Muppet Classic Theater

The concept isn't that great: a quick run-through of old stories like 3 Little Pigs, etc. But then again, the Muppets are there and could spice things up, right? Wrong. This video is one of the very few Muppet projects that may entertain kids, but not adults in the least bit.

Maybe their biggest mistake here was that they didn't feature many Muppets. In fact, it's just Gonzo, Rizzo, Kermit & Piggy - with brief appearances by Fozzie and Robin. No Animal, no Sam the Eagle, no Swedish Chef, Electric Mayhem, Rowlf, Statler & Waldorf, Scooter, Bunsen or Beaker. I don't know why, because most of the performers of these great characters are there, and there is too much repetition with the characters they DO use.

Otherwise, it's just not well-done. These stories have been done better elsewhere, and there is none of the signature Muppet zaniness makes their TV shows and movies so great. They're just puppets here, doing extremely rushed, 5-10 minute renditions of these classic tales with no payoff.

Maybe kids will like it, but I found it extremely dry and generally boring, as an adult and a Muppet fan. They're recent movies have been tackling classic stories and doing it well. This is a waste of talent.

The Muppets are still the Muppets. I agree that since Jim Henson died, it seems to take a lot more effort to put together something worthy of their original off the wall charm, but it can and has be done in Muppet Christmas Carol and Muppets Tonight!. Muppet Classic Theater shows us that the focus has shifted to Gonzo and Rizzo since Dave Goelz and Steve Whitmire are among the few Muppeteers still dedicated exclusively to Muppet projects. Granted, these stories are rushed and simplistic and the songs are mediocre, but the work Goelz and Whitmire put in reminds us that these are still the characters we love. It's much like seeing your favorite actors in a bad movie. The story isn't so hot, but you can tell they've still got it and will go onto do better things.

Though most people consider The Muppets for kids, when I discovered this gem at the ripe age of 21 while working at summer camp I just couldn't get enough. Though all the stories are familiar, the usual Muppet hilarity and musicality shine through each and every segment. All of your favorites are showcased with Kermit, Piggy, Gonzo and Fozzie carrying you through some of the best fairy tales of all time.

Considering that this great Muppet extravaganza is out of print, if you ever see it laying about, pick it up! It will be a well used 90 minutes of time. If anything, when the tape is over you will want to immediately rewind it and watch it all over again!

This is my favorite Muppet collection of stories. The wolf is a riot in both the Boy Who Cried Wolf and The Three Little Pigs. "Pigs in a blanket? Why, yes, I believe I will!" Hilarious. Miss Piggy is at her best especially in The Midas Touch...and the songs are right on target. My daughter and I still sing them when the situation fits: gotta get that name! And when I hear someone gargle, I have to say "How charming...NEXT!" You have to watch it to understand. Ha..ha...I highly recommend this for those who need to take life a lot less seriously. The only thing I think was a little overboard was Gonzo acting a little weird about his scenes (of course, he IS an alien, after all) but Rizzo the Rat is great and what can I say about The Shoemaker and the Elvises? The costumes, set design, "expressions" on the muppets are all fabulous. Now, if they would just put it on DVD!

I used to check this out from the library all the time when I was a kid. I loved it. It's perfect kid's entertainment. Sweet, silly and intelligent.