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 distributed by TriStar Pictures, blending Muppet-style creature work with the musical presence of David Bowie as Jareth the Goblin King. Coming after Henson's Dark Crystal, the film leaned further into fantasy adventure aimed at a young heroine's coming of age story, with Brian Froud's design work giving the goblin world its distinct look. Though modestly received on release, it grew into a defining cult favorite of eighties fantasy cinema, prized today for its puppetry craftsmanship and Bowie's soundtrack contributions.
This cell centers on Sarah Williams, played by Jennifer Connelly, alongside Ludo, the gentle giant creature brought to life by Ron Mueck's puppetry work. Their pairing reflects one of the film's central friendships, as Ludo becomes one of Sarah's loyal companions during her journey through the Labyrinth. Collectors seek this pairing for its representation of the film's warmth amid its darker fantasy elements, and for Mueck's early creature work before his later fame as a sculptor. A cell naming both characters together preserves a moment of companionship central to Sarah's quest.
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 track is visible running along one edge beside the picture area, appearing as a dual-bilateral (two-track) waveform pattern.
Edge print
Not visible in this capture at the resolution and orientation shown.
Base & colour
The base shows a pale yellow-amber tint consistent with an acetate safety stock; the dye image reads as warm with no obvious red shift or significant fading.
Projection history
Light vertical scratching is visible across the frame area, consistent with a print that has passed through a projector gate.
Picture
Positive colour image; the three frames appear to be consecutive frames from a single continuous shot, and the period costume and interior setting are consistent with the fantasy-film production on record.
Era check
The dual-bilateral variable-area optical track, acetate base tint, and colour dye stock are all consistent with a mid-1980s theatrical release print, matching the 1986 release date on record.
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 000063051
Original Film CaptureAs received
Photographed on the light panel at intake, before encapsulation — tap to open full size
Tap to enlarge
