The Dark Crystal is a childhood favorite, and I re-watched it recently. I was struck by how much a work of art this movie was. Technically, it was also very impressive. Perhaps "Muppetry" peaked with this movie.
I also miss Muppets in movies. As TDC showed, it's possible to create a complete, and interesting, movie using puppets. Just like can be done with traditional cel animation, computer animation, and claymation (stop motion animation).
But I fear its demise, for three reasons.
1) Echoing others, I imagine it's very expensive.
2) It's probably a dying art form, with few people who can craft or operate the puppets.
3) Puppets tend to look unrealistic.
As much fun as it is to mock today's poorer CG efforts, I think puppets are often just as bad, in terms of realism. From what I've seen, puppets (and full-body suits) almost always look like puppets. And not like real creatures. Just as CG tends to have a too-shiny, plastic appearance, puppets tend to look like too-rigid, sculpted foam.
So for movies like Star Wars, I can't say puppets are superior to the CG equivalent. But for movies like TDC, where they are an organic part of the artistry, the results can be stunning. That I miss.
As for Yoda: The current Yoda is obviously a CG concoction. But the original Yoda was obviously a doll on someone's hand. Neither is "realistic". But for me, the original Yoda has a charm, and the golden glow of childhood memories.
I also miss Muppets in movies. As TDC showed, it's possible to create a complete, and interesting, movie using puppets. Just like can be done with traditional cel animation, computer animation, and claymation (stop motion animation).
But I fear its demise, for three reasons.
1) Echoing others, I imagine it's very expensive.
2) It's probably a dying art form, with few people who can craft or operate the puppets.
3) Puppets tend to look unrealistic.
As much fun as it is to mock today's poorer CG efforts, I think puppets are often just as bad, in terms of realism. From what I've seen, puppets (and full-body suits) almost always look like puppets. And not like real creatures. Just as CG tends to have a too-shiny, plastic appearance, puppets tend to look like too-rigid, sculpted foam.
So for movies like Star Wars, I can't say puppets are superior to the CG equivalent. But for movies like TDC, where they are an organic part of the artistry, the results can be stunning. That I miss.
As for Yoda: The current Yoda is obviously a CG concoction. But the original Yoda was obviously a doll on someone's hand. Neither is "realistic". But for me, the original Yoda has a charm, and the golden glow of childhood memories.