it was. A novelization, in case you do not know, is telling the story of a movie as a novel. (It was so simple and I did not know!) The book told everything that made the Dark Crystal movie come to life and more! (Plus, there are fun sketches of elements from the movie!) I would definitely recommend it for any Dark Crystal fans!
January 6, 2024
This novelization based upon Jim Hanson’s movie The Dark Crystal is just a bit better than the movie. It delves a little deeper into the world and shows more than what some of the movie production couldn’t do. Jen and Kira a just as special in this book as they are in the movie. I have always wanted this in my library and I’m glad to finally add it. Go read for the nostalgia!
Dash
Dash
August 15, 2025
a pretty faithful novelisation. i liked the added details of jen’s interiority and i feel like this novel fleshed out the motivations of each character effectively. i did however feel at some points the description dragged down the pacing.
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