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 by TriStar Pictures, blending puppetry craftsmanship with a rock fantasy sensibility rare for its era. Featuring David Bowie as Jareth the Goblin King and Jennifer Connelly as Sarah, the film underperformed on first release but grew into a devoted cult favorite through home video, prized for its practical effects, Bowie's presence, and Henson's imaginative creature work. It stands today as a touchstone of 1980s fantasy cinema, remembered fondly by generations who discovered it after theaters had moved on.
This particular cell preserves the title card, the frame that opens the story and sets its name before the audience. Such cells are sought by collectors because they mark the film's identity in its purest form, unattached to any single scene or character, representing the whole work in one image. As a piece of 35mm history, it captures the moment the Labyrinth name first appears on screen, a small but foundational fragment of the film's presentation and legacy.
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, evenly spaced, cleanly punched with no torn or deformed holes visible.
Soundtrack
Two parallel white lines run along one edge consistent with a variable-area optical soundtrack; no Dolby Digital data blocks, DTS timecode line, or SDDS outer-edge tracks are visible.
Edge print
Edge print reads 'EASTMAN 1' along one edge, mirrored as the strip is emulsion-up.
Base & colour
Base appears pale yellow-green; the title lettering in the frames shows a warm rose-copper tone against a deep black field, consistent with a colour dye image in reasonable condition.
Projection history
Two faint parallel horizontal lines run across the full width of the strip in the soundtrack area; no splices or cue marks are visible.
Picture
Positive image; all three frames show the same title card, indicating a title-sequence section of a release print, consistent with Labyrinth (1986).
Era check
Eastman-coded stock, variable-area optical soundtrack, and positive colour print format are all consistent with a mid-1980s theatrical release print.
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 000063038
Original Film CaptureAs received
Photographed on the light panel at intake, before encapsulation — tap to open full size
Tap to enlarge
