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{{otheruses4|the British animated TV series|the novel by [[C.J. Cherryh]]|Ealdwood Stories}}
{{short description|British animated television series}}
{{About|the British animated TV series|the C. J. Cherryh novel|The Dreamstone (novel)}}
{{Infobox television |
{{Multiple issues|
show_name = The Dreamstone |
{{fan POV|date=September 2016}}
image = [[Image:Dreamstonelogo.png|center|250px]]|
{{More citations needed|date=December 2009}}
format = [[Animated series]] |
}}
runtime = 22 minutes per episode |
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2020}}
creator = [[Michael Jupp]]|
{{Use British English|date=August 2012}}
starring = [[Gary Martin (actor)|Gary Martin]]<br>[[Melvyn Hayes]]<br>[[John Franklyn-Robbins]]<br>[[Stuart Lock]]<br>[[Derek Wright]]<br>[[Richard Tate]]<br>[[Leonard Whiting]]<br>[[Anthony Jackson (actor)|Anthony Jackson]]<br>[[Jackie Clarke]]<br>[[Peter Craze]]<br>[[Nancy Hendry]]|
country = {{UK}} |
network = [[ITV]] |
distributor =
|first_aired = [[25 September]] [[1990]] |
|last_aired =[[28 March]] [[1995]] |
num_episodes = 52 |
num_seasons = 4 |}}


{{Infobox television
'''''The Dreamstone''''' is a [[United Kingdom|British]] [[animated television series]] that ran for four series of 13 episodes between 1990 and 1995. The original concept and artwork were created by [[Michael Jupp]]. The series was animated by the Filmfair animation studio (famous for producing ''The Wombles'') as a [[Central Independent Television|Central]] production for [[ITV]]. In 1996 Filmfair was bought from the Caspian Group by the Canadian company [[Cinar]], now known as [[Cookie Jar Entertainment]].
| runtime = 22 minutes
| creator = Michael Jupp
| writer = {{Plainlist|
* Sue Radley
* Martin Gates
}}
| starring = {{Plainlist|
* [[John Franklyn-Robbins]]
* Stuart Lock
* Nancy Hendry
* [[Ellie Beaven]]
* Derek Wright
* Jacqueline Clarke
* [[Gary Martin (actor)|Gary Martin]]
* [[Anthony Jackson (actor)|Anthony Jackson]]
* [[Melvyn Hayes]]
* Richard Tate
* [[Leonard Whiting]]
* [[Peter Craze]]
* Colin Marsh
* Anne Rye
* [[Sheila Steafel]]
* [[Scarlett Strallen]]
}}
| country = [[United Kingdom]]
| network = [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]] ([[CITV]])
| company = {{Plainlist|
* Martin Gates Productions
* [[FilmFair]]
}}
| first_aired = {{start date|1990|9|25|df=y}}
| last_aired = {{end date|1995|3|28|df=y}}
| num_episodes = 52
| num_series = 4
}}


'''''The Dreamstone''''' is a British [[animated television series]] that aired from 1990 to 1995, with four series and 52 episodes. The series' original concept and artwork was created by Michael Jupp, and it was written by Sue Radley and Martin Gates and produced by Martin Gates Productions (MGP) for a wholly-owned subsidiary of Central, a part of Independent Television, and [[FilmFair]]. Distribution rights for the Martin Gates catalogue, including ''The Dreamstone'', are currently owned by Monster Entertainment.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zahed |first=Ramin |date=22 August 2013 |title=Monster Entertainment to Release Martin Gates' Library |url=http://www.animationmagazine.net/tv/monster-entertainment-to-release-martin-gates-library/ |access-date=4 June 2017 |website=[[Animation Magazine]] |archive-date=6 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170906225531/http://www.animationmagazine.net/tv/monster-entertainment-to-release-martin-gates-library/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
''The Dreamstone'' is set in an [[parallel universe (fiction)|alternative world]], and concerns itself principally with the struggle between good (personified by The Dream Maker, a [[Gandalf]]-esque white magician), and evil (personified by Zordrak, Lord of Nightmares).


''The Dreamstone'' is set in the [[Dream world (plot device)|dream worlds]] of the Land of Dreams and the Land of Nightmares and follows the struggle between good, personified by The Dream Maker, and evil, personified by Zordrak, Lord of Nightmares.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/90s-cartoon-the-dreamstone-more-than-just-a-cracking-theme-song/|title=90s cartoon The Dreamstone: more than just a cracking theme song|first=Jamie|last=Andrew|date=27 November 2019|website=Den of Geek}}</ref>
Each episode has basically the same plot - Zordrak instructs his henchmen to steal the Dreamstone, which he plans to destroy, so that nightmares will plague the sleeping world. The plan usually involves Urpgor, his right-hand man and [[scientist]] inventing some means with which the Urpneys - led by Sergeant Blob, an archetypal Sergeant Major type - crosses the Mist of Limbo (a vast Purple Mist) to get to the Land of Dreams. The plan invariably fails, the main problem being the cowardice and incompetence of the Urpneys, who often want no more than to 'go home' and get some sandwiches.


==Principal characters==
The show was also notable for its musical score, which is practically unique among cartoons in that it was performed by a full-size professional orchestra, namely the London Philharmonic. The score, by [[Mike Batt]], was heavily characterised by the use of [[leitmotif]]s and [[Variation (music)|thematic variations]], particularly on the two main songs used in the series, ''Better than a Dream'' (characterising the good characters) and ''War Song of the Urpneys'' (characterising the evil characters).
{{Multiple issues|section=yes|
{{Unreferenced section|date=May 2021}}
{{Overly detailed|section|date=May 2021}}
}}


===Land of Dreams===
== Principal characters ==
The Land of Dreams is populated by the humanoid Noops, whose lifestyle is similar to humans, and the Wuts, defenders of the realm who fly around on leaves and use staffs to communicate with each other and ward off Zordrak's forces.
===The Land of Dreams===


*The Dream Maker (voiced by [[John Franklyn-Robbins]]): A wise and elderly wizard responsible for creating and sending dreams to the world.
The Land of Dreams is also known as the light side of the planet, and is peopled by '''Noops''' (who live and work like humans) and '''Wuts''' (the defenders of the land, who fly around on leaves and ward off Zordrak's evil forces with globes of light).
*Albert (voiced by Richard Tate): The Dream Maker's pet dogfish, who is said to have been created when he saw him in a dream and liked him so much that he decided to make him real. Albert later became the mascot/logo for Martin Gates' production company.
*Rufus (voiced by Stuart Lock): The main [[protagonist]] of the series. A Noop who enjoys dreaming so much that he has vivid daydreams, which has caused him to have trouble finding a job. After being fired from the waxworks, Amberley suggests that Rufus apply for the position of the Dream Maker's assistant, which is ideal for him because of his daydreaming. Although his mind often wanders and he tends to get into things he should not, he is creative and imaginative. In the pilot episode he is voiced by Christian Bale.
*Amberley (voiced by Nancy Hendry): Rufus' best friend, who is practical and resourceful. However, her level-headedness is sometimes clouded by her short temper, which sometimes causes her to rush into situations. She was named after [[Amberley, West Sussex]], a village that creator Mike Jupp visited regularly.
*Pildit (voiced by Derek Wright): The leader of the Wuts and a long-time friend of the Dream Maker, who is his most trusted ally and often called upon to defend the Land of Dreams from Zordrak's forces. He teaches Rufus and Amberley how to use the special leaves the Wuts use to fly. Pildit is rather mellow and deadpan, in contrast to his grandmother.
* Wildit (voiced by Jacqueline Clarke): Pildit's grandmother and the leader of the Wut Flying Squadron.
*Spildit (voiced by [[Ellie Beaven]]): Wildit's niece, who often gets into trouble and has a friendly rivalry with the Urpneys, often taking pity on them during their less antagonistic moments or unknowingly assisting in their schemes.
*Mr. Blossom (voiced by [[Anthony Jackson (actor)|Anthony Jackson]]): An elderly Wut and the Dream Maker's gardener, whose dedication to his duty is more important to him than issues like the Dreamstone being stolen.
*Wottles (voiced by [[Ellie Beaven]]): Creatures that are similar to Wuts, but are smaller and have furry chests. Their job is to look after the Dream Bottle trees from underground and ensure that they are healthy. Notable Wottles are Hat and Egg, who often accompany Rufus and Amberley on their adventures.
*Planet Dreamstone (voiced by Jacqueline Clarke): A sentient planet that is an authority figure in the Council of Dreammakers and the source of power for all Dreamstones in the universe.


===Land of Nightmares===
* '''The Dream Maker''' - Head of the Council of Dreammakers, also known as Lord Highest, he is responsible for mixing dream bubbles and sending them out to the sleeping world through the Dreamstone. He was responsible for ejecting Zordrak from the council, and the two have been mortal enemies ever since. The relationship is possibly based on that of [[Gandalf]] and [[Saruman]] in ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' mythology. The Dream Maker is quite a laid back character, though he can be quite fearsome when facing off against Zordrak and his henchmen.
[[File:Zordrak.JPG|thumb|right|Zordrak, Lord of Nightmares, first appeared in the [[Television pilot|pilot]] episode.]]


The Land of Nightmares is populated mainly by Urpneys, lizard-like humanoids who live in Viltheed, a mountainous wasteland that Zordrak inhaits. Although all Urpneys in Viltheed are male, female Urpneys do exist, as Urpgor has an aunt and a niece.
* '''Albert''' - The Dream Maker's pet dogfish. The story goes that the Dream Maker saw Albert in a dream, and liked him so much he decided to make him real. Albert swims in air rather than water and his personality is that of a loyal dog.


*Zordrak (voiced by [[Gary Martin (actor)|Gary Martin]]): The Lord of Nightmares and the main [[antagonist]] of the series. Zordrak was once a Dream Maker, but was banished from the council for corrupting dreams into nightmares, after which he transformed into his current form and arrived in Viltheed, vowing vengeance on the Dream Maker. He rarely leaves his throne, instead relying on his henchman to carry out his work; he can also transform into a [[mist]]/[[ghost|apparition]] to leave Viltheed. His initial motive for stealing the stone is to freely send nightmares to the Sleeping World, but he later reveals his intention to use its powers to make himself Lord of the Universe. In Mike Jupp's original draft of the story, Zordrak was known as ''"Nasta Shelfim"'', an anagram for ''"Satan himself",'' but his name was changed to Zordrak due to the original name being too dark.
* '''Rufus''' - A Noop who enjoys dreaming so much that he has vivid daydreams. Sadly because of his over-active imagination, Rufus has trouble holding a job. After being fired from the waxworks in the first episode, Amberley suggests Rufus applies to be the Dream Maker's assistant, as he is perfectly qualified for it because of his constant daydreaming. Though Rufus lets his mind wander sometimes, he is a brave character and believes strongly in the friends he has. Rufus is the main [[protagonist]] of the series, and more often than not saves the day.
*Urpgor (voiced by [[Leonard Whiting]] (Series 1–3), Colin Marsh (Series 4)): The chief Urpney scientist, who hates the Urpneys and secretly seeks to take the throne for himself. While his inventions work, they are often hindered by their complexity and reliance on Urpney muscle power to operate them. He is the only Urpney shown to have relatives, having an aunt and a niece, Urpip.
*Sergeant Blob (voiced by Richard Tate): The military leader of the Urpneys, who takes over Operation Dreamstone after the former [[commanding officer]], Captain Crigg, is executed. He usually has Nug and Frizz accompany him on missions, having appointed them his "elite squad" in the [[Television pilot|pilot]] episode because they were slow to flee with the others.
*Corporal Frizz (voiced by [[Melvyn Hayes]]): An Urpney who gained a position of responsibility because he could not run away as fast as the others. He dislikes Urpgor more than the other Urpneys, and occasionally tries to attack him, notably after meeting his aunt.
*Corporal Nug (voiced by [[Anthony Jackson (actor)|Anthony Jackson]]): A member of Blob's Urpney squad. Though he can often come across as dimwitted, he is sometimes shown to be more perceptive than the other Urpneys, sometimes suggesting good ideas that are usually taken by Blob and passed off as his own.
*Captain Crigg: The original commander of the Urpneys, who questioned Zordrak's leadership and often fell behind schedule. As a result of his failures, Zordrak banished him to the Pit of No Return, where he was eaten by the Frazznats. After his death, Blob was promoted to the position of commander.
*Argorribles: Incorpereal purple clouds that Zordrak sends each night to deliver nightmares to the sleeping world. While often thwarted by the power of the Dreamstone, with the power of the Nightmare stone, they gain more power and are more likely to bypass the Dreamstone's defences.
*Zarag (voiced by Jacqueline Clarke): Zordrak's sister, who was sealed in a bottle for five hundred years until Nug accidentally releases her and is implied to have been romantically involved with the Dream Maker. She also seeks the Dreamstone, but to wear as a hair accessory rather than to unleash nightmares upon the world. Her last appearance was "The Substitute" where, as part of an arrangement with the Urpneys, she poses as a Dream Maker to corrupt the Noops' dream bottles with Argoribbles in an attempt to steal the Dreamstone.
*Frazznats: Creatures that live in the Pit of No Return and feed on Urpneys.


==Episodes==
* '''Amberley''' - A female Noop who is Rufus's best friend. Amberley is the one who suggests that Rufus work for the Dream Maker. For a while she works at the baker's but it is later assumed that she, too, starts working for the Dream Maker. Amberley is quite a brave character although she does have a temper. She understands Rufus's daydreaming habit and tends to stick by him in most episodes. Although never stated in the show, some fans believe that Rufus and Amberley's relationship was romantic.
{{Unreferenced section|date=May 2021}}
{{main|List of The Dreamstone episodes}}


==Soundtrack==
* '''Pildit''' - The leader of the Wuts and The Dream Maker's most trusted ally, he is often called upon to defend the Land of Dreams from Zordrak's forces. He and the Dream Maker are old friends and often help support each other. It is Pildit that teaches Rufus and Amberley how to use the special leaves the Wuts use to fly.
{{More citations needed section|date=May 2021}}
The show was notable for its musical score, which was unique among cartoons in that it was performed by a full-size professional orchestra, the [[London Philharmonic Orchestra]]. The score, by [[Mike Batt]], was heavily characterised by the use of [[leitmotif]]s and [[Variation (music)|thematic variations]], particularly in the two main songs used in the series, "[[Better Than a Dream]]", which characterised the Noops and the Wuts, and "War Song of the Urpneys", which characterised the Urpneys.


[[Ozzy Osbourne]], [[Frank Bruno]], and [[Billy Connolly]] provided lead vocals on the "War Song of the Urpneys" single and album track, although the version heard in the series was mainly sung by composer Mike Batt. Other artists who sang for soundtrack included [[Bonnie Tyler]], who recorded a duet with Mike entitled "Into the Sunset", which was intended to be used as the show's official love song, but went unused. [[Joe Brown (singer)|Joe Brown]] and [[Gary Glitter]] performed "The Vile Brothers Mountain Band", which was used in the episode "Albert is Fishnapped".
* '''Wildit''' - Pildit's grandmother. Well-meaning, and as handy in a fight as her grandson. She has something of a crush on the Dream Maker. She is quite an eccentric character and tends to act younger than her years. Though when trouble comes she is just as good at planning as she is at having fun.


The TV version of "Better Than a Dream" contained different lyrics than the version included on the [[soundtrack]]. The TV version reflected Rufus's personality, with the lyrics "I always dream myself to somewhere else each night" and "I know I dream much more than other people do". The soundtrack version instead has the lyrics "I used to dream myself to someone else each night" and "until I chanced upon this road that led to you", among other changed lyrics. Mike Batt re-recorded the chorus, which was used in the ending credits from the latter half of Series 1 until series 4, in which it was shortened. In 2012, [[Katie Melua]] released a version of "Better Than a Dream".
* '''Spildit''' - Pildit's niece. A little female Wut who is prone to getting herself in trouble. Spildit is very confident in her abilities - sometimes a little too confident.


The soundtrack was re-released as part of the Mike Batt Music Cube release in December 2009 by [[Dramatico Records]]. However, instead of the TV soundtrack, the CD featured five newly recorded orchestral overtures, as well as "Better Than a Dream", "The War Song of the Urpneys", "Into the Sunset", and a shorter version of "The Dreamdance", which omits the vocal clips from the show. "The Vile Brothers Mountain Band" was omitted from the soundtrack due to the controversy surrounding Gary Glitter.
* '''Mr. Blossom''' - The Dream Maker's gardener, a wizened old Wut who constantly seems to have something to complain about.


TV soundtrack album listing (original release):
* '''Wottles''' - The Wottles look very similar to Wuts, only they are much smaller and have furry chests. Their job is to look after the Dream Bottle trees from underground to make sure they are healthy. Two Wottles who often join Rufus and Amberley in their adventures are called 'Hat' and 'Egg'.
#"Better Than a Dream" - Mike Batt (3:04)
#"The War Song of the Urpneys" - Billy Connolly, Ozzy Osbourne and Frank Bruno (4:44)
#"Dreamdance (Theme from ''The Dreamstone'')" (10:07)
#"Into the Sunset" - Mike Batt and Bonnie Tyler (3:28)
#"The Vile Bros Mountain Band" - Joe Brown and Gary Glitter (4:19)
#"The Dreamstone (Main Title)" (2:10)
#"Wack's Wicks Works" (2:15)
#"The Dream Maker" (6:11)
#"Whirlyped Launch" (5:21)
#"The Dreamstone Is Stolen" (6:20)
#"The Argorribles and the Egg of Death" (6:48)
#"Rufus Succeeds" (5:20)


TV soundtrack album listing (Music Cube re-release):
===The Land of Nightmares===
#"Better Than a Dream" - Mike Batt (3:08)
#"The War Song of the Urpneys" - Billy Connolly, Ozzy Osbourne, and Frank Bruno (4:47)
#"Dreamdance (Edited Version)" (4:53)
#"Into the Sunset" - Mike Batt and Bonnie Tyler (3:32)
#"Dreamstone Overture no.1" (6:57)
#"Dreamstone Overture no.2" (4:48)
#"Dreamstone Overture no.3" (5:31)
#"Dreamstone Overture no.4" (4:49)
#"Dreamstone Overture no.5" (4:03)


*This is not the only track to be called Dreamstone Overture no.5. The "Better Than a Dream" 7-inch vinyl and CD single versions features the track "Dreamstone Overture no.5", which is different from the Music Cube re-release and is an orchestral version of "Into the Sunset", while the Dreamstone Overtures on the Music Cube re-release are selections of orchestral tracks from the original series. The "Dreamstone Overture no.5" present on the single has a runtime of 6:48.
[[Image:Zordrak.JPG|thumb|right|Zordrak, Lord of Nightmares, in a scene from the pilot]]


The Dreamstone soundtrack is currently out of print as of 2015. However, the five Overture tracks from the Music Cube re-release are included on Mike Batt's album ''A Classical Tale'', released on CD on 24 July 2015 by Dramatico Records.<ref>{{Citation |date=24 July 2015 |title=A Classical Tale |asin=B00Y2QARLU |asin-tld=co.uk}}</ref>
The Land of Nightmares, also known as the dark side of the planet, is populated mostly by '''Urpneys''', who basically resemble human beings except for the large bulbous nose and tails. They live in '''Viltheed''', a tall black mountain in which resides the almost immobile Zordrak.


==Home media releases and online distribution==
* '''Zordrak''' - The Lord of Nightmares and the principal antagonist of the series. He is characterised by a deep, demonic voice (provided by [[Gary Martin (actor)|Gary Martin]]), he stands at least twenty feet high, and spends much of his time sat on his throne dispensing punishment to wayward Urpneys. He was once a Dream Maker himself, but was ejected from the council. Enraged, he transformed himself into a monster, and vowed vengeance. His fearsome appearance is a sharp contrast with the simple cartoon-like style of his Urpney henchmen.
In the United Kingdom, there were several video releases from the Video Collection, covering all of series 1, including the unedited opening special, except for the episode "Megattack", as well as several releases of most episodes from Series 1 from Tring Video UK. BMG Video UK released one video release, which featured four episodes from Series 2.


The first two episodes were originally combined as one episode, the opening special, which contained extra footage that was removed from the 22-minute TV version of the special. The first six episodes of the series were released on DVD in the UK by [[Abbey Home Media]], when the rights to the show were owned by [[DHX Media|Cookie Jar Entertainment]], but these two volumes have since gone out of print. The company's Jaroo website used to stream episodes from the first two series.
* '''Urpgor''' - The chief (and, it seems only) Urpney scientist. For reasons that are never explained, he has green skin, pink mohican-style hair and orange eyebrows. He habitually wears a white lab coat and three pairs of glasses on the end of his nose. In the fine tradition of cartoon scientists he is also completely mad and is often seen insanely bounding around, having fallen in love with his latest invention. Publicly hates the other Urpneys, and secretly covets Zordrak's throne. He is prone to make weird noises and expressions as he talks. On the whole his inventions always work but are often let down by their extreme [[Heath Robinson]] complexity and reliance on Urpney muscle power to operate them. Although he starts the series with a minor role, there are a few episodes devoted to his exploits.
* '''Sergeant Blob''' - The military leader of the Urpneys, who is often entrusted with the task of stealing the Dreamstone for Zordrak. He takes over Operation Dreamstone after the former [[commanding officer]], Captain Crigg, is fed to the Frazznats at the start of the first episode. He usually has Nug and Frizz accompany him on missions, having appointed them his 'elite squad' in the pilot episode because they were too slow to run off with the others. It is later revealed that the two are corporals, possibly having been promoted during the first series. Blob seems to suffer from [[malapropism]], for example "sensationalise" instead of "surprise".


There were six video releases by Australian company Reel Entertainment, which was released in Australia and featured the first 12 episodes of Series 3. There was also another video release by Video Distributors International in 1992, which featured the first three episodes of Series 1.
* '''Corporal Frizz''' - An Urpney whose cowardice knows no bounds. Finds himself in a position of responsibility simply because he could not run away as fast as the others. He would much rather be at home with some sandwiches than fighting deadly Noops. He was voiced by [[Melvyn Hayes]], who played something of a similar character in the [[sitcom]] ''[[It Ain't Half Hot Mum]]''. Frizz seems to be an Urpney that appreciates the arts. A recurring device in the series is that, at the end of each episode, Frizz speaks the final lines. This occurs in every episode except the opening 'special'. In the first season he wears glasses, but these appear less frequently in the second season, and disappear completely by the third season. He dislikes Urpgor more than the other Urpneys, and at one point during the series tries to attack him (after meeting Urpgor's [[insane]] aunt).


In the United States, [[Fisher-Price]] released a video release of ''The Dreamstone''.
* '''Corporal Nug''' - Another Urpney who, while not as cowardly as Frizz, certainly has his moments. Seems to be far cleverer than the other Urpneys, and speaks with a thick [[Brummie]] accent. This is mainly because it is considered that Brummies are not the most intelligent of people and Nug is found to ask the meaning of any word which comes out of Urpgors mouth one being 'unmolestored.' Nug sometimes provides good ideas, which are usually adopted by Blob and passed off as his own. [[Anthony Jackson (actor)|Anthony Jackson]] provides Nug's voice.


Pidax Film released the first 13 episodes on DVD in Germany, with English and German audio, on 23 February 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Der Traumstein (The Dreamstone) - Staffel 1 |url=http://www.pidax-film.de/Kinder/Jugend/Der-Traumstein-The-Dreamstone-Staffel-1::1248.html |access-date=2020-03-18 |publisher=Pidax-film.de |archive-date=1 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201131435/https://www.pidax-film.de/Kinder/Jugend/Der-Traumstein-The-Dreamstone-Staffel-1::1248.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Series 2 was released on 18 May 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Der Traumstein (The Dreamstone) - Staffel 2 |url=https://www.pidax-film.de/Kinder/Jugend/Der-Traumstein-The-Dreamstone-Staffel-2::1299.html |access-date=2020-03-18 |publisher=Pidax-film.de |archive-date=28 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228161900/https://www.pidax-film.de/Kinder/Jugend/Der-Traumstein-The-Dreamstone-Staffel-2::1299.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Series 3 was released on 27 July 2018,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Der Traumstein (The Dreamstone) - Staffel 3 - PIDAX film |url=https://www.pidax-film.de/Kinder/Jugend/Der-Traumstein-The-Dreamstone-Staffel-3::1339.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180501093658/https://www.pidax-film.de/Kinder/Jugend/Der-Traumstein-The-Dreamstone-Staffel-3::1339.html |archive-date=1 May 2018 |access-date=17 January 2022 |website=www.pidax-film.de}}</ref> and Series 4 was released on 28 September 2018.,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Der Traumstein (The Dreamstone) - Staffel 4 |url=https://www.pidax-film.de/Kinder/Jugend/Der-Traumstein-The-Dreamstone-Staffel-4::1372.html |access-date=2020-03-18 |publisher=Pidax-film.de |archive-date=22 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622164639/https://www.pidax-film.de/Kinder/Jugend/Der-Traumstein-The-Dreamstone-Staffel-4::1372.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
* '''Argorribles''' - Ghostly purple clouds that Zordrak sends out each night to deliver nightmares to the sleeping world. The power of the Dreamstone is often far too much for them and so only occasionally do they slip through. However, with the power of the Nightmare stone the Argorribles are powered up and are more likely to bypass the Dreamstone's defences. They are incorporeal, although one is briefly made solid in the episode "Horrible Argorrible".


The first series was available in the UK through [[Amazon Prime]], but lacked the series finale, "Megattack".<ref>{{Citation |title=Watch the Dreamstone |asin=B07BL1M245 |asin-tld=co.uk}}</ref> Since 2020, however, the episodes are no longer available on Amazon. [[iTunes]] has added the first 12 episodes to their service.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Dreamstone on Apple TV |url=https://tv.apple.com/gb/show/the-dreamstone/umc.cmc.23k36qjqp71uvoxq0zpa79ng3 |publisher=[[iTunes]]}}</ref>
* '''Zarag''' - Zordrak's sister, who was once romantically involved with the Dream Maker. She also wants the Dreamstone, but to wear in her hair rather than to unleash nightmares on the unsuspecting world.


In late 2018, Monster Entertainment began the "Official Dreamstone" channel on [[YouTube]] and uploaded all 52 episodes, but in June 2019, they set most of the episodes to "private".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-06-14 |title=The Dreamstone Official |url=https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD14E2D4Ad6vTPqqSu-YWhQ/featured |access-date=2020-03-18 |publisher=YouTube}}</ref> As of January 2020, they have been re-uploaded.
* '''Frazznats''' - Creatures that live in the Pit of No Return and feed on Urpneys, but one time ate sweets and chocolates as seen in "The Invisible Blob". They resemble a cross between a [[shark]], a [[serpent]] and a [[Venus Flytrap]], with lobster-like pincers.


In September 2022, the series was released on PZAZ TV Worldwide.<ref>{{Cite web |title=PZAZ - TV & Music 'Super App' &#124; PzazTV |url=https://app.pzaz.tv/app/pzaz/store/thedreamstone |access-date=23 September 2022 |archive-date=23 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923195104/https://app.pzaz.tv/app/pzaz/store/thedreamstone |url-status=live }}</ref>
* '''Urpgor's Auntie''' - Urpgor's Auntie (her real name is not mentioned on the show) lives on the planet [[Tempus Fugit]], where she has placed traps for unexpected visitors should they dare to go there. She can be just as mad as her nephew, Urpgor.


==Production==
* '''Urpip'''- Urpgor's troublesome niece, although it is unknown which brother or sister of Urpgor she is the daughter of. She is as intelligent and obnoxious as her uncle, and likes to use big words. She causes trouble, although this is a result of childish curiosity.
{{Unreferenced section|date=April 2021}}
Although the show was produced in the United Kingdom, it was animated in the [[Philippines]]. As with American produced cartoons, Martin Gates Productions used foreign studios for the overall animation work. Fil-Cartoons, owned by [[Hanna-Barbera]], did animation for series 1, while Moving Images International did animation for series 2–4.


In 1985, Mike Jupp and Martin Gates produced a pilot for the series, ''The Dream Thief''. It was animated by the studio Mill Valley Animation in [[Novato, California]], when Mike was working in America. The pilot has several differences from the TV series, most of which came from Jupp's original manuscript for the idea, and featured a 12-year-old [[Christian Bale]] as the voice of Rufus.
== List of Episodes ==


==Merchandise and other media==
The Dreamstone aired between 1990 and 1995 with a total of 52 episodes.
{{Unreferenced section|date=May 2021}}
In 1991, London Edition published a comic book series based on episodes from the series. The first issue consisted entirely of screenshots, while the next five featured art drawn by Tim Perkins. The comic ran for six issues and adapted plotlines from the episodes "The Dreamstone/Into Viltheed", "The Daydream Bubble", "Albert Is Fishnapped", "The Knitted Balloon", "The Shrinking Stone", and "The Invisible Blob".


BMI (Print Division) Ltd. released a board game based on ''The Dreamstone'' in 1993, containing The Dreamstone Game, which involved rolling to move and collecting pieces of the Dreamstone, and Dream Chase, a variant of Snakes and Ladders. A jigsaw puzzle depicting the Dream Maker, Rufus, Amberley, and Albert walking through the Noops' town was also produced, along with other puzzles produced by British puzzle/board game manufacturer [[Waddingtons]].
'''Season 1''' (1990)


In October 2019, Oakbound Studio announced that it would produce a licensed miniatures range and game based on ''The Dreamstone'' to mark its 30th anniversary. The role-playing game, miniatures game, and a range of 27 initial collectable figurines based on the show were funded through Kickstarter and released on Oakbound's website in July 2021. Zordrak was also announced as a second Kickstarter project launching in December 2022, with a third miniatures release and supplement to the games being planned for 2022.
{| class="wikitable" width="90%"
!'''#'''
!'''Episode Name'''
!'''Description'''
!'''Vehicles/Inventions'''
!'''Frizz's Lectures'''
|-
|1
|[[The Dreamstone Pilot|The Dreamstone]]
|Zordrak sets Operation Dreamstone in motion, and the Urpneys succeed in stealing it after Rufus shows it off to Amberley.
| [[WhirleyPed]]
| None
|-
|2
|[[The Dreamstone Pilot#Part 2: Into Viltheed|Into Viltheed]]
|Rufus resolves to redeem himself by getting the Dreamstone back from Zordrak and rescuing Amberley
| [[WhirleyPed]], The Egg of Death, [[Leaves]]
| None
|-
|3
|The Knitted Balloon
|Zordrak decides to leave his body as a mist and travels to the Land of Dreams himself. There, he possesses Amberley and steals the Dreamstone. Meanwhile, Urpgor realises that, should Zordrak fail to return in time, his body will crumble and he would be in charge; an idea he loves.
| [[Knitted Balloon]],[[Leaves]]
|'Couldn't we just buy a balloon sarge?'
|-
|4
|The Invisible Blob
|Urpgor invents a potion to turn the Urpneys invisible so they can enter the Dreammaker's house undetected and steal the Dreamstone.
| [[Jet Pack]], Invisibility potion, [[Leaves]]
|'I wish Urpgor would disa...!'
|-
|5
|The Voice of Zordrak
|The Urpneys hypnotize Rufus using a medallion that plays Zordrak's controlling voice.
| [[ViperVan]], The Voice of Zordrak, [[Leaves]], [[Trees]]
|'I still don't understand this sarge?'
|-
|6
|Albert Is Fishnapped
|Having decided that the Dreammaker's watchdog fish Albert is the main reason their attempts to steal the Dreamstone fail, Zordrak has Blob, Frizz and Nug capture him during a festival in the Noop village. Meanwhile, a heatwave engulfs the Land of Nightmares, making the ground lush and verdant.
| [[Rocket]], [[Indestructable]] Cage, Auto Instruments, [[Leaves]]
|'I could have been a star, I know I could!'
|-
|7
|The Shrinking Stone
|Urpgor invents a 'shrink-ray' and shrinks the Urpneys so they can sneak into the Dreammaker's house, shrink the Dreamstone and escape without being noticed.
| [[Terraphibian]], Shrinking Ray, [[Leaves]]
|'Very funny Urpgor, very funny!!'
|-
|8
|Blob's Incredible Plan
|Blob, Frizz and Nug steal Urpgor's latest invention, the Molemobile, and travel to the Land of Dreams, in an effort to steal the Dreamstone and win Zordrak's favour over the hated Urpgor. Rufus creates a fake Dreamstone to fool the Urpneys, and allows them to escape with it.
| [[MoleMobile]],
|'Any more good ideas sarge?'
|-
|9
|Too Hot to Handle
|Urpgor invents some exploding candles which the Urpneys switch the real Dreammaker's candles for, in an effort to distract him as they steal the Dreamstone.
| Viltheedian Candles, [[Leaves]]
|'I said it wouldn't work!'
|-
|10
|The Daydream Bubble
|As a reward for their hard work, the Dreammaker sends Rufus and Amberley into a daydream bubble, where anything they imagine can actually happen. Meanwhile, fed up with their incompetence, Zordrak punishes Blob, Frizz and Nug by firing them from a large cannon. The Urpneys land in the bubble and are carried wherever the Noops' imagination takes them. This episode is notable for showing the origin of Zordrak.
| [[Cannon]], Daydream Bubble, Albert(Imagination)
|'You know, despite Urpgor's behavior, it's lovely to be back!'
|-
|11
|The Statue Collection
|Zordrak decides he wants to add Pildit, the leader of the Wuts, to his statue collection, and sends the Urpneys to capture him.
| [[WhirleyPed]], The Hand of Zordrak, [[Leaves]]
|'I like a happy ending!'
|-
|12
|Argorrible Attack
|Urpgor has invented a machine to store Argorribles, and Zordrak has the Urpneys take them to the Land of Dreams and unleash them before the Dreamstone can be used against them.
| [[Argorrible Tanker Plane]], [[Leaves]], [[Jet Pack]]
|'I'll tell you something, I'm not cleaning up this mess, I'm just not!'
|-
|13
|Megattack
|Zordrak unleashes the full force of his Urpney hordes and Argorribles on the Land of Dreams in a last attempt to steal the Dreamstone. Urpgor converts Zordrak's throne into a flying machine so that Zordrak can also travel to the Land of Dreams.
| [[WhirleyPed]],[[Dragonmobile]], [[Knitted Balloon]], [[Jet Pack]], [[ViperVan]], [[Terraphiboan]], [[MoleMobile]], [[Catepults]], [[Leaves]]
|'I wish someone is here, I don't even mind if it was Urpgor!'
|}


==External links==
The first 2 episodes were originally combined to form the Opening Special parts 1 and 2 which contained extra footage. The first six episodes of this season have been released on DVD in the UK by [[Abbey Home Media]].
{{Portal|1990s|Cartoon|Fantasy|United Kingdom|Animation}}
{{wikiquote|The Dreamstone}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20110728093212/http://www.thedreamstone.org/ TheDreamstone.org (formally The Ultimate Dreamstone Guide)]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20060223191332/http://www.nyanko.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/dreamstone/ Nyanko's Dreamstone site]
*{{IMDb title|299286}}
*[http://www.asdreams.org/videofil.htm#dreamstone/ The Dreamstone at The Dream Videophile]
*[http://www.monsterentertainment.tv/catalogue/the-dreamstone/ The Dreamstone's page on Monster's official website]
*[http://www.propworkshop.co.uk/dreamstone/ dreamstone] (Oakbound Studio's website)


==References==
'''Season 2''' (1992)
{{reflist}}


{{FilmFair}}
{| class="wikitable" width="90%"
!'''#'''
!'''Episode Name'''
!'''Description'''
!'''Vehicles/Inventions'''
!'''Frizz's Lectures'''
|-
|14
|The Nightmare Stone
|Zordrak returns with an evil and powerful opposite to The Dreamstone, The Nightmare Stone, and Rufus and Ambeley had to go into Viltheed to steal it for The Dream Maker to send it into space from where it came from.
| [[UrpneyCharmer]], [[Catepults]], [[Leaves]]
|'That Zordrak's got such a temper!'
|-
|15
|Zarag
|Nug accidentally opened a bottle, releasing Zordrak's Sister Zarag, who was shut up for five hundred years for disagreeing with him. She stole the Dreamstone to wear in her hair for grand accasions. A ball is on the way, but came a competition for both sides.
| [[WheatherMachine]], [[Pedalbike]], [[Leaves]]
| None
|-
|16
|Urpgor's Island
|Urpgor ran out of ideas, but thanks to his mobile mudbath and his recently made Boomerang, he came up with an Urpney made island to hide the Dreamstone on, making it hard to find for the Noops when they go to Viltheed, but even hard to find for Sgt Blob.
| [[Mobile Mudbath]],[[Urpgor's Island]], [[WhirleyPed]], [[Boomerang]], [[Leaves]]
|'Are you quite sure about this sarge!?'
|-
|17
|RoboBird
|Urpgor invented a RoboBird with a beautiful song to be used as an ingrediant for Dreams, from their it would snatch the Dreamstone. But first, it hipnotized Frizz and Nug, and when it stole the Dreamstone, it started to disobey Urpgor and thinks that the Dreamstone is an egg. Only when Urpgor built a female Robobird, the Noops managed to rescue the Dreamstone before Urpgor can steal it.
| [[WhirleyPed]], [[DragonMobile]], Robobird, [[MoleMobile]], [[Lorry]], [[Pedalbike]], [[Leaves]]
|'I'm never allowed to fulfill my true potential!'
|-
|18
|The Dark Side
| The Dream Maker had to take the Dreamstone to the Planet Dreamstone for recharge, and Rufus and Ambeley came along with him. The Urpneys were waiting for them at the Astoroid belt, but had missed. They successfully captured them on their way back, but then caused everyone to crash on the Dark Side.
| [[Bubble]],[[Rocket]], [[Leaves]]
| None
|-
|19
|Albert's Ailment
| Albert strangely became ill, and it is now a race against time to find a cure, and the only one to be found is in Viltheed itself.
| [[Teleporter]], [[Leaves]]
| None
|-
|20
|The Monster
| Blob, Frizz and Nug decide to use an old invension of Urpgor to terrorize everyone in the 'Land of Dreams.'
| [[WhirleyPed]], Monster (Machine), [[Leaves]]
| None
|-
|21
|Spildit
| Pildit's Niece Spildit had came to visit, and the Noops took her and the Dreamstone for a picnic, meanwhile, Zordrak decides to leave his body as a mist and travels to the Nightmare Planet to recharge his powers, but on his way back, he took a shortcut through a whirlpool of time that then changed the error of his ways, so when the Urpneys had stolen the Dreamstone, Zordrak tells them to return it with apologies and flowers. However, as the effect wore off, Zordrak was furiouse when the Urpneys said that they have returned the Dreamstone.
| [[Leaves]]
|'I told you it wouldn't last!'
|-
|22
|Wildit's Whistle
| Zordrak needed a plan to keep the Watt's earthbound, and the sallution is some hatched bugs that specialises on Watt Leaves, The Noops and Watt's managed to keep them at bay by Wildit's Whistle that can charm both leaves and animals, and also brought the bugs mother, in which it took them to the dark side to find propper food.
| [[DragonMobile]]
| None
|-
|23
|Sport's Day
| The Noops were having a Sports Day, with a cake in the shape of the Dreamstone as a prize. Suddenly, the cake was squashed by Rufus' daydream, and made Rufus took the Dreamstone out for desplay. The Urpneys had borrowed a Watt leaf and desguised themselves as Watts to try and steal the Dreamstone, but thanks to Spildit, she swapped it for the cake Dreamstone!
| [[Swing]], [[Leaves]]
|'Some people are never satisfied!'
|-
|24
|Frozen Assets
| Snow has fallen, and Urpgor had invented a Snow Plowing Machine in order for Blob, Frizz and Nug to get through and steal the Dreamstone.
| [[SnowPlow]], [[Leaves]]
| None
|-
|25
|The Bottle Harvest
|Urpgor invented a 'Mekbeav,' a [[Mechanical]] [[Beaver]] to cut down the Dreambottle Forest and Dam up the rivers to stop the Dreambottle trees from growing.
| [[Raft]], MakBeav, [[Leaves]]
| None
|-
|26
|Return of the Nightmare Stone
| Zordrak and The Dreammaker had descovered The Nightmare Stone on a red planet, and Urpgor helped out in word that he would not be kicked out as in (The Nightmare Stone). He desguised Blob, Frizz and Nug as the birds who guard the stone. They managed to get the stone before Rufus and Amberley can, and when given the stone to Zordrak, he went back on his word for Urpgor and kicked him out again. Urpgor decided to launch the tower where the stone is to outer space, but was with the noops when it took off, sending Blob, Frizz, Nug and the birds into orbit. Rufus, Amberley and Urpgor were throun into the dungeons, and Urpgor surgested that Rufus would drop the stone into the pit of storms, in which what happened and sent all of Viltheed sky high inside a huge whirlwind. Rufus and Amberley were rescued and taken back to the Dreammaker with the good news!
| [[Jet Pack]], [[Bubble]]
|'This is it, this is the end!!'
|}

'''Season 3''' (1994)

{| class="wikitable" width="90%"
!'''#'''
!'''Episode Name'''
!'''Description'''
!'''Vehicles/Inventions'''
!'''Frizz's Lectures'''
|-
|27
|The Return
| After finding out that the Dreammaker is responsable, Zordrak, the Argoribles and the Urpneys went back to Viltheed to rebuild and take revenge. Urpgor on the otherhand had kept the Nightmare Stone to himself by hiding it and drawing a map, only to be screwed up and thrown into Urpgor's mouth by Zordrak for thinking that it's a plan on getting the Dreamstone.
| [[SlingCannon]], [[Bubble]], [[Leaves]]
|'Well, suffice to say, it's good to be back!'
|-
|28
|Electric Eggs
|
| [[Motorboat]], [[Bubble]], [[Leaves]]
|'And after what we did for him, he never seems to be pleased!'
|-
|29
|Moon of Doom
|
| [[Rocket]], [[Bubble]], [[Leaves]]
|'You will be so jealous when you hear we had such a lovely time!'
|-
|30
|Zarag Rules
|
| [[Pedalbike]], [[Slinger]], [[R.C.MoleMobile]] Obediance Drops, [[Leaves]]
| None
|-
|31
|The Dream Beam Invasion
|
| [[Srinking machine]]
|'Nug, guess what!?'
|-
|32
|Urpgor's Auntie
|
| [[Rocket]], [[Time Machine]], [[Bubble]]
|'Probably, Aunty!'
|-
|33
|Wottles
|
| [[MoleMobile Car]], [[Leaves]]
|'The Wottles!'
|-
|34
|The Mirror
|
| [[Robot]], [[Leaves]]
|'In future Urpgor, you can do your own dusting!'
|-
|35
|Spildit's Birthday
|
| [[Hovercraft]], [[Dingie]], Mech Fish, [[Leaves]]
|'Sarge, I think we have a rather sinking feeling!'
|-
|36
|A Day Out
|
| [[WhirleyPed]], [[Reflecter]], [[Leaves]]
|'Serves them right!'
|-
|37
|Urpgor's Great Adventure
|
| [[Electric Car]], [[Rocket]], [[Leaves]]
|'And once more Urpgor, we wouldn't have to be here, we could have been at home doing that lovely singing!'
|-
|38
|The Neemod
|
| [[Jet Pack]], [[Leaves]]
|'Wahhh!!?'
|-
|39
|Mr Blossom's Present
|
| [[ChemelianMobile]], [[Leaves]]
|'Well, every cloud has a silver lining!'
|}

'''Season 4''' (1995)

{| class="wikitable" width="90%"
!'''#'''
!'''Episode Name'''
!'''Description'''
!'''Vehicles/Inventions'''
!'''Frizz's Lectures'''
|-
|40
|Auntie Again
|
| [[Drilling Machine]], [[Rocket]], [[bubble]]
|'Well, there's something for you!'
|-
|41
|The Substitute
|
| [[Racing karts]], [[Pedalcarrage]], [[Pedalbike]], [[Leaves]]
|'Why don't we play I spy, we have plenty of time!'
|-
|42
|The Stowaways
|
| [[Mobile Mudbath]], [[WhirleyPed]], [[Paint Gun]], [[Argorible Tank]], [[MoleMobile]], [[Leaves]]
|'wwwwwwww!!!!!!!'
|-
|43
|Trouble with the Miners
|
| [[Land Yacht]], [[Pedal Bike]], [[Leaves]]
|'Compared to here, I think those miners were pretty nice!'
|-
|44
|The Basilic
|
| [[Catamaran]], [[Jet Pack]], [[Pedal Bike]], [[Leaves]]
|'Woopse!!'
|-
|45
|Dreambubble Mixture
|
| [[Bus]], [[Jet Pack]]
|'Well, it looks like we are going to have a time of unspoilt pleasure!'
|-
|46
|Little Urpip
|
| [[Submarines]], [[Leaves]]
|'She's a little chip of the old block isn't she? little urpip!'
|-
|47
|Horrible Argorible
|
| [[Pedal Bike]], [[Jet Pack]], [[Leaves]]
|'Now Urpgor, you need to find a way on how to explain this to his lordship!'
|-
|48
|Hod
|
| [[Rocket]], [[Leaves]]
|'Well, at least we didn't turn into frogs.'
|-
|49
|The Jolly Bird
|
| [[Spaceship]], [[Land Yacht]], [[Leaves]]
|'Well I did try to tell you!'
|-
|50
|Planet Prunus
|
| [[Black Ball]], [[Rocket]], [[Bubble]]
|'This is so lovely!'
|-
|51
|The Spider-Mobile
| Urpgor invents a superweapon that can shoot webs, this machine manages to get by Watts and Noops and manages to steal The Dreamstone. What a struggle it must have been to stop Zordrak from going to the Nightmare Planet.
| [[SpiderMobile]], [[Leaves]], [[Pedal Bike]]
|'Urpgor certainly knows how to make a splash!'
|-
|52
|Urpjaws
|
| [[SharkMobile]], [[Bubble]]
|'I wonder if that Noop managed to get his regatta timetable sorted out?'
|}

== Trivia ==
{{Trivia|date=January 2008}}
{{refimprove|section|date=February 2008}}

*[[Ozzy Osbourne]], [[Frank Bruno]], and [[Billy Connolly]] provided lead vocals on The ''War Song of the Urpneys'' single and album track, although the version heard in the series was largely sung by composer Mike Batt.
* Other artists who sung for The Dreamstone soundtrack included [[Bonnie Tyler]], who recorded a duet with Mike entitled ''Into The Sunset''. This song was supposed to be used as the show's official love song (especially towards Rufus and Amberley) but it was never used. Plus [[Joe Brown (singer)|Joe Brown]] performed ''The Vile Brothers Mountain Band'', which was used on the show, during the episode ''Albert Is Fishnapped''. [[Gary Glitter]] was also involved with the recording.
*In the [[United Kingdom|UK]] there were a couple of videos from [[Video Collection International]] covering all of series one bar the episode Megattack; plus several releases of most (but not all of) Series 1 from [[Tring International]].
*Also in the UK [[BMG Video]] only released one video featuring 4 episodes of series 2.
*In [[Australia]] it aired on [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation|ABC TV]].
*The show was also aired in [[Brazil]]. However only Series 1 and 2 were aired.
*After it was cancelled there were 6 videos from [[Reel Entertainment]] featuring 12 episodes of series 3 released in Australia. They also had another video release, presumbily of the first 3 episodes of Series 1.
*In Australia the episode "Wottles" was actually spelled "Woitles".
*At the ending of each episode apart from the ''Pilot episode,'' Frizz, one of the Urpneys has always got funny lectures to tell like 'I Told You It woudn't last!' in 'Spildit,' and 'I could have been a star! I know I could?' in 'Albert is Fishnapped!'
*The TV version of ''Better Than A Dream'' contained some different lyrics to the version included on the [[soundtrack]]. The TV version mostily reflected Rufus' personality, with the lyrics 'I always dream myself to somewhere else each night' and 'I know I dream much more than other people do'. The soundtrack version contained 'I used to dream myself to someone else each night' and 'Until I chanced upon this road that led to you', among a few other changes that were made to the song. Mike Batt also re-recorded the chorus, used in the ending credits from Series 2 onwards.
*Unusually for an animated show, the series makes several references to death or being killed. While no main characters ever die, the hint of death seems very real. In the first episode, Zordrak throws an Urpney to the Frazznats as punishment. Zordrak also yells 'Then Die' to Rufus and Amberley in The Dreamstone Part 2: Into Viltheed (Which was originally aired as the full length pilot), however they didn't get killed, though in the same episode it seemed Pildit had died in a landslide caused by Zordrak, but he survived. The series toned down the hint of death more and more during the course of the series.
*Although all the Urpneys in Viltheed are male, female Urpneys do exist, as Urpgor has both an auntie and a niece.
*Albert later became the mascot/logo for Martin Gates' production company.

== External links ==
{{wikiquote|The Dreamstone}}
* [http://www.geocities.com/dreamstone_guide The Ultimate Dreamstone Guide]
* [http://www.nyanko.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/dreamstone/ Nyanko's Dreamstone site]
* [http://www.mikejupp.co.uk/ The official website of Mike Jupp, creator of The Dreamstone]
* [http://www.webnet2000.cc/mikejupp/ Mike Jupp's official forum]
* {{imdb title|0299286|The Dreamstone}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Dreamstone, The}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Dreamstone, The}}
[[Category:Animated television series]]
[[Category:1990 British television series debuts]]
[[Category:Children's ITV television programmes]]
[[Category:1995 British television series endings]]
[[Category:Television programs featuring anthropomorphic characters]]
[[Category:1990s British animated television series]]
[[Category:1990 television series debuts]]
[[Category:1990s British children's television series]]
[[Category:1995 television series endings]]
[[Category:British children's animated fantasy television series]]
[[Category:Television series by Cookie Jar Entertainment]]
[[Category:British English-language television shows]]
[[Category:ITV children's television shows]]

[[Category:Television series by WildBrain]]
[[es:The Dream Stone]]
[[Category:Television series by FilmFair]]
[[pt:The Dreamstone]]
[[Category:Television series by ITV Studios]]
[[ru:Камень сновидений (мультфильм)]]
[[Category:Television shows produced by Central Independent Television]]
[[Category:Television shows produced by Scottish Television]]
[[Category:ITV animated television series]]
[[Category:Animated television series about parallel universes]]
[[Category:Television shows about nightmares]]

Latest revision as of 20:35, 28 November 2024

This article is about the British animated TV series. For the C. J. Cherryh novel, see The Dreamstone (novel).


The Dreamstone
Created byMichael Jupp
Written by
  • Sue Radley
  • Martin Gates
Starring
Country of originUnited Kingdom
No. of series4
No. of episodes52
Production
Running time22 minutes
Production companies
Original release
NetworkITV (CITV)
Release25 September 1990 (1990-09-25) –
28 March 1995 (1995-03-28)

The Dreamstone is a British animated television series that aired from 1990 to 1995, with four series and 52 episodes. The series' original concept and artwork was created by Michael Jupp, and it was written by Sue Radley and Martin Gates and produced by Martin Gates Productions (MGP) for a wholly-owned subsidiary of Central, a part of Independent Television, and FilmFair. Distribution rights for the Martin Gates catalogue, including The Dreamstone, are currently owned by Monster Entertainment.[1]

The Dreamstone is set in the dream worlds of the Land of Dreams and the Land of Nightmares and follows the struggle between good, personified by The Dream Maker, and evil, personified by Zordrak, Lord of Nightmares.[2]

Principal characters

[edit]

Land of Dreams

[edit]

The Land of Dreams is populated by the humanoid Noops, whose lifestyle is similar to humans, and the Wuts, defenders of the realm who fly around on leaves and use staffs to communicate with each other and ward off Zordrak's forces.

  • The Dream Maker (voiced by John Franklyn-Robbins): A wise and elderly wizard responsible for creating and sending dreams to the world.
  • Albert (voiced by Richard Tate): The Dream Maker's pet dogfish, who is said to have been created when he saw him in a dream and liked him so much that he decided to make him real. Albert later became the mascot/logo for Martin Gates' production company.
  • Rufus (voiced by Stuart Lock): The main protagonist of the series. A Noop who enjoys dreaming so much that he has vivid daydreams, which has caused him to have trouble finding a job. After being fired from the waxworks, Amberley suggests that Rufus apply for the position of the Dream Maker's assistant, which is ideal for him because of his daydreaming. Although his mind often wanders and he tends to get into things he should not, he is creative and imaginative. In the pilot episode he is voiced by Christian Bale.
  • Amberley (voiced by Nancy Hendry): Rufus' best friend, who is practical and resourceful. However, her level-headedness is sometimes clouded by her short temper, which sometimes causes her to rush into situations. She was named after Amberley, West Sussex, a village that creator Mike Jupp visited regularly.
  • Pildit (voiced by Derek Wright): The leader of the Wuts and a long-time friend of the Dream Maker, who is his most trusted ally and often called upon to defend the Land of Dreams from Zordrak's forces. He teaches Rufus and Amberley how to use the special leaves the Wuts use to fly. Pildit is rather mellow and deadpan, in contrast to his grandmother.
  • Wildit (voiced by Jacqueline Clarke): Pildit's grandmother and the leader of the Wut Flying Squadron.
  • Spildit (voiced by Ellie Beaven): Wildit's niece, who often gets into trouble and has a friendly rivalry with the Urpneys, often taking pity on them during their less antagonistic moments or unknowingly assisting in their schemes.
  • Mr. Blossom (voiced by Anthony Jackson): An elderly Wut and the Dream Maker's gardener, whose dedication to his duty is more important to him than issues like the Dreamstone being stolen.
  • Wottles (voiced by Ellie Beaven): Creatures that are similar to Wuts, but are smaller and have furry chests. Their job is to look after the Dream Bottle trees from underground and ensure that they are healthy. Notable Wottles are Hat and Egg, who often accompany Rufus and Amberley on their adventures.
  • Planet Dreamstone (voiced by Jacqueline Clarke): A sentient planet that is an authority figure in the Council of Dreammakers and the source of power for all Dreamstones in the universe.

Land of Nightmares

[edit]
Zordrak, Lord of Nightmares, first appeared in the pilot episode.

The Land of Nightmares is populated mainly by Urpneys, lizard-like humanoids who live in Viltheed, a mountainous wasteland that Zordrak inhaits. Although all Urpneys in Viltheed are male, female Urpneys do exist, as Urpgor has an aunt and a niece.

  • Zordrak (voiced by Gary Martin): The Lord of Nightmares and the main antagonist of the series. Zordrak was once a Dream Maker, but was banished from the council for corrupting dreams into nightmares, after which he transformed into his current form and arrived in Viltheed, vowing vengeance on the Dream Maker. He rarely leaves his throne, instead relying on his henchman to carry out his work; he can also transform into a mist/apparition to leave Viltheed. His initial motive for stealing the stone is to freely send nightmares to the Sleeping World, but he later reveals his intention to use its powers to make himself Lord of the Universe. In Mike Jupp's original draft of the story, Zordrak was known as "Nasta Shelfim", an anagram for "Satan himself", but his name was changed to Zordrak due to the original name being too dark.
  • Urpgor (voiced by Leonard Whiting (Series 1–3), Colin Marsh (Series 4)): The chief Urpney scientist, who hates the Urpneys and secretly seeks to take the throne for himself. While his inventions work, they are often hindered by their complexity and reliance on Urpney muscle power to operate them. He is the only Urpney shown to have relatives, having an aunt and a niece, Urpip.
  • Sergeant Blob (voiced by Richard Tate): The military leader of the Urpneys, who takes over Operation Dreamstone after the former commanding officer, Captain Crigg, is executed. He usually has Nug and Frizz accompany him on missions, having appointed them his "elite squad" in the pilot episode because they were slow to flee with the others.
  • Corporal Frizz (voiced by Melvyn Hayes): An Urpney who gained a position of responsibility because he could not run away as fast as the others. He dislikes Urpgor more than the other Urpneys, and occasionally tries to attack him, notably after meeting his aunt.
  • Corporal Nug (voiced by Anthony Jackson): A member of Blob's Urpney squad. Though he can often come across as dimwitted, he is sometimes shown to be more perceptive than the other Urpneys, sometimes suggesting good ideas that are usually taken by Blob and passed off as his own.
  • Captain Crigg: The original commander of the Urpneys, who questioned Zordrak's leadership and often fell behind schedule. As a result of his failures, Zordrak banished him to the Pit of No Return, where he was eaten by the Frazznats. After his death, Blob was promoted to the position of commander.
  • Argorribles: Incorpereal purple clouds that Zordrak sends each night to deliver nightmares to the sleeping world. While often thwarted by the power of the Dreamstone, with the power of the Nightmare stone, they gain more power and are more likely to bypass the Dreamstone's defences.
  • Zarag (voiced by Jacqueline Clarke): Zordrak's sister, who was sealed in a bottle for five hundred years until Nug accidentally releases her and is implied to have been romantically involved with the Dream Maker. She also seeks the Dreamstone, but to wear as a hair accessory rather than to unleash nightmares upon the world. Her last appearance was "The Substitute" where, as part of an arrangement with the Urpneys, she poses as a Dream Maker to corrupt the Noops' dream bottles with Argoribbles in an attempt to steal the Dreamstone.
  • Frazznats: Creatures that live in the Pit of No Return and feed on Urpneys.

Episodes

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Main article: List of The Dreamstone episodes

Soundtrack

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The show was notable for its musical score, which was unique among cartoons in that it was performed by a full-size professional orchestra, the London Philharmonic Orchestra. The score, by Mike Batt, was heavily characterised by the use of leitmotifs and thematic variations, particularly in the two main songs used in the series, "Better Than a Dream", which characterised the Noops and the Wuts, and "War Song of the Urpneys", which characterised the Urpneys.

Ozzy Osbourne, Frank Bruno, and Billy Connolly provided lead vocals on the "War Song of the Urpneys" single and album track, although the version heard in the series was mainly sung by composer Mike Batt. Other artists who sang for soundtrack included Bonnie Tyler, who recorded a duet with Mike entitled "Into the Sunset", which was intended to be used as the show's official love song, but went unused. Joe Brown and Gary Glitter performed "The Vile Brothers Mountain Band", which was used in the episode "Albert is Fishnapped".

The TV version of "Better Than a Dream" contained different lyrics than the version included on the soundtrack. The TV version reflected Rufus's personality, with the lyrics "I always dream myself to somewhere else each night" and "I know I dream much more than other people do". The soundtrack version instead has the lyrics "I used to dream myself to someone else each night" and "until I chanced upon this road that led to you", among other changed lyrics. Mike Batt re-recorded the chorus, which was used in the ending credits from the latter half of Series 1 until series 4, in which it was shortened. In 2012, Katie Melua released a version of "Better Than a Dream".

The soundtrack was re-released as part of the Mike Batt Music Cube release in December 2009 by Dramatico Records. However, instead of the TV soundtrack, the CD featured five newly recorded orchestral overtures, as well as "Better Than a Dream", "The War Song of the Urpneys", "Into the Sunset", and a shorter version of "The Dreamdance", which omits the vocal clips from the show. "The Vile Brothers Mountain Band" was omitted from the soundtrack due to the controversy surrounding Gary Glitter.

TV soundtrack album listing (original release):

  1. "Better Than a Dream" - Mike Batt (3:04)
  2. "The War Song of the Urpneys" - Billy Connolly, Ozzy Osbourne and Frank Bruno (4:44)
  3. "Dreamdance (Theme from The Dreamstone)" (10:07)
  4. "Into the Sunset" - Mike Batt and Bonnie Tyler (3:28)
  5. "The Vile Bros Mountain Band" - Joe Brown and Gary Glitter (4:19)
  6. "The Dreamstone (Main Title)" (2:10)
  7. "Wack's Wicks Works" (2:15)
  8. "The Dream Maker" (6:11)
  9. "Whirlyped Launch" (5:21)
  10. "The Dreamstone Is Stolen" (6:20)
  11. "The Argorribles and the Egg of Death" (6:48)
  12. "Rufus Succeeds" (5:20)

TV soundtrack album listing (Music Cube re-release):

  1. "Better Than a Dream" - Mike Batt (3:08)
  2. "The War Song of the Urpneys" - Billy Connolly, Ozzy Osbourne, and Frank Bruno (4:47)
  3. "Dreamdance (Edited Version)" (4:53)
  4. "Into the Sunset" - Mike Batt and Bonnie Tyler (3:32)
  5. "Dreamstone Overture no.1" (6:57)
  6. "Dreamstone Overture no.2" (4:48)
  7. "Dreamstone Overture no.3" (5:31)
  8. "Dreamstone Overture no.4" (4:49)
  9. "Dreamstone Overture no.5" (4:03)
  • This is not the only track to be called Dreamstone Overture no.5. The "Better Than a Dream" 7-inch vinyl and CD single versions features the track "Dreamstone Overture no.5", which is different from the Music Cube re-release and is an orchestral version of "Into the Sunset", while the Dreamstone Overtures on the Music Cube re-release are selections of orchestral tracks from the original series. The "Dreamstone Overture no.5" present on the single has a runtime of 6:48.

The Dreamstone soundtrack is currently out of print as of 2015. However, the five Overture tracks from the Music Cube re-release are included on Mike Batt's album A Classical Tale, released on CD on 24 July 2015 by Dramatico Records.[3]

Home media releases and online distribution

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In the United Kingdom, there were several video releases from the Video Collection, covering all of series 1, including the unedited opening special, except for the episode "Megattack", as well as several releases of most episodes from Series 1 from Tring Video UK. BMG Video UK released one video release, which featured four episodes from Series 2.

The first two episodes were originally combined as one episode, the opening special, which contained extra footage that was removed from the 22-minute TV version of the special. The first six episodes of the series were released on DVD in the UK by Abbey Home Media, when the rights to the show were owned by Cookie Jar Entertainment, but these two volumes have since gone out of print. The company's Jaroo website used to stream episodes from the first two series.

There were six video releases by Australian company Reel Entertainment, which was released in Australia and featured the first 12 episodes of Series 3. There was also another video release by Video Distributors International in 1992, which featured the first three episodes of Series 1.

In the United States, Fisher-Price released a video release of The Dreamstone.

Pidax Film released the first 13 episodes on DVD in Germany, with English and German audio, on 23 February 2018.[4] Series 2 was released on 18 May 2018.[5] Series 3 was released on 27 July 2018,[6] and Series 4 was released on 28 September 2018.,[7]

The first series was available in the UK through Amazon Prime, but lacked the series finale, "Megattack".[8] Since 2020, however, the episodes are no longer available on Amazon. iTunes has added the first 12 episodes to their service.[9]

In late 2018, Monster Entertainment began the "Official Dreamstone" channel on YouTube and uploaded all 52 episodes, but in June 2019, they set most of the episodes to "private".[10] As of January 2020, they have been re-uploaded.

In September 2022, the series was released on PZAZ TV Worldwide.[11]

Production

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Although the show was produced in the United Kingdom, it was animated in the Philippines. As with American produced cartoons, Martin Gates Productions used foreign studios for the overall animation work. Fil-Cartoons, owned by Hanna-Barbera, did animation for series 1, while Moving Images International did animation for series 2–4.

In 1985, Mike Jupp and Martin Gates produced a pilot for the series, The Dream Thief. It was animated by the studio Mill Valley Animation in Novato, California, when Mike was working in America. The pilot has several differences from the TV series, most of which came from Jupp's original manuscript for the idea, and featured a 12-year-old Christian Bale as the voice of Rufus.

Merchandise and other media

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In 1991, London Edition published a comic book series based on episodes from the series. The first issue consisted entirely of screenshots, while the next five featured art drawn by Tim Perkins. The comic ran for six issues and adapted plotlines from the episodes "The Dreamstone/Into Viltheed", "The Daydream Bubble", "Albert Is Fishnapped", "The Knitted Balloon", "The Shrinking Stone", and "The Invisible Blob".

BMI (Print Division) Ltd. released a board game based on The Dreamstone in 1993, containing The Dreamstone Game, which involved rolling to move and collecting pieces of the Dreamstone, and Dream Chase, a variant of Snakes and Ladders. A jigsaw puzzle depicting the Dream Maker, Rufus, Amberley, and Albert walking through the Noops' town was also produced, along with other puzzles produced by British puzzle/board game manufacturer Waddingtons.

In October 2019, Oakbound Studio announced that it would produce a licensed miniatures range and game based on The Dreamstone to mark its 30th anniversary. The role-playing game, miniatures game, and a range of 27 initial collectable figurines based on the show were funded through Kickstarter and released on Oakbound's website in July 2021. Zordrak was also announced as a second Kickstarter project launching in December 2022, with a third miniatures release and supplement to the games being planned for 2022.

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Wikiquote has quotations related to The Dreamstone.

References

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  1. ^ Zahed, Ramin (22 August 2013). "Monster Entertainment to Release Martin Gates' Library". Animation Magazine. Archived from the original on 6 September 2017. Retrieved 4 June 2017.
  2. ^ Andrew, Jamie (27 November 2019). "90s cartoon The Dreamstone: more than just a cracking theme song". Den of Geek.
  3. ^ A Classical Tale, 24 July 2015, ASIN B00Y2QARLU
  4. ^ "Der Traumstein (The Dreamstone) - Staffel 1". Pidax-film.de. Archived from the original on 1 December 2017. Retrieved 18 March 2020.
  5. ^ "Der Traumstein (The Dreamstone) - Staffel 2". Pidax-film.de. Archived from the original on 28 February 2018. Retrieved 18 March 2020.
  6. ^ "Der Traumstein (The Dreamstone) - Staffel 3 - PIDAX film". www.pidax-film.de. Archived from the original on 1 May 2018. Retrieved 17 January 2022.
  7. ^ "Der Traumstein (The Dreamstone) - Staffel 4". Pidax-film.de. Archived from the original on 22 June 2018. Retrieved 18 March 2020.
  8. ^ Watch the Dreamstone, ASIN B07BL1M245
  9. ^ "The Dreamstone on Apple TV". iTunes.
  10. ^ "The Dreamstone Official". YouTube. 14 June 2019. Retrieved 18 March 2020.
  11. ^ "PZAZ - TV & Music 'Super App' | PzazTV". Archived from the original on 23 September 2022. Retrieved 23 September 2022.
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