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 with the star presence of David Bowie during a period when practical effects still carried mainstream fantasy films. It underperformed on first release but grew into a cult touchstone across decades, prized for its Henson creature work, its songs, and Bowie's turn as a genuine screen antagonist rather than a musician making a cameo appearance. That reputation has only strengthened its collector base over time.
This 35mm cell preserves Jareth the Goblin King, the character David Bowie built the film around and the figure most sought after by collectors of this title. As the antagonist and central draw of Labyrinth, Jareth anchors the story's stakes and its visual identity, making any frame bearing his name a direct link to the film's most recognizable presence. A cell like this functions as a physical fragment of that performance, a small piece of the reel connecting owner to production, valued simply for carrying his likeness forward.
Authentication Findings8 checks
Consistent with a 35mm colour optical release print of Labyrinth (1986).
Gauge
35mm, four perforations per frame on both edges; the strip holds three frames.
Perforations
Four per frame on each edge, evenly spaced; punched edges appear clean with no visible tearing or distortion.
Soundtrack
A variable-area optical soundtrack track is visible running along one edge beside the picture area, appearing as a single bilateral variable-area track.
Edge print
Not visible in this capture at sufficient resolution to read any key numbers or manufacturer text.
Base & colour
Base shows a warm yellow-amber tint consistent with an acetate safety base; the dye image appears rich and colour-balanced with no obvious fading or red shift.
Projection history
Light longitudinal scratching is visible along the base side, consistent with a print that has passed through a projector gate.
Picture
Positive colour 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 single bilateral variable-area optical track, warm acetate base tint, and colour positive 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 000063048
Original Film CaptureAs received
Photographed on the light panel at intake, before encapsulation — tap to open full size
Tap to enlarge
