Labyrinth was a favorite of mine as a child and continues to be one for me today. I have a poster of the French version of the film, and a stuffed toy blue worm living in my basement. Since the film just celebrated its 30th Anniversary in September now is the perfect time to re-watch it or check out one of these Labyrinth related items.
Labyrinth
Image via FreeDVDCover.com
In the magical movie Labyrinth, Sarah wishes away her demanding baby brother, Toby, and then must rescue him from the Goblin King. Jim Henson’s remarkable puppets are amazing and the effects were cutting edge for the time period, however, the film was actually a flop when it premiered before achieving the beloved cult status it holds today. It is available on DVD and BluRay from BCCLS libraries. Be sure to check out the making of featurettes for fun behind the scene tidbits.
Jim Henson’s Fantasy Film Collection
If you can’t get enough of Henson Studio’s work checkout this DVD collection which includes Labyrinth, Dark Crystal, and Mirror Mask. You can read more about Mirror Mask in a previous post about the works of Neil Gaiman. For those wanting a special Dark Crystal experience you can check out our special movie/music synchronization event with the music of Blue Oyster Cult at Maxwell’s on October 22.
In Their Own Words: Jim Henson
In this PBS biography you can learn about Jim Henson’s career from his start in puppetry through the creation of Sesame Street, The Muppet Show, Fraggle Rock and of course Labyrinth.
Faeries, written and illustrated by Brian Froud and Alan Lee
Much of the look and creatures of Labyrinth were inspired by master fairy artist Brian Froud’s work. In this bewitching book fairies, elves, and other creatures of legend come alive. Brian wasn’t the only Froud involved with the film–his son Toby Froud played the baby Toby, and his wife Wendy Froud also was involved with the puppets design (she is best known for creating Yoda for The Empire Strikes Back).
David Bowie’s The Platinum Collection
One of my favorite parts of the film was David Bowie’s brilliant performance as the Goblin King, Jareth. Each of his songs was a beautiful soundscape for the film, but best of all may have been “Underground”, included in this collection along with other Bowie hits. Fans of Bowie or the movie probably recognized the lyrics from it in our blog post title.
The Age of Bowie, by Paul Morley
Want more Bowie? Check out this recently released biography that looks at some of the highlights of Bowie’s life and career.
Outside Over There, by Maurice Sendak
Although not a direct adaptation, Maurice Sendak’s Outside Over There seems to have been an influence on Labyrinth’s story. In the picture book a girl must rescue her little sister who is stolen by goblins who plan to make her a goblin bride. If you watch the end of the film there is note about inspiration of Sendak’s work on Jim Henson. Plus those with keen eyes might catch a copy of Outside Over There on Sarah’s bookshelf in her bedroom.
Jim Henson’s Return to Labyrinth, written by Jake T. Forbes and illustrated by Chris Lie with cover art by Kouyu Shurei
In this Manga style graphic novel, a teenage Toby has his own adventures with the Goblin King. Although not completely capturing the magic of the original, it is still fun to continue the adventures of the classic film.
Jim Henson’s Labyrinth The Novelization, by A.C.H. Smith
Image via Hoopla Digital
For those looking to read a more true to screen version of Labyrinth, the movie has been adapted by author and playwright A.C.H. Smith as Jim Henson’s Labyrinth The Novelization. It can be downloaded on Hoopla.
-Written by Aimee Harris, Head of Reference
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