Sources: Wikidata · OpenAlex. The record of the motion picture, not an assessment of this cell.
FILM NOTES
Labyrinth arrived in 1986 as a Jim Henson production released through TriStar Pictures, blending puppetry, practical effects, and the star power of David Bowie alongside a young Jennifer Connelly. It underperformed on release but has since grown into a cult touchstone, prized for its dreamlike design and cross generational appeal. The film sits at a unique intersection of Henson's creature work and 1980s fantasy cinema, which is part of why it remains a durable collecting category decades later.
This cell bears the name Sarah Williams, the film's protagonist, the teenager whose wish sets the entire story into motion. Collectors seek her out because she anchors the narrative, the audience surrogate moving through the world of goblins and riddles. A cell tied directly to her name suggests a frame connected to her presence in the story proper, distinct from cells built around side characters or creatures. For enthusiasts building a complete Labyrinth run, a Sarah cell represents the emotional throughline of the picture itself.
Authentication Findings8 checks
Consistent with a 35mm theatrical release print of Labyrinth (1986).
Gauge
35mm, confirmed by four perforations per frame on both edges; the strip holds three frames.
Perforations
Four per frame on both edges; spacing appears even and the punched edges look clean with no torn or missing perforations visible.
Soundtrack
A variable-area optical soundtrack track is visible running along one edge beside the picture area, appearing as a two-band analog optical track.
Edge print
Not visible in this capture at sufficient resolution to read any key numbers or manufacturer text clearly.
Base & colour
The base carries a slight warm-cream tint consistent with acetate safety stock; the dye image reads with a pronounced blue-violet cast across all three frames.
Projection history
Fine longitudinal scratches are visible running the length of the strip, consistent with a print that has passed through a projector gate.
Picture
Positive color image; all three frames appear to be consecutive frames from a single continuous shot, consistent with a release print of Labyrinth (1986).
Era check
The analog variable-area optical soundtrack, acetate base tint, and color dye stock are all consistent with a mid-1980s theatrical release print of the period when Labyrinth (1986) was distributed.
Read from the original intake capture shown below. Observations only — film is authenticated, not graded.
This original motion picture film element has been examined and authenticated by Crown Grading in partnership with National Film Vault, and encapsulated for archival preservation.
Why so little survivesRelease prints were leased to theaters, not sold. When the run ended they went back to the distributor to be destroyed, and most were. What collectors hold today came from the prints that escaped that order, and no new 35mm prints of these films are being struck.
CROWN SERIAL 000063032
Original Film CaptureAs received
Photographed on the light panel at intake, before encapsulation — tap to open full size
Tap to enlarge
