Jim Henson's - Labyrinth (30th Anniversary Edition)

Review: Labyrinth2/18/16Thoughts on Labyrinth: the MovieDavid BowieI keep forgetting how truly awesome this movie is. So while watching it today, to get out of a sour mood, I decided to give a review. Be kind to me, first movie review and I’m feeling pretty sick right now. Very tired…tried to with a headache but with David Bowie! That’s right, I’m watching Labyrinth! Here’s a bit of a review written just out in my thoughts as I sleepily watch the movie.A fairly simple description: Girl has to constantly babysit annoying still infant child, girl had FANTASTIC imagination, and prays to the Goblin King to rid her of her evil (he’s very blond and chubby…looks menacing.) little sibling boy. NOT SO MUCH TO ASK! But the girl (Sarah. AKA Jennifer Connolly at a very young age) decides to rescind the offer and go after her brother after all. The only way to him is through the Goblin Mazes, and the path is a dangerous one. Personally, I hope she gets paid triple time for that babysitting night!“Filmed in 1986, Labyrinth is about a selfish 16-year old girl, Sarah, is given 13 hours to solve a labyrinth and rescue her baby brother when her wish for him to be taken away is granted by the Goblin King.” And that’s the crux of it straight from IMDB, but I’ll elaborate some.So, it’s got all the amazing cast and crew that you knew you loved. It’s the kind of fairy tale that isn’t edited for content. They don’t leave out Cinderella’s killer corset (metaphorically, of course, she’s not in this one), or the evil step-sisters chopping off the tops of their feet to fit in the slippers. It’s on THAT caliber of fantastsy.And yet there are AMAZING puppets. It’s a Jim Henson project with Lucas Films producing. There’s really not much more you can hope for! It’s definitely a Family Style movie. You can watch this with your mum and pop and they’ll be as entertained as you! There’s also a stunning amount of humor in this movie, so don’t let any of it skip past you!Background on Labyrinth Actors: Starring: Jennifer Connolly (Sarah), David Bowie (the Goblin Kin/Jareth!) Hoggle the amazing goblin is voiced/played by Shari Weiser. Oh, and the baby is played by Toby Fruad and his name in the movie is Toby! Easy to remember!It’s, as I mentioned, a Lucas Film LTD porduction, meaning that George Lucas had his hands all over it. Which I think explains the brilliance and I only wish that Henson and Lucus would do it again! Not to mention the Number One character’s in the entire movie: THE GOBLINS! They. Are. Amazing. Henson is still King.That’s right, all the puppets are thought up and designed by Jim Henson and crew. There’s no Miss Piggy, be warned. They spooked the hell out of me when I was a little girl. The movie is only PG rated, of course, but this is being reviewed by the girl who COULD NOT watch the Indiana Jones movies…without crying hysterically and running from the room…until age 15. Legit. Something about be crushed into jelly freaks me out. So air this to your kids with caution. I would recommend it, but I personally always would have run like a baby from the Goblin King until about age nine. But I was a wimp when it came to “scary” movies when I was a kid. I think I was a vivid dreamer. No such luck now.Also, the movie runs 101 minutes. Not a long jaunt, but totally worth the short getaway.Who wouldn’t want to give away their baby brother that they CONSTANTLY have to babysit to a mythical Goblin King. I can’t say I blame her. I’m sure a lot of babysitters and older siblings LOVE this movie and love when the kids finally get old enough to watch and be terrified!DANCE MAGIC DANCE! JUMP MAGICAL JUMP! Beware, this movie has the best random musical interludes. Very Rocky Horror-esque mixed with all your favorite terrifying childhood’s stories. And I mean the REAL scary ones. The ones you read with a flashlight under the covers when you’re a little girl so mum and da will never know. NEVER.Random: Ludo the giant Wookie looking creature is simply is adorable. I need one! Nice for quick traveling as well.NOTE TO EVERYONE EVERYWHERE: YOU NEVER DRINK OR EAT ANYTHING FOR THE FAIRIES! THEY CANNOT BE TRUSTED! Clearly this doesn’t work out well for her since the whole erotic ballroom thing started.Goblin shin-digs look like fun, but I’m glad that Hoggle came to rescue her!NO! THE BOG OF ETERNAL STENCH! Ruuuuuuun! Appropriately disgusting! But the whole kissing thing was totally unforgivable SARAH, he could have turned into a prince!Brilliant sound effects. I wish I could work on a Foley Stage. There’s nothing much better than trying to recreate the sound of an axe murder with a bag of freeze dried meat and baseball bat. Or so I’ve seen on TV…I swear, only TV!Oh, and SO totally I figured out how to FINALLY sedate my cat! All he needed was to watch a movie with his namesake in it! He’s snoring away now! Look at the below picture!Still in love with Jennifer/Sarah’s Wedding grown! What can I say, I think Bowie is immensely good looking as well. (And Sarah doesn’t seem to totally disagree!) The whole masquerade ball scene is so pretty and I WANT TO GO! I have so many pretty masks…when will someone help me plan a costume party?! I missed Mari Gras again. Maybe next Halloween. It’s a Labyrinth theme and we all watch the movie! OOOH, best idea yet, Hannah! Masquerade party, anyone? I have masks that can be provided!LabyrinthJennifer ConnelyReally freaky when the ballroom explodes. Where IS Sarah? Is she alive? Why does Hoggle think he’s so unforgivable?Sarah FINALLY remembers she has to save Toby after a quick mental breakdown. Thank goodness! Weird slacker scene where she just wants to play with her childhood toys!HOGGLE SAVES THE DAY BY DEFEATING THE GOLLEM! And getting a new rig! Well…for a few minutes. And then there’s a sweet forgiveness scene between the gang, and they get BACK ON TRACK!Bowie with the baby on his lap just looks so…cool. He’s the epitome of epic awesome. Forever!Love the score for this movie. Classic mixed with techno-pop. But it just WORKS!Bowie’s serenade to Sarah. “Your Eyes can be So Cruel, Death I Do Believe in You” “I-I-I Can’t Live Without You.” So creepy and haunting, and might I add a little bit romantic. What can I say, I have a thing for the “bad guys”.So I’m going to spoil a little bit and admit that there’s a happy ending to this movie. It’s worth the watch. It’s worth the time and the smiles and the nostaglia…or if it’s you’re first time it’s even more worth it! It cheered up an otherwise boring afternoon, and reminded me of the things I love the most. I love story telling, I love gothic, I love horror, I love humor, I love fantasy and science fiction. I love it all and this movie has it all, if only it could have sequels.
RIP, David Bowie. You were an amazing actor, writer, singer, director and so much more. I hope you’re rocking some epic concerts up in the big theather, so to speak.Quotes:“You have thirteen hours in which to solve the labyrinth, before your baby brother becomes one of us… forever.” Jareth/The Goblin KingI ask for so little. Just fear me, love me, do as I say and I will be your slave. -Jareth“You’re Horrible!” -Sarah “No, I ain’t. I’m Hoggle.”-Hoggle“You Would Never Be So Brave If You Had Smelled the Bog of Eternal Strench! If you so Much as Put a Foot in the Bog of Eternal Stink You’ll Smell for the Rest of Your Life!” -HoggleEverything I’ve done, I’ve done for you. I move the stars for no one. -Jareth / Goblin King“Your mother was an aardvark!” —Random Goblin“Once upon a time, there was a beautiful young girl whose stepmother always made her stay home with the baby. And the baby was a spoiled child, and wanted everything to himself, and the young girl was practically a slave. But what no one knew is that the king of the goblins had fallen in love with the the girl, and he had given her certain powers. So one night, when the baby had be particularly cruel to her, she called on the goblins for help!Goblin: Listen!Sarah: “Say your right words,” the goblins said, “and we’ll take the baby to the castle, and you will be free!” But the girl knew, that the Goblin King would keep the baby in his castle for ever and ever and ever, and turn it into a goblin! And so the girl suffered in silence. Until one day, when she was tired from a day of housework, and she was hurt by the harsh words of her stepmother, and she could no longer stand it…” – SarahGaurd: Well, the only way out of here is to try one of these doors!Guard: One of them leads to the castle at the end of the labyrinth, and the other one leads to…Guard: Ba-baba-BOOM!Guard: Certain DEATH!Guard: Ooooooooooooohhhhh!Sarah: [after eating the peach] Hoggle, what’ve you done?Hoggle: [leaves in fear] Oh, damn you, Jareth. And damn me, too.Goblin: Jump that magic jump on me! Slap that baby, make him free!You Have No Power Over Me —Sarah FINALLY STEPS IT UP! YOU GO GIRL! TELL THAT GOBLIN KING WHO’S BOSS!Sarah: Through dangers untold. And hardships unnumbered. I have fought my way here to the castle; beyond the goblin city, to take back the child that you have stolen. My will is as strong as yours, and my kingdom as great…Jareth: Stop! Look what I’m offering you. Your dreams.Sarah: My kingdom as great… my kingdom as great… damn, I can never remember that line.Jareth: I ask for so little. Just fear me. Love me. Do as I ask, and I shall be your slave.Sarah: You have no power over me!I need you Hoggle. I need all of you. – Sarah…LEADING TO ANOTHER GREAT EPIC DANCE PARTY TO FINISH OUT THE MOVIE!Random Fact: I love how little the baby is actually IN the movie. I’m not even sure why the Goblin King wanted him specifically in the first place. I guess because Sarah asked. Oops. I’ve asked Goblins to take away MY sister and absolutely nothing happened. And I remembered the words!Okay, there’s my review. Thought I’d try giving you something to “chew” on. What do you guys think? Classic gothic fantasy as I claim, or just Snaptraddle. And don’t say that, while it’s a fantastic word that I’m pretty sure I just made up, it’s really a great movie! However you’re entitled to your opinion, please just don’t my REVIEW is Snaptraddle. Or if you must, say it in a nice way!My cat gets bummed when I “screen block” him. He likes to watch! Random and not about the movie, but still very funny. Go Bowie watching Bowie! Well, Bowie sleeping on top of Bowie, but he woke up later and partied with me!

Had this movie recommended to me and it is a very excellent movie

love this movie, kind of before my time, being born after the year 2000; however this amazing story is timeless.

Quality was good

childhood favorite, and such a classic

I’ve been watching this movie since I was five or six years old. I’m now 46. I will watch this movie for the rest of my life. It is just amazing and it’s I love it. The music David Bowie is amazing. Jennifer Conley is amazing. It’s a great freaking movie. I love it. It’s it’s amazing.

David Bowie and where the wild things are muppets! Great movie! Fun and good for the imagination.

I love the work of Jim Henson. I enjoy watching the movies and television programs he produced and directed because he was a great film maker and puppeteer. Many of his creations are loveable and some are stunning. However, the main reason I love the work of Jim Henson is because he was a great storyteller who he knew how to tell fairy tales right.Most people today get their idea of fairy tales from the watered down Disney variety. As much as I enjoy Disney films, it is sad that the true stories are being lost. Sadder still is that if people were to actully listen to and read fairy tales in the way they were meant to be listened to and read, the storyteller would be accused of being a sick and violent person (even though the society we live in is much more sick and violent).Jim Henson was not afraid of telling a story in the way it was meant to be told. Jim Henson told fairy tales the right way. Such is the case in LABYRINTH.LABYRINTH is sort of a modern day fairy tale. Sarah is selfish and doesn't want to babysit her crying baby brother. So, she wishes for the goblins to take him away. Did anyone ever tell you to be careful for what you wish for because it might come true? Well, that's just what happens here. The goblins steal Sarah's brother, Toby, and take him to the castle in the goblin city. Sarah can save her brother, but only if she can successfuly navigate the labyrinth that leads to the city in a short amount of time. Sarah begins the quest and in doing so meets up with several loveable, frightening, and confusing creatures. They have several adventures which ultimately lead to Sarah's confrontation with the Goblin King.LABYRINTH is a delightful fairy tale adventure. It has scary monsters, a fight against evil, and a moral lesson. Children will enjoy watching it. However, I think adults may enjoy it even more because they will understand the parrell between the "fantasy world" and Sarah's (and perhaps your own) real life.

Extraordinaire

Parfait 😉

Ich habe den Fantasy-Film "Die Reise ins Labyrinth", der 1986 in die Kinos kam, als "30th Anniversary"-Edition auf Blu-ray von 2016 erworben. Der Film wurde in 4K digital überarbeitet und bietet gutes Bild und guten Ton, allerdings gibt es nur Sprach- und Untertiteloptionen und keine Tonoptionen für die deutsche Tonspur. Ich kenne den Film bereits aus dem Kino, und da hat er mir nicht 100%-ig gefallen, aber er ist mir positiv in Erinnerung geblieben. Ich habe mir ihn deshalb anläßlich der Jubiläumsausgabe zugelegt und es nicht bereut.Die FilmschaffendenBei dem Film hat Jim Henson Regie geführt, der als Puppenguru durch die Serie "Die Muppets" und den Fantasy-Film "Der Dunkle Kristall" bekannt wurde. Ausführender Produzent war George Lucas, der sich u. a. als kreatives Genie hinter den "Star Wars"-Filmen einen Namen gemacht hat. Terry Jones von den "Monty Python" hat das Drehbuch geschrieben. Die weibliche Hauptrolle wird von der damaligen Jungschauspielerin Jennifer Connelly, die 14 Jahre alt war, gespielt und die heute ein Star unter den Schauspielern ist. Sie mimt die Rolle der Sarah, der Schwester des Babys Toby, in unserer Zeit. Den Gegenspieler von Sarah spielt niemand geringeres als der charismatische Rockstar David Bowie als mysteriöser Koboldkönig, eine Gestalt aus mittelalterlicher (oder älterer) Mythologie.Der FilmSarah soll auf ihren Babybruder Toby aufpassen. Der weint und quengelt, sodass sich das Mädchen in ihrer Verzweiflung wünscht, die Kobolde mögen ihn holen. Prompt geschieht das und Sarah bereut ihren Wunsch zutiefst. Sie will ihren Bruder zurückholen. Der Koboldkönig gibt ihr 13 Stunden Zeit dafür! Sarah muss unter Zeitdruck durch ein Fantasy-Labyrinth bis zum Schloss des Koboldkönigs vordringen, um ihren Bruder zurückzufordern. Dabei stößt sie auf allerhand wunderliche Kreaturen, Hindernisse und Gefahren. Die Geschichte handelt von Liebe, Freundschaft, Loyalität, Vertrauen, Selbstfindung und der Überwindung der Furcht. Sarah muss sich ab und zu auch körperlich bewähren, es ist aber kein reiner Action-Film, sondern ein klassischer Fantasy-Film mit wenig Gewalt. Diese wird auch nicht drastisch in Szene gesetzt, sondern eher als spaßige Angelegenheit. So sind z. Bsp. die Kanonenkugeln der Kobolde animierte Puppen. Sarah braucht sowohl Herz und als auch Verstand, um dieses große Abenteuer zu bestehen! Der Film hat eine Laufzeit von rund 101 Minuten.Die KreaturenZu den Kreaturen im Film seien ein paar gesonderte Worte erlaubt. Es gibt eine Regel für Regisseure: Arbeite nie mit Babys und Tieren. Beides hat Jim Henson in diesem Film bewerkstelligt, außerdem hat er eine ganze Horde von verschiedensten Puppen und Figuren für die Zuschauer geschaffen. Dabei kann es sich um Schauspieler in Kostümen, wie den Gnom Hoggle, den Sarah vor dem Labyrinth kennenlernt, handeln. Oder um Puppen, die per Stangen von Operatoren gehandhabt werden, oder auch um per Animatronics animierte Puppen. Vermischungen dieser drei Puppenarten gibt es auch. Die Puppen können von winzig (wie ein Wurm) bis riesig (wie der tonnenschwere Kampfgolem) reichen. Auf alle Fälle sind die Puppen sehr abwechslungsreich und fantasievoll gestaltet worden, Puppenmagie à la Jim Henson eben!Der SoundtrackGesungen wird in diesem Film auch, vor allem von David Bowie selbst. Das bekannteste Lied dürfte der Titelsong "Underground" sein. Der Soundtrack gibt dem Film noch zusätzlichen Pepp!Die ExtrasDiese Blu-ray-Edition enthält als ältere Extras ein Making-Of, Featurettes, einen Audiokommentar von Konzept-Designer Brian Froud und einen Bild-in-Bild-Kommentar. An neuen Extras gibt es einen Rückblick aus neuerer Zeit auf den Film, ein Featurette über Jim Hensons Vermächtnis, ein Featurette über den Koboldkönig, eine Fragen & Antworten-Runde zum Thema dieses Films sowie mehrere Kinotrailer. Die Extras ohne die beiden Kommentare haben eine Laufzeit von über drei Stunden - klasse! Die Extras sollten keine Kaufentscheidung begründen, aber diese Extras hier sind es wert, angeschaut zu werden.AltersfreigabeKurz noch etwas zur Altersfreigabe des Films: Der Film ist ab einem Alter von zwölf Jahren freigegeben. Dazu muss man schreiben, dass das für Kinder gilt, die den Film alleine sehen. Für Kinder, die zusammen mit einem Erziehungsberechtigten den Film anschauen, gilt eine Altersfreigabe ab sechs Jahren. Das ist vielleicht etwas tief gegriffen, für das Verständnis sollten Kinder dann wohl doch etwas älter sein, unterstreicht aber nochmal die Harmlosigkeit des Films. Man kann den Film aber als Familienfilm bezeichnen, ältere Zuschauer kommen auch auf ihre Kosten.FazitJim Henson und George Lucas sind ein kunterbuntes, lustiges und abwechslungsreiches Fantasy-Spektakel gelungen. Der Film gewinnt ungemein durch seine Betonung von Herz und Verstand, die das Mädchen Sarah beweisen muss. Die liebevoll gemachten Puppen tragen ein übriges zu dem großen Reiz des Films bei. Auch gelungen sind das Schauspiel des geheimnisumwitterten David Bowie und der sympathischen Jennifer Connelly. Wie ich eingangs geschrieben habe, hat mich "Die Reise ins Labyrinth" damals im Kino nicht vollkommen überzeugt, jetzt gefällt er mir dafür umso besser. Ich kann den Film allen Fantasy-Fans empfehlen! Meine Sternewertung habe ich aus Sicht eines solchen gemacht und bei mir spielt auch eine Menge Nostalgie mit. D. h. der Film ist auch - trotz der jungen Hauptdarstellerin - für älteres Publikum geeignet, die den Film vielleicht von früher kennen. Ich vergebe fünf von fünf Sternen für diesen fantasievollen Streifen für fast alle Altersgruppen!

LABYRINTH [1986 / 2016] [30th Anniversary Limited Edition DigiBook] [Blu-ray + Digital HD ULTRAVIOLET] Let Jim Henson Take You into a Dazzling World of Fantasy and Adventure! Where Everything Seems Possible and Nothing Is What It Seems! Restored Beyond Its Original Brilliance!A 16-year old girl Sarah [Academy Award® winner Jennifer Connelly and Best Supporting Actress in ‘Beautiful Mind’ 2001] is given 13 hours to solve a dangerous and wonderful labyrinth and rescue her baby brother when her wish for him to be taken away is granted by the Goblin King [David Bowie]. Celebrate the 30th Anniversary of this beloved fantasy classic from visionary filmmaker Jim Henson, but most of the film's significant characters are played by puppets produced by the Jim Henson's Creature Shop. Now fully remastered in 4K.FILM FACT: Richard Corliss noted that the film appeared to have been influenced by ‘The Wizard of Oz’ and the works of Maurice Sendak, writing that "Labyrinth lures a modern Dorothy Gale out of the drab Kansas of real life into a land where the wild things are." The dialogue starting with phrase, "you remind me of the babe" that occurs between the Goblin King, Jareth [David Bowie] and the goblins, in the “Magic Dance” sequence in the film, is a direct reference to an exchange between Cary Grant and Shirley Temple in the 1947 film ‘The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer.’ This was the last feature film that Jim Henson would direct.Cast: David Bowie, Jennifer Connelly, Toby Froud, Shelley Thompson, Christopher Malcolm, Natalie Finland, Shari Weiser, Brian Henson (voice), Ron Mueck (voice), Rob Mills, Dave Goelz (voice), David Alan Barclay, David Shaughnessy (voice), Karen Prell, (voice), Timothy Bateson, Frank Oz, Michael Hordern (voice), Denise Bryer (voice), Steve Whitmire (voice), Kevin Clash (voice), Anthony Asbury (voice), Anthony Jackson (voice), Douglas Blackwell (voice), David Healy (voice), Robert Beatty (voice), Toby Philpott (voice), Ian Thom (voice), Charles Augins (voice), Sherry Amott (voice), Danny John-Jules (voice), Cheryl Henson (voice), Kaefan Shaw (voice), Alistair Fullarton (voice), Rollin Krewson (voice), Richard Bodkin (voice), Percy Edwards (voice), Marc Antona, John Aron, Elfrida Ashworth, Kenny Baker, Michael Henbury Ballan, Danny Blackner, Peter Burroughs, Toby Clark, Tessa Crockett, Terry Dane, Warwick Davis, Malcolm Dixon, Margaret Foyer, Anthony Georghiou, Elizabeth A. Gilbert, Louise Gold, Moira Grant, Paul Grant, Derek Hartley, Andrew Herd, Douglas Howes, Richard Jones, John Key, San Lee, Mark Lisle, Janis Mackintosh, Peter Mandell, Penny Marsden, Kim Mendez, Wendy Millward, Leonie Palette, Caroline Pope, Christopher Preston, Jack Purvis, Katie Purvis, Nicholas Read, Peter Salmon, Peter Sim, Graeme Sneddon, Linda Spriggs, Penny Stead, Graham Tudor-Phillips, David Turner, Sharon White, Albert Wilkinson, Barrie J. Wilkinson, Michael Attwell (voice) (uncredited), Sean Barrett (voice) (uncredited), Toni Barry (voice) (uncredited), John Bluthal (voice) (uncredited), Peter Marinker (voice) (uncredited), Steve Nallon (voice) (uncredited), Jan Ravens (voice) (uncredited), Enn Reitel (voice) (uncredited), Kerry Shale (voice) (uncredited) and Mildred Shay (voice) (uncredited)Director: Jim HensonProducers: David Lazer, Eric Rattray, George Lucas and Martin G. BakerScreenplay: Dennis Lee (story), Jim Henson (story) and Terry Jones (screenplay)Composer: Trevor JonesCinematography: Alex Thomson B.S.C. [Director pf Phtography]Video Resolution: 1080pAspect Ratio: 2.35:1 [Panavision]Audio: English: DOLBY ATMOS [7.1 Dolby TrueHD Compatible], Czech: 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround, Hungarian: 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround, Japanese: 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround, Polish: 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround, Russian: 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround and Spanish: 5.1 Dolby Digital SurroundSubtitles: English, English SDH, Arabic, Bulgarian, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Finnish, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Hungarian, Icelandic, Japanese, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguêse, Slovak, Slovene, Spanish, Swedish and TurkishRunning Time: 101 minutesRegion: All RegionsNumber of discs: 1Studio: TriStar Pictures / Sony Pictures Home EntertainmentAndrew’s Blu-ray Review: ‘LABYRINTH’ [1986] is about a teenage girl named Sarah [Jennifer Connelly] whose baby brother is kidnapped by Goblin King, Jareth [David Bowie]. Sarah has to rescue her baby brother from the goblins’ castle at the centre of a curiously populated maze before midnight, or the baby brother will be turned into a goblin. Why then has ‘LABYRINTH’ 101 minutes of David Bowie rock opera and Jim Henson’s spectacle become so beloved that it’s now a mainstream cult favourite, and what keeps people watching since it was released in 1986? For all its flaws and superficial delights, ‘LABYRINTH’ reacquainted audiences with an old fashioned idea that Hollywood had long neglected: Childhood is a scary and dangerous place; an inherently strange time filled with dead-ends, wrong turns, lies, and traps. In other words: It’s not the Muppets. Jim Henson’s 1986 film understands at its core that youth is full of mystery, tricks, and danger, and where ‘LABYRINTH’ looks into the “Dark Heart of Childhood.” The result, a fabulous film about a young girl's journey into womanhood that uses futuristic technology to illuminate a mythic-style tale, is in many ways a remarkable achievement.When we see the Goblins eyes snap open, it is the audience’s first glimpse of them, especially in the dimly lit shot crowded with teeth, white-rolling eyes, green flesh, and horns. It’s a strange moment, juxtaposed with Sarah in her baby brother’s bedroom, trying to get the screaming toddler to sleep. Then the wall-to-wall goblins come out of nowhere. Are they in Sarah’s head, the audience wonders? Have goblins always been there, waiting in the corners, holding their breath, or sleeping until we say the magic words? The technique makes animation seem dull and old-fashioned by comparison, and, in fact, the more exciting fantasy sequences in recent films have been created through special effects and advanced puppetry rather than animation. Mr. Henson's creations have put him in the forefront of a development that expands the possibilities of imaginative fantasy that can be transferred to the screen.It’s significant that Jim Henson’s goblins arrive in the “Land of Labyrinth” exactly when Sarah is attempting to do just that: put the baby to bed. When she flicks off the light and the baby goes silent, she knows instantly, instinctively, that something is wrong. Goblin King, Jareth enters Sarah’s brother’s bedroom in a flurry of boots and cape, snowy owl wings bating, and French doors thrown open wide. Goblin King, Jareth’s stolen her baby, but if Sarah can find her brother in the Labyrinth before 13 hours are up, she can have him back. Under a blood-red sky, Jareth shows Sarah his maze, with the Goblin Castle at the centre. Sarah’s backyard has seemingly peeled away to reveal the Goblin Kingdom. But have goblins always been there, waiting in the corners, holding their breath, or sleeping until we say the magic words?The puppets in ‘LABYRINTH’ are very inventive created puppets from the drawings of the conceptual designer Brian Froud, are a long way from Jim Henson's original Muppets, which used the traditional puppet box. Now they are complicated, highly technical creatures, each requiring about five people to operate, with many of the movements done by remote control. But one of Jim Henson's special gifts is producing puppets that are wonderfully human, eccentric and individualistic. As a result his new creations are not cold, automated electronic marvels, but fantastic humanoid creatures inhabiting a newly created world that mirror our own foibles, and so can move us and make us laugh.The story of the film is a variation on a classic theme from children's literature. Fifteen-year-old Sarah, in that twilight time when a girl begins to change into a woman, is staying home to care for her baby brother, whom she resents. A girl with an active imagination and her bookshelves are filled with the works of Lewis Carroll, Maurice Sendak and the Brothers Grimm and she wishes her brother weren't her responsibility. ''I wish the goblins would take you away right now,'' she says aloud. And they do. The rest of the film is her journey to get him back through the labyrinth of mazes, puzzles, magic and topsy-turvy twists of logic that must lead her to the centre, where the goblin king is holding her brother. David Bowie is perfectly cast as the teasing, tempting seducer whom Sarah must both want and reject in order to learn the Labyrinth's lessons, and his songs add a driving, sensual appeal.Most of the people who appear in the film work in teams of ''performers'' who operate the puppets and a lessening in the need for actors that might interest the Screen Actors Guild. Some of these puppets create memorable characters, such as Hoggle, the ugly gnome who is a coward but conquers his worse nature for love of his friend Sarah. Others are Ludo, a huge, hairy oaf who becomes Sarah's loyal friend, and Sir Didymus, a tiny hand puppet with the face of a dignified fox terrier who has a touch of Don Quixote in him. He's a gallant little knight who says lines like ''Don't worry, we've got them surrounded'' when the goblins are closing in on him. The script, by Terry Jones, co-creator of ''Monty Python's Flying Circus,'' is witty and slightly zany and a good combination to entertain both children and adults.Once old enough the mature nature of the film begins to show more and more. It is clear ‘LABYRINTH’ is Jim Henson’s version of a coming of age story, a story of how a young girl puts her childish ways behind her, but makes sure not to forget them as she steps into womanhood. Jennifer Connelly was chosen for the role of Sarah because she herself was so easily able to convey the female mind-set and transformation from childhood to womanhood. David Bowie was casted for his allure. David Bowie was perfect for the portrayal of Sarah’s ideal rock star crush. Jim Henson and Brian Froud easily cemented these ideas in the Jareth character with Bowie playing the role along with the character’s charisma/attitude and costuming/appearance. Upon a first viewing the coming of age element isn’t exactly clear. However, when watched multiple times, background elements, costuming and the choice of David Bowie as the main villain/love interest make the underlying message Henson was conveying very clear.LABYRINTH MUSIC TRACK LISTINGOPENING TITLES INCLUDING UNDERGROUND [Performed by David Bowie and Composed by Trevor Jones]INTO THE LABYRINTH [Composed by Trevor Jones]MAGIC DANCE [Performed by David Bowie, Will Lee and Fonzie Thorton]SARAH [Composed by Trevor Jones]CHILLY DOWN [Performed by David Bowie]HALLUCINATION [Composed by Trevor Jones]AS THE WALLS FALL DOWN [Performed by David Bowie]THE GOBLIN BATTLE [Composed by Trevor Jones]WITHIN YOU [Performed by David Bowie]THIRTEEN O’CLOCK [Composed by Trevor Jones]HOME AT LAST [Composed by Trevor Jones]UNDERGROUND [Performed by David Bowie]Blu-ray Video Quality – TriStar Pictures and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment have come together to bring you this 1986 film bang up to date with a stunning and surprisingly clean transfer encoded 1080p image, which for the most part is free from dirt, scratches, and other flaws from the original source. Specks and dirt do pop up from time to time, but much less than I expected they would. Detail and textures are the big winners here. The scene at the beginning with the group of goblins waiting for Sarah to say the magic words is a richly detailed scene that captures the true spirit of this HD transfer that can at times things can be a little too detailed and a case in point, is David Bowie's form fitting pants in HD are quite prominent. Strings for the puppets and a harness for Connelly are also, at times, visible with this kind of resolution. There's a wide variety of lush colours presented here, and all of them are given a chance to show off in a spectacular way. Blacks are even, and indeed exceed expectations. So much so the awesome brilliant transfer will make both serious fans and casual film watchers very happy indeed.Blu-ray Audio Quality – TriStar Pictures and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment have come together to bring you this 1986 film bang up-to-date with a stunning and surprisingly awesome audio track for this brilliant fantastic fantasy film. Sound effects and ambiance are presented very clearly throughout the side and rear channels. The film's synthesized 1980s soundtrack harbours a great deal of life still for today’s modern audiences, and comes through quite well through all of the speakers channels. Dialogue is presented very clearly through the front channels, and comes through very fine. The audio track plays very crisp, clean, and clear as soon as it gets started; and the music that plays over the opening credits effortlessly spills into the back channels, though the bulk of the material is heard across the three speakers in the front half of the soundstage. The track also does well to place sound effects all about the listening area; it creates a very nice and realistic sense of atmosphere throughout. Thunder gently rolls in the background early in the film, and croaking frogs invade the listening area in another scene midway through. Action scenes come alive with, again, a strong use of the surround speakers as well as a hearty amount of bass when the scene calls for it. Rounded out by faultless dialogue reproduction, this 30th Anniversary Limited Edition Blu-ray release of ‘LABYRINTH’ delivers a very good and terrific sonic audio experience.Blu-ray Special Features and Extras:Audio Commentary by Conceptual Designer Brian Froud: Brian Froud, the film's Conceptual Designer, gives a similar commentary track here as he did with the 'THE DARK CRYSTAL' Blu-ray disc. Here we are introduced to Brian Froud, and informs us that he was the Conceptual Designer for the film #LABYRINTH,’ and also informs us that the owl you see flying around while the credits appear, is in fact a computer generated image, and it was the first time a digital creature was presented to cinema audiences, and although Brian felt the images presented were crude, compared to what audiences view today, it was very ground-breaking for the film’s release in 1986, which was produced by the ILM [Industrial Light & Magic]. Brian also mentions the fact that he also worked on ’THE DARK CRYSTAL’ film, which kept him employed by Jim Henson for five years, but with the film ‘LABYRINTH,’ it was only a three year project, but with both films he did not feel it was a hard graft, it was more like a holiday, as it was totally fun working on both films. Brian Froud talks especially about some of the individual puppets, making the sets, and the digital artistry they used during the beginning credits with the owl flying in and out of the frame. By the way, we hear from Brian that the baby boy is Toby is actually Brian Froud's son and mentions the red and white horizontal stripped pyjamas Toby is wearing and says that this was a reference to “Alice in Wonderland,” and also wanted the clothing to stand out against the dark colours of the goblins, but one interesting fact Brian points out that when Brian was doing the conceptual designs with the goblins, and drew a baby boy sitting amongst the goblins which we view, well when Toby was born the likeness of the child in the conceptual design was very spookily the spitting image of Toby and now Brian tells us that Toby now works in the industry that makes puppets for films and the theatre. At the beginning of the film you see Jennifer Connelly in England, but when it rains you then see Jennifer is now in America, but of course 99% of the film was shot at Elstree Studios in England. Brian feels that the Goblin King has to reflect some of Sarah’s young adolescence thoughts, so in a sense the Goblin King is the adversary and also keen to also be a hero, as well as making him a romantic figure, but made in part like Heathcliff in “Wuthering Heights” or Rochester in “Jayne Ayres,” but also wanted the Goblin King to have Japanese influences, combined with a Knight or aspects of Grimm Fairy Tales, but most important he has to reflect the style of a Pop Artist, and felt David Bowie was perfect for the part in the film, but also felt David Bowie is a very charismatic. When you see Sarah enter the Labyrinth, Brian comments on the brick walls, which he felt reminded of his time he spent in Venice, especially walking around the streets and found them mysterious and of course the Ballroom scene was indicative hint of Venice, especially as all the dancers wore weird and wonderful masks. Each time we see Hoggle, Brian mentions that he designed his clothes and if you look very careful, you will see an image of a face on the clothing. Brian also comments on the fact that Jim Henson gave him complete freedom to be very adventurous and that is why Brian felt it was such a joy to work with Jim Henson. Brian also comments on the amazing hedge maze and felt again it reminded him of “Alice in Wonderland.” As we get near to the end of the film where Sarah is back home and Toby is in his cot asleep, Brian says that it was a great film to be involved in, and also a great privilege working with Jim Henson, who was an extraordinary man, who encourage talent and creativity and allowed Brian to do some extraordinary things, and helped him to fulfil his personal vision and also Jim Henson and Brian also felt there was huge group of talented people working on the film ‘LABYRINTH,’ and says that everyone rose to the challenge to work with Jim Henson, and again it was a great privilege all round, and finally Brian wanted to say, “Thanks Jim.” And so ends a really wonderful magical and very interesting audio commentary as Brian is so very informative and interesting hearing his comments and is a definite must hear while watching the brilliant awesome magical fantasy film that was ‘LABYRINTH.’Special Feature: Reordering Time: Looking Back at ‘LABYRINTH’ [2016] [1080p] [1.78:1] [9:31] This is a brand new, but all-too-short special feature with “talking heads” memories of working on the film. Here we also have a fantastic look behind-the-scenes at the making of the film ‘LABYRINTH’ and featuring brand new interviews, and much more and also features a lot of fascinating rare vintage clips of Jim Henson from the 1980s making-of documentary of footage shot on film set. There is a fascinating mention about the hands sequence in the film, that was suggested by Terry Jones to be included in the film and we hear about the difficult logistics getting it right and Jim Henson’s problem directing the scene, which again you see some rare behind-the-scene footage seeing how it was done.Special Feature: Remembering The Goblin King [2016] [1080p] [1.78:1] [4:48] Once again this is a brand new special feature paying homage to the genius that was David Bowie and with others looking back at working with the legendary music genius of the very sadly departed that was the amazing David Bowie and especially reflecting on working with David Bowie on the film ‘LABYRINTH.’ The special feature looks at casting of David Bowie, David Bowie's contributions to the film as a whole, his presence and persona on set, and his performance and all praise him highly and say what a joy it was working with this legendary music genius.Special Feature: The Henson Legacy [2016] [1080p] [1.78:1] [11:00] Once again this is a brand new special feature and pays tribute to the genius that is the legendary fantasy man Jim Henson and has the Jim Henson family reflecting on their father’s incredible career and paying homage to a creative genius. Also included is a brief tour of the Center for Puppetry Arts that is located in Atlanta, Georgia, and h houses many of the original puppets of Jim Henson, including those used in the film ‘LABYRINTH.’ There is also some archival interview footage of Jim Henson himself in this special feature as well.Special Feature: LABYRINTH 25th Anniversary Q&A [2016] [1080p] [1.78:1] [41:24] Here we have a very interesting, as well as a brilliant Question and Answer session with some of the puppeteers and vocal performers and the moderator Adam Savage asks some very interesting questions and was after the 25th Anniversary screening of the film ‘LABYRINTH’ and was a totally fascinating session. We see some very rare behind-the-scenes filming of a very young Brian Henson in action with other puppeteers. After the initial introduction to everyone and the moderator Adam Savage asks some very interesting questions about all aspect of the film ‘LABYRINTH’ and what it was like to work on the film, it was then the turn of the audiences to ask questions to people up on the stage, which were as follows:“What was the process to become Hoggle?”“As puppeteers, was there anything you wanted to do but were unable to accomplish and how would you handle it now?”“Do you remember when Sir Didymus was on the dog? Because that was awesome”“LABYRINTH had a big impact on all of us here tonight, what legacy has it left with you?”“Was there ever a time you thought it might not come out well?”“What were your ambitions when you were a kid? Did working on LBYRINTH fulfil that?”“Did you interact with David Bowie on the set and what was it like working with him?”All in all this is a really brilliant and very intelligent Question and Answer session to celebrate the 25th Anniversary release of the film ‘LABYRINTH.’ We also get to view clips from the film and especially rare behind-the-scenes view on the film set and director Jim Henson having a lot of fun with cast and crew and this special feature is not to be missed. Contributors include Adam Savage [Moderator], Brian Henson [Hoggle operator], Dave Goelz [Sir Didymus], Shari Weiser [Hoggle] and Karen Prell [The Worm].Special Feature: Inside the LABYRINTH: Making of Documentary: [1986] [480i] [1.33:1] [56:28] Here we delve into the mysterious world of the making of the film ‘LABYRINTH’ and especially at the Elstree Studios in England and is the most compelling extra on this Blu-ray disc. This all-encompassing making of 1986 documentary, has a great deal of information of hidden gems about the production of the project in great detail. It would take forever to go into great detail of the comments about the documentary. I will say that this is exactly the type of documentary that fans of the film want to know about the filming of ‘LABYRINTH.’ The pacing is admittedly very relaxed, but that just means there is more time to marvel at the genius that is Jim Henson and his brilliant and talented cast and crew we see at work. Jennifer Connelly and Terry Jones who are lavished with plenty of screen time here and how marvellous they were to be involved with the film, and we're also given much more of a detailed look at Brian Froud's sketchbook and even a peek at David Bowie in the recording studio, which is also very fascinating. We also get to see the fantastic juggler Michael Moschen blindly doing his crystal ball trick behind David Bowie while filming and making lots of funny mistakes, there is also lingering looks at the many sets at Elstree Studios and astonishingly detailed miniatures, and especially Jim Henson struggling to direct both a baby and a bunch of chickens. Most of the time Jim Henson gives a very informative running commentary on what he wanted his fantasy film to go from initial concept, screenplay and what Jim Henson wanted the audience to see his amazing concept appearing on the silver screen and he achieved his main goal to give the audiences a wonderful entertaining 101 minutes of fantasy magic on a grand scale. This is definitely a must watch.Special Feature: Journey Through the LABYRINTH: Kingdom of Characters [2007] [1080p] [1.78:1] [27:57] Here we to be more focusing on the characters and individual puppets of the film, this feature takes us through every facet of putting a fantasy film like this together. Puppeteers take centre stage here. How they control some of these puppets is as inventive as the puppets themselves. It also includes rediscovered footage from the Jim Henson archives and newly-recorded interviews with the people who created the structure of the actual Labyrinth set. What's interesting about how this documentary is structured is all of the film clips and topics and presented in chronological order, giving off a vague sense of a visual commentary and is especially highlighted by the fact that there is several film clip footage of the film being played while we hear an audio commentary. While there is a lot of the technical wizardry being discussed and a lot of insights about puppet performance, and a lot of behind-the-scenes footage informs us about all that it spells out the logistic challenges that went on during filming certain scenes and we discover more than enough useful facts with the making of ‘LABYRINTH.’ We also get to view lots of rare ‘LABYRINTH’ Test Footage, but unfortunately the quality is really bad and always out of focus.Special Feature: Journey Through the LABYRINTH: The Quest for the Goblin City [2007] [1080p] [1.78:1] [30:03] From the beginning of the project to the finished product and this special feature follows the same structure as the previous documentary, this time dealing mainly with the human characters and the deeper meaning of the actual physical Labyrinth. They all give great praise about Terry Jones and how wacky and creative he was with his input towards the film ‘LABYRINTH.’ We again get to view lots of rare ‘LABYRINTH’ Test Footage, as well as lots of rare behind-the-scenes on the film set, but unfortunately the quality again is really bad and always out of focus. We also again get to see David Bowie in the recording studio in New York recording songs for the film ‘LABYRINTH,’ which Jim Henson was totally knocked out, as he thought they were going to be just rough recordings of David Bowie singing to an accompaniment with a piano, but was bowled over by professional David Bowie was and a true musical genius.Special Feature: The Storytellers: Picture-in-Picture: While watching the film ‘LABYRINTH’ you will get information on most everything about the film from a small picture-in-picture window. Puppeteers, puppet makers, actors and artists are all included and you can still watch the film in DOLBY ATMOS [7.1 Dolby TrueHD Compatible] and the little pop up screen at the bottom left hand corner is fascinating and you get to hear lots of extra information and hidden facts about the film you do not get elsewhere and a very nice bonus extra from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.Theatrical Trailers [1986] [1080i/1080p/480i] [1.78:1/2.35:1/1.33:1] [4:08] Here we get to view three Original Theatrical Trailers, and despite two of the theatrical trailers are of very poor quality, overall the presentations are totally brilliant. One bonus aspect of the first Theatrical Trailer is that most of it features the brilliant and talented David Bowie singing his own composed song “Underground.” One thing I do not understand is why the first and third Theatrical Trailers were not in the 2.35:1 aspect ratio, but again despite this, all three Theatrical Trailers were totally brilliant presentations.BONUS: Beautiful designed 24 page DigiBook package that includes rare photos and a look behind the scenes. Plus special exclusive articles entitled “Jim Henson’s Labyrinth from the Archives;” “Life is a Labyrinth Director Jim Henson;” “The Story of Labyrinth,” “Jennifer Connelly [Original 1986 Bio];” “David Bowie Talks About Labyrinth [Archival 1986 Q&A];” “Hoggle;” “Ludo;” “Sir Didymus” and other Supplement Behind-the-Scene information.Finally, even after 30 years, ‘LABYRINTH,’ remains a fantasy classic film, utilizing its beloved characters, unique creature and set designs, and a charming performance from David Bowie to deliver a memorable film filled with magical elements. I highly recommend watching the film ‘LABYRINTH,’ especially if you are a massive David Bowie fan or not, and especially like me, you are also a massive Jim Henson fan, as well as a fantasy fan, and especially a cult classic cinema fan, then if you do intend on watching the film, and you would like to see some of the most apparent elements that convey Sarah’s coming of age; so pay close attention to: the items in Sarah’s bedroom, the pictures on her vanity mirror, Goblin King, Jareth’s sexual/adult aspects in costuming and relationship with Sarah, the ballroom scene and its adult atmosphere, the realisation Sarah makes in Junk City, the ending battle between Sarah and Goblin King, Jareth and the end scene of Sarah in her bedroom. The result is a fabulous fantasy film about a young girl's journey into womanhood that uses futuristic technology to illuminate a mythic-style tale, is in many ways a remarkable achievement. One of the more imaginative films of the past several decades, Labyrinth holds up incredibly well despite it looking slightly dated on look and sound and is a Blu-ray disc breathes new life into this fan favourite and definitely necessary addition to any fan's Blu-ray collection. May you rest in peace David Bowie and Jim Henson and may all your memories be forever eternally golden. Highly Recommended!Andrew C. Miller – Your Ultimate No.1 Film AficionadoLe Cinema ParadisoUnited Kingdom

この映画を初めて見たのは今から１５年くらい前、父に勧められたのが切っ掛けです。今ではＣＧなんて当たり前かもしれませんが、当時の私には想像が映像になって、夢の世界が観れた喜びでいっぱいでした。もう一度見たいと思い、ずっと探していました。コネも使い、どんな小さなお店にも行きました。もちろん海外にも！これほど大好きな映画がありますか？ストーリーだけではなく、音楽も気に入っています。幼い頃、夢みてた世界が目の前に映像化されています。