Labyrinth (1986) 4K & Blu-ray Collector’s Edition Review
Labyrinth (1986) 4K & Blu-ray Collector’s Edition Review
The ground-breaking live-action fantasy, directed by Jim Henson, creator of The Muppets, co-written by Monty Python star Terry Jones (Erik The Viking), and executive produced by Star Wars creator George Lucas, is described by Empire Magazine as a “fabulous fantasy from the godfather of modern puppetry”.
With a wonderful performance from David Bowie (The Man Who Fell To Earth) as the Goblin King, and an early starring role for Jennifer Connelly (Oscar winner for A Beautiful Mind), the film features an incredible array of gruesome goblins and truly stunning visuals (conceptual designer Brian Froud, who worked on Henson’s The Dark Crystal, was BAFTA nominated for Labyrinth); as well as a soundtrack by Bowie himself.
Synopsis: Frustrated with babysitting on yet another weekend night, Sarah (Jennifer Connelly), a teenager with an active imagination, summons the Goblins to take her baby stepbrother away. When little Toby actually disappears, Sarah must follow him into a fantastical world to rescue him from the Goblin King (David Bowie).
I vividly remember seeing Labyrinth on its original theatrical release. Even then, I was impressed by its extraordinary production values, imaginative creature design, and groundbreaking puppetry. Yet despite its visual splendour, I found myself underwhelmed by the film itself. At its heart is a familiar fantasy quest: a young girl embarks on a journey through a strange and perilous world, gathering eccentric companions along the way in an effort to rescue her baby half-brother from the clutches of the Goblin King. The parallels with The Wizard of Oz are unmistakable, but where that classic possessed an abundance of genuine enchantment, Labyrinth often feels curiously devoid of magic.
The casting of David Bowie as Jareth, the Goblin King, has since become one of the film’s most celebrated elements. However, in the context of the mid-1980s, his involvement appeared far less inspired. While Bowie had enjoyed immense success during the 1970s and would later experience a critical resurgence, the decade in between was marked by a series of artistic misfires. Following the commercial disappointment of Absolute Beginners and a period of creative uncertainty in his music career, his appearance in Labyrinth seemed, at the time, like another questionable career move. Bowie was no longer the cultural force he had once been and, to many observers, was beginning to feel like yesterday’s news.
The film’s disappointing commercial performance reflected this uncertain reception. Produced on a substantial $25 million budget, Labyrinth earned just over $12 million at the US box office, although it performed more favourably in international markets, particularly in the United Kingdom. Critics were similarly lukewarm, offering mixed reviews to what would become the final feature film directed by the late Jim Henson. Yet the years have been kind to Labyrinth. Through television broadcasts, home video releases, and a growing cult following, the film has undergone a significant critical reassessment and is now regarded by many as a beloved fantasy classic.
That renewed affection is understandable. There are moments of genuine charm scattered throughout the film. The infamous “Bog of Eternal Stench” sequence remains delightfully amusing, while Henson’s imagination is evident in almost every frame. Visually, Labyrinth is a remarkable achievement, combining elaborate sets, inventive creature effects, and ambitious puppetry to create a richly realised fantasy world.
The problem is that these elements are often asked to carry the entire production. Following the darker, more challenging tone of The Dark Crystal, Henson deliberately sought to create something lighter and more accessible by incorporating live actors alongside his puppets. Unfortunately, despite the abundance of visual invention on display, the storytelling never quite matches the artistry of the production design. The film often feels like the product of competing creative influences, and its narrative struggles to generate the sense of wonder and emotional engagement it so clearly seeks.
For many viewers, Labyrinth remains a treasured childhood favourite, and its enduring popularity is impossible to deny. Yet for all its technical brilliance and undeniable ambition, it remains a film that is easier to admire than to love. Beautifully crafted though it is, Labyrinth never fully casts the spell that its creators intended.
The Collector’s Editions of both films (artwork tbc) will include:
• Double walled slipcase holding:
• 68 Page production art and photos booklet.
• 3 disc Steelbook with the film on 4K, the film on Blu-ray, and a Blu-ray disc of video extras
LABYRINTH will be released on 4K & Blu-ray Collector’s Edition, 4K & Blu-ray Steelbook, Blu-ray, and DVD from 22nd June 2026.
