Rating: Summary: A piece of your childhood regained Review: I still cannot believe how many people do not know that this movie exists. I wonder if this film would have ever been released if it was not for the current trend in cult releases on DVD and tape. It may not be the best movie ever made, but it is definitely one of the best fantasy films of modern cinema. Sure, maybe some of the effects may be dated by today's standards or the film may have been marketed for children, but ... who cares? The work on the design of this production alone should have won it several awards, David Bowie's performance still stands out as incredible, and the story itself is a lot deeper than most will admit. But hey, at least that fact has not hurt the film's popularity. Only something as well done as this could withstand the tests of time in a film industry like ours. Regardless of anyone who might disagree as to how good or bad Labyrinth is, no one can deny it's power to generate a fan base that could survive without any means to purchase a copy for so long. Only something that can touch people's hearts and minds could do something like that. The eighties heralded so many well done fantasy productions that I wish it would become a filmmaking trend again someday. Labyrinth, The Never Ending Story, The Princess Bride, Return to Oz, and Legend were truly some of the most painstakingly detailed, amazingly directed, and beautifully scored films that I can think of. I may have originally viewed them as a young child, but over the years not one of them has disappeared from my memories. As one grows older one forgets the unmemorable, but not works of art like these. After just viewing Labyrinth again, I can see that even though I've grown and I've learned many things about filmmaking itself, this movie still amazes me. Even if some have a problem with the pace or are avid haters of muppets, they should sit down and give this film a chance. At times it almost seems as if the characters in the film are just walking through a wonderfully done canvas of colors, and I am not talking about the matte paintings. There are points where the viewer just forgets that they are even viewing a film and become mesmerized by the music, visuals, and feel of Labyrinth. One might think that Bowie's music, having been a fad of the eighties, would have also been awkward after a decade or so, but that is not the case either. The music just seems to fit as if it were never part of the real world at all but just more of what one would expect from mischievous goblins out to have fun or Jareth's attempts at wooing the heroine. If I had to pick one thing about this film that will truly leave anyone in awe, it is the ballroom sequence. I have not seen many films in my life that have given a feel of a hypnotizing dream like Frank Oz and Jim Henson did in that scene. The symbolism equally matched with a romanticized score, perfectly timed dance choreography and unbelievable costume designing make for one of the grandest scenes I have ever viewed. I'm very happy that now after more than a decade, this film has been restored and given a chance at new life. Maybe now more will learn of it and give it the appreciation it deserves.
Rating: Summary: The perfect fantasy! Review: This movie is so well made. If you are a lover of fantasy, this is the perfect thing to see. You will treasure this DVD forever.
Rating: Summary: This video is definitely a good buy. Review: This latest release of one of Henson's classics is impressive. The cover is fabulous, and there's behind-the-scenes footage I hadn't seen before at the end of the movie. The movie itself is an intricate must-see. I come up with new questions and theories on it every time I watch--I hope I have to write a paper on it someday, because I have a lot to say! After I knew all the lines by heart, I started noticing all the amazing little details. Labyrinth is genius, through-and-through.
Rating: Summary: 101% Entertainment Plus! Review: All I can add to the allready sufficient reviews is this: If you haven't seen "Labyrinth" or "The Dark Crystal", what are you waiting for? Even if you don't like the Muppets, if you want a great way to spend three hours, I could not reccomend anything better. And bring the kids, too :)
Rating: Summary: fun movie Review: This movie is great fun. Although Bowie's songs pop up in obscure places, he never fails to tantalize and is the ultimate Goblin King. The thing I like best about the movie, and probably annoys some people, is that the heroine (Sarah) is just a normal teenage girl. She feels like no one understands her, she's melodramatic, she throws tantrums when things don't go her way. In fact one of my favorite lines is when Sarah has said for like the millionth time "That's not fair!", Bowie replies, "You say that so often. I wonder what your basis for comparison is." Parents with teens will understand. You don't have to love Henson to have fun with this film -- but, if your considering it as an introduction to his work, I'd go with "The Dark Crystal" or the "Muppet Movie" instead. It's worth a rental, at the very least.
Rating: Summary: Best DVD I own! Review: I think I was a little too old for this movie when it originally came out. As a teen I thought it was a kid flick. In my 20s me and my 10 year old nephew rented it and laughed our heads off (especially the scenes with the creatures tossing body parts around). Now I'm in my 30s and it is the best DVD I own. The DVD really shows the colors well. Love the sky, the distant shots of the maze, and Jennifer shows up nicely too near the beginning. I first saw Connelly in Once Upon A Time In America. Lovely actress. Check her out in Dark City too. As far as the sound, it is better than you can imagine. Bowie's songs will have you singing along even if you don't want to. The detail is startling. Henson's team works magic! The attention to detail on each creature is amazing. And it all comes out clearer than ever before thanks to DVD! As far as extras I didn't need them. However, the expected trailer, talent files and unexpected "making of" documentary are nice to have. Henson fans should have this on your shelf.
Rating: Summary: A great movie for all ages. Review: This movie is just plain fun. The characters are great and David Bowie's songs are actually enjoyable. After countless rentings, I finally purchased this product and I have yet to tire of it. The puppets are some of the best to ever come out of Henson studios. A truly great title.
Rating: Summary: Jim Henson at his best Review: Jim Henson and George Lucas join forces to bring you one of the greatest stories ever told. Add a little David Bowie to taste and you get one hell of a movie. The "animatronics" are amazing and the music really creates an atmosphere of magic. This region one DVD contains the superb documentary "Inside the Labyrinth" which gives a great insight into Jim Henson's world. A great movie for kids and adults alike. But then, anything Jim Henson ever did was incredible.
Rating: Summary: Janey-Come-Lately Review: Hmm. I just watched this movie for the first time a few days ago, but it seems it's the sort of thing you get hooked on as a kid (I'm 19). I still love it though. Sort of a bizzare amalgam of The Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland, and a bunch of other stuff. What happened was, I was driving with a friend, and she quoted (what I now realize was) the "You remind me of the babe" speech. I asked her what it was from, she told me, and I innocently asked "What's Labyrinth?" She gave me a horrified look, and immediately insisted we go the the nearest Blockbuster to rent this classic bit of fantasy. I had no objections, so we sat down on her sofa for the approximate 90 minutes, glued to the set. I just love, love, LOVED it. It ranged from thought-provoking, to sexy (Bowie's not too bad, if you ignore the teeth), to plain ridiculous. We played MST3K with it the whole time, making fun of Sarah (she IS annoying) and Bowie's makeup and pants ("Is that a crystal ball in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me?"). Outstanding special effects combined with gloriously tepid acting makes for a delightfully campy classic.
Rating: Summary: Magical........ Review: When i was a child, i watched this movie for the first time, captiated by Sarah's motivation, and Bowie's charm. It's been my dream since i was a little girl to have such an enchanting experience. This movie is one that i think of as a classic from when i was young, and i truly appreciate and cherrish the memory it has left for me. David Bowie is as wonderufl as ever in this film (for all the Bowie fans out there). i reccomend this movie to all of you with an open mind, and love for fantasy!
|