[center][/center]Growing up Muppet-style wasn?t a choice, it was mandatory! From corny jokes and wild band members (Animal was my favorite), to grumpy old men booing in the balcony and listening to singing, dancing, and the acting talent of the day, The Muppet Show still holds nostalgic sway for those of us who grew up
watching Jim Henson?s puppeted cadre. Season three started off with a bang as singer Rita Coolridge graced the show with her amazing voice and actor Kris Kristofferson decided to rough-up a few of the cast. The show really got blazing, though, during episode four when Gilda Radner took a liking to Kermit, much to the chagrin (and karate chop) of Miss Piggy. But the Muppet brigade took a stunning jolt in episode seven when Alice Cooper was the guest star. Playing with the Muppet band, Alice took the show to a whole new level, showing U.S. audiences that puppets can be topical (and controversial?). It was then that The Muppet Show really started to take wing. Actors, musicians, and many other Hollywood talents began showing up in season three. From the voluptuous Rachel Welch and exceptionally talented Harry Bellafonte, to muscle man Sly Stallone and blonde bombshell Cheryl Ladd, the show gained notoriety from new quarters.The amazing thing about The Muppet Show is that kids and adults can both enjoy it, but on totally different levels. Kids will probably like the physical comedy (watching Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and Beaker blow up the lab, or having a dog operate in an episode of Animal Hospital, ?A show that has gone to the dogs.?) while adults will be amazed at the interspecies attractions between the likes of Kermit and Miss Piggy, or Gonzo (whatever he is) and his chickens (note the plural there; was he a polygamist?)No mention of The Muppet Show would be complete without noting the supporting cast. Two favorites tend to be Waldorf and Statler, the old hecklers that are perched in the balcony and heave insults and boos at the cast. My other personal favorite is Sam the Eagle (so overly-pompous).Digitally remastered just like seasons one and two, the sound and visual qualities on most HD TVs is quite nice but still iffy in places. If you don?t have an HDTV, you?ll probably still enjoy it, but I?d recommend seeing it in all its digitally intended glory.This latest release has some interesting packaging that I should mention. The cover-image of Fozzie actually has a soft texture that resembles his fur. Animal packaging? And there are some cool extra features, too:?Muppets on Puppets? is a sixty-minute feature. Hosted by Jim Henson, it looks at the early formation of the Muppets. A rare feature that appeared first in 1969. Great Muppet history for those that want to be ?in-the-know.??A Company of Players? is a behind the scenes look at the puppeteers. The fascinating work of master puppeteers comes to light. For those that don?t want the magic spoiled, you might want to pass on this one.?Muppets Commercials? are a couple of Purina Dog Chow commercials that are hysterically funny.A Trailer for Disney?s upcoming release ?Wall-E? and an advertisement for the new 2-Disc and Blu-Ray editions of ?The Nightmare Before Christmas.?The Muppet Show ran for five years (1976 through 1980) and here in season three they were hitting an incredibly smooth stride. All the cast, crew, and guests appeared relaxed and to have enjoyed themselves immensely. The Alice Cooper episode is a must see, at the very least. Unfortunately there is no Blu-Ray disc release of any of the series, but I have a feeling they?re coming. And if they don?t come out in the near future, I?m gonna send out Miss Piggy to find out why. Hear that Sony? Click here for THE FILM REVIEW STEW homepage!
May 27, 2008
