Tales from Muppetland: The Muppet Musicians of Bremen

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.

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.

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.

I was saddened but not surprised to find that this film is not available any more.It seems like the favourite things from my life are slowly being eliminated. Besides foods disappearing from restaurant menus and store shelves, certain fondly-remembered movies are drawing blank stares from so-called movie experts. Meanwhile, garbage flicks fill the shelves, and the local cineplex. Some movies are more than just a film...they are a harbinger and a beacon. Here is a perfect example: "The Muppet Musicians of Bremen" is a film that opened the door for modern block-buster such as "Shrek" and "Toy Story". It proved that a format labeled as "kids-stuff" could delight and entertain people of all ages, simply by treating the subject AND the audience with respect. If you EVER get a chance to see this, drop your work, your lunch or your baby (well, maybe not THAT one), and rush to the screen. You will laugh, you will feel a little choked up, and you will never forget these Muppets.

Jim Henson lives on, through works like these!

I felt very compelled to reading the first commentary about this Muppet special. While it wasn't as good as the other "Tales from Muppetland" specials, it was pretty good. It had puppeteering, full body characters, and something I never noticed on any Muppet program marionettes. Maybe I saw it before somewhere, I don't know. But still, this was a great special.