Latest news with #TheDarkCrystal
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Woman makes incredible find in thrift store and is told to sell it for £1m
A bargain hunter has been urged to insure her finds after stumbling upon two incredible pieces of 1980s Hollywood movie memorabilia in an American thrift store An American woman has been urged to cash in on her thrift store find after she unknowingly uncovered a stunning piece of personalised Oscars memorabilia. Self-confessed Star Wars nerd, Libbers, said she was hunting for action figures based on the space saga when she made her startling discovery. Taking to TikTok in excitement, she explained: "I found some action figures and a Jurassic Park VHS tape which I thought was super cool, and then I saw a China cabinet containing things I didn't think were for sale because inside of it was a whole bunch of Muppets memorabilia that looked like it came from a producer." After gaining permission to look in the cabinet, Libbers pulled out the programme for the 1980 Academy Awards where The Muppet Movie had received two nominations. Libbers continued: "Inside was a letter to [Muppets creator] Jim Henson, [puppeteer and filmmaker] Frank Oz and [executive producer] David Lazer as well as a note wishing David good luck." However, she wasn't done there as she went on to detail "the more impressive of the two" purchases she made. WARNING – explicit language in TikTok video below, viewer discretion advised She then showcased an original script of The Dark Crystal, a 1982 dark fantasy film directed by both Henson and Oz. "This is the fourth draft so not everything in here is even in the movie, which is insane to me," Libbers noted. "I'm trying so hard not to scream and jump up and down." Opening the original script, Libbers noted that it had been signed and dated by Lazer, who was the producer. "This is actually crazy," she said. "This is going to be my prized possession - I will have to put it on display. My Muppet-loving heart is going crazy." Libbers wasn't done there, however, as she went on to detail the "best part" of her find. "I got it for free," she exclaimed. "My mum had just bout $80 [£59] worth of stuff from the thrift shop and I was going to pay $40 [£29.50]. But after I bought the action figures and the VHS, the lady said, 'Don't worry about it - you're good'." She closed: "I am ecstatic right now! This is crazy. It's The Dark Crystal. Like The Dark Crystal." Libbers clip soon went viral, with amazed TikTok users quick to offer her advice on her relic. "Please get a lawyer if anyone tries to contact you, like for real… do not accept any offer if it's under 1 million," one person advised. A second hailed: "Jealousy is not even a strong enough word. Also as a 45 year old it makes me happy when younger people still love Muppets and The Dark Crystal." A third individual urged: "Disney is closing Jim Henson's final legacy piece in Hollywood Studios, you better not sell it to them." A fourth recommended: "I'm sure you're on it already, but get them appraised and insured." Whilst a fifth TikTok user said: "I would actually start sobbing if I was in your position. The Dark Crystal means so much to me. it's one of my favourite movies as a kid and one of the reasons why I make puppets today. I'm so glad that it's in hands that will cherish and take care of it." In response to several queries, meanwhile, Libbers returned to the comments section to clarify: "For everyone wondering, it was just a regular local thrift store, not a specialty one. David Lazer the producer of The Dark Crystal happened to live in my town upon his passing and the thrift store some how ended up with some of his belongings."
Malaysian Reserve
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Malaysian Reserve
UNCENSORED RETURNS! TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR 14 PERFORMANCES AT THE KIRK DOUGLAS THEATRE WITH SPECIAL VIP COCKTAIL PARTY EXPERIENCE JULY 16-27 2025
HOLLYWOOD, Calif., May 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Henson Alternative's Puppet Up! – Uncensored returns this summer for 14 hysterical performances of adult comedy, puppet hijinks, and surprises at the Kirk Douglas Theatre. Tickets are on sale now for all performances: Wednesday, July 16th at 8pm, Thursday, July 17th at 8pm, Friday, July 18th at 8pm, Saturday, July 19th at 4pm and 8pm, Sunday, July 20th at 3pm and 7pm, Wednesday, July 23rd at 8pm, Thursday, July 24th at 8pm, Friday, July 25th at 8pm, Saturday, July 26th at 4pm and 8pm, and Sunday, July 27th at 3pm and 7pm. Buy tickets here: Available tickets include General Admission ($75) and VIP tickets ($150). VIP guests will have priority seating and access to an all-new pre-show cocktail party experience where they can mix and mingle with puppets and puppeteers featured in the show, take photos with iconic Henson characters from Labyrinth, The Dark Crystal, and Fraggle Rock, and enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes conversation with legendary puppeteer and show creator Brian Henson. Co-created by award-winning director and producer Brian Henson (Muppet Christmas Carol, Muppet Treasure Island), and the production's director and host Patrick Bristow (Ellen, Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Whose Line Is It Anyway?), Puppet Up! – Uncensored is never the same show twice, effortlessly blending increasingly unhinged feats of improv comedy with the unparalleled skill and originality of Henson puppeteers. Based on suggestions from the audience, the puppet mayhem – starring the unforgettable Miskreant puppets – showcases both the improvised puppet action projected live on screens above the stage, and the puppeteers racing around below in full view of the audience to bring it all to life. Performances also include recreations of classic pieces by Jim and Jane Henson that have not been performed for audiences in decades. Puppet Up! – Uncensored is not recommended for anyone under 16 and anyone under 14 will not be admitted. ABOUT HENSON ALTERNATIVEHenson Alternative is The Jim Henson Company's label for content created specifically and exclusively for adult audiences. In 1955, Jim Henson's first television production 'Sam & Friends' appeared on late-night television as a lead-in to 'The Tonight Show,' establishing a standard in the Company's work for irreverent, creative, comedy projects that spoke to adults. Appearances on 'The Jimmy Dean Show,' 'The Ed Sullivan Show,' and 'Saturday Night Live,' as well as numerous short films for clients like IBM and AT&T, proved that Henson puppetry was not limited to children. Today, Henson Alternative continues to produce and develop projects for this audience. Credits include 'The Curious Creations of Christine McConnell' (Netflix), 'The Happytime Murders' (STX), 'No, You Shut Up!' (Fusion), 'Neil's Puppet Dreams' (Nerdist), 'Tinseltown' (Logo), and 'Puppet Up! – Uncensored' (a live puppet improvisational show named one of the top 10 'Best Stage Shows' by Entertainment Weekly). The Miskreant Puppets are the motley troupe of puppets featured in many Henson Alternative productions like 'The Happytime Murders,' 'Puppet Up! – Uncensored,' and 'No, You Shut Up!' as well as Coldplay's recent music video 'Biutyful.' ABOUT WESTBETH ENTERTAINMENTFor over 40 years WBE has consistently delivered critically acclaimed, financially successful, and groundbreaking productions that have made artists and audiences' dreams come true. Beginning as The Westbeth Theatre Center and morphing into Westbeth Entertainment, developing and introducing artists and talent to North American audiences have been a big part of Westbeth's history. From Billy Connolly to Eddie Izzard to Eric Idle, Sandra Bernhard to John Leguizamo to The Jim Henson Company, and Margaret Cho to Trevor Noah to Noel Fielding, WBE has been the creative catalyst, partner, and producer of some of the most innovative performances and productions on the continent in iconic venues, such as Madison Square Garden, The Hollywood Bowl, Toronto's Massey Hall, The Chicago Theatre, Radio City Music Hall, and many others. Our journey with Ray Davies began in 1996 at the Westbeth Theatre Center with the debut of his one person show Twentieth Century Man. This show eventually developed into the West End hit, Sunny Afternoon, which just made its North American debut.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
HENSON ALTERNATIVE'S PUPPET UP! - UNCENSORED RETURNS! TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR 14 PERFORMANCES AT THE KIRK DOUGLAS THEATRE WITH SPECIAL VIP COCKTAIL PARTY EXPERIENCE JULY 16-27 2025
HOLLYWOOD, Calif., May 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Henson Alternative's Puppet Up! – Uncensored returns this summer for 14 hysterical performances of adult comedy, puppet hijinks, and surprises at the Kirk Douglas Theatre. Tickets are on sale now for all performances: Wednesday, July 16th at 8pm, Thursday, July 17th at 8pm, Friday, July 18th at 8pm, Saturday, July 19th at 4pm and 8pm, Sunday, July 20th at 3pm and 7pm, Wednesday, July 23rd at 8pm, Thursday, July 24th at 8pm, Friday, July 25th at 8pm, Saturday, July 26th at 4pm and 8pm, and Sunday, July 27th at 3pm and 7pm. Buy tickets here: Available tickets include General Admission ($75) and VIP tickets ($150). VIP guests will have priority seating and access to an all-new pre-show cocktail party experience where they can mix and mingle with puppets and puppeteers featured in the show, take photos with iconic Henson characters from Labyrinth, The Dark Crystal, and Fraggle Rock, and enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes conversation with legendary puppeteer and show creator Brian Henson. Co-created by award-winning director and producer Brian Henson (Muppet Christmas Carol, Muppet Treasure Island), and the production's director and host Patrick Bristow (Ellen, Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Whose Line Is It Anyway?), Puppet Up! – Uncensored is never the same show twice, effortlessly blending increasingly unhinged feats of improv comedy with the unparalleled skill and originality of Henson puppeteers. Based on suggestions from the audience, the puppet mayhem – starring the unforgettable Miskreant puppets – showcases both the improvised puppet action projected live on screens above the stage, and the puppeteers racing around below in full view of the audience to bring it all to life. Performances also include recreations of classic pieces by Jim and Jane Henson that have not been performed for audiences in decades. Puppet Up! – Uncensored is not recommended for anyone under 16 and anyone under 14 will not be admitted. ABOUT HENSON ALTERNATIVEHenson Alternative is The Jim Henson Company's label for content created specifically and exclusively for adult audiences. In 1955, Jim Henson's first television production "Sam & Friends" appeared on late-night television as a lead-in to "The Tonight Show," establishing a standard in the Company's work for irreverent, creative, comedy projects that spoke to adults. Appearances on "The Jimmy Dean Show," "The Ed Sullivan Show," and "Saturday Night Live," as well as numerous short films for clients like IBM and AT&T, proved that Henson puppetry was not limited to children. Today, Henson Alternative continues to produce and develop projects for this audience. Credits include "The Curious Creations of Christine McConnell" (Netflix), "The Happytime Murders" (STX), "No, You Shut Up!" (Fusion), "Neil's Puppet Dreams" (Nerdist), "Tinseltown" (Logo), and "Puppet Up! – Uncensored" (a live puppet improvisational show named one of the top 10 "Best Stage Shows" by Entertainment Weekly). The Miskreant Puppets are the motley troupe of puppets featured in many Henson Alternative productions like "The Happytime Murders," "Puppet Up! – Uncensored," and "No, You Shut Up!" as well as Coldplay's recent music video "Biutyful." ABOUT WESTBETH ENTERTAINMENTFor over 40 years WBE has consistently delivered critically acclaimed, financially successful, and groundbreaking productions that have made artists and audiences' dreams come true. Beginning as The Westbeth Theatre Center and morphing into Westbeth Entertainment, developing and introducing artists and talent to North American audiences have been a big part of Westbeth's history. From Billy Connolly to Eddie Izzard to Eric Idle, Sandra Bernhard to John Leguizamo to The Jim Henson Company, and Margaret Cho to Trevor Noah to Noel Fielding, WBE has been the creative catalyst, partner, and producer of some of the most innovative performances and productions on the continent in iconic venues, such as Madison Square Garden, The Hollywood Bowl, Toronto's Massey Hall, The Chicago Theatre, Radio City Music Hall, and many others. Our journey with Ray Davies began in 1996 at the Westbeth Theatre Center with the debut of his one person show Twentieth Century Man. This show eventually developed into the West End hit, Sunny Afternoon, which just made its North American debut. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE The Jim Henson Company
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Willem Dafoe, Finn Wolfhard, and Helena Zengel Star in The Legend of Ochi—And the Trailer is Pure Magic
A24 is set to transport audiences into a breathtaking new world with The Legend of Ochi, a fantasy adventure directed by Isaiah Saxon in his highly anticipated feature debut. Described as 'a new fantasy adventure classic' by Collider, the film is already drawing comparisons to beloved 1980s classics like The NeverEnding Story and The Dark Crystal, thanks to its rich world-building, emotional depth, and practical effects. Set for theatrical release on April 25, 2025, The Legend of Ochi follows a young girl's journey of self-discovery as she ventures beyond the boundaries of her home to reunite a mythical creature with its kind. With an all-star cast including Helena Zengel, Willem Dafoe, Finn Wolfhard, and Emily Watson and a bold commitment to practical effects over CGI, the film is shaping up to be a visually stunning, emotionally compelling cinematic event. Set on the remote and mystical island of Carpathia, The Legend of Ochi follows Yuri (Helena Zengel), a shy farm girl who has been raised to fear an elusive species known as the ochi, enigmatic creatures rumored to possess supernatural abilities. But everything changes when Yuri discovers a wounded baby ochi, abandoned and vulnerable. Rather than succumbing to the fear instilled in her by the village elders, she chooses a different path, one of empathy and courage. Determined to reunite the creature with its kind, Yuri embarks on a perilous journey beyond the only world she has ever known. What follows is an adventure filled with danger, wonder, and self-discovery as Yuri encounters breathtaking landscapes, ancient secrets, and powerful forces that challenge everything she believed to be true. The film is expected to deliver an emotional coming-of-age story wrapped in the grandeur of classic fantasy filmmaking. 'This is the kind of film we don't see anymore, a fantasy epic that feels both deeply personal and boundlessly imaginative.' – Variety One of the most exciting aspects of The Legend of Ochi is its stellar cast, featuring acclaimed actors known for their ability to bring rich, complex characters to life. Helena Zengel (News of the World, System Crasher) as Yuri, the courageous young protagonist. Willem Dafoe (The Lighthouse, Spider-Man) as Maxim, a mysterious figure whose knowledge of the ochi could change everything. Finn Wolfhard (Stranger Things, It) as Petro, a companion on Yuri's journey. Emily Watson (Chernobyl, Breaking the Waves) as Dasha, a key figure in the village who represents the traditional fears and beliefs about the ochi. This powerful ensemble, paired with Saxon's visionary direction, ensures that the film will be as emotionally compelling as it is visually stunning. What truly sets The Legend of Ochi apart from modern fantasy films is its commitment to practical effects and handcrafted artistry. Rather than relying on CGI, director Isaiah Saxon opted for intricate puppetry and animatronics to create the ochi creatures, giving them a tangible, otherworldly presence on screen. A team of seven performers operated the puppets, breathing life into these mythical beings in a way that feels both organic and immersive. This decision was heavily influenced by classic fantasy films like Jim Henson's The Dark Crystal, which used similar techniques to create a world that felt authentic and tactile. The use of real locations instead of green-screen-heavy digital environments further reinforces the film's grounded, old-school fantasy aesthetic. To bring Carpathia to life, filming took place in the rugged landscapes of Romania, specifically in the Apuseni Mountains, near Bâlea Lake, and along the breathtaking Transfăgărășa road. These majestic, untouched landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for the film's epic journey. 'Every frame of The Legend of Ochi looks like a painting. Isaiah Saxon's vision is unlike anything else in modern fantasy cinema.' – The Legend of Ochi had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on January 26, 2025, where it stunned audiences and critics alike. Critics have already hailed the film as a 'visually breathtaking achievement', with Brian Tallerico of comparing it to 'the grand adventure films of the 1980s.' He highlighted its handcrafted aesthetic, emotionally resonant story, and immersive world-building, calling it 'a triumph of cinematic imagination.' Variety's Carlos Aguilar noted that the film's practical effects give it an unparalleled sense of magic and realism, making audiences feel as if they are stepping into a forgotten myth. He praised Saxon's ability to craft a world that feels both timeless and fresh, writing 'Few modern films make you wonder how they were made. This is one of them. And the answer only makes it more impressive.' – Variety Despite the overwhelming praise, some critics have pointed out that the film's slow-burn pacing and lack of heavy exposition may not appeal to all audiences. Vulture described it as 'a mesmerizing but at times frustrating experience,' particularly for those accustomed to faster-paced, exposition-heavy fantasy storytelling. With its stunning cinematography, unforgettable practical effects, and profoundly emotional storytelling, The Legend of Ochi is poised to become one of the most talked-about fantasy films of the decade. For fans of classic adventure films, this is a rare chance to experience a movie that recaptures the magic of old-school fantasy storytelling while bringing something new to the genre. Isaiah Saxon's directorial debut is not to be missed for those craving original, visionary filmmaking. Catch The Legend of Ochi in theaters everywhere on April 25, 2025. The post Willem Dafoe, Finn Wolfhard, and Helena Zengel Star in The Legend of Ochi—And the Trailer is Pure Magic appeared first on Where Is The Buzz | Breaking News, Entertainment, Exclusive Interviews & More.
