Spierig Brothers to Direct "Power of the Dark Crystal" for Henson and Omnilab

Australian based Omnilab Media and The Jim Henson Company will bring the much anticipated and long-awaited sequel, "Power of the Dark Crystal" to the big screen in stereoscopic 3D.

It was also announced today that Peter Spierig and Michael Spierig (writers and directors of "Undead" and most recently, "Daybreakers") have come aboard to direct the project; and, as previously reported, the screenplay for the feature has been written by Craig Pearce ("Moulin Rouge," "Romeo + Juliet") and is based on an original script by Annette Duffy and David Odell. Legendary fantasy artist Brian Froud will reprise his role as conceptual designer of the film, which will use a stunning mix of live action and traditional puppetry combined with visual and special effects produced entirely in Australia. Omnilab-affiliated Iloura ("Where the Wild Things Are," "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark") has already begun work on the film's complex CGI elements. With this team in place, next steps will be to secure worldwide distribution.

"Power of the Dark Crystal is an exciting and ambitious undertaking and, having worked on previous projects with the top-notch talent and crews that Australia offers, we know we have assembled the right team to deliver the sequel to one of the most enduringly popular titles in the Henson library. Peter Spierig and Michael Spierig are sure to create a film that will continue the legacy of the original and exceed the expectations of our loyal fans," said Lisa Henson, CEO of The Jim Henson Company. "We are especially enthusiastic to be working with Omnilab Media, a strong and growing force in worldwide film finance and production."

Michael Spierig said, "We feel a tremendous amount of responsibility in telling this story with the same meticulous care that Jim Henson and Frank Oz gave the 1982 original." Added Peter Spierig, "This is a chance to take the world of puppetry into the modern age by using modern techniques (like motion capture CGI) and the tried and true methods (like puppetry and animatronics) to create a one hundred percent real world that is unique to 'The Dark Crystal'."

I will be sure to keep you updated as more information is released regarding this highly-anticipated feature film.

The Dark Crystal & Labyrinth Come to Blu-Ray

Sony Home Entertainment is planning to honor two of Jim Henson's classic fantasy films with special Blu-ray High-Def releases this fall. The beloved films "The Dark Crystal" and "Labyrinth" will hit Blu-Ray on September 29, 2009. These remastered films will sparkle in high definition; and aside from carrying over all the special features from 2007's "Anniversary Edition" DVDs, these discs will also include an array of exclusive Blu-ray special features.

The Dark Crystal Bonus Features:
• "Storyboard Track" - Picture-in-Picture storyboard track (New to Blu-Ray)
• "The World of the Dark Crystal"- Making of Documentary
• Audio commentary with Brian Froud
• "The Book of Thra" - Explore the world of the Dark Crystal (New to Blu-Ray)
• "SkekTek's Crystal Challenge" - Trivia Game (New to Blu-Ray)
• "Original Skeksis Language" - Test Scenes with all-new introduction by Screenwriter David O'Dell
• Deleted Scenes
• "Reflections of the Dark Crystal: Light on the Path of Creation" featurette
• "Reflections of the Dark Crystal: Shard of Illusion" featurette

Labyrinth Bonus Features:
• "The Storytellers" - Picture-in-Picture track with all-new interviews (New to Blu-Ray)
• "Inside The Labyrinth" - Making of Documentary
• Audio commentary with Brian Froud
• "Journey through the Labyrinth: Kingdom of Characters" featurette
• "Journey through the Labyrinth: The Quest for Goblin City" featurette

Labyrinth Comes to Blu-Ray

Jim Henson's 1986 fantasy film Labyrinth is getting the HD treatment this fall, with its first ever Blu-Ray release. Sony Pictures Home Entertainment announced today that Labyrinth is planned for release on Blu-Ray on September 1, 2009. The disc specifications for the title have not been announced, and I will be sure to keep you updated with information on bonus features and other specifications as soon as such details are announced. I have also been told that The Dark Crystal is slated for a Blu-Ray release this year as well, however a specific date has not been set. I'll keep you updated on all these exciting Hi-Def Jim Henson releases.

Dark Crystal Sequel Update

Back in 2005 The Jim Henson Company announced plans to produce "Power of the Dark Crystal," a sequel to Jim Henson's classic 1982 film "The Dark Crystal". Since the initial announcement, fans have been clamoring for any news regarding the development and status of this highly-anticipated production. The film has had its share of pre-production setbacks that have nonetheless slowed the process of producing this ambitious film; however I have been reassured that the company remains as committed as ever to bringing the project to the screen.

The project has undergone several reworkings and overhauls and is finally preparing to move out of pre-production. The film's epic screenplay was recently rewritten by screenwriter Craig Pearce ("Moulin Rouge!", "Romeo + Juliet"), and producer Lisa Henson says that the film now has a "really great script."

The Jim Henson Company is now partnering with Australian production company Omnilab Media to produce their "Dark Crystal" sequel. Henson previously partnered with Omnilab to produce the television series "Farscape". The Jim Henson Company is preparing to unveil some more concrete announcements very soon, so a lot more information should be rolling out in the not so distant future.

The movie is not expected to hit theaters until 2011 (so fans still have some waiting to do), however I've been told that things are on track and continuing to move along. I will be sure to keep you updated as more information is released regarding this highly-anticipated feature film.

Skeksis Action Figure Coming from NECA

As reported earlier, NECA is planning to release the first figure in a potential line of Dark Crystal action figures and collectibles. The first figure set for release is SkekSil, the Skeksis chamberlain. The incredibly detailed and poseable action figure stands 7-inches tall and is modeled on the original puppet and designed featured in the film.

NECA plans to release this highly-anticipated figure under their "Cult Classics Presents" banner this fall. The 7-inch ChamberlainAction Figure is currently available to pre-order from several retailers (generally selling for around $14.99). I've been told that the figure is expected to ship to retailers by October 2008, so be sure to secure your very own Skeksis figure by pre-ordering one today. You can take a look at the upcoming figure below; and I will be sure to keep you updated as more information on Dark Crystal merchandise surfaces.

Henson's Fantastic World Come to Louisiana

"Jim Henson’s Fantastic World" opened last week at the Louisiana Art and Science Museum in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The traveling exhibit, which gives an in-depth look at the imagination and creations of Jim Henson, is now on the third stop of its a four-year, 12-city national tour.

"Jim Henson’s Fantastic World" is the most comprehensive Henson exhibit to date. The exhibit is filled with original puppets, drawings, props, artwork, storyboards, photographs, videos and other rare artifacts from the Jim Henson archives.

In conjunction with the exhibit's Louisiana debut, the museum has produced a unique audio tour to accompany the displays. The special audio podcast offers a behind-the-scenes look at the life and creations of Jim Henson. The 38-minute tour features personal insights from Karen Falk, Craig Shemin, and Cheryl Henson; plus appearances by Dave Goelz and the Great Gonzo. You can download the entire 22 chapter audio podcast for free via the Smithsonian's podcast website or through the iTunes Store. This set of MP3s provides listeners unique insights on the creations and displays found within the exhibit.

The "Jim Henson’s Fantastic World" exhibit will be on display in Louisiana until June 22th, at which point it will head off to the Smithsonian's International Gallery in Washington DC (where it will be open from July 12 - October 5). For more information on the Louisiana Art and Science Museum and the Henson exhibit visit the museum's website at Lasm.org; and be sure to check out this page for the exhibit’s complete four-year tour schedule.

More of the Henson Library Comes to iTunes

Last month The Jim Henson Company launched their content on iTunes. The intial launch brought the first season of "Fraggle Rock" (24 episodes) and the first season of "Farscape" (22 episodes) to the iTunes Store. You can purchase individual episodes or download the entire season. The company has recently released the subsequent season for each of these two programs, plus two classic Henson Company feature films.

the entire second season of "Fraggle Rock" (24 episodes) and the complete second season of "Farscape" (22 episodes) are now available for purchase via iTunes. Additional two classic Jim Henson feature films - "The Dark Crystal" and "Labyrinth" - can also be downloaded from the iTunes Store as well.

The Jim Henson Company plans to continue to release more titles from their vast video libray through iTunes in the near future. I'll keep you updated as more titles become available.

Dark Crystal Action Figure Coming from NECA (Plus More Labyrinth)

Fans of "The Dark Crystal" will be excited to hear that they will soon be able to own their very own Skesis action figure! NECA has announced plans to release an action figure of SkekSil, the Skesis chamberlain, under their "Cult Classics" banner. The figure is expected to be released later this year.

Fans of Jim Henson's "Labyrinth" may be familiar with NECA's work; the company released two Jareth the Goblin King figures last year – a 7-inch action figure in April and a 12-inch talking figure in September. The company has been planning a third "Labyrinth" release, and the latest "Labyrinth" action figures have finally arrived. The highly-anticipated Jareth and Hoggle box set was released this week at Toy Fair in New York and the initial shipments should be hitting stores within the next month – you can already pre-order the set from several online retailers.

I will be sure to keep you all posted as more news on these exciting "The Dark Crystal" and "Labyrinth" action figures as things develop.

MINDstyle to Make "Fraggle" Figures and More "Crystal" Collectibles

In celebration of the 25th anniversary of "Fraggle Rock", MINDStyle has announced plans to releasing a set of Fraggle Rock figures. The series of vinyl figures based on the beloved characters are planned for released later this year.

MINDstyle has licensed several properties from the Jim Henson Company and has already produced several successful product lines, including the Jim Henson's City Critters and a series of high-end "Dark Crystal" collectibles. More limited-edition figures in the "Dark Crystal" line are currently in development. The third collectible, a replica of the Skeksis' castle, is planned for release this spring with more "Dark Crystal" products planned to follow.

Initial offerings of many new MINDStyle products, plus sneak-peaks at others upcoming figures, is planned to take place at the International Toy Fair in New York later this month. I'll be sure to keep you updated as soon as more information on these, and other pieces of Jim Henson merchandise, becomes available.

Tokyopop Talks Henson at WonderCon

Tokyopop will be holding a special panel at WonderCon in San Francisco focusing on their successfully line of Henson-based mangas – "Return to Labyrinth" and "Legends of the Dark Crystal". The panel will include Tim Beedle (editor of both series) and Jake Forbes (author of "Return to Labyrinth"). The event will be held on Saturday, February 23rd from 4:30-5:30pm. Beedle and Forbes will be there to answer questions and talk about the origins and development of the series plus give insight on where they are going. I've been told that they will have also some awesome "Legends of The Dark Crystal" posters, and will be giving away some special signed items as well – plus I'm sure there will be some other surprises too.

I have been told that the third installment in the four-part "Return to Labyrinth" series is tentatively planned for a November 2008 release. Tim Beedle has said that takes about a year to produce each volume when you factor in all the time it takes to develop, write, illustrate, and get all the nessesary approvals from The Jim Henson Company.

I will be sure to keep you updated on the future of both series as soon more information surfaces. And if you are a fan of "Return to Labyrinth" or "Legends of the Dark Crystal" and you are planning on attending WonderCon, be sure to check in with the folks from Tokyopop.

More Henson Plushes from ToyVault in '08

Last year ToyVault Inc. acquired licenses to produce plush dolls and collectibles based on two Jim Henson classics - "The Dark Crystal" and "Labyrinth". The first products in each of these lines were released earlier this year – a plush Fizzgig from "The Dark Crystal" and a plush Sir Didymus from "Labyrinth". Since the debut of these two products the fans have been wondering whether or not they can expect more fantasy world collectibles from ToyVault, and when any more products would be rolling out.

I contact ToyVault to find out about the future of these two lines, and was told that they have a slew of new products planned to roll out in 2008. The fine folks at ToyVault provided me with a glimpse at their tentative 2008 release schedule and a list of the Henson-themed items fans can expect to see. The release dates and specifics have not all been locked-in yet and things could always change, but here is a sneak-peak at some of the products ToyVault is currently working on and planning to release in2008.

Dark Crystal:
• Dark Crystal Pillow
• Plush Jen (with rotocast vinyl head)
• Plush Kira (with rotocast vinyal head)
• Plush Augrah
• Plush Mystic
• Plush Landstrider
• Plush Fizzgig Hand Puppet
• Plush Pod People

Labyrinth
• Plush Fiery
• Plush Goblin
• Plush Ludo
• Plush Hoggle
• Plush Didymus with Ambrosius
• Hangable Plush Door Knockers
• Ludo Plush Slippers

An Interview with TOKYOPOP's Tim Beedle

Adding our collection of exclusive interviews, we are proud to present a special question-and-answer session with TOKYOPOP's editor Tim Beedle.

Back in 2005, The Jim Henson Company announced that they were teaming up with TOKYOPOP to produce original graphic novels based on two of Henson's beloved fantasy films - The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth. The first installment of the highly-anticipated "Return to Labyrinth" manga was released in last year, and the second volume hit stores earlier this month. The first volume of the "Legends of the Dark Crystal" series, entitled "The Garthim Wars", will be released on November 13th.

Tim Beedle serves as the editor of both of these Henson-based manga series. Tim has been leading the team on "Legends of the Dark Crystal" since the beginning and he recently came to helm the "Return to Labyrinth" series as well. Tim was able to shares some great behind-the-scenes insights and gives readers a "sneak peak" at what they can expect to see in these graphic novels. You can find the interview in our article section, or you can jump to it directly via the link below.

We would like to extend a great big "thank you" to Tim for taking the time to answer our questions and give the fans an inside "scoop" on these exciting extensions of the worlds of Jim Henson.

- An interview with Tim Beedle -

Henson Podcasts Shares Comic-Con Q&A

The Jim Henson Company has released yet great another installment of the Henson.com podcast today. This episode shares 15-minutes of audio from the Jim Henson Company’s question-and-answer session at the 2007 Comic Con International convention held in San Diego in July. The pane talk about "The Skrumps", the Henson Digital Performance Studio, "Puppet Up!", the future of puppets and animatronics in the face of computer animation, "Power of the Dark Crystal" and even poop. Brian Henson, Lisa Henson, John Chandler, Halle Stanford, Patrick Bristow, Julianne Buescher and Piddles answered questions asked by select members of the audience. There was one question answered by Henson that hinted at an exciting Muppet project and gave a reassuring update on "Power of the Dark Crystal" (which, after several production delays, is now set for release in 2009).

"...All of this is cloaked in secrecy. Actually the Disney team that is working on the Muppets does have a really great project that we can’t talk about. So there is something good coming along, but we can’t tell you. And the same thing is true with 'The Dark Crystal'. Fans of 'The Dark Crystal' did detect that we were moving a little slowly, and it’s kind of true - we had a little setback but are back on track. The movie will not be coming out until 2009 so we’re not going to be showing anything for a while..."

Fans may be excited to hear more hinting at a big Muppet project in the works. Back in June Muppeteer Dave Goelz (with the help of Gonzo) also hinted at "a really cool project" coming sometime in the next year. And while Henson has confirmed that the release of "Power of the Dark Crystal" has been delayed since their initial announcement, it’s reassuring to hear the company let us know it’s still coming.

You can listen to the entire podcast by clicking here. And I’ll be sure to keep you updated as things develop on all the exciting projects.

Henson's Fantastic World Opens in Arkansas

"Jim Henson’s Fantastic World", an exciting new traveling exhibit, opened today at the Arkansas Arts Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. The exhibit gives an in-depth look at the imagination and creations of Jim Henson. Assembled by The Jim Henson Legacy and the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service, "Jim Henson’s Fantastic World" is making the Arkansas Arts Center its initial stop before continuing on a four-year national tour.

"Jim Henson’s Fantastic World" is the most comprehensive Henson exhibit to date. The exhibit is filled with original puppets, drawings, props, artwork, storyboards, photographs, videos and other rare artifacts from the Jim Henson archives.

After exploring the "Jim Henson’s Fantastic World" exhibit, visitors of the Arkansas Arts Center will also get a chance to try puppetry first hand. On Saturdays and Sundays during the stay of "Jim Henson’s Fantastic World’s", professional puppeteers will be on site teaching performance techniques and leading impromptu puppet shows.

Also in conjunction with the "Jim Henson’s Fantastic World" display, Little Rock’s Market Street Cinema is hosting a Jim Henson Film Festival. Three films are to be shown on the big screen throughout October: "The Dark Crystal" (on October 11th at 7pm), "The Muppet Movie" (on October 18th at 7pm) and "Labyrinth" (on October 25th at 7pm).

The "Jim Henson’s Fantastic World" exhibit will be in Arkansas until November 25th, before heading to the Arizona Museum for Youth in Mesa, Arizona (where it will open on December 15th). For more information on the Arkansas Arts Center visit their website at ArkArts.com; and be sure to check out this page for the exhibit’s complete tour schedule.

"Legends of the Dark Crystal" Details

As reported earlier, the first installment in the highly anticipated "Legends of the Dark Crystal" series will be released later this year. The graphic novel, entitled "Legends of the Dark Crystal #1: The Garthim Wars", is expected to hit store shelves on November 13, 2007.

The story takes place nearly 100 years before "The Dark Crystal", at a time when the gentle Gelflings and wise Mystics are still thriving - and so, unfortunately, are the evil Skekses.

The 192-page graphic novel is already available to pre-order from many online retailers, with a list price of $9.99. I also have the updated cover art for the release here (which differs from the original temporary artwork shown last year).

Details on the second and third volumes have not been released yet, however two more installments are planned to follow. I’ll keep you posted with details on the future of "Legends of the Dark Crystal" as information is released.

Get Your Dark Crystal Collectible Figures

Last week I told you about the 25th anniversary Dark Crystal figures that were unveiled at Comic-Con in San Diego. These high-end collectible figures were available to collectors at Comic-Con, but now you can get your own Mystic or Landstrider figurines online.

The collectible figurine (with limited productions of only 2,500 each) are on sale at ToyTokyo.com. A wider and more accessible release of figures in "The Jim Henson Signature Collection" is said to be in the works, however you should snag these "limited edition" collectors items now while the supply lasts. To order the collectible UrAk the Mystic scribe figurine click here; and to check out the giant Landstrider and Jen figurine click here.

Happy shopping!

"Dark Crystal" Figures To Launch "The Jim Henson Signature Collection"

In Celebration of the 25th anniversary of "The Dark Crystal" (along with a special edition DVD, and a new soundtrack re-release), The Jim Henson Company, in association with MINDStyle, is releasing a set of limited-edition Dark Crystal collectibles.

Prototypes (with limited productions of only 2,500 each) of some upcoming Dark Crystal figures were on display at Comic-Con in San Diego. A vinyl figure of Jen aboard a full-figure Landstrider and a figure of uRac the Mystic scribe were both available at Comic-Con.

MINDstyle has licensed several properties from the Jim Henson Company, including the Jim Henson's City Critters. The Dark Crystal 25th Anniversary figures are part of another new line from Henson and MINDstyle titled "The Jim Henson Signature Collection". Other figures and collectibles are in development for the line, and the products should start to become available soon. I will be sure to keep you posted as more information on these, and other pieces of Jim Henson merchandise, becomes available.

Henson Collection Moves to Atlanta

The Henson family and the Jim Henson Foundation have announced that they are donating a large collection of Jim Henson artifacts — everything from hundreds of original puppets to sketches and artwork — to Atlanta’s Center for Puppetry Arts.

The 29-year-old center will house between 500 and 700 Henson pieces in a wing named for the beloved puppeteer as part of a new building scheduled to open in 2012. One of the original Kermit the Frog puppets is already on display at the center, and a series of smaller exhibits from the larger collection will rotate through the center until the new space opens. In September, the center will get Rowlf, Swedish Chef and Dr. Teeth puppets as part of an exhibit focusing on the characters that Henson operated himself. The center also will display characters from "Sesame Street", "Fraggle Rock", "The Dark Crystal", "Labyrinth", "Sam and Friends", and other Henson works.

"People will be able to come to Atlanta and immerse themselves in the life and career of Jim Henson in a way that cannot be replicated anywhere else," said Vince Anthony, founder and executive director of the center.

The Center for Puppetry Arts was offered the Henson Foundation archive because of its long history with the Jim Henson Company. Jim Henson cut the ribbon at the center’s opening in 1978 alongside Kermit and Miss Piggy (dressed as Rhett and Scarlett), and the center’s collection already includes the Pigs in Space from "The Muppet Show."

The institution is "the prime center of puppetry arts in the country and really has been for a long time," said Eileen Blumenthal, a professor of theater arts at Rutgers and author of the book Puppety, a World History.

Cheryl Henson, co-CEO of the Jim Henson Company and daughter of Jim Henson, stated in a press release that: "We are delighted the Center for Puppetry Arts will make it possible for the public to see and experience the full breadth of this extraordinary work that reaches across generations and countries to touch everybody."

Feel free ot visit puppet.org for more information on the Center for Puppetry Arts and this momentous and Muppetational gift.

Henson at Comic-Con

The annual San Diego Comic-Con is gearing up for their 2007 convention. The four-day event is being held in San Diego, California, at the San Diego Convention Center. The event will be running from July 26th to 29th and the Jim Henson Company is planning to attend with a host of special appearances and presentations.

The Jim Henson Company will be at Comic-Con talking about some of their exciting projects currently in the works. The special presentation will be on Friday, July 27th from 4:15-5:45pm. Topics and presentation will focus on "The Skrumps", "Puppet Up! Uncensored", the Henson Digital Performance Studio, new merchandise, fantasy world mangas and much more!

Brian Henson, Lisa Henson, Halle Stanford, Craig Bartlett and John Chandler will be at Comic-Con to showcase the Henson Company's newest gang of characters, "The Skrumps". The group will talk about the upcoming production and will give a live demonstration of the revolutionary technology that brings this animated troupe to life. Also featured in the Henson appearance will be a live performance of sketch comedy from the company's stage show "Puppet Up! Uncensored" with Patrick Bristow, Julianne Buescher, and Michelan Sisti.

The company will also be at the convention to talk about and promote a bunch of new products - including new DVD releases of "The Dark Crystal" and "Labyrinth", new collectible toys, the new "Legends of The Dark Crystal" manga series, the next installment of "Return to Labyrinth" and more! On Saturday July 28, TOKYOPOP and the Jim Henson Company will hold a presention on "Legends of the Dark Crystal" and "Return to Labyrinth". Writer Barbara Randall Kesel, artist Heidi Arnhold, editor Tim Beedle, and head of children's television for the Jim Henson Company Halle Stanford will preview and discuss the upcoming "Dark Crystal" series. Joining them will be Jake Forbes, author of the "Return to Labyrinth" manga, who will be on hand to discuss the upcoming volume of the successful "Labyrinth" sequel

So if you are planning to attend Comic-Con be sure to check out the Henson Company presentations. And if you don't make it out to San Diego, you can be sure that we'll share a full run-down of Henson news that comes out of the convention later this month.

Dark Crystal CD Details

Earlier this month I told you The Jim Henson Company and La La Land Records will be releasing "The Dark Crystal: 25th Anniversary Edition Soundtrack" album on July 14, 2007. Well, the cover art for this upcoming CD has been released (see below), and the artwork is designed to tie-in to the 25th Anniversary DVD. Also below is a copy of the track listing provided by La La Land Records. Plus I've been told that the CD will come with a booklet containing exclusive liner notes. So be sure to pick up this collector's edition soundtrack in July, and I'll be sure to keep you posted with any more information if I get it.

Track Listing

1. The Dark Crystal Overture (3:11)
2. The Power Ceremony (3:57)
3. The Storm (1:03)
4. The Mystical Master Dies (0:51)
5. The Funerals/Jen's Journey (5:25)
6. The Skeksi's Funeral (2:42)
7. The Pod Dance (3:14)
8. Love Theme (3:17)
9. Gelfling Song (2:22)
10. The Gelfling Ruins (2:43)
11. The Landstrider Journey (0:44)
12. The Great Conjunction (4:13)
13. Finale (7:14)