Genndy Tartakovsky to Direct Dark Crystal Sequel

An anonymous reader writes "The folks at Jim Henson productions announced almost without fanfare that a sequel to the impressive The Dark Crystal is in the works and will be directed by the award-winning Genndy Tartakovsky, who created the hit series Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Samurai Jack and Dexter's Laboratory, will direct 'Power of the Dark Crystal,' the sequel to the 1982 classic fantasy film."

Re:Wow!

[Witchblade]

Also, without the presence of Brian Froud, the heart of the original, I am skeptical.

From TFA (er, press release):

Legendary fantasy artist Brian Froud, designer of the original film, will return to design the new characters.

The only person missing is Jim... and he could be anywhere.

Froud is in... but Tartakovsky is too.

[Cappy Red]

Genndy Tartakovasky, the master of style over substance. His presence, combined with a quote like the following from Lisa Henson, does not fill me with confidence:

"I am sure that his visualization of Brian Froud's designs will thrill fans of the original film as well as audiences who are meeting these beloved characters for the first time."

The quote is also disheartening for that "audiences who are meeting these beloved characters for the first time," bit. I can understand about slashdotters missing out on items like the movie being "set hundreds of years after the events of the first movie," but to neglect a fact like that while being quoted for a press release is rather disturbing.

Re:Eerie parallel with the BBC "Hitchhiker's Guide

[mccalli]

Anyone else who has listened to the BBC "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" show probably knows what I mean. The first two series were done within a short time of each other. They also had Douglas Adams' input. The third (and others) were made about twenty-five years later. They are nothing like the first two; I never listen to the CD of the third series that I purchased. Most of the major voice talents are the same. Including Zaphod, who sounds like a roaring drunk in rehab, in the new series. And, possibly most of all, the performances do not have any of the charm and energy that the first two exhibit.

We're going to have to agree to differ on this one, as I thought the quandary and quintessential radio series to be superb. Remember that the books themselves are darker by now, and that the performances are coloured accordingly. Remember too that the characters are supposed to be older and more experienced.

As for having Douglas Adam's input, whilst I have the utmost respect for his work I thought the two recent series showed how much better things were when he had an editor or someone else to bounce off. I thought the last book was quite poor, and not just because of the ending. I also thought the fourth book was only so-so. But the radio series...both were superb, because they had editorial input from others. Douglas Adam's did not create HHGttG on his own first time round - that's why certain characters are missing from the books, because he didn't have the rights to them.

Cheers,
Ian

It doesn't need a sequel

[Old Spider]

The original movie wasn't unique for the time, but was still an excellent creation with a finite storyline. Creating a sequel to Dark Crystal is like creating a sequel to Highlander and Never Ending Story. The only points for doing so are: "Hey, I've got this cool (crappy) script and the connections to make it happen!", and "Hey, let's make some more money off this thing!" It won't have the same spirit which only comes from something that's new. This sequel won't have the spark of beginner's luck to it that made the first one so special. Leave it be, remaster the original, repackage it with two or more DVDs full of extra material, and I'll be more than happy to line your pockets --but please keep the innovative new (crappy half-baked) script in the dust bin where it belongs.

Re:Genndy Tartakovsky?

[Anonymous Coward]

I hope I'm wrong.

Not to offend, but you are wrong. The Clone Wars shorts were absolutely amazing, and in my opinion stand head and shoulders above the actual films (perhaps not so hard to do). Maybe you were expecting something from them that they weren't intended to provide, or maybe it was the unusual animation style, but I would strongly recommend watching them again.

I don't know if making a Dark Crystal sequel is a good idea, but since they're doing it I'm thrilled to know that Tartakovsky is in charge.

Re:Genndy Tartakovsky?

[Anonymous Coward]

It wasn't quite like shooting heroine into the tip of my penis, but the Clone Wars micro series he did was beyond just TV. I was making damn sure what ever I had to do there was time set aside to watch those live. I have the DVDs and still I'm blown away. That man single handedly rescued the Star Wars of my childhood after what Lucas did it. Before he came along, I'd even pared down the series to just Empire Strikes back.

The ephemeral sense of wonder, and childhood impression of daring is something he recaptures with startling regularity. To say nothing of the cultural pool he draw from and weaves into his stories for another generation. If someone is going to make a followup to Dark Crystal, I'm glad its him.

Re:Not so sure

[Sky Cry]

I've got a perfect solution for you... don't watch the sequel!

Jar Jar Binks, anyone ?

[lbalbalba]

In addition to the live-action animatronics that in my opinion made the original such a masterpiece, this sequel will include CG animation elements as well. I just pray that they won't mess that part up, as it can ruin an entire movie for me - just as the CG in the Star Wars prequels (instead of sticking to the suits & animatronics used in the originals) ruined those films for me.

I feel sorry for some of you -- I really do

[Nicky G]

Wow, the people who are like "I loved this movie when I was little, so I rented it, and was like man, this sucks" really are pathetic IMHO. The Dark Crystal is simply a classic. I'm sorry, but it is. Deal with it. If you liked it as a child, and then rented it as a late 20-something or early 30-something, and found yourself hating it -- well, I'm sorry, but that means part of your soul died. This movie is one of the fantasy greats, with an epic story, great puppetry, deep music and some very heady ideas. It is waaaay beyond most crap made for kids, and I daresay, probably encouraged me to think about some deep thoughts as a young kid that most other children's media never would have compelled me to think about. This movie was Henson at his best, up there with Labyrynth (or is that a crap movie too?) Now, I love Genndy's stuff, although I'm not sure I see how his style would work with this kind of movie. But, I'm willing to give it a chance, that's for sure.