Fans of Jim Henson’s fantastical worlds have reason to celebrate this holiday season. Shout! Studios, in collaboration with The Jim Henson Company, is set to release lavish collector’s editions of two beloved classics: “Labyrinth” and “The Dark Crystal.” These visually spectacular movie adventures will be available in treasure trove collector’s home entertainment box sets, packed with exclusive elements that are sure to delight both longtime enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Mark your calendars for November 19, 2024, when these legacy masterpieces will be available to own. The release includes “Labyrinth Limited Edition 4K UHD + Blu-ray Collector’s Set” and “The Dark Crystal Limited Edition 4K UHD + Blu-ray Collector’s Set.” For those who prefer a different packaging option, Limited Edition SteelBook versions of both films will also be available on the same day, exclusively at Walmart.
The “Labyrinth” Limited Edition Collector’s Set is a testament to the film’s enduring magic. It features a glass crystal ball with an interior 3D-etching of the movie title, reminiscent of the iconic prop from the film. The set also includes a wooden labyrinth-style base for display, five art cards, and a 28-page book containing a new essay, production stills, and concept art by Brian Froud. Fans will also receive a collectible sticker and, of course, the movie itself in sparkling 4K UHD and Blu-ray formats. All of these treasures come packaged in an awe-inspiring box adorned with wrap-around art featuring original concept art from the movie.
“The Dark Crystal” Limited Edition Collector’s Set is equally impressive. It includes a 1:1 scale glass replica of the shard from the movie, five art cards, a 28-page book with a new essay, production stills, and concept art by Brian Froud. Like the “Labyrinth” set, it also comes with a collectible sticker and the film in 4K UHD and Blu-ray formats. The packaging for this set is a gorgeous box featuring wrap-around art with original concept art from the movie.
Both collector’s sets come with a wealth of bonus content that will give fans unprecedented insight into the creation of these beloved films. The “Labyrinth” set includes new fan event Q&As with Brian Henson and Toby Froud, a new contact juggling tutorial, and audio commentary with conceptual designer Brian Froud. The Blu-ray disc is packed with additional features, including a making-of documentary, deleted scenes, and more.
“The Dark Crystal” set offers its own array of special features, including a new fan event Q&A with Lisa Henson and audio commentary with Brian Froud. The Blu-ray disc includes documentaries exploring the myth and magic behind the film, a picture-in-picture storyboard track, and even original Skeksis language scenes with an introduction by screenwriter David Odell.
For those seeking even more exclusive content, Shout! Studios is offering a variety of exciting bundles through their website, ShoutFactory.com. These bundles include additional items such as snow globes, worm plushies, enamel pin sets, Hex decks, and theatrical posters, making them perfect for the ultimate fans.
The release of these collector’s sets is a testament to the enduring legacy of Jim Henson and his unparalleled talent for bringing magical, whimsical, and extraordinary worlds to life. Both “Labyrinth” and “The Dark Crystal” have long been considered masterpieces of fantasy filmmaking, showcasing Henson’s innovative use of puppetry, animatronics, and storytelling.
“Labyrinth,” originally released in 1986, stars David Bowie as the Goblin King Jareth and Jennifer Connelly as Sarah Williams. The film follows Sarah’s journey through a magical labyrinth as she attempts to rescue her baby brother from the Goblin King. With its spectacular visual effects, ground-breaking animatronics, and original songs written and performed by David Bowie, “Labyrinth” has become a cult classic that continues to captivate audiences of all ages.
“The Dark Crystal,” released in 1982, is a darker fantasy that takes place on the planet Thra. The story follows Jen, the last of the Gelfling race, on his quest to heal the Crystal of Truth and restore balance to his world. Directed by Jim Henson and Frank Oz, the film showcases some of the most innovative puppet work ever seen on screen, creating a fully realized fantasy world that has inspired generations of filmmakers and artists.
These releases come at a time when The Jim Henson Company continues to be a leader in family entertainment. With recent successes like the Oscar-winning “Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio” for Netflix and the Emmy-winning “Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock” for Apple TV+, the company is proving that Henson’s legacy of creativity and innovation is still going strong.
Whether you’re reliving childhood memories or discovering these groundbreaking films for the first time, the “Labyrinth” and “The Dark Crystal” Limited Edition Collector’s Sets offer an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in Jim Henson’s fantastical worlds. With their stunning 4K restorations, wealth of bonus features, and exclusive collectibles, these sets are sure to be the crown jewels of any film lover’s collection.
As we approach the holiday season, these collector’s sets present the perfect gift for fantasy enthusiasts, film buffs, and anyone who appreciates the art of storytelling. Don’t miss your chance to own these pieces of cinema history when they hit shelves on November 19, 2024. Pre-orders are available now through ShoutFactory.com and other fine online retailers.
In a world where CGI often dominates the landscape of fantasy filmmaking, revisiting the handcrafted magic of “Labyrinth” and “The Dark Crystal” reminds us of the power of practical effects and the timeless appeal of Jim Henson’s creative vision. These collector’s editions not only preserve these beloved films for future generations but also celebrate the artistry and imagination that continue to inspire dreamers and creators around the world.
