Henson's Fantastic World Come to Louisiana

"Jim Henson’s Fantastic World" opened last week at the Louisiana Art and Science Museum in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The traveling exhibit, which gives an in-depth look at the imagination and creations of Jim Henson, is now on the third stop of its a four-year, 12-city national tour.

"Jim Henson’s Fantastic World" is the most comprehensive Henson exhibit to date. The exhibit is filled with original puppets, drawings, props, artwork, storyboards, photographs, videos and other rare artifacts from the Jim Henson archives.

In conjunction with the exhibit's Louisiana debut, the museum has produced a unique audio tour to accompany the displays. The special audio podcast offers a behind-the-scenes look at the life and creations of Jim Henson. The 38-minute tour features personal insights from Karen Falk, Craig Shemin, and Cheryl Henson; plus appearances by Dave Goelz and the Great Gonzo. You can download the entire 22 chapter audio podcast for free via the Smithsonian's podcast website or through the iTunes Store. This set of MP3s provides listeners unique insights on the creations and displays found within the exhibit.

The "Jim Henson’s Fantastic World" exhibit will be on display in Louisiana until June 22th, at which point it will head off to the Smithsonian's International Gallery in Washington DC (where it will be open from July 12 - October 5). For more information on the Louisiana Art and Science Museum and the Henson exhibit visit the museum's website at Lasm.org; and be sure to check out this page for the exhibit’s complete four-year tour schedule.

More of the Henson Library Comes to iTunes

Last month The Jim Henson Company launched their content on iTunes. The intial launch brought the first season of "Fraggle Rock" (24 episodes) and the first season of "Farscape" (22 episodes) to the iTunes Store. You can purchase individual episodes or download the entire season. The company has recently released the subsequent season for each of these two programs, plus two classic Henson Company feature films.

the entire second season of "Fraggle Rock" (24 episodes) and the complete second season of "Farscape" (22 episodes) are now available for purchase via iTunes. Additional two classic Jim Henson feature films - "The Dark Crystal" and "Labyrinth" - can also be downloaded from the iTunes Store as well.

The Jim Henson Company plans to continue to release more titles from their vast video libray through iTunes in the near future. I'll keep you updated as more titles become available.

Dark Crystal Action Figure Coming from NECA (Plus More Labyrinth)

Fans of "The Dark Crystal" will be excited to hear that they will soon be able to own their very own Skesis action figure! NECA has announced plans to release an action figure of SkekSil, the Skesis chamberlain, under their "Cult Classics" banner. The figure is expected to be released later this year.

Fans of Jim Henson's "Labyrinth" may be familiar with NECA's work; the company released two Jareth the Goblin King figures last year – a 7-inch action figure in April and a 12-inch talking figure in September. The company has been planning a third "Labyrinth" release, and the latest "Labyrinth" action figures have finally arrived. The highly-anticipated Jareth and Hoggle box set was released this week at Toy Fair in New York and the initial shipments should be hitting stores within the next month – you can already pre-order the set from several online retailers.

I will be sure to keep you all posted as more news on these exciting "The Dark Crystal" and "Labyrinth" action figures as things develop.

MINDstyle to Make "Fraggle" Figures and More "Crystal" Collectibles

In celebration of the 25th anniversary of "Fraggle Rock", MINDStyle has announced plans to releasing a set of Fraggle Rock figures. The series of vinyl figures based on the beloved characters are planned for released later this year.

MINDstyle has licensed several properties from the Jim Henson Company and has already produced several successful product lines, including the Jim Henson's City Critters and a series of high-end "Dark Crystal" collectibles. More limited-edition figures in the "Dark Crystal" line are currently in development. The third collectible, a replica of the Skeksis' castle, is planned for release this spring with more "Dark Crystal" products planned to follow.

Initial offerings of many new MINDStyle products, plus sneak-peaks at others upcoming figures, is planned to take place at the International Toy Fair in New York later this month. I'll be sure to keep you updated as soon as more information on these, and other pieces of Jim Henson merchandise, becomes available.

Tokyopop Talks Henson at WonderCon

Tokyopop will be holding a special panel at WonderCon in San Francisco focusing on their successfully line of Henson-based mangas – "Return to Labyrinth" and "Legends of the Dark Crystal". The panel will include Tim Beedle (editor of both series) and Jake Forbes (author of "Return to Labyrinth"). The event will be held on Saturday, February 23rd from 4:30-5:30pm. Beedle and Forbes will be there to answer questions and talk about the origins and development of the series plus give insight on where they are going. I've been told that they will have also some awesome "Legends of The Dark Crystal" posters, and will be giving away some special signed items as well – plus I'm sure there will be some other surprises too.

I have been told that the third installment in the four-part "Return to Labyrinth" series is tentatively planned for a November 2008 release. Tim Beedle has said that takes about a year to produce each volume when you factor in all the time it takes to develop, write, illustrate, and get all the nessesary approvals from The Jim Henson Company.

I will be sure to keep you updated on the future of both series as soon more information surfaces. And if you are a fan of "Return to Labyrinth" or "Legends of the Dark Crystal" and you are planning on attending WonderCon, be sure to check in with the folks from Tokyopop.

More Henson Plushes from ToyVault in '08

Last year ToyVault Inc. acquired licenses to produce plush dolls and collectibles based on two Jim Henson classics - "The Dark Crystal" and "Labyrinth". The first products in each of these lines were released earlier this year – a plush Fizzgig from "The Dark Crystal" and a plush Sir Didymus from "Labyrinth". Since the debut of these two products the fans have been wondering whether or not they can expect more fantasy world collectibles from ToyVault, and when any more products would be rolling out.

I contact ToyVault to find out about the future of these two lines, and was told that they have a slew of new products planned to roll out in 2008. The fine folks at ToyVault provided me with a glimpse at their tentative 2008 release schedule and a list of the Henson-themed items fans can expect to see. The release dates and specifics have not all been locked-in yet and things could always change, but here is a sneak-peak at some of the products ToyVault is currently working on and planning to release in2008.

Dark Crystal:
• Dark Crystal Pillow
• Plush Jen (with rotocast vinyl head)
• Plush Kira (with rotocast vinyal head)
• Plush Augrah
• Plush Mystic
• Plush Landstrider
• Plush Fizzgig Hand Puppet
• Plush Pod People

Labyrinth
• Plush Fiery
• Plush Goblin
• Plush Ludo
• Plush Hoggle
• Plush Didymus with Ambrosius
• Hangable Plush Door Knockers
• Ludo Plush Slippers

An Interview with TOKYOPOP's Tim Beedle

Adding our collection of exclusive interviews, we are proud to present a special question-and-answer session with TOKYOPOP's editor Tim Beedle.

Back in 2005, The Jim Henson Company announced that they were teaming up with TOKYOPOP to produce original graphic novels based on two of Henson's beloved fantasy films - The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth. The first installment of the highly-anticipated "Return to Labyrinth" manga was released in last year, and the second volume hit stores earlier this month. The first volume of the "Legends of the Dark Crystal" series, entitled "The Garthim Wars", will be released on November 13th.

Tim Beedle serves as the editor of both of these Henson-based manga series. Tim has been leading the team on "Legends of the Dark Crystal" since the beginning and he recently came to helm the "Return to Labyrinth" series as well. Tim was able to shares some great behind-the-scenes insights and gives readers a "sneak peak" at what they can expect to see in these graphic novels. You can find the interview in our article section, or you can jump to it directly via the link below.

We would like to extend a great big "thank you" to Tim for taking the time to answer our questions and give the fans an inside "scoop" on these exciting extensions of the worlds of Jim Henson.

- An interview with Tim Beedle -

Henson Podcasts Shares Comic-Con Q&A

The Jim Henson Company has released yet great another installment of the Henson.com podcast today. This episode shares 15-minutes of audio from the Jim Henson Company’s question-and-answer session at the 2007 Comic Con International convention held in San Diego in July. The pane talk about "The Skrumps", the Henson Digital Performance Studio, "Puppet Up!", the future of puppets and animatronics in the face of computer animation, "Power of the Dark Crystal" and even poop. Brian Henson, Lisa Henson, John Chandler, Halle Stanford, Patrick Bristow, Julianne Buescher and Piddles answered questions asked by select members of the audience. There was one question answered by Henson that hinted at an exciting Muppet project and gave a reassuring update on "Power of the Dark Crystal" (which, after several production delays, is now set for release in 2009).

"...All of this is cloaked in secrecy. Actually the Disney team that is working on the Muppets does have a really great project that we can’t talk about. So there is something good coming along, but we can’t tell you. And the same thing is true with 'The Dark Crystal'. Fans of 'The Dark Crystal' did detect that we were moving a little slowly, and it’s kind of true - we had a little setback but are back on track. The movie will not be coming out until 2009 so we’re not going to be showing anything for a while..."

Fans may be excited to hear more hinting at a big Muppet project in the works. Back in June Muppeteer Dave Goelz (with the help of Gonzo) also hinted at "a really cool project" coming sometime in the next year. And while Henson has confirmed that the release of "Power of the Dark Crystal" has been delayed since their initial announcement, it’s reassuring to hear the company let us know it’s still coming.

You can listen to the entire podcast by clicking here. And I’ll be sure to keep you updated as things develop on all the exciting projects.

Henson's Fantastic World Opens in Arkansas

"Jim Henson’s Fantastic World", an exciting new traveling exhibit, opened today at the Arkansas Arts Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. The exhibit gives an in-depth look at the imagination and creations of Jim Henson. Assembled by The Jim Henson Legacy and the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service, "Jim Henson’s Fantastic World" is making the Arkansas Arts Center its initial stop before continuing on a four-year national tour.

"Jim Henson’s Fantastic World" is the most comprehensive Henson exhibit to date. The exhibit is filled with original puppets, drawings, props, artwork, storyboards, photographs, videos and other rare artifacts from the Jim Henson archives.

After exploring the "Jim Henson’s Fantastic World" exhibit, visitors of the Arkansas Arts Center will also get a chance to try puppetry first hand. On Saturdays and Sundays during the stay of "Jim Henson’s Fantastic World’s", professional puppeteers will be on site teaching performance techniques and leading impromptu puppet shows.

Also in conjunction with the "Jim Henson’s Fantastic World" display, Little Rock’s Market Street Cinema is hosting a Jim Henson Film Festival. Three films are to be shown on the big screen throughout October: "The Dark Crystal" (on October 11th at 7pm), "The Muppet Movie" (on October 18th at 7pm) and "Labyrinth" (on October 25th at 7pm).

The "Jim Henson’s Fantastic World" exhibit will be in Arkansas until November 25th, before heading to the Arizona Museum for Youth in Mesa, Arizona (where it will open on December 15th). For more information on the Arkansas Arts Center visit their website at ArkArts.com; and be sure to check out this page for the exhibit’s complete tour schedule.

"Legends of the Dark Crystal" Details

As reported earlier, the first installment in the highly anticipated "Legends of the Dark Crystal" series will be released later this year. The graphic novel, entitled "Legends of the Dark Crystal #1: The Garthim Wars", is expected to hit store shelves on November 13, 2007.

The story takes place nearly 100 years before "The Dark Crystal", at a time when the gentle Gelflings and wise Mystics are still thriving - and so, unfortunately, are the evil Skekses.

The 192-page graphic novel is already available to pre-order from many online retailers, with a list price of $9.99. I also have the updated cover art for the release here (which differs from the original temporary artwork shown last year).

Details on the second and third volumes have not been released yet, however two more installments are planned to follow. I’ll keep you posted with details on the future of "Legends of the Dark Crystal" as information is released.

Get Your Dark Crystal Collectible Figures

Last week I told you about the 25th anniversary Dark Crystal figures that were unveiled at Comic-Con in San Diego. These high-end collectible figures were available to collectors at Comic-Con, but now you can get your own Mystic or Landstrider figurines online.

The collectible figurine (with limited productions of only 2,500 each) are on sale at ToyTokyo.com. A wider and more accessible release of figures in "The Jim Henson Signature Collection" is said to be in the works, however you should snag these "limited edition" collectors items now while the supply lasts. To order the collectible UrAk the Mystic scribe figurine click here; and to check out the giant Landstrider and Jen figurine click here.

Happy shopping!

"Dark Crystal" Figures To Launch "The Jim Henson Signature Collection"

In Celebration of the 25th anniversary of "The Dark Crystal" (along with a special edition DVD, and a new soundtrack re-release), The Jim Henson Company, in association with MINDStyle, is releasing a set of limited-edition Dark Crystal collectibles.

Prototypes (with limited productions of only 2,500 each) of some upcoming Dark Crystal figures were on display at Comic-Con in San Diego. A vinyl figure of Jen aboard a full-figure Landstrider and a figure of uRac the Mystic scribe were both available at Comic-Con.

MINDstyle has licensed several properties from the Jim Henson Company, including the Jim Henson's City Critters. The Dark Crystal 25th Anniversary figures are part of another new line from Henson and MINDstyle titled "The Jim Henson Signature Collection". Other figures and collectibles are in development for the line, and the products should start to become available soon. I will be sure to keep you posted as more information on these, and other pieces of Jim Henson merchandise, becomes available.

Henson Collection Moves to Atlanta

The Henson family and the Jim Henson Foundation have announced that they are donating a large collection of Jim Henson artifacts — everything from hundreds of original puppets to sketches and artwork — to Atlanta’s Center for Puppetry Arts.

The 29-year-old center will house between 500 and 700 Henson pieces in a wing named for the beloved puppeteer as part of a new building scheduled to open in 2012. One of the original Kermit the Frog puppets is already on display at the center, and a series of smaller exhibits from the larger collection will rotate through the center until the new space opens. In September, the center will get Rowlf, Swedish Chef and Dr. Teeth puppets as part of an exhibit focusing on the characters that Henson operated himself. The center also will display characters from "Sesame Street", "Fraggle Rock", "The Dark Crystal", "Labyrinth", "Sam and Friends", and other Henson works.

"People will be able to come to Atlanta and immerse themselves in the life and career of Jim Henson in a way that cannot be replicated anywhere else," said Vince Anthony, founder and executive director of the center.

The Center for Puppetry Arts was offered the Henson Foundation archive because of its long history with the Jim Henson Company. Jim Henson cut the ribbon at the center’s opening in 1978 alongside Kermit and Miss Piggy (dressed as Rhett and Scarlett), and the center’s collection already includes the Pigs in Space from "The Muppet Show."

The institution is "the prime center of puppetry arts in the country and really has been for a long time," said Eileen Blumenthal, a professor of theater arts at Rutgers and author of the book Puppety, a World History.

Cheryl Henson, co-CEO of the Jim Henson Company and daughter of Jim Henson, stated in a press release that: "We are delighted the Center for Puppetry Arts will make it possible for the public to see and experience the full breadth of this extraordinary work that reaches across generations and countries to touch everybody."

Feel free ot visit puppet.org for more information on the Center for Puppetry Arts and this momentous and Muppetational gift.

Henson at Comic-Con

The annual San Diego Comic-Con is gearing up for their 2007 convention. The four-day event is being held in San Diego, California, at the San Diego Convention Center. The event will be running from July 26th to 29th and the Jim Henson Company is planning to attend with a host of special appearances and presentations.

The Jim Henson Company will be at Comic-Con talking about some of their exciting projects currently in the works. The special presentation will be on Friday, July 27th from 4:15-5:45pm. Topics and presentation will focus on "The Skrumps", "Puppet Up! Uncensored", the Henson Digital Performance Studio, new merchandise, fantasy world mangas and much more!

Brian Henson, Lisa Henson, Halle Stanford, Craig Bartlett and John Chandler will be at Comic-Con to showcase the Henson Company's newest gang of characters, "The Skrumps". The group will talk about the upcoming production and will give a live demonstration of the revolutionary technology that brings this animated troupe to life. Also featured in the Henson appearance will be a live performance of sketch comedy from the company's stage show "Puppet Up! Uncensored" with Patrick Bristow, Julianne Buescher, and Michelan Sisti.

The company will also be at the convention to talk about and promote a bunch of new products - including new DVD releases of "The Dark Crystal" and "Labyrinth", new collectible toys, the new "Legends of The Dark Crystal" manga series, the next installment of "Return to Labyrinth" and more! On Saturday July 28, TOKYOPOP and the Jim Henson Company will hold a presention on "Legends of the Dark Crystal" and "Return to Labyrinth". Writer Barbara Randall Kesel, artist Heidi Arnhold, editor Tim Beedle, and head of children's television for the Jim Henson Company Halle Stanford will preview and discuss the upcoming "Dark Crystal" series. Joining them will be Jake Forbes, author of the "Return to Labyrinth" manga, who will be on hand to discuss the upcoming volume of the successful "Labyrinth" sequel

So if you are planning to attend Comic-Con be sure to check out the Henson Company presentations. And if you don't make it out to San Diego, you can be sure that we'll share a full run-down of Henson news that comes out of the convention later this month.

Dark Crystal CD Details

Earlier this month I told you The Jim Henson Company and La La Land Records will be releasing "The Dark Crystal: 25th Anniversary Edition Soundtrack" album on July 14, 2007. Well, the cover art for this upcoming CD has been released (see below), and the artwork is designed to tie-in to the 25th Anniversary DVD. Also below is a copy of the track listing provided by La La Land Records. Plus I've been told that the CD will come with a booklet containing exclusive liner notes. So be sure to pick up this collector's edition soundtrack in July, and I'll be sure to keep you posted with any more information if I get it.

Track Listing

1. The Dark Crystal Overture (3:11)
2. The Power Ceremony (3:57)
3. The Storm (1:03)
4. The Mystical Master Dies (0:51)
5. The Funerals/Jen's Journey (5:25)
6. The Skeksi's Funeral (2:42)
7. The Pod Dance (3:14)
8. Love Theme (3:17)
9. Gelfling Song (2:22)
10. The Gelfling Ruins (2:43)
11. The Landstrider Journey (0:44)
12. The Great Conjunction (4:13)
13. Finale (7:14)

DVD Details for Henson Anniversary Editions

A few days ago I reported that Sony Pictures Home Entertainment will be releasing deluxe "Anniversary Edition" DVDs of "The Dark Crystal" and "Labyrinth" on August 14, 2007. These classic Jim Henson fantasy film are each presented on two-discs and will feature film transfers from newly restored high definition film masters and will comes complete with all-new audio commentary tracks and hours of newly created bonus features. Below are a listing of the disc features.


The Dark Crystal - 25th Anniversary Edition

Disc 1:
• "The Dark Crystal" (2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen)
• English and Japanese Dolby-Digital 5.1 surround sound
• English, French and Japanese subtitles
• Feature-length audio commentary by Brian Froud

Disc 2
• "The World of Dark Crystal": The original 1982 making-of documentary
• Deleted Scenes
• Original Work Print Scenes
• Character Drawings & Designs
• "Reflections of the Dark Crystal": Two all-new behind-the-scenes documentaries that include rediscovered footage from the Henson archives and newly recorded interviews with the people who created The Dark Crystal (including David O’Dell, Dave Goelz, Katheryn Mullen, Brian Froud, Brian Henson, Jane Gootnick, Mira Velimorivic and others).
• ...and much more!

Other Specifications:
• Special lenticular packaging
• Release Date: August 14, 2007
• Suggested Retail Price: $24.99

Labyrinth - Anniversary Edition

Disc 1:
• "Labyrinth" (2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen)
• English and Japanese Dolby-Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
• Portuguese Stereo Sound
• English, French, Japanese and Portuguese subtitles
• Feature-length audio commentary by Brian Froud

Disc 2
• Ïnside the Labyrinth": The original 1986 making-of documentary
• Drawings & Designs
• "Journey Through the Labyrinth": Two all-new behind-the-scenes documentaries that include rediscovered footage from the Henson archives and newly recorded interviews with the people who created Labyrinth (including George Lucas, Brian Henson, Brian Froud, Karen Prell, Dave Goelz, Mira Velimorivic, Gates McFadden, Toby Froud, Jane Gootnick and others).
• ...and much more!

Other Specifications:
• Special lenticular packaging
• Release Date: August 14, 2007
• Suggested Retail Price: $24.99

The Dark Crystal 25th Anniversary CD Soundtrack

Aside from bringing fans a deluxe 2-disc "anniversary edition" DVD, Henson is using the 25th anniversary of "The Dark Crystal'" as a great excuse to resurrect, revisit, and release the film's magnificent soundtrack. "The Dark Crystal: 25th Anniversary Edition Soundtrack" album is set to be released on CD by La La Land Records on July 14, 2007. The film's score was written by composer Trevor Jones and performed by the London Symphony Orchestra with Marcus Dods conducting. Currently the music from the film is hard to come by, with the limited edition printings of all past releases currently out-of-print. La La Records has told me that the full details of this album (track listing, artwork and whatnot) will be made public later this month; and I will be sure to keep you posted with the details of this album when the information becomes available.

Special "Dark Crystal" Screening in Santa Monica

Calling all Henson fans in the greater Santa Monica area! "The Dark Crystal", Jim Henson's 1982 fantasy film, will be shown at the Aero Theater in Santa Monica, CA on Saturday, June 16, 2007 at 3:00pm. Following the matinee presentation of the film there will be an exciting question and answer session with screenwriter David Odell. Odell wrote "The Dark Crystal" with Jim Henson, and also wrote the film's sequel entitled "Power of the Dark Crystal".

For more information on this event and the venue, visit the Aero Theater website. This is a rare opportunity to see this classic Henson film up on the big screen, with a crowd of fellow fans, and to hear about its creation directly from the screenwriter (and possible other guests).

DVD Box Art for Henson Anniversary Editions

Yesterday I told you all about the 2-disc "anniversary editions" of "The Dark Crystal" and "Labyrinth" (restored, remastered and loaded with tons of new extras). These two DVD sets will be released on Tuesday, August 14, 2007. Well, Sony has now released the cover art for these two upcoming DVD sets which will come in special lenticular packaging. I'm still waiting to hear back on the full and complete run-down of detailed disc features, but until then enjoy these awesome packaging images. I'll keep you posted with more information as I get it.

"Dark Crystal" and "Labyrinth" Anniversary DVDs!

2007 marks the 25th anniversary of "The Dark Crystal" and the 21st anniversary of "Labyrinth". As reported earlier, The Jim Henson Company and Sony Home Entertainment are planning to celebrate the occasions with all-new two-disc DVD releases of each film – restored, remastered and loaded with goodies!

You will once again be able to experience the mystical realm of imaginative creatures, fantastical journeys, and the epic battle between light and dark with "The Dark Crystal 25th Anniversary Edition" DVD. This special 2-disc anniversary edition will hit stores on August 14, 2007 and will feature a brand new high-definition film transfer. Bonus features include audio commentary by Brian Froud, hours of previously unreleased footage from the Henson archives and all-new "Reflections on The Dark Crystal" featurettes that include new brand new interviews with writers and performers - including as David O’Dell, Brian Froud, Brian Henson and many others. Full disc details are expected to be released soon with the full rundown of features and extras.

Viewers will once again be treated to a place "where everything seems possible and nothing is what it seems" with the "Labyrinth Anniversary Edition" DVD (also available on August 14, 2007). This 2-disc collector's edition DVD will include more than 60-minutes of all-new featurettes which will feature brand-new interviews with the film’s creators, puppeteers, and others behind the magic – including George Lucas, Brian Henson, Brian Froud, Karen Prell, Dave Goelz, Toby Froud and many others. Aside from the new featurettes, the DVD set will also include an astounding array of recently rediscovered footage, a new high definition transfer of the film, audio commentary by Brian Froud, new stylized packaging, and much much more!

The full disc details and bonus feature listing, along with cover art, for each of these releases is expected to surface soon. I will keep you posted with all the details on these highly anticipated 2-disc DVD releases as the information is released.