Even More Muppet Show Bonus Features Surface

Earlier this month I shared a tentative list of the bonus features for the upcoming "Muppet Show Season One" DVD box set. The list of features gave great information on what to expect on the sets but it was not complete. While doing more digging into the details of the set, I uncovered two more features that will be included; "A Jim Henson Retrospective" and "The World Premiere Interstitials". Below is an updated list of the disc features; I also updated The Muppet Show DVD frequently asked questions with the new information. The folks at Disney continue to put "…and much more" at the end of the listing so I guess there is still more to uncover. I'll keep you all posted as I continue to hunt down all the details of this upcoming August 9th release.

"The Muppet Show Season One" DVD Features:

- All 24 season one episodes (with UK skits included)
- "Muppet Morsels" (all new pop-up trivia available on every episode)
- Original Muppet Pitch Reel (the presentation by Jim Henson that started it all)
- A Jim Henson Retrospective (an all new look back at Muppet creator Jim Henson)
- Original Pilot
- Season One Promo Gag Reel
- World Premiere Interstitials
- The Muppets' Wizard of Oz Sneak Peek
- ...and much more!

Fraggle Rock Season 1 on Amazon

HIT Entertainment hasn't officially announced the details of the "Fraggle Rock - Season 1" DVD box set yet, but Amazon.com has the item up for preorder. They list the item as a 4-disc set and carries a very reasonable suggested retail price of $44.99 -- but like many items, Amazon has it discounted (you can lock in your copy for $31.49 to be exact). They also list the release date as September 6, 2005.

I've contacted HIT about this several times, and HIT has yet to comment on the exact release date and details (all they are saying is "September 2005" and "the full details should be available by mid-June"). Amazon is usually a reliable source, but until HIT officially states the information I would not consider any of this definitive yet (but it is a good idea of news to come). I'll keep you all posted as more information on this release becomes available.

Exclusive Muppet Presentations at NFFC Convention

The NFFC (National Fantasy Fan Club), the club for Disney enthusiasts, will host its 21st summer convention with a special focus on Disneyland’s 50th anniversary. Fans from all over the world are invited to the Crowne Plaza Hotel near Disneyland to celebrate July 9-13, 2005 with special behind-the-scenes presentations, games, collectable info, sneak peeks and more.

The convention is open to all NFFC members with packages ranging from $50 - $274. The NFFC is open to Disney fans of all ages. Membership includes a monthly newsletter, the FantasyLine Express, and costs only $24 per year. For more information on the NFFC, membership, and the convention visit their website at NFFC.org.

You many wonder what this has to do with the Muppets and why a Muppet fan may be interested in joining. At their upcoming convention there is an event that may spark interest to Muppet fans. The Muppets themselves will be at the convention to share stories of their recent adventures and share their plans for the future. They’ll also take questions from the audience. A group of Muppeteers and Muppet executives will attend for some exclusive Muppet events at the NFFC convention.

The NFFC is a global non-profit club operated by Disney fans for Disney fans. It is a volunteer effort with chapters worldwide. The national convention has been held annually in California in the weeks surrounding Disneyland's Birthday for the past 21 years. For more information on the NFFC, visit NFFC.org, email info@NFFC.org or call 714-731-4705. It’s not too late to join now and attend the upcoming convention, filled with exclusive Muppet fun.

Possible TMS Season 1 DVD Art Surfaces

Possible cover and disc art for the upcoming "Muppet Show - Season 1" DVD box set is surfacing on the web. The box is a simple Kermit inspired work of art and has a simple yet classy nostalgic feel. The discs (which feature Piggy, Gonzo, Fozzie, and Animal) show a single character per disc behind a red stripe set on a yellow background with The Muppet Show logo.

I have been told by someone working on the set that the data and features for the discs was approved and is locked in, but the artwork has not been totally pinned down yet. Several suggestions have been created and rejected for the case/box/disc art and packaging. The DVD team is currently scheduled to approve the final artwork sometime this week, and the official announcement should be out soon with all the release details (along with final package art).

This design may very well be what we see in stores on August 9th, but we could just as well see something totally different. Don't assume just yet that this is the final art, but it is indeed one of the looks that the team is considering. We'll have to wait a little longer to see for sure what the final set will look like, but since this art work is popping-up on many other sites, and I hear that it is the team’s most likely pick, I though I would share just a glimpse of what the sets may look like. Enjoy.

Sesame Sets A World Record With 101 Emmy Wins

Sesame Street, the longest running children’s series, has reached yet another benchmark by topping the Guinness World Record for Most Emmy Wins by a Television Series.

During CBS's Daytime Emmy broadcast on May 20, 2005, Sesame Street Muppeteer Kevin Clash was awarded a statue for his portrayal of the lovable Muppet Elmo. This gave the series a total of 101 Emmy wins. Sesame Street garnered an additional three Emmy’s including one for Outstanding Pre-school Children’s Series. Consistently touted for educating and entertaining generations of children, Sesame Street remains the gold standard for the very best in preschool programming. Other nods given to the series for the completion of its 35th anniversary broadcast year includes: Outstanding Achievement in Art Direction/Set Decoration/Scenic Design and Outstanding Directing in a Children’s Series.

Lewis Bernstein, Executive Producer of Sesame Street’s 35th season, said, “We are so proud to have attained the 101-Emmy mark in our 35th season and can not thank our viewers and fans enough for helping us reach this milestone, as well as, the giants whose shoulders we stand on - the creators of this remarkable show.”
We congratulate the Sesame Street family on this remarkable achievement in breaking their own record for Most Emmy Wins by a Television Series and for over 36 years of education and entertainment.

The Muppets Did Better Than Initial Ratings Reported

The final official Nielsen ratings for last week have been released and it turns out that "The Muppets' Wizard of Oz" did even better than the preliminary overnight rating report projected...

Not only does the final tally give "Oz" over 7.8 million viewers (rather than the earlier reported 7.6), but it turns out the telefilm placed second in its timeslot! "Dateline NBC" placed first, but the Muppets were able to beat CBS's Dr. Phil special during its first hour (7.1) and the Daytime Emmy Awards in its second hour (7.6).

Despite placing second, "The Muppets' Wizard of Oz" still won Friday night for drawing in the most children and teens (viewers under age 21). Both Disney and ABC are impressed by the numbers and the Muppets' performance. Although no official plans have been announced yet, it is rumored that the Muppet Holding Company is already starting to develop their next television/film project for the Muppets. Thanks to D.W. McKim for the news alert.

TMS DVD FAQs

On Friday I shared the news of the tentive features for the upcoming "The Muppet Show - Season One Special Edition" DVD box set. The set is due out in just a few months and the fans can't wait. Recently I began getting a flood of e-mails and comments on the news. People just want to know everything about the set.

In order to help stop the thousands of e-mails filling my inbox, and to help you get the clearest answers all of your questions I have created a "Muppet Show DVD Season Box Set FAQ" page. This will provide you with the current answers to all the frequently asked questions surounding the sets. Check it out (you're bound to learn something new about the sets). I'm still looking into uncovering more details and facts; I'll keep you posted as more things surface.

A special thanks to Michael Dixon (the webmaster of Kermitage.com) who helped clear up a lot of confusion on the sets; and also a lot of thanks to Ilysha Adelstein (Muppet press contact), the fine folks at Disney-DVD consumer relations, and the many other Disney/Muppet employees that helped uncover a lot of this information.

- View the DVD FAQ here! -

"The Muppets' Wizard of Oz" DVD Details

Your favorite Muppets were joined by Ashanti and a host of live-action stars in a contemporary take of a classic tale. "The Muppets' Wizard of Oz", first broadcast on "The Wonderful World of Disney", will make its way to DVD later this summer. This madcap adventure, with exclusive bonus features will be released on DVD on August 9, 2005. The disc will feature the entire film plus several bonus features. The bonus features for the Oz DVD have been revealed, with the disc containing a blooper reel called "Oz Oops!", an behind the scenes featurette called "Pepe's Exclusive Making-of", an extended interview of Quentin Tarantino by Pepe, and "much more". The DVD will retail for $24.99 or less. Be sure to pick up this DVD and relive the Muppet's take on Oz (this time commercial free and full of extras).

7.6 Million Visit Oz with the Muppets

Friday was a solid performance by "The Muppets' Wizard of Oz" on ABC with over 7.6 million viewers. The film placed third overall (NBC's "Dateline" was #1 and CBS's Emmy's special was #2). Although it did not dominate the time-slot the performace exceeded ABC’s expectations for the film. “The Muppets’ Wizard of Oz” was ABC's best performance in the time slot with younger viewers (children and teens) in over than two years. Both ABC and Disney are impressed by the performance, especially that it was able to hold their key audiance in the face of the enormous opening weekend of “Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith”. There have been no announced re-airings the film, but Disney has said that they hope to show the film several more times over the summer on either ABC or the Disney Channel. A DVD of the film is planned for release on August 9th as well.

The Muppet Show Season One Features

Disney insiders have responded to my questions regarding the upcoming "The Muppet Show - Season One Special Edition" DVD box set. They now have a tentative list of features and specifications regarding the release. This is not a full details and complete list of features; but gives you a good idea of some of the major features to expect on the first set's release. Disney also states that they plan on releasing the other four seasons of the show on equally great sets, but no further information on their disc features or release is publicly available at this time.

I'm still looking into uncovering more details; such as inclusion of the season 1 opening/closings, which pilot episode(s) to expect, what a "Muppet Morsel" really is, what is meant by "...and much more", if there will be subtitles, when will season 2 be coming, and anything else I can. I'll keep you posted as more things surface.

The Muppet Show Season One - Special Edition

Technical Specifications:

• 2.0 Mono
• French Audio Track
• 4-disc collection

Episode Listing:

• Juliet Prowse
• Connie Stevens
• Joel Grey
• Ruth Buzzi
• Rita Moreno
• Jim Nabors
• Florence Henderson
• Paul Williams
• Charles Aznavour
• Harvey Korman
• Lena Horne
• Peter Ustinov
• Bruce Forsythe
• Sandy Duncan
• Candice Bergen
• Avery Schreiber
• Ben Vereen
• Phyllis Diller
• Vincent Price
• Valerie Harper
• Twiggy
• Ethel Merman
• Kaye Ballard
• Mummenschanz

Bonus Feature Lisiting:

• "Muppet Morsels"
• Original Muppet Pitch Reel
• Original Pilot
• Season One Promo Gag Reel
• The Muppets' Wizard of Oz Trailer
• ...and much more!

Retail Specifications:

• $39.99 suggested retail price
• Release date: August 9, 2005

This is a Muppet Newsflash!

Welcome to The Muppet Newsflash web-log. This is now the place to find all the greatest and latest Muppet, Fraggle, Sesame, and Henson news on the web. As many of you know, back in February I started a little blog called the GelflingWaldo Files. That small and casual project grew and flourished. When I started out I had no real idea what the blog would be, and what it would become. After three months, I felt that the site had evolved to a level that I had not considered when starting the little project. The 100+ days working on The GelflingWaldo Files were educational and allowed me to learn what works (and what does not work).

To respond to the needs of the blog I decided to rework the project to a level that met the nature that the blog emerged to be. This new blog will be similar to The GelflingWaldo Files in many ways. Not only does it have the same blogmaster, but it will hold all the latest and greatest Muppet/Henson related news - that includes The Muppets, Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock, and the dozens of other shows, movies, specials, and properties spawned from the mind, the magic, and legacy of Jim Henson. I will continue to dig up and compile all the news that Muppet-fans crave. This blog, like its predecessor, will be the definitive source for Muppet news on the web.

Aside from a new name there are some changes from the format of The GelflingWaldo Files. First, you will notice a new look to the site. Although the site may appear slightly different, the news reporting and content will still be the heart of the blog.

I also decided to not hold myself to the arbitrary rule of one news story a day. This means that some days there could be no news posted. But it also means that some days there could be multiple news stories posted. I found that news should not be forced when nothing happens or surfaces; these days are not productive and there is no need to flood the blog with irrelevant or repetitive news stories. Also some days I found that many important pieces of information surfaced, and there is no reason to hold news back for another day. Yet given how much is happening these days, I would not be surprised if there still was a news post everyday (or close to it).

Be sure to update your bookmarks to reflect the new blog, and remember, it’s the same great news just with a new name. Feel free to leave any comments on this post with your feelings about the change (or drop me an e-mail). I hope you enjoy

"The Muppets' Wizard Of Oz" Airs Tomorrow on ABC

Just a reminder that "The Muppets' Wizard Of Oz" will air tomorrow night at 8/7c on ABC; check your local listings for full details.

In the fun, contemporary take on a family classic, Dorothy Gale (Ashanti) is a teenager with dreams of showbiz that seem far from coming true in the Kansas trailer park where she lives. When she's transported to the magical land of Oz, she and her sidekick, Pépe the King Prawn as Toto, join with the Scarecrow (Kermit the Frog), the Tin Thing (Gonzo) and the Lion (Fozzie Bear) to fight the Wicked Witch of the West (Miss Piggy) and find the wizard who might make her a star.

The film, which is directed by Kirk Thatcher, is the first Muppet production since the characters were bought by Disney last year. A home video/DVD release of the film is planned for August 9, 2005. Plans for futuring airings of the film are not avalible at this time, but Disney hopes to replay the movie throughout the summer on either ABC, The Disney Channel, or ABC Family. Spread the word, set your VCRs, and be sure to tune in tomorrow night to enjoy "The Muppets' Wizard Of Oz".

"The Muppet Show: Season 1" Release Details

As I reported earlier, "The Muppet Show" is coming to DVD in season box sets this year. Today The Muppet Holding Company announced some exciting news on the subject. Disney has stated that the DVD of The Muppet Show's first season will be released on August 9, 2005 -- the same day that "The Muppets' Wizard of Oz" hits DVD . Disney plans on releasing "The Muppet Show: First Season - Special Edition" on a fully loaded 4-disc DVD collection for just $39.99. You can pre-order the set directly from Disney through the Muppets website (or by clicking here). More details on this awesome set (and information other upcoming Muppet DVD projects) are planned for release very soon. I'll keep you all posted as the rest of the details surface. Be sure to mark your calendars for August 9th, as two great Muppet titles will be coming to DVD.

Full Fraggle Details Are Coming!

Many fans are hungrily waiting for the full details of the "Fraggle Rock - Season 1 DVD Box Set". The box set, which includes all 24 episodes from the first season, is due for release in September. HIT Entertainment, the producers of the set, stated today that a full press release with all the product and retail details will be issued within the next four weeks by the HIT Entertainment PR department. All information (such as disc features, release date, and retail price) will be available then. So be sure to check back throughout the next four weeks as we all wait for HIT to finalize the plans and release their detailed announcement.

In Remembrance of Jim

We Remember
Jim Henson

September 24, 1936 - May 16, 1990

Muppet founder, a visionary,
a pioneer, an artist, and a friend.

- Learn more about Jim -

-

More Muppet Music!

This Tuesday Disney will release their first Muppet CD - "The Best of the Muppets Featuring the Muppets Wizard of Oz". The CD which not only holds the songs from the upcoming tele-film (which is this Friday at 8/7c on ABC), it also holds some of the Muppets greatest hits and best songs. Even though this CD has not even been released yet, Disney hopes to continue releasing more Muppet albums.

An internal newsletter at Disney stated that over the next two years, Walt Disney Records plans to release three additional Muppets albums. Included in these plans is a Muppet holiday CD which is due out in time for the 2005 holiday season. It is unsure at this time if the album will contain new recordings of holiday songs by the Muppets, existing recordings of holiday songs from the Muppets' past Christmas movies and specials, or a combination of the two. I'll share more details on the upcoming holiday album as it surfaces.

The content of the other two upcoming albums, which are set for a 2006 release, is unsure. It is unsure if these CD will be themed albums, contain new recordings, be collections of unreleased material, be collections of already available songs/soundtracks, or a combination of them all. I'll keep you posted as information on these two additional albums surface.

JHC Plans Dark Crystal Sequel

It has been reported that The Jim Henson Company is planning on making a sequel to the 1982 fantasy classic The Dark Crystal. The film, which is titled "The Power of the Dark Crystal", has been written by David Odell (The Dark Crystal, The Muppet Show) and Annette Duffy. No director is yet attached to the film which will start shooting this fall and is is planned for a 2007 release. The film will combine live-action animatronic characters with CG animation. Like its predecessor, the film hopes to push the boundaries of puppetry, special effects, and visual story-telling.

The story for the film takes place several years after the original movie. The first film's heroes Jen and Kira are now king and queen, and must fight to save their kingdom when the crystal is once again split.

Any further cast and crew announcements have not been made at this time. But it has been cited that The Jim Henson Company wants to involve many of the people who worked on the original movie. Brian Froud is very interested in the project. Frank Oz (co-director on the first film) is not official yet, but he is watching the film's progress with "much interest". The official word on the cast & crew should be made later this year once production picks up on the project.

The Jim Henson Company had tossed around ideas of a sequel (or prequel) over the years. In late '90s there was strong support from many Henson executives, led by Brian Henson, to make a prequel to the 1982 film. Sadly the plans never materialized; but now that the company is "Muppet-free" they want to work to bring back many of their existing productions and franchises. The film has built a strong cult-following since 1982 and, mixed with the new surge in "fantasy world" films in the recent years, Henson feels that now is the perfect time to bring back the world of the Dark Crystal. Henson says that the script for the film is being polished and they are excited to begin work on the new film.

The company is also working on developing animated series, interactive games and other related media as well. It is unsure how the film will be released. Henson hopes for a theatrical release, but it could ultimately end up as a straight-to-video or a TV-movie release. I'll keep you all posted as more details on the production and release of "The Power of the Dark Crystal" surface.

The Muppets Invade Your TV

In the coming week there will be a huge batch of Muppet television apperiances to promote "The Muppets' Wizard of Oz" so be sure to catch all the TV events leading up to the big tele-film. Check local listings for full details, channels, and show times.

• Fri. May 13 - Fozzie Bear on Jimmy Kimmel Live (12:05 am EST on ABC)
• Mon. May 16 - Statler & Waldorf on The Tony Danza Show (check local listings for ABC )
• Thurs. May 19 - Muppets on Good Morning America (check local listings for ABC )
• Thurs. May 19 - Miss Piggy on Live with Regis and Kelly (check local listings)
• Fri. May 20 - Ashanti appearing on Live with Regis and Kelly (check local listings)
• Fri. May 20 - The Muppets' Wizard of Oz Tele-film (8:00 EST on ABC)

Wizard of Oz Music Video on Disney Channel

Be sure to check out the Disney Channel as they are now playing the music video for Kansas from "The Muppets Wizard of Oz". The music video features the song from the film sung by Ashanti and is full of a ton of great clips from the film (which will air on Friday, May 20, 2005 at 8/7c on ABC). So be sure to check out the Disney channel to see the video (which is in their regular "commercial break" rotation and is shown pretty regularly).

Fozzie on Kimmel this Friday!

In order to promote the upcoming Muppets' Wizard of Oz (which airs on Friday May 20, 2005 at 8/7c on ABC), Fozzie Bear will make an appearance on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" this week. Tune in to "Jimmy Kimmel Live" on Friday, May 13, 2005 to see Ozzy Osbourne, Fozzie Bear, and musical guest Erasure.

"Jimmy Kimmel Live" is shown on ABC at 12:05am (so technically it is really early Saturday morning). Be sure to tune in to ABC to see Fozzie and Jimmy chatting and having fun. This should be a fun television appearance by Fozzie (helmed by Muppeteer Eric Jacobson). Muppet fans may remember that Grover also helmed by Eric Jacobson) appeared on the show in April to promote the 36th season of Sesame Street. Kermit the Frog also appeared on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" in 2003. Fozzie is sure to delight the audience and provide a fun segment for fans to enjoy. You don’t want to miss this appearance – so say up late, tune in, and watch (or at least set your VCRs and check it out over the weekend).

AFHV Reminder

Just a reminder that the Muppets will be appearing on the hour-long America’s Funniest Home Videos season finale on tomorrow (Sunday, May 8, 2005) starting at 7pm on ABC. In the season finale of AFHV, the Muppets will be there to help host Tom Bergeron show the best videos of the season and award the season's final $100,000 prize. They’ll also show some never-before-seen Muppet “home videos” during the show as well. So be sure to mark your calendars and set your VCRs to catch the Muppet gang on AFHV. For more information check your local listings and ABC.com.

Book 'em Jim!

A timeless collection of wisdom on life, friendship, individuality, creativity, collaboration, and more will be hitting the bookshelves this fall from the works of Jim Henson (and his friends). Hyperion Books is planning on releasing a new book in September titled It's not easy Being Green - And Other Things to Consider written and compiled from the works and friends of the late Jim Henson by Jim's daughter, Cheryl Henson.

This uplifting collection of quotes, stories, anecdotes, songs, and insights gives new life to Jim’s magical world. With chapters titled Dynamite Determination; Listen to Your Heart; Together We Can Do It; It Starts When We’re Kids; and A Part of Everything and Everyone, It’s Not Easy Being Green will be entertaining, inspiring, touching, and laugh-out-loud funny. Readers young and old will cherish this collection.

Culled from The Jim Henson Company archives, program transcripts, personal letters, and interviews, along with some of Jim’s never-before-published writings, It’s Not Easy Being Green is a testament to the legacy of a man who changed the way we see the world. The book will be releases on September 14, 2005 in hardback print, and also on audio CD. More information on this delightful collection to follow as more details emmerge.