Watch The Crystal Calls Making the Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance

The Crystal Calls: Making the Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance is a documentary that takes you behind the scenes of the making of the Netflix original series, Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance. The series is a prequel to the 1982 film, Dark Crystal, and explores the world of Thra, a mystical land ruled by the evil Skeksis. The Crystal Calls shows how the creative team behind the series worked tirelessly to bring the world of Thra to life. The cast of the show includes Taron Egerton as the Gelfling hero Rian, Natalie Dormer as the enchanting Maudra Fara, Simon Pegg as the Chamberlain, and Jason Isaacs as the powerful Emperor Skeksis.

The documentary takes us through the process of creating the stunning visual effects that bring the world of Thra to life. The team used a combination of traditional puppetry and state-of-the-art visual effects to give the characters and settings a rich and immersive quality. The filmmakers employed a variety of techniques to bring the puppets to life, including using rods and wires, animatronics, and CGI.

We also get to see how the actors brought their characters to life through voice acting and motion capture. The show's cast is comprised of a mix of seasoned professionals and up-and-coming talent, and they all bring their A-game to the production. Taron Egerton in particular stands out, delivering an electrifying performance as Rian.

Another aspect of The Crystal Calls that stands out is the attention to detail that the team paid to the world of Thra. The show's art department created intricate sets and props, drawing inspiration from a wide range of sources including medieval woodcuts, the art of H.R. Giger, and even the animal kingdom. The result is a world that feels authentically ancient and otherworldly.

The Crystal Calls is not just a celebration of the production itself, but a tribute to the legacy of Jim Henson, the creator of the original Dark Crystal film. Henson's son Brian serves as an executive producer on the series, and his influence can be felt throughout the show. The documentary features several interviews with Brian, who shares his memories of working on the original film with his father and talks about the challenges of bringing the prequel to life.

Throughout the documentary, we also hear from the show's director, Louis Leterrier, as well as other members of the creative team. They talk about the challenges of adapting such a beloved franchise for a new audience, and the importance of balancing nostalgia with innovation.

What makes The Crystal Calls such a captivating watch is the passion and dedication that the cast and crew bring to the project. From the puppeteers to the visual effects artists to the voice actors, everyone involved clearly cares deeply about the world of Thra and the characters that inhabit it. This is a team that takes their work seriously but still knows how to have fun, and that infectious energy is palpable throughout the documentary.

In summary, The Crystal Calls: Making the Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance is a must-watch for fans of the original Dark Crystal film and anyone who appreciates the art of filmmaking. It's a fascinating look behind the scenes of a truly epic production, and a testament to the power of creativity and imagination.

The Crystal Calls Making the Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes.