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.

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.

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."