In the realm of fantasy cinema, few creators have left a legacy as distinct and beloved as Jim Henson. His ability to blend intricate puppetry with dark, imaginative worlds resulted in films that defied easy categorization. Two prime examples, The Dark Crystal (1982) and Labyrinth (1986), continue to captivate audiences decades later. Now, these cinematic milestones have received comprehensive 4K Ultra HD treatments, accompanied by collector`s editions that serve as definitive archives of their creation and impact. A recent major online sale event highlighted these editions, making them particularly noteworthy for enthusiasts.
The Dark Crystal: Bringing Gelfling and Skeksis to Life in Ultra High Definition
Considered by many to be one of the most ambitious and visually unique fantasy films ever made, The Dark Crystal plunges viewers into a world solely populated by Henson`s creature creations. The 4K remastering process has allowed the film`s stunning, hand-crafted detail to shine through with unprecedented clarity, revealing textures and nuances in the puppets and sets previously unseen in home video formats. This technical uplift alone is a compelling reason for fans to revisit the film.
For dedicated followers and collectors, the 4K Collector`s Edition goes significantly beyond the film itself. It`s less a movie purchase and more an acquisition of a curated historical artifact. Inside, one finds not just the movie on both 4K UHD and standard Blu-ray discs, but also physical mementos: a replica of the titular crystal ( mercifully, not requiring a Gelfling shard), art cards, and stickers. The true depth, however, lies in the extensive digital supplementary materials:
- 4K version of the film
- Standard Blu-ray version of the film
- Fan event Q&A with Lisa Henson
- Audio commentary with conceptual designer Brian Froud
- The myth, magic, and Henson legacy feature
- The world of The Dark Crystal documentary
- Reflections of The Dark Crystal: Light on the path of creation
- Reflections of The Dark Crystal: Shard of Illusion
- Picture-in-picture storyboard track
- Original Skeksis language scenes with introduction by screenwriter David Odell
- Deleted scenes
- Photo galleries
- Theatrical trailers
This comprehensive package offers a deep dive into the creative process, challenges, and legacy of a film that dared to be different. A standard 4K Blu-ray edition is also available, containing the film and all the digital bonus materials, providing an option for those primarily interested in the video quality and historical context without the physical collectibles.
Labyrinth: Journeying Through the Goblin City in Pristine Detail
Released a few years later, Labyrinth offered a slightly more whimsical, though no less complex, vision from Henson, blending elaborate puppetry with live-action performances from Jennifer Connelly and David Bowie. The film`s distinctive visual style and iconic musical numbers benefit immensely from a high-definition 4K transfer, allowing the vibrant colors and detailed sets of the Goblin City to truly pop.
Much like its darker sibling, Labyrinth also received a Collector`s Edition treatment designed to delight fans. This edition includes both the 4K UHD and standard Blu-ray versions of the film, alongside unique physical items such as a replica of the glass orb frequently manipulated by Bowie`s character, Jareth the Goblin King, plus art cards and stickers. The accompanying bonus features are equally exhaustive:
- 4K version of the film
- Standard Blu-ray version of the film
- Fan event Q&A with Brian Henson and Toby Froud
- Contact juggling tutorial
- Audio commentary with conceptual designer Brian Froud
- Reordering time: Looking back at Labyrinth
- The Henson Legacy
- Remembering the Goblin King
- Anniversary Q&A
- Inside the Labyrinth documentary
- Journey through the Labyrinth: Kingdom of Characters
- Journey through the Labyrinth: The quest for the Goblin City
- The Storytellers: Picture-in-picture track
- Deleted and alternate scenes, including audio commentary with Brian Henson
- Theatrical trailers
Notably, the inclusion of a contact juggling tutorial stands out as a charmingly specific extra, catering to a niche interest likely spurred by Bowie`s mesmerizing performance. As with The Dark Crystal, a standard 4K edition is available, providing the film and all digital extras.
A Timely Opportunity for Preservation
The availability of these comprehensive, high-quality editions, especially when featured during prominent sale events with significant discounts, represents an opportune moment for film enthusiasts. In an age where digital rights and streaming availability can fluctuate, owning physical media, particularly definitive collector`s sets, offers a reliable means of preserving and experiencing beloved cinematic works.
These 4K releases are not merely technical upgrades; they are curated celebrations of Jim Henson`s unparalleled imagination and craftsmanship. For fans of fantasy, puppetry, or simply innovative filmmaking, these collector`s editions of The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth are arguably essential additions to any physical media library, providing both the best possible visual presentation and a wealth of historical and behind-the-scenes context.
Callum Darby