The Muppet Movie Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray edition of "The Muppet Movie" presents a commendable 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer framed in 1.85:1 that caters well to fans, exhibiting a blend of technical precision and respectful remastering. The transfer embraces the film's original grain structure, preserving its cinematic essence while minimizing distractions. A slight digital touch-up is noticeable, but it has been accomplished with finesse, ensuring grain never appears clunky or overbearing. The print’s condition is impressive, free from unwanted noise reduction artifacts or wear, enhancing the detailed, lifelike textures of the Muppets' felt, fur, and hair.

Color reproduction stands out with vibrant primary and secondary hues providing delightful pop and saturation without veering into artificiality. Lifelike skin tones along with nuanced delineation highlight the richness of the characters and their environment. However, some sequences, particularly those involving extensive special effects, can exhibit slight inconsistencies in sharpness, a minor caveat in an otherwise solid visual presentation. Black levels are generally satisfying but do exhibit occasional crush in darker scenes like the campfire segment or night shots, which haven't aged as gracefully.

Overall clarity and resolution are quite refined, offering a pleasing balance of detail and softness intrinsic to Isidore Mankofsky's original photography. Close-ups reveal significant detail, down to fine wires supporting Kermit's bike. Despite a few softened or hazy shots attributable to the original cinematography and nothing nefarious like poor remastering, the overall visual experience is robust and gratifying. Contrast is well managed and artifacting concerns such as aliasing or banding are negligible, making this Blu-ray release valuable for both nostalgic audiences and discerning videophiles.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track for "The Muppet Movie" offers a somewhat mixed audio experience. While the overall clarity and prioritization of sound elements are notable, there are several inconsistencies. Dialogue is generally clean and clear, though at times it can be tinny or buried under other sound elements. The instrumental tracks, especially during the opening sequence, appear muffled and lack the richness one might expect from a modern remastered track. Despite its front-heavy nature, the soundtrack maintains a degree of faithfulness to the movie's original sound design.

The low-frequency effects (LFE) perform adequately, injecting a satisfactory amount of depth into the slapstick moments inherent to the Muppet experience. The rear channels, however, are underutilized, providing only a sparse ambience. Songs within the film are rendered with more energy and fullness than before, enriching the viewing experience slightly. Nevertheless, the mix falls short of what could be achieved with a more contemporary renovation, such as Disney’s 7.1 Diamond Edition remasters.

In summary, while the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix does a legitimate job of supporting the film’s original audio characteristics, it does not exceed expectations. The audio presentation displays signs of aging, with occasional hollowness or muffled sequences overshadowing moments of clear and engaging sound. Integrating superior directionality and prioritization would have enhanced this mix significantly. As it stands, this audio track is pleasingly serviceable but lacks the immersive quality that could have elevated "The Muppet Movie" to a nostalgic audio triumph.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Muppet Movie" provide both nostalgic charm and additional context for fans of the film. Jim Frawley's Extended Camera Test offers a fascinating 18-minute pre-production glimpse into the unique challenges of filming Kermit and friends in real-world settings, a standout inclusion. The Frog-E-Oke Sing-Along is an engaging interactive feature, albeit slightly marred by the low-resolution footage accompanying "Rainbow Connection." Pepe Profiles Presents: Kermit – A Frog’s Life delivers a delightful retrospective on Kermit with Pepe the Prawn's characteristic humor. Disney Intermission adds a fun musical element when you pause the movie. Doc Hopper’s Commercial and the Original and Teaser Trailers in restored high-definition provide nostalgic entertainment. These carefully curated extras ensure that both new viewers and longtime fans will find something to enjoy.

Extras included in this disc:

• Disney Intermission: Pause the film to enjoy a few songs.
• Frog-E-Oke Sing-Along: Sing along to classic movie tunes.
• Jim Frawley's Extended Camera Test: Pre-production footage exploring filming techniques.
• Doc Hopper’s Commercial: Promo for Hopper's restaurant.
• Original and Teaser Trailers: Theatrical promotional content.
• Pepe Profiles Presents: Kermit – A Frog’s Life: Pepe investigates Kermit's career.

The Blu-ray release of "The Muppet Movie" offers fans a delightful revisit to the origins of Jim Henson’s beloved characters. This nearly 35th Anniversary Special Edition preserves the spirit and ingenuity that made the film a triumph upon its initial 1979 release. The film chronicles Kermit the Frog’s (Jim Henson) epic journey from a humble swamp to the glitz of Hollywood, meeting unforgettable characters like Fozzie Bear (Frank Oz), Miss Piggy (Oz), and Gonzo (Dave Goelz) along the way. Despite the on-set tensions between director James Frawley and producer Henson, the film remains a marvel of puppeteering ingenuity mingled with an inspiring storyline, meta-humor, and famous cameos from Bob Hope, Steve Martin, Richard Pryor, and others.

Visually, "The Muppet Movie" stands as an exemplar of layered comedy and self-awareness, delighting audiences with its fourth-wall-breaking gags and classic scenes such as Kermit plucking "Rainbow Connection" on his banjo. Though some jokes may have lost their initial sharpness, the movie’s heartwarming humor endures. The cinematography and puppet design showcase an excellent transfer to Blu-ray, retaining the film’s vibrant colors and intricate detail. This edition also emphasizes the extraordinary cooperation required for puppeteering—evident in chaotic yet precisely executed group scenes.

Nostalgia melds effectively with timeless themes of ambition and friendship, making the film a cherished entry for lifelong Muppet fans. The human characters may seem secondary to the uniquely dynamic Muppets, yet their interactions contribute to a plot teeming with humor and charm. While it is not immune to the passage of time, "The Muppet Movie" continues to capture the essence of what makes Henson’s creations enduringly endearing: an abundant display of heart, creativity, and joyous unpredictability that celebrates both innocence and originality.

"The Muppet Movie" Blu-ray release takes viewers on a nostalgic journey back to the magical world of Jim Henson's beloved characters. Even as the film approaches its 35th anniversary, it remains timeless and continues to evoke the same joy it did decades ago. This edition upholds this legacy by offering an impressive video presentation that, while not perfect, showcases the vibrant and enchanting visuals that fans have cherished. The picture quality is commendably faithful to the original, with colors and details shining through thanks to the care taken in its digital restoration.

The audio presentation, in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track, supports the viewing experience with a decent mix, although there are opportunities for improvement. Minor enhancements to the audio clarity and depth could have elevated the overall immersion even further. Despite this, the sound design captures the whimsical essence of The Muppets, ensuring that iconic songs and dialogue resonate well with both new viewers and long-time fans. The supplemental package included in this release adds value, though it leaves room for a more comprehensive collection that devoted fans might hope to see in future anniversaries.

In conclusion, "The Muppet Movie" Blu-ray is a commendable addition to any collection. It has managed to preserve and highlight the timeless quality of the original film effectively. Whether you are a die-hard fan or simply enjoy light-hearted entertainment, this Blu-ray edition captures the spirited charm of The Muppets, promising plenty of laughter and heartfelt nostalgia. As we look forward to potential future releases with even more extensive restorations and extras, this version stands out as a worthwhile investment in celebratory movie memorabilia.