Starring: Michael Caine, Dave Goelz, Steve Whitmire, Jerry Nelson, Frank Oz, David Rudman
Director: Brian Henson
Rated: G (General Audience)
Studio: Walt Disney Home Entertainment
Release Date: November 6, 2012
Run Time: 85 minutes
Film: 5 out of 5 stars
EXtras: 4 out of 5 stars
There is no film that I think about Christmas more with that “The Muppet Christmas Carol”. It is one of my all-time favorites. The music, the Muppets, the Christmas cheer…couldn’t ask for anything more. This film has also never looked better on Blu-ray. Disney really gave this film a really nice 20th anniversary edition release with this “It’s Not Easy Being Scrooge Special Edition”. Although, this release only included the theatrical version and does not include the extended cut with the song “When Love is Gone”. I am sure this is going to upset many folks but it is what it is. This does though include a very sharp digitally remastered 1080p transfer with 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio. I really though this was a nice upgrade for such a wonderful film. If you are looking to get into the holiday mood, then cuddle up with some hot chocolate and get ready to sing-along with the Muppets.
I am going to turn this review over to Gonzo to give the official premise: “Greetings, holiday movie fans and culture lovers, I am the Great Gonzo.or as I am better known to fans of this classic motion picture-literary legend Charles Dickens. Ready to laugh, cry, sing, frolic, cavort, and enjoy yourself beyond belief!? Well, you’re in luck, because this Great Gonzo’s “From Chickens to Dickens” 20th anniversary edition of The Muppet Christmas Carol is guaranteed to put you in a holiday spirit that will stay with you forever – or at least until your Aunt Edna starts complaining that nobody is eating the fruitcake she brought.again! Available for the first time ever on Blu-ray with high-definition sound and picture, so you can enjoy even more of my blue-ness, not to mention the incredible spectacle of Kermit the Frog as Bob Crachit, Miss Piggy as Emily Crachit, Academy Award-winner Michael Caine as Scrooge, wonderful songs by Academy Award-winner Paul Williams, and, of course, my pal Rizzo the Rat as.well, Rizzo the Rat. A heartwarming and hilarious holiday classic, told as never before by yours truly! Yule love it! Happy Holidays!”
I am a big fan of this special featurets included on this Blu-ray. One of my favorite extras on this Blu-ray is the “Disney Intermission”. This is a brand new bonus feature, which activates when the film is paused and leads into five classic holiday-themed songs performed by the Muppets Chickens and chums. There is an all-new audio commentary with Muppets including Kermit, Rizzo, Gonzo and many more. Highly recommended. “Frogs, Pigs and Humbug: Unwrapping a New Holiday Classic. A Behind the Scenes Look” is a vintage featurette hosted by director Brian Henson, Gonzo and Rizzo and gives a nice behind-the-scenes into the making of film. There is a funny blooper reel included form the the set. “Pepe Profiles Gonzo: Portrait of the Artist as a Young Weirdo” is a funny featurette on Pepe the King Prawn. Lastly, Gonzo and Rizzo take the lead in showing us how the holiday is celebrated in “Christmas Around the World” feature.