@@mrsinister8978 Star Wars has done a cliff dive into jagged rocks and the descent started with Disney picking it up and continuing it. I would cry if Disney got their dirty fat sausage fingers on this too.
I wouldn’t say it is a “masterpiece in storytelling” as the plot and dialogue is very generic by today’s standards. Had it been done the way it was originally intended with the Skeksis’s speaking a different language and removing Jen’s inner monologues, then yes, it would’ve been a pioneer in storytelling (I rarely use the word Masterpiece as I believe there is no such thing as a masterpiece, but there are ones that are damn near close to being one). I’ll say this though, the story of Thra is ripe with opportunity to expand its story and lore and it’s a crime against humanity that Netflix cancelled the TV series after 1 seasons.
I think that Yoda's species is descended from the gelflings, the crystal of Truth is a kyber crystal, Dagobah and Thra are actually the same planet, and Aughra is a being similar to the Bendu.
@Christopher Rowley *George Lucas wasn't a student of Gnostic thought and philosophy - he ripped off _Dune_, which was written by Frank Herbert who was a student of Gostic thought and philosophy.* *George Lucas was also nearly sued for plagiarism by Frank Herbert.*
Funny, I just watched this...looked at the comments...and found that I had watched and commented on this 4 years ago. My understanding now is much greater than it was then. Great video.
Very interesting. I had forgotten about this movie that I enjoyed as a child. Did you know originally Rey's name was Kira too before they changed it to Rey lol.
It's so interesting, the score to Star Wars was the first to inspire me to be a composer. But the score to the Dark Crystal was FOR SURE in the second wave of scores to inspire me along with The Neverending Story, the Land Before Time, the Secret of NIMH and so many others. Loved this video!
Life-long StarWars fan here. I recently got into The Dark Crystal and i can confirm that the same kind of people who like Star Wars are the kind of people who can like the Dark Crystal.
Sniff sniff, sniff sniff Augrha holding out her eye, "Sadye! Statche! Hooah, diyah Von Kermit litch!" Yoda, "Feel like what?" Augrha places her eye back in, "Are! You! Yo! da!" Yoda, "Away put your weapon! I mean you no harm." "Jedi all dead. Empire killed them all. You CAN'T BE Jedi. You look like Yoda." Sniff "Smell like Yoda." Sniff Sniif "Maybe you are Yoda." Yoda, "I am wondering. Why are you here?" Augrha, "Hmm, who sent you?!" Yoda, "Sent... found someone you have I would say! Woo, hehee hey!" Augrha looks shock! Starts looking side to side, "Where is he? Somewhere around here!?" Yoda, "Help you I can. Yess, mmmm" Augrha, "Could be anywhere then.." Yoda, "Ooowwhh! Hehehe he he"
Even George Lucas himself described Star Wars as a "classic fairy tale, but set in space". Dark Crystal, Star Wars, Harry Potter, The Legend of King Arthur and literally, and theatrically, thousands more, all follow the EXACT same plot outline and basic story. The connection of Henson and his team creating so many of wonderful creatures in Star Wars and Producer Gary Kurtz working on both titles, is as insignificant as claiming a conspiracy between Lost in Space and Star Wars because John Williams wrote the musical scores for both. Hollywood has a limited pool of A-list talent, both in front and behind the camera, there are boatloads of connections like this and it is the exact basis of the game "Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon". Yes there are some parallels between the two, but those parallels also parallel countless other stories far older, but to call it a conspiracy just irresponsible.
dunewizard calm man calm. Remember there are only seven stories. I quite like this video and never did make the connection myself with Mr Oz, though I had not thought about it. I love both btw.
@@dunewizard the "conspiracy" is that both of these stories are *directly* connected even though it's never officially stated in either of their lore.. you're applying that logic to all similar works of fiction? I don't understand
The Dark Crystal and The Never Ending Story hold a very special and magical place in my heart. Watching those films as a kid when they came out, I loved every second. Me and my other 40 year old friend can't relate to adults talking about being creeped out watching The Dark Crystal lol. Fucking ridiculous..
Well played. Both stories are epic fantasies with eastern/new age elements regarding balance and spiritual "forces". It drives me nuts when people call SW science fiction.
Wit and Folly no problem! It was so well done when I saw your subscriber count I thought it said it's was over 600,000 hahaha. I don't think it will take you all too long for your sub count to jump up to that number. Can't wait to see your next vid :)
Hats off to you my dear. Great little video, I loved both universes since childhood. I like how you said understanding the light and dark in SW can be better understood through the Dark Crystal. Very interesting!
Subbed. Fantastic video. I’ve been enthralled by The Dark Crystal every since I was about 2 (even have SkekSil on my arm), and your understanding of it is very well thought out. Thank you for that. Great commentary voice, very well done video.
The connections are a lot stronger than that. Many of the same puppeteers who had worked on The Empire Strikes Back also worked on The Dark Crystal Many of the same puppeteers who had worked on The Dark Crystal also worked on Return of the Jedi Gary Kurtz, producer of The Empire Strikes Back, co-produced The Dark Crystal George Lucas, creator of Star Wars, served as executive producer on Labyrinth Many of the Ewok performers who worked on Return of the Jedi performed goblins in Labyrinth Frank Oz, Jim Henson's closest partner, performed Yoda in The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, the prequel trilogy, and The Last Jedi Kirk Thatcher, one of the creature designers on Return of the Jedi, began working with Jim Henson beginning with The Jim Henson Hour Industrial Light & Magic, the special effects house behind Star Wars, also worked on The Dark Crystal C-3PO and R2-D2 guest-starred on Sesame Street Kermit and Miss Piggy visited the set of The Empire Strikes Back Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) voiced the Joker on Batman: The Animated Series; Batman and Robin made a few appearances on Sesame Street Mark Hamill guest-starred on The Great Space Coaster, which starred many future Sesame Street puppeteers Footage from both Star Wars and The Dark Crystal was featured on Muppet Babies The cast of Star Wars guest-starred on an episode of The Muppet Show Star Wars was both referenced and spoofed on Sesame Street and several Muppet productions James Earl Jones, the voice of Darth Vader, was Sesame Street's first guest star Natalie Portman (Padme) guest-starred at least once on Sesame Street Robot Chicken has featured references to Star Wars, The Dark Crystal, the Muppets, Sesame Street, and Fraggle Rock Many puppeteers who had worked on The Muppet Christmas Carol, Muppet Treasure Island, Mopatop's Shop, and Muppets Most Wanted also puppeteered on the Star Wars sequel trilogy Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who guest-starred once on Sesame Street, voiced a character in The Last Jedi Michael Giacchino, who provided the score for the PlayStation video game Muppet RaceMania, voiced a Stormtrooper in The Force Awakens Mark Hamill voices the Skeksis Scientist in The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance Simon Pegg (Unkar Plett from The Force Awakens) voices the Skeksis Chamberlain in The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance
This is such an awesome new channel I have found! I'm glad TH-cam actually suggested something good for once. Very interesting and comparative look into these two brilliant series.
It’s me again...I loved this video along time ago but now I realize it was you guys... Episode 9 was black diamond aka dark crystal. Snoke looked like the sharu and toka and includes the mind warp which was in solo movie. And vidar/addar son of leader of church of the force, and the black crystal snoke had. So makes sense that Rey and Kylo have to return crystal to lost city/beyond.
When I first saw this as an adult with friends; when Aughra came out one of them commented “must be cold in there.” And I’ve never been able to unsee it 😂😂😂😂 To this day though, The Dark Crystal still gives me shivers to watch. The themes are timeless, I think; that’s why movies and stories like this and the Star Wars still fascinate new fans to this day.
Renea B I loved this film when I was a kid and watched it about 100 times.. then when I watched it a few years ago it felt like a not so hidden reference to the perils of Crystal Meth.. even one of the side effects I've seen people have from meth is getting this whole geometric communion with a spirit World thing.. right before it destroys their lives
Another great video. But if I may, the background music is too overwhelming to the narration of your voice. Personally, I would reduce the volume of the music by half (or something similar with raising the volume of your voice).
I appreciate the feedback!! I actually had turned it up higher than the previous vids because I could barely hear it in the Bendemption vid. I might need a beta tester lol
I'm a staunch lover of Dark Crystal but I wouldn´t compare nor downplay Star Wars either, I just happen to love more magical fantasy elements than Sci Fi itself but I do not dislike the latter either, on the contrary:-). Star Wars managed to blend magical fantasy and Sci Fi in a beautiful and unique way, even more than Star Trek did in some of its more mystical episodes and so did Stargate SG1, though the dreadful militarist aspect was too dominant in the latter, something I personally don´t like. Nevertheless, Stargate SG1 is one of the few Sci Fi movies which got closer to esoteric and pagan occult knowledge. The masterpiece Fringe, though of my icons and favorite works I deem of high excellency, got closer to paranormal studies, never exactly magical as Stargates Ascended ones (both of the light and dark sides, as Theosophy and eastern traditions teach to exist) or Star Wars Jedis and Siths.
Great commentary. And excellent message/interpretation so thank you. Evolving past duality to "Grow up" as opposed to seeking balance.... That's very deep, and it resonates with me as "balance" is in this existence is actually an unattainable state. This universe really only evolves because of its state of flux. Great work thank you, we're told and have a belief e.g. Ying yang, light dark and so on - we need balance - so we're chasing a state we cannot achieve because any paradigm that insinuates an absolute is actually false. "It's about the journey, not the destination".
Nicely put together video and very well narrated, thank you. I love The Dark Crystal; The Last Jedi; not so much. I suppose if you read into any story, you may be able to find parallels in some other story. The difference here, in my opinion, is that The Dark Crystal is a wonderful story of love and redemption brilliantly executed, worthy of being called a masterpiece. Last Jedi, not so much of anything.
This is so cool! Loved the parallel. Great video. Dark Crystal is bomb. Star Wars I guess has always reminded me of the Dark Crystal because the originals are great while the new saga is its evil half. Much like the Skeksis and Mystics lol
You do well in making many of the right connections. However, your conclusion completely misses the real story behind all of these similarities. The actual reason they have so much in common is because their creators are expressing a gnostic theology (i.e. duality and ultimately the attainment of apotheosis through balance of the two natures). This is clearly evident through the narrative and their use of well known occultic ideas and symbolism in both stories. The real "conspiracy" of these stories is the reason behind embedding a deeper esoteric moral in both of these fantasies. Many with more understanding of these topics, would no doubt agree. Of course, depending on their agenda, they might also ridicule and/or try to obfuscate the presence of these elements.
This video was more about introducing a question- what does the Dark Crystal tell us about Star Wars? It barely scratches the surface of the similarities or why they are there. It's an introduction, not a deep analysis. I wanted to wait until after episode IX to do that sort of thing.
Even back when I was a kid .......(I confess so easy with the insults, please) I’ve always dreamed of a Star Wars/ Dark Crystal crossover. Thinking like “Where do you think the Crystal gets its power, the Gelflings just don’t know it yet” stuff like that. The Skeksis are just another product of the dark side created from the essence of the Mystics when the Skeksis and Mystics were once one.....or something like that,
Pretty similar to my thoughts on the connections between them. That’s further cemented in the clone wars episode where Yoda learns from the Whills in Star Wars. It’s not about denying the darkness and repressing it, it’s about accepting it. The Jedi order in the prequels were doomed because of their constant need to repress rather then tackle and accept. As the UrSkeks showed when they were reunited, true light is achieved by acknowledging the shadows you cast.
Excellent observation the two stories do seem to be in the same universe! It would be great if Disney bought the Dark Crystal series and linked the two into one history. Seriously, it could be done seemlessly. This could give Star Wars different branches and epic timelines seen from the point of view of different age groups.
I had read that a script for Star Wars was very much similar to the Dark Crystal, but they wanted to drop all the focus from the crystal, and changed a few more things too, but that original script run was the script for the dark crystal, which does focus on the crystal aspect of that Star Wars pilot script.
I think both were heavily influenced by our love of Asian culture in the 80s. Each is essentially a Buddhist parable. Not to say that either gets any specific denomination of Buddhism's theology spot on correct. But that both are heavily influenced by Eastern philosophy, theology, and cosmology.
Yes, and also Joseph Cambell's works. And the Dark Crystal was loosely based on Seth Speaks: The Eternal Validity of the Soul.. which is an entirely different piece of work altogether. I think the themes of balance are what they are getting at though. Balance internally and therefore helping to balance the world.
Well you certainly stumbled near Jung's concept of the Shadow and Mask in your discussion of the difference between simple dark and light and the more subtle balance that the Sith/Jedi and Skeksis/Mystics must find. Campbell obviously was influenced by Jung fairly heavily.
Absolutely. I love me some Campbell. I cohost a Star Wars podcast where we discuss that sort of stuff at length. Star Wars and Taoism, Star Wars and the monomyth, Star Wars and Shakespearean and Aristotlean tragedy lol. I love Star Wars. It's called What the Force? if you're ever interested.
Idk how much I buy the comparisons, but your vid was well made and you sound smart and I’m also hyped for the new Dark Crystal show so here’s a subscribe.
I grew up in the 70s, 80s & 90s, & both of these stories were huge favorites. I never even thought about these similarities, but it really is uncanny how they parallel each other so closely! Thank you for blowing my mind! I must now go scrape my brain matter off the floor & attempt to salvage some of it! 😉
(Many) years ago I watched the *Dark Crystal* with a group of friends and a copious amount of liquid LSD... to this day when we see each we raise our hands (thumb and index out, t’other fingers clasped) and let out a chanty note as the *UhRu* do... such a *_wonderful_* film and a great memory.
Yes, Henson and Lucas were heavily influenced by Eastern philosophy. Taoism and Buddhism especially. Ben is named after Ben Kenobi, even though phonetically similar to the character in Dark Crystal. I love the Dark Crystal. Watched it so many times, and just recently purchased the 4k format to add to my VHS and DVDs.
I remember seeing this with my dad when it hit the theaters in the 1980s and loving it! There's a real, relatable magic in the use of puppets and practical effects, and I'm so glad the ST dropped the overuse of CGI that PLAGUED the PT. Moreover, narrative parallels between the ST and Dark Crystal are so HUGE it's not even funny ^^ Great vid, that reminded me of these great metas: clairen45.tumblr.com/post/169886575073/after-thoughts-on-the-dark-crystal-connection
Perhaps you should explore the lore of The Power of the Dark Crystal comics. The urskeks were once again split into the skeksis and mystics when Thurma shattered the crystal. I haven't read far enough to figure why this is the case, given that the urskeks should have been far away from Thra when Thurma became hotheaded and shattered the crystal.
Yep! I've read some of those. The canon lore doesn't match up very well - which is fun. Henson didn't care as much about the story as he did about the puppetry. It's made it tricky for artists to piece this all together and make it make SOME sense. I don't know if you listen to the Dark Crystal Podcast but Phillip, the host, has interviewed some of the artists/writers about this very issue. What does that remind you of? Lol, it reminds me of Star Wars and the existence of the Lucasfilm Story Group.
i been binge watching your entire channel and i just wanna say thank you, all the other star wars content out there is so fucking toxic, keep up with this amazing work ❤❤❤
Both take from a long history of fantasy and fiction. The quest story is quite old. And both are coming of age stories. It's not about one taking from the other as much as being influenced by many of the same sources.
Another possibility would be that whatever species Augra is, that might be Yoda, in fact they could be related. Another thing would be....Annikin Skywalker is the Mystic and Darth Vader is The Skeksis of the same person. In fact...as I was thinking on that I can envision a crossover movie where on Thra Mystics appear out of nowhere and the Gelflings are baffled by this. Even King Jen and Queen Kira. Plus there’s this one mystic where he looks half human half mystic but very sad and fearful. At the same time Augra dies through mysterious circumstances. Later they see an elder human appear who calls himself Luke. He claims that the humanized mystic is his father.... and states that they are in mortal danger than ever before! (BTW the Crystal is actually a “Force indicator” the Crystal gets its power from the Force. The Gelfling race only recently knew this)
It’s worth reading “Shadows of the Dark Crystal” and “Song of the Dark Crystal” by J. M. Lee. He won a competition to write the official prequel books and is involved in the Netflix production of “The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance” as a staff writer and creative consultant.
Lovely video! Thank you so much. I never did the connectiong myself. Perhaps Thra is a planet in the Star Wars universe, but in another galaxy that is closer, closer away, or something. I do have a question though: where's the image at 6:32 from?
This video made me cry, my hairs stand on end (I'm using google translate,sorry if is not what I want to say), and aarg just love this! I love so much this two movies, did't see those connections! One thing that makes me like star wars is the puppets, but I just love The last jedi for the rey and ben connection See that compare to the dark crystal, all this mystic thing and connection make so much sense to me now The way you tell this in the video is amazing I watch many channels in youtube, and your channel is defenitly my favorite Thanks!
The main connection between star wars and the dark crystal is with the cinematography of original trilogy. Certain scenes mimic each other e.g. the death of yoda and Jen's master are similar effect / when one of the skeksis falls into the crystal chamber same as the emperor. Many scenes using similar camera techniques/effects. Archetypically Jen and Luke are similar, Kira and Leia, The mystic master and Obi wan. These films are from the same metaphysical stable.
Great video! Modern Star Wars should keep focus on the topic mentioned in this video. Cutting away from Rey and Kylo bogged TLJ down. Here's hoping the next movie focuses on them "growing up" and jettisons the clutter.
Jordan A I've actually found a lot more meaning in the other story arcs in TLJ after watching it a few times. Every single main has a heroes journey, and they all converge on Crait. It's pretty neat.
I wonder if this means, *Kylo & Rey* will end up together at the end (love), thus bringing balance to the force (the Dark side and Light side coming together in love). *Hmm.*
I genuinely believe it's where they want to go, but if they did there would simply be no more star wars. So it does really leave me scratching my head, I dunno how they can turn around the mess it's in, not a clue to be honest.
Wow you are really smart, and you really understand the themes about the myths and how they should portray. Sadly most star wars fans had become edgy drama queen and preffer brainless action scenes with tons of exposition (because if Nolan can make boring dialogue sound epic, why other movies can't). I recently watch an edit video from the throne room battle in the last Jedi "with better music" and they choose the duel of fates theme from phantom menace, and by god it ruined the tone and meaning of the scene, its so loud that we barelly even heard the characters struggling, and Is so frenetic that it dosn't match the choreography of the fight. Just because something sound epic it dosn't mean that it work for everything, its like putting mad Max music in the lightsaber battle from return of the jedi. I hope theres More fans like you and less them.
motor4X4kombat TLJ periodically ruins its own tone with the poorly placed comedic moments and incredibly dull jokes. It’s riddled with nonsensical plot points and seems amateurish at times. Doesn’t need a fan edit to do that. Also, watch that fight scene again. On the surface level it looks cool, but the choreography was actually executed piss poorly.
I've been watching some Jordan Peterson videos in which he talks about the jungian archetypes and integrating your shadow to become effective in the world. It reminded me of the dark crystal. In the end, light did not conquer darkness. They joined and learned to be a part of each other. It's one of the best hero's journey stories ever made.
The meaning of life lies in that dancing sliver between the darkness and Iight. It is the tai chi symbol with a dot of darkness in light and light in darkness, dancing endlessly between order and chaos.
I was too afraid of the puppets to watch this movie, and still lowkey was until I saw this video. Maybe I will watch The Dark Crystal now. I do love magical crystals.
Kylo and Rey are not the last 2 ones who know the true path of the Jedi and the whole touching hands and seeing vision from the future and past was a projection from Snope anyways so its moot.
Jeremy McReynolds Unless Ashoka is still alive. Even so, she is no Jedi. Rey and Ben are the last of the Jedi. Also, no. Snoke meddled with an existing connection. The connection between Rey and Ben has always been there (TLJ novel confirms that). Snoke merely pulled on those strings. And besides, it's in the movie. Snoke was dead but Ben and Rey had another force-connect at the end. The connection is still there.
Yet in Star Wars canon, the Sith aren't brothers with the Jedi. But an entire race of people. The Sith was a race of warriors. The Sith we see now are Dark Force users & Jedi's turned Dark. There are no more Sith's.
CavemanJesus4Life That is only part of the story. The Dark Jedi exiled after the hundred year darkness found and conquerd the Sith species becoming the first Dark Lords of the Sith. Over time they intermingled with the Sith species and became one in the same. The "brothers" the holocron was referring to were the original Dark Lords who where once Jedi.
I am only using what is canon in the video and the only thing in canon that even mentions the beginning of the Sith is the comic where Luke discovers the Holocron, and then later it's mentioned again in the Tarkin book.
Thanks for the intelligent and delicious analysis, both works have become iconic for all lovers of Magical Fantasy and Sci Fi and we know Star Wars is a mix of these genres. I love both in their unique and special way, and though I confess I lean more on Magical Fantasy than on pure Sci Fi, I wouldn´t pass any good Sci Fi story either, especially one with so many magical elements as the great saga of Star Wars! Shared for sure!
The Dark Crystal is a masterpiece in puppetry and story telling.
*Disney Star Wars isn't.*
@@Princess2Warrior The Force Awakens is.
@@mrsinister8978 Star Wars has done a cliff dive into jagged rocks and the descent started with Disney picking it up and continuing it. I would cry if Disney got their dirty fat sausage fingers on this too.
@@Princess2Warrior Yes a lack of puppets make that hard
I wouldn’t say it is a “masterpiece in storytelling” as the plot and dialogue is very generic by today’s standards. Had it been done the way it was originally intended with the Skeksis’s speaking a different language and removing Jen’s inner monologues, then yes, it would’ve been a pioneer in storytelling (I rarely use the word Masterpiece as I believe there is no such thing as a masterpiece, but there are ones that are damn near close to being one).
I’ll say this though, the story of Thra is ripe with opportunity to expand its story and lore and it’s a crime against humanity that Netflix cancelled the TV series after 1 seasons.
I always thought that the dark crystal universe could be in the star wars universe maybe in unexplored space lol
Darth Nito like how E.T. Was connected.
I think that Yoda's species is descended from the gelflings, the crystal of Truth is a kyber crystal, Dagobah and Thra are actually the same planet, and Aughra is a being similar to the Bendu.
@@Supasmartguy I think the dark crystal is like the prequel prequel prequel prequel.............on how star wars came to be
As a giant fan of Star Wars for 20 years, this is something I never connected. Thank you! A very beautiful video.
I kinda noticed the similarities on first viewing.
Both Jim Henson and George Lucas are/were students of Gnostic thought and philosophy.
sounds also like buddhas teachings
@Christopher Rowley *George Lucas wasn't a student of Gnostic thought and philosophy - he ripped off _Dune_, which was written by Frank Herbert who was a student of Gostic thought and philosophy.*
*George Lucas was also nearly sued for plagiarism by Frank Herbert.*
Friends who were Joseph Campbell fans.
*"Another world, another time, in the Age of Wonder..."*
Those first words...
Funny, I just watched this...looked at the comments...and found that I had watched and commented on this 4 years ago. My understanding now is much greater than it was then. Great video.
Jim Henson and George Lucas used to hang out together in the 70's and 80's so I can see them getting inspiration from each other.
Very interesting. I had forgotten about this movie that I enjoyed as a child. Did you know originally Rey's name was Kira too before they changed it to Rey lol.
*Yeah - George Lucas named her Kira - and then Disney ignored Lucas and threw his script away.*
It's so interesting, the score to Star Wars was the first to inspire me to be a composer. But the score to the Dark Crystal was FOR SURE in the second wave of scores to inspire me along with The Neverending Story, the Land Before Time, the Secret of NIMH and so many others. Loved this video!
I freaking love the dark crystal
me too
So do I, and passionately:-)!
Life-long StarWars fan here. I recently got into The Dark Crystal and i can confirm that the same kind of people who like Star Wars are the kind of people who can like the Dark Crystal.
Oh to be a fly on the wall during a conversation between Master Yoda and Mother Aughra...
Sniff sniff, sniff sniff
Augrha holding out her eye,
"Sadye! Statche! Hooah, diyah
Von Kermit litch!"
Yoda, "Feel like what?"
Augrha places her eye back in,
"Are! You! Yo! da!"
Yoda, "Away put your weapon! I mean you no harm."
"Jedi all dead. Empire killed them all. You CAN'T BE
Jedi. You look like Yoda."
Sniff
"Smell like Yoda."
Sniff Sniif
"Maybe you are Yoda."
Yoda, "I am wondering. Why are you here?"
Augrha, "Hmm, who sent you?!"
Yoda, "Sent... found someone you have I would say!
Woo, hehee hey!"
Augrha looks shock! Starts looking side to side,
"Where is he? Somewhere around here!?"
Yoda, "Help you I can. Yess, mmmm"
Augrha, "Could be anywhere then.."
Yoda, "Ooowwhh! Hehehe he he"
Yo. It ain't just the dark Crystal and start wars. Their themes and archetypes came from hundreds of other myths that preceded them
of course. A lot of my videos compare these themes
Wit and Folly cool. I'll have to watch 'em
Even George Lucas himself described Star Wars as a "classic fairy tale, but set in space". Dark Crystal, Star Wars, Harry Potter, The Legend of King Arthur and literally, and theatrically, thousands more, all follow the EXACT same plot outline and basic story. The connection of Henson and his team creating so many of wonderful creatures in Star Wars and Producer Gary Kurtz working on both titles, is as insignificant as claiming a conspiracy between Lost in Space and Star Wars because John Williams wrote the musical scores for both. Hollywood has a limited pool of A-list talent, both in front and behind the camera, there are boatloads of connections like this and it is the exact basis of the game "Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon".
Yes there are some parallels between the two, but those parallels also parallel countless other stories far older, but to call it a conspiracy just irresponsible.
dunewizard calm man calm. Remember there are only seven stories.
I quite like this video and never did make the connection myself with Mr Oz, though I had not thought about it.
I love both btw.
@@dunewizard the "conspiracy" is that both of these stories are *directly* connected even though it's never officially stated in either of their lore.. you're applying that logic to all similar works of fiction? I don't understand
The Dark Crystal and The Never Ending Story hold a very special and magical place in my heart. Watching those films as a kid when they came out, I loved every second. Me and my other 40 year old friend can't relate to adults talking about being creeped out watching The Dark Crystal lol. Fucking ridiculous..
I’ve always believed the Dark Crystal and Star Wars were a part of the same universe.
Well played. Both stories are epic fantasies with eastern/new age elements regarding balance and spiritual "forces". It drives me nuts when people call SW science fiction.
What a random video suggestion. But unlike most random TH-cam video suggestions this one was awesome! Thanks for the video, really nicely put together
Thank you!!
Wit and Folly no problem! It was so well done when I saw your subscriber count I thought it said it's was over 600,000 hahaha. I don't think it will take you all too long for your sub count to jump up to that number. Can't wait to see your next vid :)
Hats off to you my dear. Great little video, I loved both universes since childhood. I like how you said understanding the light and dark in SW can be better understood through the Dark Crystal. Very interesting!
The Dark Crystal might be a Kyber Crystal.
Subbed. Fantastic video. I’ve been enthralled by The Dark Crystal every since I was about 2 (even have SkekSil on my arm), and your understanding of it is very well thought out. Thank you for that. Great commentary voice, very well done video.
Thank you so much!!! =)
You could say enTHRAlled even? I'll leave now.
The connections are a lot stronger than that.
Many of the same puppeteers who had worked on The Empire Strikes Back also worked on The Dark Crystal
Many of the same puppeteers who had worked on The Dark Crystal also worked on Return of the Jedi
Gary Kurtz, producer of The Empire Strikes Back, co-produced The Dark Crystal
George Lucas, creator of Star Wars, served as executive producer on Labyrinth
Many of the Ewok performers who worked on Return of the Jedi performed goblins in Labyrinth
Frank Oz, Jim Henson's closest partner, performed Yoda in The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, the prequel trilogy, and The Last Jedi
Kirk Thatcher, one of the creature designers on Return of the Jedi, began working with Jim Henson beginning with The Jim Henson Hour
Industrial Light & Magic, the special effects house behind Star Wars, also worked on The Dark Crystal
C-3PO and R2-D2 guest-starred on Sesame Street
Kermit and Miss Piggy visited the set of The Empire Strikes Back
Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) voiced the Joker on Batman: The Animated Series; Batman and Robin made a few appearances on Sesame Street
Mark Hamill guest-starred on The Great Space Coaster, which starred many future Sesame Street puppeteers
Footage from both Star Wars and The Dark Crystal was featured on Muppet Babies
The cast of Star Wars guest-starred on an episode of The Muppet Show
Star Wars was both referenced and spoofed on Sesame Street and several Muppet productions
James Earl Jones, the voice of Darth Vader, was Sesame Street's first guest star
Natalie Portman (Padme) guest-starred at least once on Sesame Street
Robot Chicken has featured references to Star Wars, The Dark Crystal, the Muppets, Sesame Street, and Fraggle Rock
Many puppeteers who had worked on The Muppet Christmas Carol, Muppet Treasure Island, Mopatop's Shop, and Muppets Most Wanted also puppeteered on the Star Wars sequel trilogy
Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who guest-starred once on Sesame Street, voiced a character in The Last Jedi
Michael Giacchino, who provided the score for the PlayStation video game Muppet RaceMania, voiced a Stormtrooper in The Force Awakens
Mark Hamill voices the Skeksis Scientist in The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance
Simon Pegg (Unkar Plett from The Force Awakens) voices the Skeksis Chamberlain in The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance
Ty Sargent wow you thoroughly researched this
I am known for thorough research.
This is such an awesome new channel I have found! I'm glad TH-cam actually suggested something good for once. Very interesting and comparative look into these two brilliant series.
Mind blown. Never even realized the connections!
A cool Easter egg connecting these universes is that skekTek the Scientist has a cybernetic right eye made from a toy TIE fighter.
I love the editing so much, extra kudos for that.
It’s me again...I loved this video along time ago but now I realize it was you guys...
Episode 9 was black diamond aka dark crystal. Snoke looked like the sharu and toka and includes the mind warp which was in solo movie. And vidar/addar son of leader of church of the force, and the black crystal snoke had. So makes sense that Rey and Kylo have to return crystal to lost city/beyond.
When I first saw this as an adult with friends; when Aughra came out one of them commented “must be cold in there.” And I’ve never been able to unsee it 😂😂😂😂 To this day though, The Dark Crystal still gives me shivers to watch. The themes are timeless, I think; that’s why movies and stories like this and the Star Wars still fascinate new fans to this day.
Humans can choose to be good or evil. This means we are essentially neither.
Don't smoke the Dark Crystal
Renea B I loved this film when I was a kid and watched it about 100 times.. then when I watched it a few years ago it felt like a not so hidden reference to the perils of Crystal Meth.. even one of the side effects I've seen people have from meth is getting this whole geometric communion with a spirit World thing.. right before it destroys their lives
Great now I wanna smoke it
A little tweekin on the weekend. LMFAO
Another great video. But if I may, the background music is too overwhelming to the narration of your voice. Personally, I would reduce the volume of the music by half (or something similar with raising the volume of your voice).
I appreciate the feedback!! I actually had turned it up higher than the previous vids because I could barely hear it in the Bendemption vid. I might need a beta tester lol
@@WitandFolly your voice is much prettier than any music. Wed love to hear you♡♡♡♡ great videos!
take Dark crystal over star wars any day. roll on tv series
I'm a staunch lover of Dark Crystal but I wouldn´t compare nor downplay Star Wars either, I just happen to love more magical fantasy elements than Sci Fi itself but I do not dislike the latter either, on the contrary:-). Star Wars managed to blend magical fantasy and Sci Fi in a beautiful and unique way, even more than Star Trek did in some of its more mystical episodes and so did Stargate SG1, though the dreadful militarist aspect was too dominant in the latter, something I personally don´t like. Nevertheless, Stargate SG1 is one of the few Sci Fi movies which got closer to esoteric and pagan occult knowledge. The masterpiece Fringe, though of my icons and favorite works I deem of high excellency, got closer to paranormal studies, never exactly magical as Stargates Ascended ones (both of the light and dark sides, as Theosophy and eastern traditions teach to exist) or Star Wars Jedis and Siths.
Great commentary. And excellent message/interpretation so thank you. Evolving past duality to "Grow up" as opposed to seeking balance.... That's very deep, and it resonates with me as "balance" is in this existence is actually an unattainable state. This universe really only evolves because of its state of flux.
Great work thank you, we're told and have a belief e.g. Ying yang, light dark and so on - we need balance - so we're chasing a state we cannot achieve because any paradigm that insinuates an absolute is actually false.
"It's about the journey, not the destination".
I think the Aughra is a being similar to the Bendu from Star Wars Rebels, and Yoda's species is descended from the gelflings.
Nicely put together video and very well narrated, thank you.
I love The Dark Crystal; The Last Jedi; not so much.
I suppose if you read into any story, you may be able to find parallels in some other story.
The difference here, in my opinion, is that The Dark Crystal is a wonderful story of love and redemption brilliantly executed, worthy of being called a masterpiece.
Last Jedi, not so much of anything.
I think TLJ is brilliant =) but I have other videos discussing themes from SW and TLJ.
This is so cool! Loved the parallel. Great video. Dark Crystal is bomb. Star Wars I guess has always reminded me of the Dark Crystal because the originals are great while the new saga is its evil half. Much like the Skeksis and Mystics lol
Beautiful video, excellent points, and I adore your style of presentation and editing! It’s so gentle, and suits the subject matter very well.
Why thank you!!
It's funny, until I was in my late 20's, re-watching the movie..I thought that Michael Jackson voiced Jen lol.
This made me imagine Jen moonwalking during the podling party. 😄
You do well in making many of the right connections. However, your conclusion completely misses the real story behind all of these similarities. The actual reason they have so much in common is because their creators are expressing a gnostic theology (i.e. duality and ultimately the attainment of apotheosis through balance of the two natures). This is clearly evident through the narrative and their use of well known occultic ideas and symbolism in both stories. The real "conspiracy" of these stories is the reason behind embedding a deeper esoteric moral in both of these fantasies. Many with more understanding of these topics, would no doubt agree. Of course, depending on their agenda, they might also ridicule and/or try to obfuscate the presence of these elements.
This video was more about introducing a question- what does the Dark Crystal tell us about Star Wars? It barely scratches the surface of the similarities or why they are there. It's an introduction, not a deep analysis. I wanted to wait until after episode IX to do that sort of thing.
Oh man haven't watched the dark crystal since I was a kid and I pretty much think at that point I was like... creepy muppets!
Even back when I was a kid .......(I confess so easy with the insults, please) I’ve always dreamed of a Star Wars/ Dark Crystal crossover. Thinking like “Where do you think the Crystal gets its power, the Gelflings just don’t know it yet” stuff like that. The Skeksis are just another product of the dark side created from the essence of the Mystics when the Skeksis and Mystics were once one.....or something like that,
Pretty similar to my thoughts on the connections between them. That’s further cemented in the clone wars episode where Yoda learns from the Whills in Star Wars. It’s not about denying the darkness and repressing it, it’s about accepting it. The Jedi order in the prequels were doomed because of their constant need to repress rather then tackle and accept. As the UrSkeks showed when they were reunited, true light is achieved by acknowledging the shadows you cast.
Excellent observation the two stories do seem to be in the same universe! It would be great if Disney bought the Dark Crystal series and linked the two into one history. Seriously, it could be done seemlessly. This could give Star Wars different branches and epic timelines seen from the point of view of different age groups.
I had read that a script for Star Wars was very much similar to the Dark Crystal, but they wanted to drop all the focus from the crystal, and changed a few more things too, but that original script run was the script for the dark crystal, which does focus on the crystal aspect of that Star Wars pilot script.
I think both were heavily influenced by our love of Asian culture in the 80s. Each is essentially a Buddhist parable. Not to say that either gets any specific denomination of Buddhism's theology spot on correct. But that both are heavily influenced by Eastern philosophy, theology, and cosmology.
Yes, and also Joseph Cambell's works. And the Dark Crystal was loosely based on Seth Speaks: The Eternal Validity of the Soul.. which is an entirely different piece of work altogether. I think the themes of balance are what they are getting at though. Balance internally and therefore helping to balance the world.
Well you certainly stumbled near Jung's concept of the Shadow and Mask in your discussion of the difference between simple dark and light and the more subtle balance that the Sith/Jedi and Skeksis/Mystics must find. Campbell obviously was influenced by Jung fairly heavily.
Absolutely. I love me some Campbell. I cohost a Star Wars podcast where we discuss that sort of stuff at length. Star Wars and Taoism, Star Wars and the monomyth, Star Wars and Shakespearean and Aristotlean tragedy lol. I love Star Wars. It's called What the Force? if you're ever interested.
very, very, interesting did not think of this until you mentioned it. Thank you for your thoughts.
Outstanding!!💪
Idk how much I buy the comparisons, but your vid was well made and you sound smart and I’m also hyped for the new Dark Crystal show so here’s a subscribe.
Surprised you didn't point out Yoda and the wisest of the mystics disappearing in a very similar fashion
And Kenobi
I grew up in the 70s, 80s & 90s, & both of these stories were huge favorites. I never even thought about these similarities, but it really is uncanny how they parallel each other so closely! Thank you for blowing my mind! I must now go scrape my brain matter off the floor & attempt to salvage some of it! 😉
(Many) years ago I watched the *Dark Crystal* with a group of friends and a copious amount of liquid LSD... to this day when we see each we raise our hands (thumb and index out, t’other fingers clasped) and let out a chanty note as the *UhRu* do... such a *_wonderful_* film and a great memory.
Yes, Henson and Lucas were heavily influenced by Eastern philosophy. Taoism and Buddhism especially.
Ben is named after Ben Kenobi, even though phonetically similar to the character in Dark Crystal.
I love the Dark Crystal. Watched it so many times, and just recently purchased the 4k format to add to my VHS and DVDs.
I remember seeing this with my dad when it hit the theaters in the 1980s and loving it! There's a real, relatable magic in the use of puppets and practical effects, and I'm so glad the ST dropped the overuse of CGI that PLAGUED the PT. Moreover, narrative parallels between the ST and Dark Crystal are so HUGE it's not even funny ^^ Great vid, that reminded me of these great metas: clairen45.tumblr.com/post/169886575073/after-thoughts-on-the-dark-crystal-connection
Oh sweet!! This is so cool!!! Thank you 😊
@@WitandFolly Clairen45 is always a good read. Her parallels between Reylo and Jean Cocteau's Beauty and the Beast have to be my favourite...
Perhaps you should explore the lore of The Power of the Dark Crystal comics. The urskeks were once again split into the skeksis and mystics when Thurma shattered the crystal. I haven't read far enough to figure why this is the case, given that the urskeks should have been far away from Thra when Thurma became hotheaded and shattered the crystal.
Yep! I've read some of those. The canon lore doesn't match up very well - which is fun. Henson didn't care as much about the story as he did about the puppetry. It's made it tricky for artists to piece this all together and make it make SOME sense. I don't know if you listen to the Dark Crystal Podcast but Phillip, the host, has interviewed some of the artists/writers about this very issue.
What does that remind you of? Lol, it reminds me of Star Wars and the existence of the Lucasfilm Story Group.
im not sure but i think there is a Theory about the Planet Thraa is in a Sektor beyond the Outerrim...
This was so well in depth!!!
it all makes sense now....Kylo and Rey are gelflings!
i been binge watching your entire channel and i just wanna say thank you, all the other star wars content out there is so fucking toxic, keep up with this amazing work ❤❤❤
Thank you so much!!!
Very interesting!!! And you have a lovely voice BTW.
Thank you =)
Wit and Folly I was born in 1977, the genre has evolved somewhat.
Felix Sited certainly! As they tend to do
Wit and Folly This was the template though.
Felix Sited absolutely!
Unexpectedly well narrated, you've produced a great video!
Absolutely brilliant breakdown, as ever.
Both take from a long history of fantasy and fiction. The quest story is quite old. And both are coming of age stories. It's not about one taking from the other as much as being influenced by many of the same sources.
My soul spoke to me threw this movie. You are wise. I was 9 I have never been the same since.
I love, looooove Dark Crystal!!!
so do i
and the original working title for Episode IX... Black Diamond
Right?!?! So many meanings...
Great video! I'm a fan of TDC watched it when I was a kid
That's awesome!! It's such a great movie. I'm so glad we are getting the Netflix show
Another possibility would be that whatever species Augra is, that might be Yoda, in fact they could be related. Another thing would be....Annikin Skywalker is the Mystic and Darth Vader is The Skeksis of the same person. In fact...as I was thinking on that I can envision a crossover movie where on Thra Mystics appear out of nowhere and the Gelflings are baffled by this. Even King Jen and Queen Kira. Plus there’s this one mystic where he looks half human half mystic but very sad and fearful. At the same time Augra dies through mysterious circumstances. Later they see an elder human appear who calls himself Luke. He claims that the humanized mystic is his father.... and states that they are in mortal danger than ever before!
(BTW the Crystal is actually a “Force indicator” the Crystal gets its power from the Force. The Gelfling race only recently knew this)
This was the first movie that I had seen in the movie theater when I was a kid
It’s worth reading “Shadows of the Dark Crystal” and “Song of the Dark Crystal” by J. M. Lee. He won a competition to write the official prequel books and is involved in the Netflix production of “The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance” as a staff writer and creative consultant.
Great video. Suggestion, lower the ambient music a few ticks. A bit too loud for headset, except the soundtrack at the end!
Lovely video! Thank you so much. I never did the connectiong myself. Perhaps Thra is a planet in the Star Wars universe, but in another galaxy that is closer, closer away, or something.
I do have a question though: where's the image at 6:32 from?
Star Wars Rebels episode "Wolves and the Door"
Well now we know because of Deet and the underground clan of gelfling that there are green gelfling like a certain small Jedi with big ears!
lol yes! more evidence 😊
Always thought this when watching the two movies. But love the comparisons you made! Can't wait for the series either :D Not long now!
This video made me cry, my hairs stand on end (I'm using google translate,sorry if is not what I want to say), and aarg just love this!
I love so much this two movies, did't see those connections!
One thing that makes me like star wars is the puppets, but I just love The last jedi for the rey and ben connection
See that compare to the dark crystal, all this mystic thing and connection make so much sense to me now
The way you tell this in the video is amazing
I watch many channels in youtube, and your channel is defenitly my favorite
Thanks!
thank you so much! I'm so glad you are enjoying my videos!
You cannot tell me yoda and aughra ARE NOT related
They are 100% related
Great work...I enjoyed your take on both movies and I too believe that both stories can comfortably live in the same universe!
The main connection between star wars and the dark crystal is with the cinematography of original trilogy. Certain scenes mimic each other e.g. the death of yoda and Jen's master are similar effect / when one of the skeksis falls into the crystal chamber same as the emperor. Many scenes using similar camera techniques/effects. Archetypically Jen and Luke are similar, Kira and Leia, The mystic master and Obi wan. These films are from the same metaphysical stable.
This video was well done. I enjoyed watching it.
Thank you :)
Star Wars and The Dark Crystal? I want The Never Ending Story and The Dark Crystal!😎
Great video!
Modern Star Wars should keep focus on the topic mentioned in this video. Cutting away from Rey and Kylo bogged TLJ down. Here's hoping the next movie focuses on them "growing up" and jettisons the clutter.
Jordan A I've actually found a lot more meaning in the other story arcs in TLJ after watching it a few times. Every single main has a heroes journey, and they all converge on Crait. It's pretty neat.
interesting point of view. never considered it that way before.
I wonder if this means, *Kylo & Rey* will end up together at the end (love), thus bringing balance to the force (the Dark side and Light side coming together in love). *Hmm.*
;)
hm indeed
I genuinely believe it's where they want to go, but if they did there would simply be no more star wars. So it does really leave me scratching my head, I dunno how they can turn around the mess it's in, not a clue to be honest.
Wow you are really smart, and you really understand the themes about the myths and how they should portray. Sadly most star wars fans had become edgy drama queen and preffer brainless action scenes with tons of exposition (because if Nolan can make boring dialogue sound epic, why other movies can't). I recently watch an edit video from the throne room battle in the last Jedi "with better music" and they choose the duel of fates theme from phantom menace, and by god it ruined the tone and meaning of the scene, its so loud that we barelly even heard the characters struggling, and Is so frenetic that it dosn't match the choreography of the fight. Just because something sound epic it dosn't mean that it work for everything, its like putting mad Max music in the lightsaber battle from return of the jedi. I hope theres More fans like you and less them.
Haha! I love this. You are really sweet. I very much agree!
Agreed. I saw that video too. It was... Underwhelming.
motor4X4kombat TLJ periodically ruins its own tone with the poorly placed comedic moments and incredibly dull jokes. It’s riddled with nonsensical plot points and seems amateurish at times. Doesn’t need a fan edit to do that.
Also, watch that fight scene again. On the surface level it looks cool, but the choreography was actually executed piss poorly.
King Kwon don't worry... You are loved.
motor4X4kombat ♥️♥️♥️
I've been watching some Jordan Peterson videos in which he talks about the jungian archetypes and integrating your shadow to become effective in the world. It reminded me of the dark crystal. In the end, light did not conquer darkness. They joined and learned to be a part of each other. It's one of the best hero's journey stories ever made.
The meaning of life lies in that dancing sliver between the darkness and Iight. It is the tai chi symbol with a dot of darkness in light and light in darkness, dancing endlessly between order and chaos.
Ur voice is so amazing I’m subbing lmao
did you notice that in the recent Mandalorian Episode "THe Pirate", the Barkeeper looks like Aughra? Wonder if that is a cameo thing.
I was too afraid of the puppets to watch this movie, and still lowkey was until I saw this video. Maybe I will watch The Dark Crystal now. I do love magical crystals.
It was a great era for storytelling.
Tera Sinube
from Star Wars the Clone Wars looks like one of the Ancients
Interesting, I thought The Dark Crystal was largely forgotten by now.
well it's not
Ah, my Gen X childhood. Great video!
i enjoyed that
Kylo and Rey are not the last 2 ones who know the true path of the Jedi and the whole touching hands and seeing vision from the future and past was a projection from Snope anyways so its moot.
Jeremy McReynolds
Unless Ashoka is still alive. Even so, she is no Jedi. Rey and Ben are the last of the Jedi.
Also, no. Snoke meddled with an existing connection. The connection between Rey and Ben has always been there (TLJ novel confirms that). Snoke merely pulled on those strings. And besides, it's in the movie. Snoke was dead but Ben and Rey had another force-connect at the end. The connection is still there.
in other words, Dark crystal is the better of the two.
They're equal in my book
I didn't realise how much I was going to learn when I clicked this video
there's a part 2 ✌🏻
Yet in Star Wars canon, the Sith aren't brothers with the Jedi. But an entire race of people. The Sith was a race of warriors.
The Sith we see now are Dark Force users & Jedi's turned Dark. There are no more Sith's.
CavemanJesus4Life That is only part of the story. The Dark Jedi exiled after the hundred year darkness found and conquerd the Sith species becoming the first Dark Lords of the Sith. Over time they intermingled with the Sith species and became one in the same. The "brothers" the holocron was referring to were the original Dark Lords who where once Jedi.
I am only using what is canon in the video and the only thing in canon that even mentions the beginning of the Sith is the comic where Luke discovers the Holocron, and then later it's mentioned again in the Tarkin book.
The Dark Crystal was so creapy as a child
I may be biased but if you like the Dark Crystal and sci-fi you might like the graphic novel Girrion.
Such a good video as always!
Hopefully the Jim Henson company could make a non cannon spinoff crossover. U never know it could save Star Wars from dying for now
Thanks for the intelligent and delicious analysis, both works have become iconic for all lovers of Magical Fantasy and Sci Fi and we know Star Wars is a mix of these genres. I love both in their unique and special way, and though I confess I lean more on Magical Fantasy than on pure Sci Fi, I wouldn´t pass any good Sci Fi story either, especially one with so many magical elements as the great saga of Star Wars!
Shared for sure!
thank you! I made a part 2 as well ✌🏻
@@WitandFolly Aw, thank YOU so much. I'll just do my house stuff and as soon as I get done I'll be watching and sharing it too!