I have finally gotten around to watching the Anniversary Edition dvd of Labyrinth that I treated myself to ages ago. I really didn't need another copy of this film; I must have nearly twenty dvds and videos of it due to never being able to pass a copy on sale. But I really wanted this one because of Brian Froud's commentary on it.

I so admire him; not just because of his amazing art but because of who he is and the way he so confidently expresses his belief in faeries, his belief in himself. I've been so lucky to have met him and Wendy a couple of times, and to hear him talk is just as inspiring as looking at his work. Such stories he tells, funny and warm and beautifully sad. And full of gifted vision.

I was ten when I saw Labyrinth at the cinema. Life was changing for me in dramatic ways, and the world felt a little scary and strange and unfamiliar. But what was so wonderfully familiar was that moment when a naughty faery bit Sarah on her finger! I remember suddenly feeling less alone. The world of the Labyrinth just felt so ... true ...

In later years to find someone who loved Labyrinth was to find a kindred soul. During difficult periods Froud and Lee's book Faeries was both a source of comfort and a stirring for the imagination. 

And now my own children watch Labyrinth and laugh at naughty faeries and grumpy dwarves, and silly silly Goblins. I don't think Jareth holds quite the same charm for my boys as he did for my pre-adolescent self, but my eldest did say he has a "really fun coat", which is extremely high praise. And I have to cover little eyes as the Fireys pull themselves apart, because they still don't like that bit. I remember my younger brother never liked it either. Except something in them obviously does, for a lot of peeping through my fingers goes on ...