The Muppet Christmas Carol on Blu-Ray

Aside from Disney there is another love of mine from growing up, okay maybe a few, Rankin/Bass and others, but THE MUPPETS are right in that mix. And I am super excited for the 20th Anniversary of The Muppet Christmas Carol coming out November 6 for the first time on Blu-Ray!

The Muppets have always had a great relationship with Disney since the days of MuppetVision 3-D at the then, MGM Studios at the Walt Disney World Resort.

“The Muppet Christmas Carol is a 1992 American musical-comedy film, and an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. It is the fourth in a series of live-action musical films featuring The Muppets, with Michael Caine starring as Ebenezer Scrooge. Although it is a comedic remake with contemporary songs, The Muppet Christmas Carol otherwise follows Dickens’ original story closely.[1] The film was directed by Brian Henson, produced by Jim Henson Productions, and released by Walt Disney Pictures.

The Muppet Christmas Carol was the first film produced after the deaths of Muppets creator Jim Henson and fellow puppeteer Richard Hunt. The film was dedicated to the memory of both Henson and Hunt, who died before the film’s release.”

This film is full of warmth and fun and even though the Muppets tend to be zany and funny, iy really is a true adaption to the original book by Dickens. This remains to be a holiday must on many playlists and it is a generation tie, as old and young love to watch the Muppets sing with Holiday Cheer. “Feels Like Christmas” is still my favorite song in the film.

This release is the first time the Muppets will be heading to Blu-Ray and the transfer is gorgeous. Completely restored and cleaned it is superb viewing on any HD Television in your home.

A big change for the Blu-Ray is we are unsure if it will contain the fan favorite “Extended Cut” that Brian Henson fought for, or the “Theatrical Cut” eliminating one song that is just beautiful.

The 1992 Holiday Classic: The Muppet Christmas Carol

“When Love is Gone” was a song performed by the character Belle (Meredith Braun) that was cut from the original 1992 theatrical release by Walt Disney Studios, who believed that the scene would not appeal to young children. The movie plays with an obvious, jarring edit when the film is played with the song missing. Brian Henson objected to their decision, believing that the song was integral to the plot (the concluding song, “When Love is Found,” is a direct counterpoint to it), and the song was subsequently restored to the VHS and laserdisc editions. However, it was removed from the first (2002) DVD release and TV airings. This song was also cut from the 10th Anniversary Edition of the film released on DVD (widescreen only; however, the fullscreen version has the song). Two other songs were written but dropped from the production early on: “Room in Your Heart”, performed by Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and Beaker, and “Chairman of the Board”, performed by Sam the Eagle. These songs were recorded, but removed from the script before filming began. Both songs appear on the motion picture soundtrack released by Jim Henson Records.”

Either way, this is a must own to your collection and a must pass down to your children and a new generation of Muppet fans spawned from the recent film proving they still have what it takes to entertain.

Blu-ray BONUS FEATURES:
Disney Intermission: Press “Pause” and see what happens when the Muppets Show up at your door to sing your Christmas Carols – Muppet Style!

Muppet Audio Commentary: All New Audio Commentary from your favorite Muppets – Kermit, Gonzo, Rizzo, and More!

Muppet Holiday Sing-Along

Blooper Reel

Frogs, Pigs, and Humbug: A Behind the Scenes Look

Christmas Around the World with Gonzo and Rizzo

Audio Commentary from Brian Henson

Pepe’s Profiles Presents: Gonzo, Portrait of the Artist as a Young Weirdo