MisterWhiplash
I can't remember for the life of me how I saw this special. I think Nickelodeon used to show some old muppet specials on during the day or as special events (they also played the Muppet Show for a while I believe). I remember this clearly as Kermit the frog appears briefly at the start, and talks to a donkey who's on his way to "fame, fortune, and gogolala" (that last part isn't entirely correct quote, but it's close). For kids, it's an entertaining slice of obscure muppet-mania, as there is a host of regular farm-like muppets (not the usual assortment, so try not to be too disappointed by that), loaded with songs and some morals too with the story. It's also very 'old-school' as a TV production, but with the skill and charm that we all know and love from director Henson and writer Jerry Juhl. If you're a parent and you can find a copy- and have the courage to show it to such a child who didn't grow up properly on most puppets (save, hopefully, for Sesame Street)- it's worth a shot, and I'm sure it'll be a good collectible for Muppet fanatics.
Rob
I haven't seen this movie since it aired way back when and I was a little kid but it's still the best Muppet movie ever made! My brothers, sisters and I have laughed so hard over the years, remembering the wonderful storyline and insane animal owners, we have it memorized just from that one viewing and my sister's old LP! The character's are great, the script is hilarious and the movie should be put to DVD and reintroduced to a new crowd of kids who deserve to see a Muppet movie without the usual Muppet dopiness so common to their recent movies and with no Miss Piggy. Was this movie too harsh for the unsuspecting viewers who expected to see cuddly Grover and silly antics from Ernie and Bert? Was there horror at not having random, unnecessary characters show up for no reason and no love story with Kermit and Miss Piggy? This is a movie like no other Muppet movie. See it if you can find it.
T.S. Hunter
Not sure why this one went out of print. In my opinion, this is the funniest thing to come out of Jim Henson's workshop. When I was a kid, it kept me and my brothers and sisters cracking up from start to finish. One line that was memorable and made us laugh till our sides hurt was when the man said to the donkey, "Le-roy! It's all yoooooure fault!" You have to see it to know what I mean. Hopefully this will someday come back in print. This is probably just a cult sort of thing, though; I grew up with the Muppet Show and the Muppet Movies.
Hotoil
Everything seems a bit off in this one. The puppetry is an innovative blend of hand puppets, full-body costumes and marionettes, but the presentation is just too bland to stand alongside other more impressive 'Tales from Muppetland' specials.Everything is just a bit muddy and off, even Kermit seems a little odd here (although I love his little dance at the beginning).Never liked this one as a kid, thought I might have a newfound appreciation for it now as a Muppet fan and all, but no dice. I found myself bored and disappointed. Check out Henson's much better Muppet fairy tale specials from this era, like "Hey, Cinderella" or the masterpiece "Frog Prince". "Musicians of Bremen" however, probably won't hold the attention of you or your child very well.
AD
