Jim Henson's The Dark Crystal And Labyrinth Get New 4K Collector's Editions

Two of Jim Henson’s beloved dark fantasy films are getting multiple limited-edition releases this holiday. The Muppets creator’s 1980s hits, The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth, will get 4K steelbook editions and special collector’s editions on November 19. The steelbook editions of The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth are exclusive to Walmart and are available to preorder for $29 each. Meanwhile, you can save on preorders at Amazon for The Dark Crystal Collector’s Edition and Labyrinth Collector’s Edition. These come with the same content on the discs, but you’ll also get some extra physical goodies.

Unfortunately, if you want the steelbook cases and the collectibles, you’ll need to buy both editions, as the Walmart-exclusive steelbook is not included in the pricier editions.

This isn’t the first time that these films have been available as 4K Blu-ray editions, but these are certainly the most eye-catching editions yet for big fans of Jim Henson’s filmography.

$29

The Dark Crystal originally released in 1982 and was directed by Jim Henson and Frank Oz. Henson created the story concept, and Muppets writer David Odell penned the script.

The Dark Crystal featured incredible puppeteering, and the plot revolves around the characters Jen and Kira, two Gelflings on a quest to bring balance back to the world of Thra by restoring a powerful crystal that overthrowing the evil Skeksis who rule the land. This was essentially Final Fantasy before there even was a Final Fantasy.

This is a two-disc set. The 4K Blu-ray disc contains the film, audio commentary, and a new Q&A from a fan event with The Jim Henson Company CEO Lisa Henson (Jim’s daughter).

A second, standard Blu-ray disc has the film and a bunch. of other special features. Here’s everything you’ll find on the two discs.

The Dark Crystal Special Features

4K version of the film
Standard Blu-ray version of the film
Fan event Q&A with Lisa Henson
Audio commentary with conceptual designer Brian Froud
The myth, magic, and Henson legacy feature
The world of The Dark Crystal documentary
Reflections of The Dark Crystal: Light on the path of creation
Reflections of The Dark Crystal: Shard of Illusion
Picture-in-picture storyboard track
Original Skeksis language scenes with introduction by screenwriter David Odell
Deleted scenes
Photo galleries
Theatrical trailers

$83 (was $100)

The Dark Crystal Collector’s Edition comes with a few cool collectibles. You’ll get a 1:1 replica of the infamous crystal, stickers, several art cards, the film on both 4K Blu-ray and standard Blu-ray, and it’s all wrapped up in a nice display box. You can preorder the limited Dark Crystal Collector’s Edition at Amazon for a solid discount. It releases the same day as the Walmart-exclusive steelbook edition.

$29

Labyrinth was first released in 1986. The final feature film directed by Henson, the movie mixed live-action with puppets, and featured stars like Jennifer Connelly as 16-year-old Sarah and David Bowie as Jareth, the Goblin King. It was sadly a box office bomb at the time, but in the decades after it was released it has received glowing reviews and a devoted fanbase. The film follows Sarah as she embarks on a quest to rescue her infant brother Toby from the center of an enormous maze after she wished him away to Jareth.

Like The Dark Crystal, Labyrinth is dark fantasy that strays very far away from your typical Muppets movie, and this 4K release also comes in a steelbook case, featuring an illustration of Toby surrounded by goblins. There’s also an impressive selection of bonus content to watch.

The special features are split across the two-disc set, with most of them appearing on the standard Blu-ray disc. The 4K disc has the film, audio commentary, a fan event Q&A, and a video that teaches you how to Contact Juggle like David Bowie.

Labyrinth Special Features

4K version of the film
Standard Blu-ray version of the film
Fan event Q&A with Brian Henson and Toby Froud
Contact juggling tutorial
Audio commentary with conceptual designer Brian Froud
Reordering time: Looking back at Labyrinth
The Henson Legacy
Remembering the Goblin King
Anniversary Q&A
Inside the Labyrinth documentary
Journey through the Labyrinth: Kingdom of Characters
Journey through the Labyrinth: The quest for the Goblin City
The Storytellers: Picture-in-picture track
Deleted and alternate scenes, including audio commentary with Brian Henson
Theatrical trailers

$83 (was $100)

Labyrinth’s Collector’s Edition comes with stickers, art cards, and a cool glass orb to ponder. It’s all contained in a wonderfully illustrated display box. It’s essentially a matching set with The Dark Crystal, only you get the orb instead of the crystal. Labyrinth Collector’s Edition also has a nice preorder discount at Amazon and releases the same day as the Walmart-exclusive steelbook edition.

Both of these films have been expanded on in books and comic books over the years, and if you’re looking to read them, Amazon has some nice deals up for grabs. The selection includes prequels and spin-offs, as well as a definitive guide to the world of Labyrinth and Tarot card decks themed around both movies.