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The Muppet Show - Series 1
RRP: £34.99
Our Price: £15.74 (subject to change)
"I Think That's What is Called a Running Gag."
Review date: 2008-06-19 Rating: 10 out of 10
The 1970's saw a lot of variety shows on TV, but none were as unique as The Muppet Show. Here, you had large puppets doing the dances, singing the songs, telling the jokes, and performing the skits. And they do it well.
It's hard to describe the typical episode because they have some variety. Each episode features a special guest star (more on that later) who is involved in a few of the scenes. There are usually a variety of skits and at least one or two song and dance numbers. And there's the behind the scenes drama. We are always treated to some backstage antics as poor host Kermit the Frog has to put up with the temperamental stars of the show. Whether its stand up comic Fozzie Bear who thinks no one wants him around to a band who has decided the theme song isn't hip enough so they plan to quit, he's got to make sure the show goes on.
There are some regular skits. There's always a segment where we are treated to jokes by people at a dance. There are lots of Special News Bulletins with some wacky news items. Veterinarian's Hospital is an excuse for really bad puns, so naturally, I love it. And everything is commented on by Statler and Waldorf, the two gentlemen in the balcony who heckle everything, especially poor Fozzie as he tries to tell some jokes.
I do know enough about the show to know that some things haven't fully developed yet. Miss Piggy's looks change later. Beaker isn't helping Dr. Bunsen Honeydew in the lap yet. And my favorite recurring segment, "Pigs in Space" isn't anywhere to be seen. But what is here is still very funny.
As I mentioned earlier, each episode has a guest star. While I recognize some of them, like Joel Grey, Florence Henderson, Candice Bergen, or Valerie Harper, I don't know who most of them are. After all, the show is 30 years old. But that doesn't matter because the jokes are still funny and the songs are still great.
As long as we're mentioned the songs, be on the look out for the classic "It's Not Easy Being Green" and the Muppet version of "Mahna-Mahna." Plus this set is a rare chance to hear the words to "Never Smile at a Crocodile."
The set contains 24 half hour episodes on four discs. All the episodes come with "Muppet Morsels" which are trivia tidbits that appear on screen every so often. The final disc feature the original pitch reel and the original pilot, which is much different and not nearly as funny. Finally, there are some fun promos that aired during the first season.
I avoided getting this season for a long time. Why? Because I was afraid I would love it and immediately decide I needed the rest of the seasons. And guess what. I'm looking to buy seasons 2 and 3. This show is hysterically funny and still highly entertaining. It hasn't aged a bit in 30 years.
So if you want a show that will make the entire family laugh, get this set.
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Reviews
Great for Nostalgia and for new kids on the block
Review date: 2008-06-19 Rating: 10 out of 10
Unlike other reviewers, who seem to be die hard fans and have an encyclopaedic knowledge of whether you will get the episodes in the right order etc, which is all good stuff to know if you want that kind of thing, all I remember is that when I was a child I used to sit in front of the television on a Sunday night desperate for the muppets to start. It was a lifesaver of a show set amongst things like The Money Programme and Songs of Praise. I loved it. It was funny, the characters were great, and my parents liked it because it had that classic quality of a great kids television show, in that the humour worked on many levels.
My children are now of an age to enjoy the muppets and I ordered this with great trepidation thinking like many other things from my childhood, it might not live up to expectation. Thankfully it does. It really does. I still love it, and now my kids love it too. Our particular favourite sketch has got to be the classic Mnah, Mnah, which still had me falling about after all these years. It is still fresh, still original and still highly entertaining. The kids and I have a lasting fondness for the wonderful figure of Gonzo, who gets perpetually blown up, and as an adult I now realise that Kermit isn't as boring as I used to think he was!
Great extras, lots of episodes to enjoy. A real treasure.
Its time to meet the muppets it time to light the lights.....
Review date: 2008-05-18 Rating: 10 out of 10
I cant believe theyve finaly released it I couldnt contain my excitment it seems Ive been waiting forever for this .I cant wait to get my copy of this and series 2 .I would recomend this to any thirty somethings....
What more do you need to know?
Review date: 2007-11-14 Rating: 10 out of 10
Its the complete 1st series of the Muppet show. Nuff Said. Buy it now you will not be disappointed.
poor packaging, but still fun to have
Review date: 2007-07-07 Rating: 8 out of 10
One more to chime in - no booklet!! What the hey - there is a slot for it, but nothing there. Just the four disk, no menu or program, nothing.
The Muppet show was so much fun. Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, the Swedish Chef, with a line up of guest starts that include Charles Aznavour, Candice Bergen, Ruth Buzzi, Joel Grey,
Lena Horne, Vincent Price, Twiggy, Peter Ustinov, Paul Williams and more.
Great set, but I really think we should have the missing booklet.
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Frank Oz
Richard Hunt
The Muppets
Jim Henson
Jerry Nelson
Director(s):
Recording label: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainm
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainm
EAN: 8717418074227
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 4
Format: Box set, PAL,
Release date: 2005-11-14
Audience rating: Parental Guidance
Region code: 2
Running time: 604 minutes
Language: English (Original Language)