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Muppets From Space
review by Zach B.
Rated G
1 hour 28 minutes
Starring the "Muppet Performers" Dave Goelz, Steve
Whitmire, Bill Barreta, Frank Oz and a supporting human role
by Jeffery Tambor. Cameos by F. Murrary Abraham, David
Arquette, Josh Charles, Hollywood Hogan, Ray Liotta, Andie
MacDowell, Kathy Griffin, Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson
Written by Jerry Juhl and Joseph Mazzarino and Ken
Kaufman
Directed by Tim Hill
Retail Price: 24.99
Features: Live Video Commentary with Kermit, Gonzo,Rizzo
and Tim Hill. Outtakes Reel, "Shining Star" Music Video by
the Dust Brothers and Jeymes, Original Theatrical Trailer,
Bonus Trailers, Production Notes, Talent Files
Specs: Digitially Mastered Widescreen Transfer (Aspect
Ratio 1.85:1), Full Frame Digital Transfer (1:33:1), 5.1
Dolby Digital in English, 2.0 Dolby Surround in English,
Scene Selection (23 Chapters), English Subtiles
No matter how old I get, I will always be a Muppet fan.
Sure, they are meant for the younger set, but I can not
resist the muppets, maybe because of the fact I did grow up
with them. My sister and I were huge fans when we were
younger, so, I will never abandon my childhood memories of
the Muppets. No siree. Though the latest entry, "Muppets
From Space" didn't do so well at the box office, it's still
a very enjoyable romp, and goes back to the more classic
Muppet formulas. I hate to say this, but the reason it did
not do well (at least I think) because the Muppets are not
as popular as they once were. It's all Pokémon and
everything else now. The past few Muppet films (all the ones
by Disney), weren't so great. They were musicals, and based
on some sort of classic literature. Luckily,
Columbia/Tristar, who did do the older Muppet movies, are
now back with Jim Henson Pictures, set to make a few more
films after this one. It's a good move, this is the best
Muppet film since 1983's "Muppets Take Manhattan". Still,
hopefully this film will find a better life on video.
"Muppets From Space" begins with everyone's favorite
"whatever", Gonzo (my favorite!), as he thinks his family
from space is calling for him. Of course, none of his Muppet
friends believe him, and his story is then featured on the
show "UFO Mania" with Miss Piggy and Andie MacDowell. Soon,
K. Edgar Singer (the evil Jeffery Tambor) learns of this,
and kidnaps Gonzo. It's Muppets to the rescue as they must
retrieve their friend... and Gonzo must make his choice
where he belongs.
"Muppets From Space" is great family fare, with some
adult-oriented jokes for the older audience. Still, it is a
lot of fun and a nice diversion. The screenplay by the usual
Jim Henson writers is clever and predictable, but well
written. Tim Hill, creator of Nickelodeon's "Action League
Now" for the show "Kablam" does a nice directing job. The
cameos are also great too. Still, the film ruins the Muppets
constant joke and plotline: we never knew what Gonzo was or
where he was from. Still makes up he is an alien from space.
Though it is an okay origin, I think some mysteries are
better left kept. One more note: No characters sing in this
film, 70s funk songs just play within the film.
Kudos, another great anamorphic Columbia/TriStar
transfer! The colors really do pop-out, and everything is
really vibrant, you just want to reach out and touch it.
There is no bleeding whatsoever either. Anamorphic wdescreen
in a 1.85:1 ratio and Full Frame (for the younger ones)
transfers are included.
A great mix. Everything is very clear, and the noises and
loud sounds are created nicely in the 5.1 Dolby Digital mix.
Pretty loud and on it's mark, it sounds very nice and
lively. Surrounds are good. The 5.1 mix should please any
DVD fan. Dolby Surround English in 2-channel is included as
well.
To my surprise, "Muppets from Space" is a pretty feature
packed disc. It may not be a full blown out Columbia/TriStar
special edition, but should please any Muppet fan. First
off, there is a Live Commentary with Kermit, Gonzo, Rizzo
and Tim Hill (meaning it is MST3k style, where you see
the heads and seats), which you may have heard about. It is
not really so insightful about the making of the film, but
truly hilarious. It is a very creative commentary, which I
give high marks for. Kermit does not really participate in
that much (he goes to "Virtual Snack Bar" and gets a little
lost), but Hill, Gonzo and Rizzo crack jokes and everything.
The disc is worth it for this feature alone. Also on the
disc is an Outtakes Reel, which includes a few dozen
outtakes during the making of the movie. They are all short,
but some of them are pretty funny. There is a music video of
"Shining Star" by the Dust Brothers Featuring Jeymes
as well as the fun Original Theatrical Trailer. There
are also some Bonus Trailers for other joint Columbia
and Henson productions which include "The Storyteller", "The
Dark Crystal" and "Labryinth" (DAVID BOWIE!). And to top it
off, some interesting Production Notes and the usual
Talent Files.
For a nice price, you get excellent sound, a beautiful
anamorphic transfer, nice (and more then expected) features
plus an innovative commentary track. If you're a Muppet fan
or have young kids, look no further and pick up Muppets from
Space. If you have kids, take some time and sit down with
them and enjoy some nice friendly fare. You may enjoy it
more then them.
 (4/5, NOT included in
final score)
 (4.5/5)
(4/5)
 (3.5/5)
(4/5,
NOT an average)
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