Labyrinth Blu-ray Review

This Blu-ray release of "Labyrinth" presents an impressively clean and meticulously detailed 1080p, 2.40:1-framed transfer, showcasing the film's lavish textures and intricate designs. While early scenes exhibit some film grain, scratches, and pops, these issues dissipate as the film progresses, revealing a consistently strong depth and fine detail. Notably, the transfer accentuates the tactile textures of the puppets and the glittery stone walls of the labyrinth, enhancing the visual experience. Though colors never reach eye-popping vibrancy, they appear well-rendered and fitting within the movie's aesthetic. Outdoor scenes particularly benefit from the natural appearance of green foliage, contributing to a visually satisfying experience.

The 1080p/AVC-MPEG 4 encoded transfer exudes a film-like authenticity and manages to mostly avoid dirt and scratches from the original source with sporadic specks appearing. Highlight scenes, like the goblins awaiting Sarah's magic words, emphasize the rich detailing and texture achieved in this high-definition transfer, though occasionally at a cost—the harness supporting Jennifer Connelly and strings on puppets become visible with this resolution. The transfer handles black levels effectively, providing inky darkness in subterranean scenes and maintaining accurate flesh tones throughout. Ultimately, this Blu-ray edition remains faithful to the original film, delivering a visual presentation that balances nostalgic integrity and enhanced clarity.

The audio presentation of "Labyrinth" on Blu-ray is characterized by a robust Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless soundtrack. From the outset, the track delivers crisp, clean, and clear audio, seamlessly integrating the music playing over the opening credits into the back channels while maintaining a solid emphasis on the front soundstage. The sound effects are deftly distributed across the listening area, creating a realistic atmospheric experience that enhances the immersion. Early scenes feature gentle rolling thunder and croaking frogs, effectively demonstrating the track's capacity for nuanced ambient sounds. Action sequences dynamically leverage the surround speakers and provide a substantial bass presence when needed, ensuring an engaging auditory component. Dialogue reproduction is impeccable, further contributing to a superior sonic experience.

However, upon closer scrutiny, the audio track shows some limitations. Specifically, during musical numbers, there is a noticeable softness in vocals which can obscure lyrical clarity. While some of this issue can be attributed to the distinct voices of puppet characters, it also appears that David Bowie's vocal performances occasionally lack sharpness in their enunciation. Despite these minor setbacks, the synthesized 80s soundtrack with its significant low-frequency effects still delivers impressively across all channels, ensuring that the overall audio quality remains highly commendable. Directionality, while slightly imperfect at times, does not detract significantly from the overall auditory experience. In summary, "Labyrinth" on Blu-ray provides an audio experience that is both immersive and technically proficient, notwithstanding a few minor vocal clarity issues during musical segments.

The Blu-Ray release of "Labyrinth" offers an impressive range of supplementary content that dives deep into the creation and legacy of the film. The commentary track with Conceptual Designer Brian Froud is a standout, providing insights into digital effects, character design, set elements, and his unique personal connection with the film through his son Toby, who plays the baby character. Comprehensive documentaries like "Inside the Labyrinth" cover extensive ground on casting, production challenges, and special effects. The "Journey Through the Labyrinth" series focuses on both the intricate puppet characters and the project's evolution from concept to completion. Each featurette offers valuable behind-the-scenes perspectives, making them essential viewing for fans and scholars alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Brian Froud discusses digital effects, character design, and his son Toby.
• Inside the Labyrinth: Documentary providing in-depth production insights.
• Journey Through the Labyrinth: Kingdom of Characters: Focuses on puppet creation and performance.
• Journey Through the Labyrinth: The Quest for Goblin City: Chronicles the project's development.

Jim Henson's final directorial feature, "Labyrinth," is a spirited, whimsical fantasy film that expertly combines traditional storytelling with innovative puppetry. While not achieving the narrative depth of "The Dark Crystal," "Labyrinth" shines in its other elements—most notably, its immaculately designed puppets crafted by Brian Froud. The film employs a lighter tone through engaging song-and-dance sequences, as well as heartwarming comedy and thrilling action that enhance the cinematic experience. The film’s lavish, dream-like world invites audiences into a realm of both danger and amusement, creating an escapist adventure in the truest sense.

The film follows young Sarah (Jennifer Connelly), who, after wishing her baby brother Toby away to a fantastical world controlled by the Goblin King Jareth (David Bowie), must navigate a complex labyrinthine maze to rescue him. Connelly brings a relatable mix of frustration and determination to her role, undergoing significant character development as she faces various challenges. The real standout, however, is Bowie; his charismatic and oddly likable portrayal of Jareth—complete with 1980s glitzy musical numbers—steals the show. Bowie's menacing charm and musical contributions fit seamlessly within the era-influenced visuals and Froud's diverse cast of puppet characters.

Labyrinth's vibrant cast of characters, including memorable tertiary figures, owes much to Froud’s inventive designs that integrate fantastical elements into every aspect of the maze. From creatures nestled within doors to animate objects, the creativity behind each design adds richness to the film’s visual storytelling. Despite its significantly 80s aesthetics—augmented by a synth-heavy soundtrack—the movie holds up remarkably well. This nostalgic flair contributes to the film’s unique charm, making "Labyrinth" a timeless journey that brings both humor and heart in equal measure. Henson's blend of Muppet humor with more sophisticated puppeteering ensures this film’s continued appeal for audiences of all ages.

Released by Sony, the Blu-ray edition of 'Labyrinth' breathes new life into this beloved 80s film. Jim Henson's inventive puppetry and whimsical storytelling are beautifully showcased through a robust 1080p transfer that magnificent clarity unveils details previously obscured in older formats. The upgraded visuals allow viewers to appreciate the craftsmanship of the puppets and sets, enhancing the immersive experience. High-definition treatment preserves the film's nostalgic essence while presenting it with contemporary sharpness.

The audio quality has also seen significant improvement, featuring an equally pleasing lossless soundtrack. The enhanced audio provides a fuller and more dynamic listening experience. The film's music and sound effects are now more vivid and engaging, contributing to a richer sensory experience that complements the upgraded visuals. The well-balanced sound mix ensures that every musical number and dialogue are crisp and clear, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

One of the more imaginative films of the past several decades, Labyrinth holds up incredibly well despite its dated look and sound. The story is one that's superficially simple but comes alive thanks to the plethora of memorable characters both human and puppet that populate the film. Competently made, well-written within the confines of its genre, soundly acted, and just a pleasure to watch, Labyrinth is well-deserving of its status as a cult classic. Sporting a strong 1080p transfer, and equally pleasing lossless soundtrack, and a fine array of supplements, this disc is a necessary addition to any fan's collection. Highly recommended for any film enthusiast seeking both nostalgia and timeless entertainment.