There was an announcement today from Fathom Events, the Jim Henson Company and Sony Pictures Entertainment. Big news, if you ask me. For three days only, this spring, Jareth the Goblin King will be where he belongs, on the big screen. For those of you reading this, I’m sure are the people like me. Labyrinth (1986) was a cornerstone of your childhood, a sexual awakening and the moment when you got hooked to David Bowie’s music and we get to experience it again with others like us.
Accoring to EW, on April 30th and May 1st-2nd, Labyrinth will be in select theaters and all fans and theater goers are encouraged to dress as their favorite characters. This reminds me of the community around The Rocky Horror Picture Show and its screenings. There is something magical about being able to dress up and watch your favorite movie around others that feel the same way.
While there are some Alamo Drafthouse locations that do quote-a-long showings of the movie, in this special screening they will include introductions from Sarah herself (Jennifer Connelly) and Jim Henson’s son, Brian. Brian will also discuss the “Soldier and Death” episode as well as discuss the special effects that went into the film.
There will be two showings on April 30 at 2pm and 7pm, and then at 7pm each subsequent day. You can check to see if a theater near you is participating and get tickets here. The vice president of studio relations with Fathom Events had this to say about running Labyrinth for a special screening:
“Labyrinth is one of the most frequently requested titles, and has an enormous fan base. It’s a film with great appeal to a huge audience — and also a cinematic experience that can be enjoyed over and over, always revealing more surprises. We couldn’t be happier to share it with moviegoers again.”
I can’t explain to you how happy this makes me. With the loss of Bowie even still fresh to me as he was such an idol to so many, this is a wonderful gift to the movie’s fans. This is a chance for us to dress up, get together, talk, sing the songs, dance magic dance and celebrate the art that is Jim Henson’s Labyrinth.
