Editor’s Note: We welcome our good friend and guest writer Cari Keebaugh back today with her impressions regarding a classic film, The Muppet Christmas Carol!
What could possibly be better than ice skating penguins and Gonzo pretending to be Charles Dickens?
How about ice skating penguins, Gonzo pretending to be Charles Dickens, and BONUS FEATURES?
That’s right, Muppet fans: this week, Disney released a special edition DVD of one of the best adaptations of Dickens’ Christmas classic since Mickey’s Christmas Carol: The Muppet Christmas Carol!
I have to admit, I’m thrilled to see this movie being released again, as it’s one of my all-time favorites. Many fans have already noted all the great things about this movie, so I won’t spend too much time here gushing about the acting. Or the screenwriting. Or the musical numbers. Although I definitely could. Instead, let me give you a little background and talk about the new features available on the special edition DVD.
Originally released in 1992, The Muppet Christmas Carol was the first Muppet movie to be made after the passing of Jim Henson in 1990. Directed by Henson’s son, Brian Henson, the film artfully places the Muppets into Dickens’ classic tale. Don’t let this odd-sounding combination fool you; while this juxtaposition of fictional worlds could easily have gone awry, the excellent screenwriting, catchy songs, and superb acting instead made the result a heartwarming and truly unique take on Dickens’ masterpiece, a masterpiece in its own right.
In this new 20th anniversary release, you get more than the movie (although it is awesome all by itself). Several bonus features are included, too, and they are definitely first-rate. In the first, director Brian Henson talks about the making of the movie. His segment is fascinating, and the behind-the-scenes footage is quite eye-opening. The DVD also features a blooper reel, which to me is a huge bonus. Who wouldn’t love seeing Muppets in a blooper reel? There is also a feature titled “Christmas Around the World,” which offers a look at how various cultures celebrate Christmas.
Go ahead, treat yourself to the BluRay/DVD/Digital version combo as an early Christmas present. After all, as Kermit will tell you, “‘Tis the season to be jolly and joyous!” This film will make you both. Merry Christmas (early)!
