Now that I am an adult. I've seen this movie a few times and never really grasped the concept. But it was entertaining especially with the little mutant dog. The visuals were before their time. Jim and Frank did a fantastic job.
What's confusing about it? I agree, they were well before their time. A LOT of the '80s effects were, in my opinion. And they wipe the floor with all this CGI nonsense! CGI is for films like "Terminator 2", it works well there. But otherwise, no.
I liked Fizzgig too, he was such a little pain in the ass LOL! But I admit I gasped when the Skeksis threw him into the pit, and when Aughra tries to rescue him.
"I'd say this cloud is Cumulo Nimbus." "Didn't he discover America?" "Penfold, shush."
I know this post is old but found it interesting. I finally watched TDC straight through as an adult. I was doing something else as well though and missed some things but I suppose the OP was wondering about the random things like what are all these creatures anyway, dreamfasting, the three Suns and why a dark crystal.