As the clock ticks down on Amazon Prime Day, a portal opens for enthusiasts of classic fantasy cinema. The sale event is in its final hours, but there`s still time to secure exceptional deals on stunning 4K editions of two cornerstone films from the legendary Jim Henson: the visually audacious, and perhaps slightly unnerving, epic The Dark Crystal and the whimsical, music-filled adventure Labyrinth.
These are not merely standard disc releases. Available at significantly reduced prices are the feature-rich Collector`s Editions, offering fans far more than just the films in pristine ultra-high definition. For collectors and cinephiles, these deals represent a rare convergence of quality, content, and value before Prime Day fades away.
The Dark Crystal: A Return to Thra in Breathtaking 4K
Released in 1982, The Dark Crystal stands as a testament to Henson`s unparalleled puppetry and world-building imagination. Its transition to 4K reveals the intricate detail of the Skeksis` decaying castle and the lush, yet perilous, landscapes of Thra with unprecedented clarity. For Prime Day`s conclusion, the Dark Crystal 4K Collector`s Edition is available at a substantial discount, dropping from its usual $100 price point to approximately $54.49.
The Collector`s Edition is particularly compelling for dedicated fans. It arrives in a special box housing not just the film on both 4K UHD and standard Blu-ray, but a curated selection of physical artifacts. Among these are a 1:1 replica of the titular crystal – hopefully less cracked than the one in the film – alongside thematic stickers and several pieces of art card memorabilia.
However, the real treasure trove for many lies in the extensive digital bonus features included across the discs. This edition provides a deep dive into the film`s creation and legacy:
- 4K and Standard Blu-ray versions of the film.
- An engaging Fan Event Q&A session featuring Lisa Henson.
- Audio commentary by conceptual designer Brian Froud, offering unique insights into the film`s visual design.
- Documentaries exploring the mythos, magic, and Henson legacy associated with the film.
- Features titled “Reflections of The Dark Crystal,” delving into the path of creation and the shard of illusion.
- A picture-in-picture storyboard track for a visual comparison of concept to screen.
- Original Skeksis language scenes, introduced by screenwriter David Odell.
- Deleted scenes, providing glimpses of excised content.
- Extensive photo galleries and theatrical trailers.
For those primarily interested in the enhanced visual fidelity without the physical extras, the standard Dark Crystal 4K Blu-ray is also on sale for approximately $25, down from its usual $31. Importantly, this version still includes all the substantial bonus materials listed above, making it an excellent value for accessing the wealth of supplementary content.
Labyrinth: Dance Magic Dance in High Definition
Following The Dark Crystal, 1986 brought us Labyrinth, a film that blended Henson`s creatures with human actors and a distinct musical element spearheaded by David Bowie as the iconic Goblin King. The 4K release of Labyrinth likewise showcases the film`s elaborate sets, costumes, and puppetry with enhanced clarity and color vibrancy.
Like its Dark Crystal counterpart, Labyrinth also has a Collector`s Edition available during the Prime Day sale. This special package is designed to delight fans with its own unique physical items, including the memorable glass orb carried by Jareth, alongside stickers and art cards, all presented within an illustrated display box that is itself a collectible piece.
The bonus features included with the Labyrinth 4K discs are equally compelling, offering a mix of reflective and, in one case, surprisingly practical content:
- 4K and Standard Blu-ray versions of the film.
- A Fan Event Q&A session with Brian Henson and Toby Froud.
- Audio commentary with conceptual designer Brian Froud.
- Several features looking back at the film, including “Reordering time,” “The Henson Legacy,” and “Remembering the Goblin King.”
- An “Anniversary Q&A.”
- An “Inside the Labyrinth” documentary.
- “Journey through the Labyrinth” features exploring characters and the Goblin City quest.
- A “Storytellers: Picture-in-picture track.”
- Deleted and alternate scenes, some with audio commentary by Brian Henson.
- Theatrical trailers.
- And perhaps most notably, a contact juggling tutorial – because who hasn`t watched Jareth and thought, “I should learn how to do that?”
Final Thoughts on Prime Day`s Fantasy Haul
For fans of Jim Henson`s enduring legacy in fantasy filmmaking, or simply those who appreciate physical media treated with care, these Prime Day deals are hard to overlook. Upgrading to 4K provides the best possible viewing experience for these visually rich films, while the Collector`s Editions pile on value with their combination of unique physical items and exhaustive bonus content. Given the significant price reductions, particularly on the Collector`s Sets which are often prohibitively expensive, this appears to be an opportune moment. As Prime Day`s curtain call approaches, consider whether your collection is complete without these restored fantasy journeys.
Ellis Thorne