Third Seasons of Fraggle Rock and Farscape on iTunes

Back in January The Jim Henson Company started releasing content onto iTunes. The intial launch brought fans the first season of "Fraggle Rock" (24 episodes) along with the complete first season of "Farscape" (22 episodes). In February the company added a second wave of videos on iTunes -- including the complete second seasons of "Fraggle Rock" (24 episodes) and "Farscape" (22 episodes) plus two classic Henson films - "The Dark Crystal" and "Labyrinth".

Recently iTunes launched added Henson content to their offerings. "Fraggle Rock: Season 3" (24 episodes) and "Farscape: Season 3" (22 episodes) are now available for purchase via The iTunes Store. You can purchase individual episodes or download the entire season. Whether watching on your computer or loading it onto an iPod, this is a great way to watch and re-discover these classic episodes.

The Jim Henson Company plans to release more episodes and titles from their vast video libray in the future - including the final seasons of "Fraggle Rock" and "Farscape". I will be sure to keep you updated as more titles become available.

Play "Red Hot Skrumpy Drummer" at Yahoo! Kids

Last year, as you may remember, the Jim Henson Company launched new series of online videos starring The Skrumps. Throughout 2007 the company posted new videoson Yahoo! Kids featuring these unique characters, animated in real-time by puppeteers using the revolutionary Henson Digital Performance Studio. More than 20 videos have been posted on Yahoo! Kids starring Wishbone, Skrumpy and Raisins and now the first official Skrumps game has been added to the collection.

Yahoo! Kids has launched an brand-new interactive Skrumps game entitled "Red Hot Skrumpy Drummer". The new game allow players to help Skrumpy, Grumblebelly's little red drummer, create a rockin' hot sause while rockin' out on the drums. In addition to finding the game in the Skrumps' portion of Yahoo! Kids, you can access the new game via the Yahoo! Kids game section.

And aside from all the great videos and this new game, there are exclusive e-cards, desktop wallpapers and other Skrump goodies to enjoy. So surf on over to The Skrumps on Yahoo! Kids, play the new game and enjoy all the great Skrump content. I will be sure to keep you posted as more news surface on the future of the Skrumps and other developments reguarding the property.

New "Sesame Street" Film Coming to Theaters

As announced earlier, a brand-new direct-to-DVD movie entitled "Sesame Street: Dinosaurs!" will be released on May 13, 2008. This original film, written and directed by Muppeteer Joey Mazzarino, will feature Elmo, Telly and Abby Cadabby as they take in-depth and imaginative look at dinosaurs. Viewers will also get to see what would happen if Elmo, Telly and Abby became dinosaurs themselves! Featuring all-new songs and tons of prehistoric fun, this 40-minute film is sure to be a treat for any Sesame Street fan.

But aside from a DVD release, the all-new "Sesame Street: Dinosaurs!" special will be treated to a limited theatrical run at select movie theatres through Kidtoons, a family matinee series. "Sesame Street: Dinosaurs!" will be featured in special screenings throughout the month of May at participating Kidtoons movie theatres. The Kidtoons movie series provide a fun family experience including special cartoon shorts, music videos and sing-alongs before each feature. You'll want to check the Kidtoons theater listings to find a theater near you, as "Sesame Street: Dinosaurs" will be the main feature at the Kidtoons screenings in May 2008. This is a unique opportunity for fans to see this brand-new film up on the big screen and experience all the gigantic Sesame Street fun in a larger-than-life way.

The DVD will include the animated song "If Elmo Had A Dinosaur" plus a special dinosaur edition of "Journey To Ernie" as a bonus feature. You can pre-order your copy of "Sesame Street: Dinosaurs" at Amazon.com for the low price of just $12.99 or just wait to pick up a copy in stores on May 13th. I'll be sure to keep you updated if more information on this upcoming Sesame Street feature surfaces.

New Book to Chronicle the History of Sesame Street

Viking Press is planning to release an new book that explores the incredible history of the world's most famous street. "Street Gang: The Complete History of Sesame Street" will chronicle the inspiring 40-year history of Sesame Street. The book, authored by former TV Guide editor Michael Davis, will take an extensive look at the development, rise and enduring success of television's most influential children's show. This 384-page hardcover book will be released by Viking Press later this year -- tentatively planned to hit store shelves in December 2008. For more than five years, Davis has conducted over 200 in-depth interviews with Sesame Street's key players in order to collect the definitive story of this beloved show. "Street Gang: The Complete History of Sesame Street" is sure to be a treat for any fan of Sesame Street, and I'll be sure to keep you updated as more details on this exciting book continue to surface.

"The Muppet Show: Season 3" DVD Preview

The Muppet Show - Season Three • 24 episodes of "The Muppet Show" - The complete third season with digitally restored picture and sound! • "The Muppets On Puppets" - The original 1968 documentary hosted by Jim Henson and Rowlf the Dog. • "A Company of Players" - An all-new featurette looking at the puppeteers that brought the cast of "The Muppet Show" to life. • Original Muppet Commercials • ...and much more!

Sesame Street DVDs Coming Your Way!

Sesame Workshop and Genius Products have a slue of exciting new DVD titles planned for release later this year. I've got some exclusive scoops on several of these upcoming DVD titles - including a first look at some of the cover art. These DVDs have it all - dinosaurs, saving the planet, summer vacations, Christmas celebrations, and a magical trip to Wonderland!

As reported earlier, Elmo, Abby Cadabby and Telly Monster will explore the subject of dinosaurs in an all new direct-to-DVD production, appropriately titled. "Sesame Street: Dinosaurs!". This DVD will show the adventures of the Elmo, Abby and Telly as the power of imagination allows the trio to see what it would be like to be dinosaurs. The 40-minute DVD will feature all new content, including the animated song "If Elmo Had a Dinosaur" plus a dinosaur-themed installement of "Journey to Ernie" as a bonus feature. "Sesame Street: Dinosaurs" is planned for released on May 13, 2008 and will be available wherever Sesame Street DVDs are sold.

Sesame Workshop is partnering with Wal-Mart to release a new DVD this spring. Elmo, Zoe, Baby Bear, Papa Bear and others will explore environmentalism in a new direct-to-DVD production which is also set for release on May 13, 2008. This new DVD, entitled "Sesame Street: Love the Earth!", will focus on ways to make a difference and become environmentally conscientious. This particular DVD will be exclusive to Wal-Mart and Sam's Club (if you don't have a Wal-Mart nearby, can always order a copy through Walmart.com).

As reported earlier, a trio of "Elmo's World" episodes will become available on June 24, 2008 with the release of "Elmo's World: Summer Vacation". This 51-minute DVD will feature three previously unreleased episodes of "Elmo's World" - the beach, skin, and cameras.

The Sesame Street characters are set to appear in a retelling of a classic story in the all-new film "Abby in Wonderland". Giving Lewis Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland" a Muppety twist, the new DVD will star everyone's favorite Fairy-in-training, Abby Cadabby in her very own film. The musical film is currently in post-production and aimed to reach audiences in just a few months. While Abby takes on the role of Alice, the rest of the Sesame gang joins in (such as Elmo in the role of the Rabbit, Grover as the Mad Hatter, Cookie Monster as the Cheshire Cat, and Bert and Ernie as Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum). While the exact release date of this title has not been confirmed yet, I've been told that fans should expect to see Abby's first direct-to-DVD feature hitting stores in September 2008.

Lastly, the wonderful Christmas special "Elmo's Christmas Countdown" is planned to have its DVD debut in October 2008. The special, which had its television premiere during the 2007 holiday season, is planned to reach stores in time to help welcome in Christmas 2008. This special is loaded with songs, skits, celebrities, Muppets and plenty of heartwarming Holiday spirit.

I will be sure to keep you updated with more information on these, and other, Sesame Street DVDs as soon as more information becomes available.

Sam Plenty in "Explosion of Doom!"

The Jim Henson Company released the second installment of "The Sam Plenty Cavalcade of Action Show Plus Singing!" earlier today on samplenty.com.

When we last left our hero, Queen Verbosa - ruler of all Underdoom - has ordered her Doom Riders to march invisibly to the Plenty Ranch. Using their concealment gyros, the Doom Riders have the ranch surrounded with any hope of escape being impossible! What will become of Sam and his friends? Tune in to part four of "Sam Plenty in Under Doom" to find out!

If you haven't checked out the wild world of Sam Plenty, be sure surf on over to samplenty.com and enjoy the exclusive webisodes, sing-along, puzzles, activites, interviews, bios and fun. The series, which launched last week, has already gained a lot of positive praise and attention from all around the web. I will be sure to keep you updated as more information develops on The Jim Henson Company's "The Sam Plenty Cavalcade of Action Show Plus Singing!".

Kermit Lobbies Congress

Kermit the Frog appeared in Washington, D.C. yesterday to help promote awareness for endangered amphibians and to speak on behalf of his amphibian brethren. Sponsored by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, the famous Muppet frog spoke alongside conservationists on Capitol Hill on March 12th. 2008 has been dubbed "The Year of the Frog" by environmentalists in an effort to raise awareness for the plight of amphibians and to help combat the decreasing frog populations caused by loss of habitat.

Disney Enlists Segel and Stoller to Bring Muppets to Big Screen

Variety is reporting that Disney has just signed a deal with Jason Segel and Nick Stoller to help create the next Muppet movie. According to reports, Segel and Stoller will write the script while Stoller will direct the proposed Muppet film. This project is very much in its infancy and is still a long way off, but I will be sure to keep you up to date as soon as more information on this project becomes available.

Elmo Prepares for a Vacation on Upcoming DVD

Sesame Workshop and Genius Products are planning to release a band-new DVD entitled "Elmo's World: Summer Vacation" on June 24, 2008. This 51-minute DVD will feature three complete episode of "Elmo's World" focusing on the beach, skin, and cameras. "Elmo's World" stars the loveable Muppet Elmo along with his goldfish Dorothy and his silent human friend Mr. Noodles. The episodes on this DVD also feature appearances by Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch, Bert and Ernie, The Count, and others. The DVD, which is set to hit store shelves this summer, is starting to appear on the web for pre-ordering so you can reserve your copy today. I will be sure to keep you posted with more information on this, and other Sesame Street, titles as more details become available.

DxD's Weekly Muppet Update

The Muppets' DxD Channel has two new videos today. Check out Gonzo and Kermit in a brand-new secret elevator tape entitled "What Floor?", and Kermit's channel features another impression from the frog in "Take Six". New videos will continue to be added each week, so be sure to visit the Muppets on DxD and enjoy all the great videos, clips, gadgets, games and fun.

Go to Muppet.com Now!

Jim Henson Presents The Sam Plenty Cavalcade of Action Show Plus Singing!

As reported earlier, The Jim Henson Company has been developing an original web-series entitled "Sam Plenty". The show comes from the creative minds Paul Rugg ("Puppet Up!", "Animaniacs") and Mitch Schauer ("Bobby's World", "Garfield & Friends"). "Sam Plenty" blends the adventure of the old-fashioned western serials with The Jim Henson Company's unique brand of light-hearted and irreverent entertainment for the whole family.

"The Sam Plenty Cavalcade of Action Show Plus Singing!" is a new online science-fiction/adventure/comedy/musical live-action series coming from the Jim Henson Company. The wacky webisodes will explore the world of Underdoom, the gadgets of Queen Verbosa and musical skills of a modern-day singing cowboy. "Sam Plenty" is fun for the whole family and unique series unlike anything you've seen before.

The series features a talented cast of actors and actresses; Henson Company fans will enjoy seeing long-time company puppeteers demonstrating their acting skills as members of the Sam Plenty cast - such as Drew Massey as Sam Plenty, Allan Trautman as the professor, and Victor Yerrid as Bob Choppy.

The first webisode and a lot more information on "The Sam Plenty Cavalcade of Action Show Plus Singing!" are available at SamPlenty.com. So mosey on over to SamPlenty.com and check out all the action, adventure and fun. I will be sure to keep you posted as more information on this thrilling new series surfaces.

Sesame Street Comes to Sea World

The Muppets of Sesame Street will soon drop anchor at SeaWorld San Diego. Starting this spring, the marine-life park will unveil new Sesame Street attractions including three unique Sesame-themed rides, a live musical stage show, and a new 4-D movie experience.

The park will debut the original 4-D movie entitled "Sesame Street presents Lights, Camera, Imagination!" The new film stars a cast of Muppets - including Elmo, Bert, Ernie, Cookie Monster and Big Bird - as they swim through the ocean and fly through the sky. Guests will not only see and hear the action, but they'll feel it in their seats. The original Sesame Street film will start playing regularly at the park's Mission Bay Theater beginning on March 15, 2008.

Also scheduled to start a run at SeaWorld later this month is a live musical production starring Big Bird and his Sesame Street friends. "Big Bird’s Beach Party", a show originated at the Sesame Place theme park, will debut at SeaWorld’s Pets' Playhouse stadium and will run throughout in the spring and summer.

Opening in May is the new "Sesame Street Bay of Play" area. The two-acre play area (replacing what was previously Shamu's Happy Harbor) will be a amazing themed area filled with Sesame Street rides, character appearances, shops, stalls and other attractions. The area will open with three rides -- "Oscar's Rocking Eel", a pair of intertwining eels, one orange with purple stripes and another green with white polka dots, take visitors on a spinning and rocking "underwater" ride as Oscar the Grouch watches from a trash can submarine; "Elmo’s Flying Fish", where visitors pilot planes shaped like Elmo-based animals (the Sesame Place theme park features an identical ride); and "Abby's Sea Star Spin", a teacup ride featuring Abby Cadabby.

And if this isn’t enough fun and excitement, guests also will have a chance to join Elmo and his Sesame Street friends for breakfast. This character dining adventure, aptly titled "Breakfast with Elmo and Friends" will feature a variety of Sesame Street characters mingling and posing for pictures with diners before (and during) the breakfast buffets at SeaWorld’s Garden Plaza.

So if you're planning a visit to Sea World San Diego this summer, be sure to check out all the new Sesame Street shows and attractions. And if you've been looking for an excuse to visit the park, well, here you go! To learn more about Sea World be sure to visit SeaWorld.com.

"Tortoise vs. Hare" Coming This Fall

Following this week's release of "Unstable Fables: 3 Pigs and a Baby", the Jim Henson Company and Genius Products have announced plans to release the second title in the "Unstable Fables" series this fall. The computer-animated direct-to-DVD fill will feature a unique continuation of Aesop's classic fable "The Tortise and the Hare".

"Unstable Fables: Tortoise vs. Hare" features the rematch of the century as the Hare and his son challenge the Tortoise and his daughter to go head to head in the Mount Impossible Nature Adventure Race. The two teams face off in an elaborate battle of speed versus strategy full of adventure, comedy and fun for the whole family. The film, written by Tom Martin and directed by Howard Baker, will showcase the vocal talents of Danny Glover, Jay Leno, Vivica A. Fox, Keke Palmer, and Drake Bell.

And looking to the future of the brand, it's been said that the third "Unstable Fable" film, entitled "The Goldilocks & the 3 Bears Show", is planned for release in "early 2009". The film, written by Chris Parrish, will feature a reimagining of "Goldilocks and the 3 Bears" and is said to feature an all-star cast, including Tom Arnold, Brooke Shields, and Jamie Lynn Spears, among others.

So be sure to check out the recently released "3 Pigs and a Baby", the first installment in the "Unsable Fables" series; and I will be sure to keep you updated as more information on these films become available.

"Sid the Science Kid" Uses Stand-Up Style to Study Science

As reported earlier, the Jim Henson Company is hard at work producing episodes of "Sid the Science Kid" (originally titled "What's the Big Idea?"). The new educational television series is set to debut on PBS in September 2008 with an initial order of 40 half-hour episodes in the works. "Sid the Science Kid" promotes science readiness by building upon kids' natural curiosity about the world around them.

The show was initially developed around the concept of stand-up comedy for preschoolers, and the idea eventually grew into a funny show about science and the way things work. Each episode of the show begins with Sid (Drew Massey), an inquisitive preschool-aged boy, as he performs a morning monologue to his stuffed animals. Sid's stand-up routine includes quirky observations and explanations about the world around him as he questions why things are the way they are. Why do bananas get brown spots? How does orange juice get inside the orange? And what's the deal with sneezing?

Throughout the day, Sid goes out into the world to talk with his friends, family, teacher, and neighbors in hopes of demystify and explaining his earlier ponderings. Sid's day is full of exploring, observing, experimenting, learning, singing, and playing.

The show utilizes the revolutionary Henson Digital Performance Studio, which allows puppeteers to manipulate animated characters in real time. As a result, the show will look and feel unlike any other series on television.

In addition to launching onto the airwaves this fall, Henson is alo planning a large roll out of supporting merchandise – including books, toys, and appeal - in time for the 2008 holiday season as well. Furthermore, the series will boast an online counterpart at pbskids.org. The interactive website, which is being produced by FableVision Inc., will feature unique experiences and activities that complement the show's content and promote scientific exploration and discovery. Henson is currently seeking international distribution deals for the series. Although no official distribution deals have been announced, the company hopes to be able to bring the show to audiences all around the world.

I will be sure to keep you updated on this exciting new Henson series as things continue to develop.

"3 Pigs and a Baby" on DVD Today!

"3 Pigs and a Baby", the first film in the Jim Henson Company's new Unstable Fables series, hits stores today! The direct-to-DVD film features an all-star cast including Brad Garrett, Jon Cryer, Steve Zahn, and Jesse McCartney.

"3 Pigs and a Baby" is brought to life with breathtakingly artistic computer animation. When three pigs become the target of a special-ops team of wolves and their plan to finally infiltrate the impenetrable house of bricks, the unassuming pigs soon find a tiny wolf cub on their doorstep and raise him as their own. The newest addition to their family, Lucky, grows up into his teens not knowing his history, his role in the wolves' plan or the difficult choice he will have to make about the family that raised him.

This film is hilarious, heartwarming, and shows that families can come in all shapes and sizes. Aside from the 76-minute feature, the DVD also comes loaded with exclusive bonus material including a behind the scenes look at the animation process, a sneak-peek at the voice recording sessions, and a candid conversation with the film's writers.

"3 Pigs and a Baby" provides quality entertainment for the entire family, so be sure to pick up your copy today!

Henson to Bring Late-Night Sketch Show to TBS

Earlier today TBS announced plans to ramp up production on original programming for the network. Aside from the renewal of several already successful TBS shows ("My Boys", "The Bill Engvall Show" and "Frank TV"), the network announced the addition of several new television projects to their upcoming production line up. Among the new projects, TBS has announced that they've partnered with The Jim Henson Company to develop an all-new late-night sketch comedy show. The currently untitled series will feature Henson's signature puppetry style and is expected to be part of the “Henson Alternative" brand of comedy. The original sketch comedy show is expected to enter production later this year with Brian Henson and Lisa Henson serving as executive producers on the project.

This project is not Henson's first collaboration with TBS. In 2006, Henson worked with the network to develop "Late Night Buffet", an unseen pilot for a puppet-based talk show. In November 2006, the network aired an hour-long television presentation of the Jim Henson Company's "Puppet Up! - Uncensored" from the Comedy Festival in Los Vegas. And more recently, Henson has produced original webisodes of "Puppet Up!" and "Del's Vegas Comedy Binge" for TBS.com's laugh lab. I will be sure to keep you updated as soon as more information on this exciting new sketch comedy show develops.

More Muppet Videos on DxD

The Muppets' DxD Channel added some new videos today. You can watch as Gonzo shares some juicy gosip with Pepe in a new secret elevator tape, and Kermit's channel features another impression from the frog. Additionally, two wonderful videos featuring Kermit and Pepe on the red carpet at the 50th annual Grammy Awards were also added to the site late last week, these videos can be found in the "Breaking News" category of the video player. The frog and prawn talk about their recent Grammy win and take some time to talk with some of their celebrity friends and fans - including Ringo Starr, Natasha Bedingfield, Harry Shearer, The Shins, Feist, Paris Bennette, Miley Cyrus, Wilco, and many others.

New videos will continue to be added each week, so be sure to visit the Muppets on DxD and enjoy all the great sketches, clips, games and fun.

Go to Muppet.com Now!