From Publishers Weekly
This lavish, oversized picture book revisits the collaboration between Froud, prominent fairy artist, and Jim Hensen, Muppeteer, in the creation of their cult favorite The Dark Crystal. Reissued after 20 years, this portfolio of sketches and backdrop paintings retains a certain mystique, crammed to the margins with moss-covered runes and medieval diagrams, and peopled by the movie's menagerie of grotesque, shambling puppets. Unfortunately, the narrative fails to support the elaborate art direction, offering a dim echo of the Lord of the Rings with none of the complexity or scope. The long-nosed Gelflings and vulturish Skeksis-as well as the whole hodge-podge of occult symbols and carefully antiquated tools-come across as strangely arbitrary, constantly reaching for a profundity that never appears. But for the many fans of the movie and young children interested in fantasy-adventure, the book will satisfy greatly. Also included in the package is a preliminary 20-page sketchbook for the production, unseen until now.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Product Description
Jim Henson's fantasy film "The Dark Crystal", featuring the concept design of artist Brian Froud, has developed a big cult following over 25 years. This is a reissue of the work as a collector's edition. It contains all of the art and text of the original volume - plus a new essay by Froud, illustrated with never-before-published paintings, drawings and sculptures from the film's archives. This edition also features a facsimile of a 20-page booklet Froud and Henson created to present the film to backers, which gives an overview of the story.
by Iain McCaig
