Labyrinth 4K
Steelbook & Collector's Edition review by Bobby Blakey
While Jim Henson’s best-known works are probably The Muppets, but his expansion into fantasy filmmaking not only showcased his masterful work but took fans into whole new worlds. In 1986 after his success with The Dark Crystal Henson stepped behind the camera once again to bring the world of Labyrinth to life. The film stars Jennifer Connelly and the legendary icon the late David Bowie who also wrote and recorded the original songs especially for the film. Now the film is finally getting the 4K treatment from Shout Factory.
Labyrinth follows Sarah Williams as she makes her way through the labyrinth of the Goblin King Jareth in search of her little brother Toby. The film features a mainstay of the fantasy genre with its spectacular visual effects and ground-breaking animatronics and contains original songs written and recorded by Bowie especially for the film.
I remember seeing this film in the theater and while blown away with the film it was it just didn’t connect with me like The Dark Crystal did. Thankfully over the years I began to love it even more and has since become one of my favorite films. This film is like no other and not only delivers something way before its time, but
the sheer genius of what Hensen set out to create.
The visuals and sets are outstanding, and I love all the character designs, especially Ludo. The way Hensen embraced the craft he was a genius at and able to infuse it with real people without it feeling ridiculous is a success all its own. I would have never thought Bowie would have worked in this film, but his look, performance and songs make this movie what it is and allows the brilliance of the Hensen creature shop to just cut loose in every way possible.
This film is pure magic in its wide array of characters and designs with all unique personalities that are hilarious and creepy all at once. It’s no surprise that the Henson creature was able to create so many great creatures and characters, but the sheer amount and originality to each and every one of them is a marvel in and of itself. I love this world and was great getting to dive back into it with this beautiful hi-def version that while it does show some of the effects to look dated, but still looks fantastic with all the magic intact.
In addition to the film, the SteelBook release offers bonus content including commentaries, deleted & alternate scenes, trailers, featurettes and more. This release on 4K is enough of a reason to pick this up, but Shout Factory has stepped it up further with an all-new Limited Edition Collector’s Set contains a glass crystal ball (iconic of the one in the movie) with interior 3D-etching of the movie title, a wooden labyrinth-style base for display, five art cards, a 28-page book with new essay, production stills, concept art by Brian Froud, a collectible sticker, a payload of bonus content, and sparkling 4K UHD™ and Blu-ray™ of LABYRINTH. All are packaged in an awe-inspiring box with wrap-around art featuring original concept art from the movie and a lid flap that opens to a window display of the crystal ball.
Journey back into the world of Labyrinth with the 4K SteelBook or Collector’s set available now from Shout Factory. For more information or to grab your copy head over to www.shoutfactory.com
