Muppet*vision 3-D

Though you have to travel to one of the Disney theme parks to see this fine interactive 3-D film, it is well worth the trip to see the final performances of Jim Henson (Kermit, Swedish Chef) and Richard Hunt (Scooter) doing their classic "Muppet Show" muppets before their untimely deaths. Hopefully, someday someone will see fit to release this to home video (with glasses). Stranger things have happened as Disney's previous 3-D film "Captain EO" was released to cable TV for a time (albiet in a 2-D print) and Disney is actively reissuing complete season sets of "The Muppet Show", so the chance for a release is very good, perhaps as a bonus feature on one of the box sets.

Muppeteers: Jim Henson as Kermit the frog, Swedish Chef and Waldorf.

Frank Oz as Fozzie Bear, Miss Piggy and Sam the Eagle.

Steve Whittemire as Bean Bunny, Rizzo the rat and 3-D image Waldo.

Dave Goelz as Dr. Bunsen Hunnydew, Gonzo and Zoot.

Richard Hunt as Sweetums, Statler, Beaker and Scooter.

Jerry Nelson as Camilla and some Penguins.

Okay, this thing is so cool. It's a crazy out of control Muppet show in 3-D. It is hosted by Kermit who first shows us some 3-D craziness with an ironing board falling(it belonged to Zoot), then Fozzie showing us some 3-D tricks. We see Muppet Labs. Miss Piggy gets a number. Sweetums comes on with a paddle ball. We have the final number choreographed by Sam the Eagle, and it goes all wrong. Before the actual show, there is a fun 13 minute pre-show starring Scooter, Gonzo, Sam the Eagle and Bean Bunny, which really makes waiting for the show entertaining. The way animatronics are used in the theater is great including animotronic Statler and Waldorf and Swedish Chef. It's silly, but its fun.

My rating-A. The show: 15 mins. Pre-show: 5 mins.

Disney World's best attraction, by far. All the characters and the characteristic Muppet humour, combined with crazy action as usual. Amazing 3-D effects: For the first time, I felt there was a point in the 3-D. It's like travelling back in time to the first seasons of the TV show, only this time you yourself are actually one of the strange muppets in the audience. And don't miss Scooter preparing the show before you enter - hilarious!

3D films are so often a pale, showy imitation of the originals but, as one might expect from such a great team, this movie is spectacular. The combination of movie and theater combine particularly well, most notably when Fozzie blows bubbles out of the screen (which are simultaneously released from the ceiling). This creates an immersive environment that will positively enthrall anyone even remotely interested in the Muppets. Of course, there are the usual terrible gags, madcap puppetry, and bizarre characters. Top class.

I remember going to this show, and watch the muppets cause all sorts of mischief and commtion in and around the theatre while there movie is going on. There is fun all around, with the crazy muppets, the gags, and a nice surprise at the end, this is a must for not just the muppet fans.