The Muppets DVD Review: The Must Own DVD Of 2012

I’ve made it no secret that I’m a huge Muppets fan, so naturally I’m stoked it’s finally out on DVD! The Muppets was one of my favorite movies of 2011, and in my opinion it’s the must own DVD of 2012. In fact, this is the only film from 2011 (and really only film in years) that I went to the theater multiple times to see. I had high expectations for it – and it did not disappoint!

The storyline introduces us to Walter (the world’s biggest Muppet fan), and his brother Gary (Jason Segel) and his girlfriend of 10 years, Mary (Amy Adams). This lovable bunch is from the quaint town of Smalltown, USA (which some of you Pretty Little Liars and Gilmore Girls fans should instantly recognize). While on vacation, Walter discovers the evil plan of Tex Richman (Chris Cooper) to demolish the old Muppet Theater and drill for recently discovered oil on the property. Walter isn’t about to let this happen. Along with Gary and Mary’s help, Walter tracks down Kermit, who helps to reunite the old gang. The Muppets seem a bit washed up since going their separate ways. Fozzie is performing in Reno with a tribute band called the Moopets, Animal has been in rehab for anger management (I think Animal’s scenes were hands down my favorite of the film), and Miss Piggy is perhaps the exception as a fashion editor at Vogue Paris. She’s clearly in heaven. After everyone has return to Los Angeles – it’s time to put on a telethon in order to raise the $10 million needed to save the theater. It’s not going to be easy, but then again being green never is!

There’s also a ridiculous number of celebrities who pop up – Rashida Jones, Alan Arkin, Zach Galifianakis, Sarah Silverman, Jim Parsons, Donald Glover, Emily Blunt, Jack Black, Dave Grohl, Ricky Gervais, Selena Gomez, and Neil Patrick Harris just to name a few.

The Muppets was written by Nicholas Stoller and Muppets fanboy Jason Segel (who also is an executive producer in addition to starring in the film). The script is quite amazing. It doesn’t steer too much towards the kids or the adults, yet it has plenty of jokes that the adults can appreciate while kids fall in love with the characters. It’s hard to believe there hasn’t been a Muppet movie in over a decade, and there’s really not a better way these lovable guys could have returned to the big screen and made their impression on a new generation.

I really believe that Jason Segel should be commended for his work here. As a huge fan of the franchise, he’s not only now apart of it – but I venture to say that he very well might have written the best Muppet movie to date. The humor is witty, the script is smart, the songs are insanely catchy, and the new characters fit in seamlessly (You’ll love Walter within the first minute of meeting him). They’re already planning a sequel which I’m ecstatic about – however Jason will not be involved – which I’m not excited about.

There’s no shortage of special features on this release either. The Blu-ray 3-disc combo pack version includes:

  • The Longest Blooper Reel Ever Made (In Muppet History–We Think) – A laugh out loud look at the actors’funny gaffs and gags from behind the scenes of making Disney’s “The Muppets.”
  • Disney Intermission – Groundbreaking Blu-ray feature. Pausing a movie will never be this much fun, as the Muppets take over the screen every time you stop the disc!
  • Scratching The Surface: A Hasty Examination of the Making of Disney’s “The Muppets.” Hosted by unit production manager monster J.G., the cast and crew take a behind the scenes look at making Muppet and movie history.

  • Explaining Evil: The Full Tex Richman Song. Rapping his way through the story of his miserable life, Tex tells audiences why he turned out to be such a rotten guy.
  • A Little Screen Test on the way to the Read Through. This hilarious footage follows the Muppet gang as they go to their first table reading of the script.
  • Eight Deleted Scenes
  • Audio Commentary with Jason Segel, James Bobin and Nicholas Stoller
  • The Combo Pack also comes with the popular theatrical spoof trailers
  • The Complete Soundtrack

Bottom line, I really can’t think of a single thing that could have improved this film. At the end, I realized I had been smiling the entire time. The Muppets just makes you feel good inside – no matter who you are. In my opinion, this is one of the best films of 2011, and I have no doubt that you’ll agree.

Grade: A
Review By: Emma Loggins

Official Website: http://disney.go.com/muppets/

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  1. i think you should give copies away for a contest on here. i loved it in the theatres, dont have the money to buy it yet though.

  2. I wanted to but the studios didn’t have enough promo copies available to do giveaways this time around – I definitely asked! 🙂