It may seem hard to believe, but it’s been 30 years since Jim Henson’s film Labyrinth hit movie theaters. Although not an initial success theatrically back in 1986, the fantasy film eventually grew to become a beloved cult classic, especially so among the legions of girls and young women who embraced the film’s young heroine, played by Jennifer Connelly in one of her earliest film roles. Of course, the film also marks one of the late David Bowie’s most memorable characters of his entire movie career: Jareth, the Goblin King.
To celebrate the film’s 30th anniversary, publisher Insight Editions has just released Labyrinth: The Ultimate Visual History hardcover book. The new book, from authors Paula M. Block and Terry J. Erdmann, is a treasure trove for hardcore Labyrinth fans, and showcases a ton of behind-the-scenes images, many never before published.
The book also offers readers a detailed insider’s look at how the Jim Henson Company created such a truly incredible world of memorable creatures and puppets like Hoggle and Ludo, characters that are still iconic for generations of fans. Along with all that, the book has a foreward from Toby Froud, who is the son of the the film’s head designer Brian Froud, and who played baby Toby in the film. Jim Henson’s son Brian also has provides a special introduction.
Down below in our gallery, you can see a series of exclusive pictures from The Ultimate Visual History, including sketches of Ludo from Brian Froud, and several behind-the-scenes photos of Jennifer Connelly and David Bowie taken during the film’s iconic ballroom sequence. Labyrinth: The Ultimate Visual History is now available on Amazon and at bookstores everywhere.
Are you a loyal Labyrinth fan? If so, let us know in the comments why the film remains in your heart after so many years!
Images: Insight Editions / The Jim Henson Company