Toy Fair 2019: McFarlane on Jim Henson's Dark Crystal

With the amount of pop culture merchandise churned out by a virtual army of companies, it seems impossible that any beloved movie property would still be untouched. And still, here's The Dark Crystal. Sure, we've had tiny figures from Funko, Pops and 12 inch Sideshow dolls waaaaaay back in the stone age, but we've never had 6-7 inch action figures we could turn our noses up at or love forever. AND NOW WE WILL!! McFarlane Toys to the rescue, with their oddball team of creators who are picking the most random things to make into action figures these days...and I love them for it.

Labyrinth Back in Theaters April 29, May 1 and May 2

Movie lovers will journey into Jim Henson’s magical “Labyrinth” when Fathom Events brings the magical 1986 fantasy-adventure back to the big screen for three days only: April 29, May 1 and May 2. To celebrate the nostalgia of this music-filled classic, starring David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly, fans are encouraged to attend the screenings in costume (in accordance with theater costume policies).

Jim Henson’s Labyrinth Returns to Theaters

Movie lovers will journey into Jim Henson’s magical “Labyrinth” this spring when the 1986 fantasy-adventure returns to the big screen for three days only as a nationwide fan celebration from Fathom Events, The Jim Henson Company and Sony Pictures Entertainment. Audiences are encouraged to attend the screenings in costume to celebrate the nostalgia and legacy of this beloved film.

The Dark Crystal Returning to Theaters This February!

Thirty-five years after it first stunned audiences and critics with its unprecedented visions and mythic storytelling, Jim Henson’s 1982 epic fantasy-adventure “The Dark Crystal,” co-directed by Henson and Frank Oz, will return to big screens nationwide in a special two-night presentation from Fathom Events, The Jim Henson Company, Universal Pictures and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.

Newly restored in 4K (at select theaters), “The Dark Crystal” is a visually spectacular tale of a young hero who must find a legendary relic in order restore harmony to the universe. A watershed in fantasy filmmaking produced by Gary Kurtz (Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back), “The Dark Crystal” will play in U.S. movie theaters on Sunday, February 25, and Wednesday, February 28, at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. local time (both days).

Each screening of “The Dark Crystal” will also feature a brand-new featurette with Lisa Henson (CEO and President of The Jim Henson Company), who will reflect on the making of the one-of-a-kind film and its creative legacy.

Netflix Teases The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance

A beloved classic from the 80s marks its return as Netflix, the world’s leading internet entertainment network, will bring The Jim Henson Company’s The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance exclusively to members around the world. The 10-episode fantasy adventure series is a prequel to the groundbreaking 1982 fan favorite The Dark Crystal, and takes place many years before the events of the film. The series will be shot in the U.K., and will star an ensemble of fantastical, state-of-the-art creatures created by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop™ and Brian Froud, the original feature’s conceptual designer.

Labyrinth Gets a Prequel

Don't get too excited (and/or upset)! This is only in graphic novel form. Entertainment Weekly is reporting Archaia Comics (who have a pre-existing relationship with Henson Studios via their Fraggle works) will be putting this tale together over the next year. So far, company editor-in-chief Stephen Christy will only say this is a prequel, so no Sarah or Toby. Rather, this will be the story of the Goblin King Jareth, exploring how he came to be in the labyrinth and ultimately, rule over it. Fans shouldn't have any fears they might muck it up as the Henson crew is heavily involved with character designs and covers by Brian Froud himself. Christy also mentions they are involving David Bowie in the process as well, though that involvement is, as yet, undefined. They are absolutely getting his blessing on the story, approvals on his look (as the character will be a young Bowie) and perhaps an introduction. Christy also mentions the use of music within the book, but this seems like a device that may come off badly, so I'd expect they will abandon the idea. They do mention that the price for Bowie to create one song for the book is the same as the budget for the entire project, so that is immediately out the window...unless we beg? Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease??

Expect Archaia to be making a big noise about this book at San Diego Comic Con before the book drops sometime toward the end of the year.

Your Wednesday Muppet Fix

As the convention season (sort of) draws to a close and the spookiness of October is locked away for another year, we settle down and look to the small things in life which bring us great joy. In this case, it is the small, often fuzzy things with odd cracky voices and the most honest felt eyes you've ever looked into. IT'S MUPPET TIME!!

Today in Muppet history, we take a look at the most current Mup-bits from around the interwebs, starting with a photo shoot Miss Piggy did for InStyle magazine.

















Next, for the horror fans in the house, here's a late Halloween greeting from the crew...










Here's a new trailer for your trembling eyeballs. Warning..like most films today, the marketing team is dead set on showing you EVER DAMN SCENE from the film before it releases...so watch these vids with that thought in mind. By the time the thing comes out, you'll probably have seen the best stuff!



If you liked the Pig with the Froggy Tattoo, you'll love this parody mash up trailer..



Since Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides is out on DVD and Blu-ray now, we thought we'd post a series of interviews Kermit taped live from the black carpet...



Here's an inadvertently creepy version of the Muppet Show theme by OKGo...



Way to suck all the life out of that song boys! Want to see how you really have fun with a stage full of Muppets? Observe...



...And that's how you do it. The Muppets ..in theaters November 23rd. BE THERE!!

For some awesome "Making Of" videos from the Weezer shoot, CLICK HERE!

Jim Henson Co. Launches Online Store With Limited Edition Fraggle Rock & Farscape Items

Fans of The Jim Henson Company's well-known brands like Fraggle Rock and Farscape, as well as fans of the Company's new hit pre-school properties, including Sid the Science Kid and Dinosaur Train, now have an online retail destination to shop for all of their favorite merchandise at the Company's official e-commerce website at www.henson.com.

The Jim Henson Company's official online store, powered by e-commerce solution leader MashON, is the only e-commerce website solely dedicated to all the products from The Jim Henson Company's extensive library of new and classic kids, family, fantasy and sci-fi brands. The online store offers distinct storefronts for the Company's hit properties including Fraggle Rock, Dinosaur Train, Sid the Science Kid, The Dark Crystal?, Farscape, Labyrinth?, Skatelab, Jim Henson Designs and Stuffed and Unstrung?. Each storefront offers brand specific merchandise, such as t-shirts, iPhone skins, greeting cards, notebooks, and posters with additional merchandise categories including toys, DVDs, and books. Pajanimals? and The String Doll Gang® storefronts will go live July 1. The site also will be updated regularly with licensed product as it becomes available.

In addition to purchasing product on-line consumers will have the ability to create their own products using licensed art for each brand, as well as search and browse for products by their favorite character or product type by using key words and phrases. Consumer designed products manufactured "on-demand," include apparel, device skins, posters, invitations, and greeting cards with many more to be delivered over the next few months.

To mark the launch of the store, fans will find limited edition and special edition product for some of the Company's most popular brands. Special product offered for the launch of the site includes:

• FRAGGLE ROCK: Limited edition "11x17" ultra hip and groovy Dr.Romanelli/Fraggle Rock art print poster created by the infamous Los Angeles designer Dr.Romanelli. Available for 10 days only. $25.00
• FARSCAPE: "11X17" super cool poster like magnets featuring vivid imagery of Moya and Crichton's memorable line "This is Your Playground." Available for 10 days only. $11.99
• STUFFED AND UNSTRUNG: Show poster "11x14" from the off-Broadway stage show hand-signed by Brian Henson. Limited quantity. $35.00
• DINOSAUR TRAIN: The first 50 Buddy InterAction Figures available in the U.S., featuring Smart Talk Technology. InterAction Buddy says over 40 sounds and phrases. Pre-order now with product shipping out on June 10th. $14.99

"We and our colleagues on the digital side at Henson have been working together for some time toward a cutting edge e-commerce solution, and now through our partnership with MashON, we can offer Henson fans the quality and creativity they expect on a wide range of product through a user-friendly purchasing platform," said Melissa Segal, SVP of Global Consumer Products for The Jim Henson Company.

"Henson's new and nostalgic titles have wonderful appeal to kids, parents and fans of all ages," said Philippe Benoliel, CEO of MashON, "We're very excited to be working with Henson to deliver a world-class shopping experience and top quality products which showcase the beautiful artistry of these various brands."