Recently, the Jim Henson film “Labyrinth” returned to movie theaters for a limited run. Originally, I thought it was for a milestone anniversary, probably the 40th, but I was surprised when I realized the movie had come out in 1986. Instead, Columbia Pictures, which produced the film, was celebrating 100 years.

“Labyrinth” was a departure from the children’s fare of “Sesame Street” and “The Muppet Show” in that the content was a little darker and more frightening. Having a goblin king scoop up a baby and whisk him away to a wondrous land while his older sister pursues and faces a myriad of challenges—including a bog of eternal stench—was a stark contrast to Miss Piggy comedically delivering karate chops or a gigantic bird walking around an urban neighborhood.

I took my mother along to see the movie, due to our mutual love for everything Jim Henson. My mother had seen the film before, and we were both questioning if I had seen it before. It turned out that I hadn’t, and Mom surmised it was probably too mature for a child of 9 or 10, meaning it probably would have given me nightmares seeing it then.

I have another theory, though, in that I might have tried to imitate the start of the movie when Sarah wishes her baby brother would be taken away by doing the same thing with my younger sister, only I would have been like “Go ahead and take her away, and don’t worry. I won’t be chasing after you to get her back. Feel free to keep her.”

Don’t worry. I don’t still have that attitude toward my sister. Besides, that’s not the point to what I’m writing today.

My thoughts turned to the concept of movie theaters themselves. When movies started becoming a form of entertainment a century ago, they provided opportunities for people to leave their homes and become immersed in someone else’s story. You could sit in the dark and watch an interesting yarn unravel, and it was a method of getting into someone’s business without the risk of starting a fight or finding yourself under arrest.

Although books were my first love in terms of seeking adventure and entertainment, I also enjoyed going to the movies growing up. For much of the time, my grandmother was the one hauling me off to see a film. Grandma didn’t have a driver’s license, so we walked to and from the theater. At the time, there were two small movie theaters in the area, each only having two screens, and it was usually a mile or so to walk, depending on where Grandma lived at the time.

Being able to sit back and enjoy a movie with some popcorn, some boxed candy and maybe some soda was a real treat for a young child like me. Being able to enjoy it with family was even better. Granted, you also had dozens of strangers around you as the movie played, but some experiences are better when they’re shared.

Of course, my grandmother liked to be thrifty, so sometimes she and I would sneak our own candy into the show. Back then, theater owners were less annoyed with folks who declined to stop at the concession counter in favor of enjoying their own treats. That’s not the case these days.

The best part about my grandmother taking me to the movies was the walk back to her house. With the vivid scenes in my mind, I would often be reenacting them as we walked on the sidewalk, letting my imagination roam free. It might explain why I’m so engaged in writing.

Besides the brick-and-mortar theaters, there were also drive-in theaters where you could watch a movie on a big screen from the comfort of your vehicle. I remember my parents taking me to the drive-in on a couple of occasions, including when “Gremlins” first came out. One advantage of a drive-in was that a young child up past his bedtime could feel free to fall asleep without his snoring irritating everyone else trying to watch the movie.

Movie theaters were a booming business long before video cassette recorders, DVD players and streaming services ever made the scene to allow folks to enjoy movies in the quiet of their own homes. These days, that convenience has caused indoor theaters to see less money coming in, and drive-ins have been reduced to the point of extinction.

Admittedly, I enjoy watching my favorite movies and television shows from a comfy recliner at home, but when I want to see a new film when it comes out, I head for the theater. There’s an indescribable feeling about seeing a story on a huge screen with a sound system I may never afford. If you get the chance, go out tonight and see a movie in a movie theater. It’ll be a fun time.