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A MUPPET FAMILY CHRISTMAS
Review by Michael Jacobson
Stars:
The Muppets, Gerard Parks
Director: Peter Harris
Audio: Dolby Stereo
Video: Full Frame 1.33:1
Studio: Columbia Tri Star
Features: Bonus Trailers
Length: 42 Minutes
Release Date: November 6, 2001
“So…who’s
your new partner?”
“A
snowman!”
“The
heck you say.”
A
Muppet Family Christmas might very well be the last great classic family holiday special ever
created. Originally released in
1989, this warm, wonderful piece was one of the last offerings from the late
great Jim Henson, and his magic can be felt in every frame.
Filled
with comedy, songs, and an infectious Christmas spirit, this program brings
together all of the Muppet characters, along with the Sesame Street gang and a
surprise appearance by the Fraggles for a holiday in the country, where Fozzie
Bear has invited them to spend Christmas with his mom.
Mom
was actually planning a warn California holiday, and in fact had rented her
cabin out to Doc (Parks, of Fraggle Rock) and his dog for a quiet Christmas, but
soon, the joy of the season takes over, and the Muppet gang realizes the more,
the merrier. The only problem?
A terrible blizzard has Miss Piggy trapped en route to the woods!
Will she make it in time to see the holiday in with her beloved Kermit?
This
is a fun filled yarn from beginning to end, starting with the appearances of all
the kids’ favorite Muppet stars from all their popular programs, to the
wonderful song score that includes “Jingle Bell Rock”, “Happy Holiday”,
“We Wish You a Merry Christmas” and more, to the warm spirit that can only
come from spending Christmas with your closest friends and family.
Even Henson himself makes an amusing cameo appearance…watch out for it!
For
young and old alike, A Muppet Family Christmas is just the tonic needed
to brighten the holiday season. Kermit,
Piggy, Fozzie, Gonzo, along with Bert, Ernie, Big Bird and Cookie Monster set
just the right mood for a festive Christmas spirit with laughter, music, and
warm heartedness.
Video
***1/2
This
is a terrific looking presentation from Columbia Tri Star…despite its age and
video source, it actually renders quite well for disc, with warm, true colors,
no softness, no grain, and no bleeding. The
Muppets are a colorful bunch, and they look better than ever here!
Audio
**
This
simple stereo mix is serviceable, with no complaints, if not overwhelming.
There is not a lot of dynamic range, to be sure, but the dialogue is well
rendered, and the songs come across sounding great.
Features
*
A
handful of bonus trailers for other Muppet and family related films from
Columbia Tri Star are included.
Summary:
Between
Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas and now A Muppet Family Christmas, Columbia
Tri Star has made holiday viewing in my home complete.
Christmas without these lovable creatures with their songs, laughs and
high spirits just wouldn’t feel like a holiday.