Billionaire Saban in Talks to Buy Muppet Makers [Archive]

Phillip Chapman

10-08-2002, 03:42 PM

Billionaire Saban in Talks to Buy Muppet Makers
Courtesy of Yahoo News

Billionaire investor Haim Saban is in talks to buy Muppet-maker Jim Henson (news) Co., at a steep discount to what Germany's EM.TV & Merchandising AG paid for it, people close to the situation said on Tuesday.

The two sides are still haggling over the price, but it is broadly in the vicinity of about $100 million, these people added. EM.TV paid $680 million for Henson in February 2000.

There may be other suitors for the makers of Miss Piggy and the Cookie Monster, the sources said, but the EM.TV unit has been on the block for more than a year.

Spokespeople for Munich-based EM.TV and Saban declined to comment.

Saban, who made his fortune with children's figures the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, has savvy bargaining power on his side. Nancy Schultz, who served as Henson's chief financial officer for a short time, and who also advised Henson when she was with PricewaterhouseCoopers, now works for Saban Capital Group Inc.

Jim Henson produces movies, such as "Muppets in Space," and its world-famous creature shop makes well-known puppets and creates special effects. It won an Oscar for the special effects in the film "Babe."

EM.TV, which has been trying to raise money by unloading non-core assets, last year sold Henson's stake in Crown Media Holdings for about $100 million. Sesame Workshop also bought the Sesame Street Muppets characters from Henson last year.

Saban, who is also bidding for insolvent German media group KirchMedia, made about $1.5 billion last year when he and partner News Corp. sold cable network Fox Family Worldwide to Disney for $3 billion.

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20021008/media_nm/media_henson_dc_1

Phillip Chapman

10-08-2002, 03:52 PM

Here's another article...

EMTV in talks to sell The Muppets
By Tim Burt in London and Thomas Clark in Hamburg

EMTV, the German media group that was one of the largest casualties of the Neur Markt, is in talks to sell its rights to The Muppets, the children's cult TV show.

Haim Saban, the US entertainment entrepreneur and chairman of Saban Capital Group, is understood to have made an offer worth about $65m for the Jim Henson company, including The Muppets and other animation businesses.

EMTV, struggling with a mountain of debt, put the business up for sale after incurring mounting losses in the past two years. It paid EU670m ($655.3m) for the Jim Henson company in March 2000.

Werner Klatten, EMTV chief executive, said: "We are very close to a deal. Mr Saban is taking part in the race but we are also negotiating with two other parties."

Mr Saban, who previously owned the rights to the Power Rangers TV show and merchandise, was unavailable for comment. Those assets were later sold to Walt Disney as part of its $5.2bn acquisition of the Fox Family network.

Industry analysts suggested that Walt Disney, which made a takeover offer for the Jim Henson company in 1989, and Warner Brothers, part of AOL Time Warner, might be interested in the business.

It is understood that the animation business could be sold for less than $100m, in spite of earlier hopes at EMTV that it could fetch more than $200m.

The German company is anxious to conclude a deal before the end of the year, when it is due to repay a EU65m loan.

People familiar with the negotiations said that Thomas Haffa, founder and former chief executive of EMTV, has played a role in brokering a potential deal with Mr Saban.

Mr Haffa resigned in September 2000, paving the way for a radical restructuring plan by Mr Klatten, who acquired a 24.8 per cent stake in the company earlier this year.

The negotiations are believed to have no bearing on EMTV's separate holding 16.7 per cent holding in SLEC, the trust that owns the rights to Formula One motor racing.

The future of that holding was thrown into doubt by the collapse of the Kirch media empire in Germany. The Kirch group previously controlled 58 per cent of SLEC, which is now held by three creditor banks. The decision by Kirch and EMTV to invest more than $2bn in F1 two years ago contributed directly to the financial crises at both companies.

http://biz.yahoo.com/ft/021008/1033848802590_1.html

Phillip Chapman

10-08-2002, 04:00 PM

Here's some bio info on Haim Saban. Some of it may be outdated...

Haim Saban is Chairman and CEO of Saban Capital Group, a private and public equity investment company. He is founder of Saban Entertainment and Fox Family Worldwide. Mr. Saban is a recognized leader in the entertainment industry having also built a chain of recording studios and becoming the top supplier of music for television. Mr. Saban was born in Alexandria, Egypt and moved to Israel as a child. He is a financial donor and founder of the Saban Institute for the Study of the American Political System at the University of Tel Aviv. He has contributed to many educational organizations, including The Fulfillment Fund and Partners in Education, which are college and career counseling and mentoring initiatives. He is also a supporter of The Story Project, an after school literacy program in downtown Los Angeles. He is a board member of the National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse, the National Campaign Against Youth Violence, and the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars.

Here's another from March 5, 2001...

Haim Saban is half-owner of Fox Family Worldwide, a company that produces and broadcasts programming via the Fox Family Channel and Fox Kids' Network. His own company, Saban Entertainment, is best known for producing the children's show "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers." Saban is a long-time financial supporter of the Democratic Party, as is his wife Cheryl, who is a writer and producer for Fox Family Worldwide.

Children's programming drew political fire during the last election, sparked by the shootings at Columbine High School in Colorado. Last Setember, the Federal Trade Commission issued a report concluding that broadcasters were targeting violent content to kids, and Al Gore pledged to regulate children's programming unless the industry policed itself. Fox Broadcasting, which has been negotiating to buy out Saban's share of Fox Family Worldwide, joined several companies in agreeing to stop marketing adult-rated movies during TV shows aimed at young viewers.

The month the report was released, Saban co-hosted a $3.5 million fundraiser for the Democrats with producer-director Rob Reiner (No. 371, $161,300), Warner Brothers President Alan Horn (No. 139, $290,750), and grocery magnate Ron Burkle (No. 102, $330,000). George W. Bush blasted his opponent for accepting contributions from an industry he had criticized; Gore insisted he was willing to take a stand against his financial supporters.

Saban's generosity did not go unrewarded. During the Clinton administration, the entertainment executive served on the President's Export Council, advising the White House on trade issues. He also took an unusual pride in being a top contributor. When Saban learned that another donor had topped his contributions to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee by a quarter-million dollars, he immediately sent the DCCC a check for $250,000, with a $1 bill attached to it.

"I hope this guy doesn't find out," Saban told The Washington Post. "He may send another two dollars."

Phillip Chapman

10-08-2002, 04:28 PM

Photos of Haim Sabam are on the front of the site and in the archived news article posted above. His biography is also now archived on Muppet Central as well.

towels

10-08-2002, 04:35 PM

okay, obviously the MMPR were a bad, bad thing, and the fact there's still a version on the air tells me they'll milk something for all it's worth, but are there other opinions or expiriences from the industry-ites on here? (Luke?)

Bean Bunny

10-08-2002, 04:54 PM

ppplease dont' let Mr. Saban get the Muppets. Can you say the brand new Captain Kangaroo and Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation. Saban also respondable for bad cartoons like Wator Melon. Know I going to have nightmare about Kermit saying "It's Morphing and Power Up". Here an idea for Mr.Saban, the 5 of the Muppets, Kermit, Piggy, Gozo, Fozzie, and Animal unite together into a one mightly robot loved by good, feared by evil. Muppetron defenders of the universe.

Better yet the Muppets will now be called Muppetmons. Kermit digievovle to Mega-Kermit-The Frogmon. Piggy digevolve to Warrior-Pigmon. Gonzo digievovle to Rupert Merdock. Fozzie digievovle to Carrot Topmon.

Struble

10-08-2002, 04:56 PM

That'd be nifty. I'm a big fan of an old cartoon Kidd Video that was a Saban/Levy production.

From my video to my radio,
Sh.

crazy ernie

10-08-2002, 05:03 PM

my rsponse to this: Oh dear lord no!

GWGumby

10-08-2002, 05:44 PM

Originally posted by Bean Bunny
Better yet the Muppets will now be called Muppetmons. Kermit digievovle to Mega-Kermit-The Frogmon. Piggy digevolve to Warrior-Pigmon. Gonzo digievovle to Rupert Merdock. Fozzie digievovle to Carrot Topmon. As long as they're fighting crime while teaching us valuable life lessons at the same time it will definitely be a hit.

Muppets HO!!!

frogboy4

10-08-2002, 05:50 PM

Maybe this will get Disney to perk up again. I know they are having troubles now, but I think buying the Muppets at a good price will help Eisner save face, especially now! We know they are the ones who really want them.

I have had issues with Disney before, but the Muppets are an American industry (with some UK connections, of course). I hope we keep them in the United States. With Disney, the Muppets will live on forever.

Either way, be looking for Kermit Krunch cereal down the line somewhere!

EmmyMik

10-08-2002, 06:12 PM

It's Muppet time!

Go go Muppet Rangers!

(I used to love the Power Rangers. The Red Ranger was so hunky)

:D

MuppetVision3D

10-08-2002, 06:12 PM

Kermit Krunch sounds like a good way to start the morning off to me. (I hope it has a shiny foil box like Mickey's Magix.)

jeremyactor

10-08-2002, 06:16 PM

I agree with earlier sentiments from this thread - I don't want The Muppets milked for all they're worth. What they need is someone who'll simply buy them and leave them alone. Let's all pool our money together - I've got $10!

I hope Disney buys them - Jim was going to sell to them after all, and I think that of all the potential buyers Disney is the best. Except for us - we've got $10 - now we just need $199,999,990 more!

Jeremy

Drtooth

10-08-2002, 06:32 PM

NOOO!!! NO!!! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO!!!! NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!

PLEASE!!! ANYONE BUT THEM!! ANY ONE!!! EVEN VIACOM!!! NOT THEM FOR THE LOVE OF CRAP!!!! SOMEONE PLEASE HELP US!!!! THE MUPPETS ARE GOING TO TV HECK!!! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO!!!!!!

huff puff... man do I feel better:D

Luke

10-08-2002, 07:17 PM

Originally posted by jeremyactor
What they need is someone who'll simply buy them and leave them alone.

Yeah sure Jeremy, what idiot is going to hand over 100 million dollars and then have nothing to do with where it goes ? If you know someone please let me know and they can guess the weight of my Penguin.

As for Saban, hmm not sure - i'm thinking bout that one. I think people are over-reacting a little and Jamie is probably on the right track but then again, the rumors that have been doing the rounds over the last few months could mean this is a little more serious.

Drtooth

10-08-2002, 07:28 PM

Originally posted by Luke
As for Saban, hmm not sure - i'm thinking bout that one. I think people are over-reacting a little and Jamie is probably on the right track but then again, the rumors that have been doing the rounds over the last few months could mean this is a little more serious.

Serious... like a heart attack! Serious... like cancer! Serious... like death!!!!!!!

I'm not over reacting! Missing 30 minutes of class, complaining in large bold face type, in my opinion is UNDERREACTING!!!! You should see what I'll do for Over reacting!

Bean Bunny

10-08-2002, 07:37 PM

One positvie out of this if it happens is that Saban currently has no major stars or properities since they sold most of them to Disney through the Fox Family deal last year. Saban get the Muppets and Disney get Power Rangers and Digimon as well as the Marvel animated libirary.

beaker

10-08-2002, 07:44 PM

Heh, for the first time I can sit back and have a good laugh at *other* people over reacting. BElieve me, if some of ya were more privvy to insider stuff you wouldnt have your panties in a bunch;)

>>>I agree with earlier sentiments from this thread - I don't want The Muppets milked for all they're worth. What they need is someone who'll simply buy them and leave them alone. <<<

To leave them alone? Wasnt that the doomsday scenario Luke spelled out in that one thread?

Anyways, from $300 million down to $65 million...thats quite a steal for 50 years of legacy and a endless millennium more.

Hey, I wonder if the new Fox Muppet Show will be 'Saban'd a fied?(see every single live action Saban show)

Anyways, my initial reaction when I saw this headline today was a slight chuckle. I just knew people would overeact, hehe

Bean Bunny

10-08-2002, 08:00 PM

Where is Michael Eisner, when you need him?

BigSPEEGS

10-08-2002, 08:20 PM

Seriously, I think Disney would be the best. Gotta trust Jim's judgement on this one, folks.

BTW, I know people have serious objections to Disney, I'm just not quite sure what. Could people enlighten me or give me some links so I'm not in the dark anymore?

-SPEEGS

Joe

10-08-2002, 09:30 PM

I have nothing against Mr. Saban, I just don't think it would be good if he bought out the muppets. I think if Saban got a hold of the muppets, he'd want to morph(pun intended) them into something along the lines of what he's done in the past,(twitches at the thought of a Muppet Red Ranger) and not let them remain what they've always been. If, on the otherhand Saban were to aquire the muppets and not turn them into another MMPH, but try to build them up to the way they were, (back in the days of the muppet show) that would be ok.(I just don't think that's something that would happen though)

Joe

Bean Bunny

10-08-2002, 10:04 PM

So is Saban really going to get the Muppets or are the two other possible suitors going to step up and take a chance as wel. Disney is still in the running for the sale or they out cold. I have strange feeling with all this news of about Saban right now that an annoucement will be made soon. Saban's Muppets :eek:

Struble

10-08-2002, 10:24 PM

You know guys... Saban has a much larger amount of work under his belt than just Power Rangers. Just because Power Rangers was the biggest property to date, doesn't mean that everything he does is like the Power Rangers. Take a second and look at some of the other projects he's produced on IMDB.com and you might actually see something you actually like. I mean, jeez, we all get mad when people stereotype the Muppets as children's programs, so why stereotype all of Saban's as Power Rangers-esque.

Sh.

EmmyMik

10-08-2002, 11:01 PM

I just have to laugh.

From the way people are reacting you'd think the headline read "Snoop Dogg and Haim Sabam To Buy Muppets"...

:D

Go go Muppet Rangers!

:D

jeremyactor

10-08-2002, 11:02 PM

Originally posted by Luke
Yeah sure Jeremy, what idiot is going to hand over 100 million dollars and then have nothing to do with where it goes ? If you know someone please let me know and they can guess the weight of my Penguin.

I didn't say it would happen - I said that's what they need. I'd rather see them self manage themselves than have someone with different motives take over, and turn out really crappy material that isn't up to Henson standards.

I agree it's not going to happen, but who says I can't dream?

And I'm sorry Beaker, I'm not familiar with the thread you referred to with Luke saying that - can you send me a link?

Jeremy

(Edited because the Quote didn't work)

KPrell

10-08-2002, 11:11 PM

I can see it all now -

"Mighty Morphin' Power Fraggles!" (Guess who would be the Red Ranger...)

Well, nice to have some new speculation to liven things up. As usual, I heard about this first on Muppet Central. Good job, Phil!

At this point, I'll believe it when it really happens. It would just be nice for SOMETHING to finally happen, wouldn't it?

- Karen

Buck-Beaver

10-08-2002, 11:20 PM

Originally posted by KPrell
I can see it all now -

"Mighty Morphin' Power Fraggles!" (Guess who would be the Red Ranger...) Does this mean you, Steve, Dave et al have to wear the spandex jumpsuits too? :p

I can think of a certain girl around here who would like to see Bill Baretta in one!!!

beaker

10-09-2002, 12:18 AM

>>>Does this mean you, Steve, Dave et al have to wear the spandex jumpsuits too?

I can think of a certain girl around here who would like to see Bill Baretta in one!!!<<

Eeee, dont start! ;) heh As far as this Fraggle Rangers business, I wonder what kind of suit Terry would wear?

But yeah, I dont feel one way or the other *yet* about this whole Saban thing. Who knows what's really gonna go down?
Its a wait and see thing I guess.

frogboy4

10-09-2002, 12:26 AM

I don't think Boober will want any part of it. LOL!

Drtooth

10-09-2002, 07:55 AM

With all this negative thinking I have for this, I'M turning into Boober!

Now if you'll excuse me, I gotta wash my hands for an hour! No telling what germs these school compter keyboards get!

Luke

10-09-2002, 09:16 AM

MICKY HAS NOT MISSED OUT ON THE MUPPETS

What you guys and of course Jim Hill in his new article have failed to consider is that Saban is one single person and does not have a large media company behind him anymore with all the facilities that gives. It is totally true that he wants Kirchmedia and would love (though it's not essential) to have the Muppets cheap as a little side deal. In fact the person who has come up with this deal as you probably have read is Thomas Haffa - ex head of EMTV and great friend of Saban and also the people behind Kirchmedia.

Nobody has clicked onto why Saban wants the Muppets, and the simple reason is HE doesn't want them at all. He knows Disney wants them but they aren't prepared to pay $300 Million to own them. So whats he going to do ? Well he's going to try and get the Muppets at the cheap price and then go and license them to Disney at a profit. That means Disney will be making and carrying the shows, making the theme park rides, licensing the merchandise, distributing the movies and home videos, and making the majority of management decisions. Saban would still own the company and the Disney board would be happy because they weren't commiting to actually buying the company at a time when it isn't in their business interests to actually do that but for all intents and purposes we would have "Disney's Muppets".

Of course this might not happen, Saban could end up with the company and run it very much like EMTV taking a fairly hands-off attitude, he could license the Muppets to another media company, and i would imagine this whole leak is (as Jamie hinted) an effort by the people managing the sale to gee up other bidders who might be interested at the lower price because the people inside the Henson Company i expect would prefer not to be rented out like a DVD but it would seem like the sale will go through in late November if no other solution is found.

tomahawk

10-09-2002, 10:28 AM

EmmyMik

10-09-2002, 01:45 PM

Originally posted by Buck-Beaver
Does this mean you, Steve, Dave et al have to wear the spandex jumpsuits too? :p

I can think of a certain girl around here who would like to see Bill Baretta in one!!!

Bill Barretta in spandex?

**faints**

:D

danielromens

10-09-2002, 03:39 PM

Well I looked at the imdb and all I have to say is.

sweet friggin god.

Low brow entertainment man. I do think think people are overreacting, but man this guy is a bonafide moron in what he produces, come on Camp Candy. Yikes.

I still don't agree with Disney either. Another thing we need to look at is the fact that whoever gets them needs to help out and get them a better team of writers. The hands off approach isn't going to do Henson any good if the people who are making these things don't do a better job. We always blame the heads of the companies, producers, marketing, but we never hit on the fact that in some eras the muppets just haven't been that funny.

No matter who gets them needs to put together a better creative team for Henson. People who don't have hackneyed formulaic ideas, who don't deliver tired predictable jokes, and who can cater to a wider audience than just kids. It's what made Henson a genius in the first place.

danielromens

10-09-2002, 03:51 PM

You know I'm thinking here and maybe Saban is a better choice. He has no characters to call his own anymore. Power Rangers got sold off didn't they? And Rangers and Digimon were everywhere. The guy can market his wheres and both were quite popular. I don't think that's bad at all really. And why not let him throw a bunch of money Henson's way. I can almost guarantee we'd see the return of Farscape. That checkbook is what the company needs to do what it wants the way it wants.
think about it. He finally has a team of his own to make shows. Yeah the money goes into his pocket, but at least we have someone who can fund just about anything.

ZootandDingo

10-09-2002, 04:28 PM

Speaking of the IMDb, their Studio Brief news column mentioned the Saban offer. In the report, they say that EMTV is "reportedly" also negotiating with Disney and Warner.

They didn't list a source confirming the other two suitors, but they usually don't mix rumors with straight news stories.

beaker

10-09-2002, 04:40 PM

>>>Nobody has clicked onto why Saban wants the Muppets, and the simple reason is HE doesn't want them at all. He knows Disney wants them but they aren't prepared to pay $300 Million to own them. So whats he going to do ? Well he's going to try and get the Muppets at the cheap price and then go and license them to Disney at a profit. That means Disney will be making and carrying the shows, making the theme park rides, licensing the merchandise, distributing the movies and home videos, and making the majority of management decisions. Saban would still own the company and the Disney board would be happy because they weren't commiting to actually buying the company at a time when it isn't in their business interests to actually do that but for all intents and purposes we would have "Disney's Muppets".<<<

The scenario Luke points out is something we hadnt thought of. Imagine, Disney wielding power from behind a puppet government...a puppet for the puppets!

radionate

10-09-2002, 05:08 PM

Originally posted by beaker
>>>. I since found out
that Saban is only interested in buying Henson because Haffa has told him
that the Disney board don't want to buy Henson outright but would
rent/license them from Saban at a high price. Thats why there have been no
stories about Disney bidding for JHC, apparently they are in on it.<<<

The scenario Luke points out is something we hadnt thought of. Imagine, Disney wielding power from behind a puppet government...a puppet for the puppets! Cory,

I'm not trying to be ugly, but have you considered acutally clicking the little quote button when you are quoting someone instead of paraphrasing what they say. Its more valid that way, we will know exactly who you are quoting, and you aren't as likely to bend what people have said as you did above. I didn't see Luke making this comment anywhere on the thread. NOWHERE did he say that Disney were in on this. (unless I'm just blind)

Luke

10-09-2002, 05:22 PM

Originally posted by danielromens
That checkbook is what the company needs to do what it wants the way it wants. think about it. He finally has a team of his own to make shows. Yeah the money goes into his pocket, but at least we have someone who can fund just about anything.

It's actually very unlikely he'd just do this all on his own, especially if he'll be getting Kirch too, although it's still likely he could end up with Kirch and not Henson. Much more likely he'd find a partner or license the company. He may have the chequebook but he doesn't have some of the other resources and know how that the bigger media companies have. Someone like Disney or Warners might be a lot more restricitive about what they let Henson do and spend, but they'd have distribution, licensing, promotion and facilities immediately in place and the Muppets would get it all for free.

I do believe there are other bidders, but you are likely looking at other smaller companies and maybe Fox/News Corp (who don't exactly get on with Saban). I really think Saban would get a well known partner or license the company at profit and it could also be argued that Saban owning the company might affect the longevity of the Fox TV show deal.

kansasteen14

10-09-2002, 08:39 PM

I think Luke's scenario sounds GREAT! I would have loved Disney to buy them though,especially for that Swedish Chef resturant.

beaker

10-09-2002, 10:34 PM

Originally posted by radionate
Cory,

I'm not trying to be ugly, but have you considered acutally clicking the little quote button when you are quoting someone instead of paraphrasing what they say. Its more valid that way, we will know exactly who you are quoting, and you aren't as likely to bend what people have said as you did above. I didn't see Luke making this comment anywhere on the thread. NOWHERE did he say that Disney were in on this. (unless I'm just blind)

Nate, and you say *I'm* on crack?

Eric1701

10-10-2002, 07:09 AM

Hello All!

If they are taking bids for the company, I think all of us fans should start saving our money. I have $100 to start. :-) Only a few more million to go. :-)

Eric

PS Ok, I might be dreaming, but the Muppets taught me when I was young to have dreams.

radionate

10-10-2002, 02:22 PM

Originally posted by beaker
Nate, and you say *I'm* on crack? Well, at least you went back and correctly quoted Luke. Thanks for editing your post to CORRECTLY quote what Luke was saying.

danielromens

10-10-2002, 02:53 PM

<<<It's actually very unlikely he'd just do this all on his own, especially if he'll be getting Kirch too, although it's still likely he could end up with Kirch and not Henson. Much more likely he'd find a partner or license the company. He may have the chequebook but he doesn't have some of the other resources and know how that the bigger media companies have. Someone like Disney or Warners might be a lot more restricitive about what they let Henson do and spend, but they'd have distribution, licensing, promotion and facilities immediately in place and the Muppets would get it all for free.

I do believe there are other bidders, but you are likely looking at other smaller companies and maybe Fox/News Corp (who don't exactly get on with Saban). I really think Saban would get a well known partner or license the company at profit and it could also be argued that Saban owning the company might affect the longevity of the Fox TV show deal.>>>
__________________________________________________ __

I do see your point Luke, but it would seem to me that Saban did just fine distributing and getting the Power Rangers and Digimon out among the public eye. Almost annoyingly so. Also with the other things that he owns I'm sure he could find facilities and I'm sure the Henson kids would use the Chaplin Lot to shoot Muppet and Henson work, at least it makes sence that they would.

Also, weren't Saban and News Corp partners on a few things? After all many of his shows began on Fox kids. Either way I really do feel he'd actually be better than Disney. Yeah Disney will put them in there theme parks, but as what? A way to make a buck. People here seem to be blind at the fact that Disney will make and extort money out of these characters just as much as anyone else. I shudder to think of the other horrifying dolls that they will make. Their attempts have been terrible. People just here the term muppet ride or swedish chef restarant and they get all tingly in the pants. What about the outrageous prices they'll have to shell out for the one day pace or the eight bucks they'll pay for a chef burger that tastes no different from a 3.00 ******* whopper at the BK. Come on people.

Drtooth

10-10-2002, 03:13 PM

Originally posted by danielromens
Yeah Disney will put them in there theme parks, but as what? A way to make a buck. People here seem to be blind at the fact that Disney will make and extort money out of these characters just as much as anyone else. I shudder to think of the other horrifying dolls that they will make. Their attempts have been terrible. People just here the term muppet ride or swedish chef restarant and they get all tingly in the pants.

Of course there is always the worse alternative. A company could buy Henson just for the sake of buying Henson, and say"well, I bought them," and toss them away. Viacom did the EXACT same thing when they bought Terrytoons. Has anyone here heard of The Mighty Heroes, James Hound, or Astronut? No? You get what I'm saying then. L'oreal once bought some cartoon production company (Filmation, I think) and kept them obscure.

I don't know about you, but I'd rather an overdose of tacky Muppet Stuff, then have to search around E-bay for a freakin' used coloring book!

Beauregard

10-10-2002, 03:40 PM

Originally posted by Drtooth
NOOO!!! NO!!! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO!!!! NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!

PLEASE!!! ANYONE BUT THEM!! ANY ONE!!! EVEN VIACOM!!! NOT THEM FOR THE LOVE OF CRAP!!!! SOMEONE PLEASE HELP US!!!! THE MUPPETS ARE GOING TO TV HECK!!! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO!!!!!!

huff puff... man do I feel better:D
I may disagree with Drtooth about the origins of Gonzo, but this I do agree with.

The Power Rangers for the love of MouMouSha, Sonelkipe and everyone else I can't think of right now.

Here I have been, argueing about where Gonzo came from and if Cantus Rock should be alowed to live on the planet Kozbine while The Power Rangers have been buy Miss Piggy.

I can't belive it. I was screaming when Disney were buying , but now I think that sounds like a good idea. IF YOU'RE OUT THERE MICKEY, HELP US POOR FANS OUT.

Does this mean that, whatshisname, will have control of what the Muppets do? What films they make etc?

For example could he decide that Mrs Piggy is going to chuck Kerm and fall in love with Pepe, that would hapen in the next film????????

OK. I have £ 4.30 to add to the pooling of money so that is how much, Uh Oh.

I think I'm going to cry,
Beauregard

Beauregard

10-10-2002, 03:54 PM

Originally posted by Luke
MICKY HAS NOT MISSED OUT ON THE MUPPETS

Nobody has clicked onto why Saban wants the Muppets, and the simple reason is HE doesn't want them at all. He knows Disney wants them but they aren't prepared to pay $300 Million to own them. So whats he going to do ? Well he's going to try and get the Muppets at the cheap price and then go and license them to Disney at a profit. That means Disney will be making and carrying the shows, making the theme park rides, licensing the merchandise, distributing the movies and home videos, and making the majority of management decisions. Saban would still own the company and the Disney board would be happy because they weren't commiting to actually buying the company at a time when it isn't in their business interests to actually do that but for all intents and purposes we would have "Disney's Muppets".

Are you serious about that Luke? Do you relly think that is posible or are you trying to make us feel better?

I mean the thought of Muppet Rngers gives me shuders deep inside and I wish I was a multy billionare who could buy the Muppets and then finance more films, beter Merchandise and addvertising, and make the Muppets sucesfull and standing on their own two feet, (or arms) *colapses on the floor*

So we now have $110 and £4.50 to buy the Muppets with do you think they'll take that???????

A very depresed,
Beauregard

Luke

10-10-2002, 04:33 PM

Originally posted by danielromens
I do see your point Luke, but it would seem to me that Saban did just fine distributing and getting the Power Rangers and Digimon out among the public eye. Almost annoyingly so. Also with the other things that he owns I'm sure he could find facilities and I'm sure the Henson kids would use the Chaplin Lot to shoot Muppet and Henson work, at least it makes sence that they would.

I'm not saying it's totally impossible for him to run this thing on his own on around the same level that EMTV have but i think it's very unlikely. This would mean the Muppets would stay on around the same level now - he is an ambitious person and one that gets into lots of cross deals and things, and he seems to be less interested in kids TV nowdays too. I really see him finding a strong and influential partner - whether he would license the whole company to them, or just work with them like Jim worked with Disney i don't know.

Originally posted by danielromens
Also, weren't Saban and News Corp partners on a few things? After all many of his shows began on Fox kids. Either way I really do feel he'd actually be better than Disney.

Saban's business relationship with Rupert Murdoch took a bad turn when Rupert had disagreements with him about the sale of Fox Family Worldwide to Disney. I'm not sure how i feel about Saban - i think he would be the right kind of owner that Henson want if he was running it on his own and making both commitments financially and with resources but if he has any plans to license the company out or build it's future on lots of co-production deals then it means more instability in the future and a better option could be found.

Originally posted by Beauregard
Are you serious about that Luke? Do you relly think that is posible or are you trying to make us feel better?

I think it's more than possible - in fact its the word in media circles right now thats what might happen which is why i was suprised Jim Hill didn't mention it. It certainly points to a possible reason why Disney aren't such a strong player in the sale of the Henson Company and Saban has past involvement with them - they'd definitely be on his 'want' list of people he would like the Muppets to work with. I actually thought that the Rivkin managment buyout was expected to be over 100 million so i guess a lot of things have happened that we don't know about and there is a lot more than meets the eye !

beaker

10-10-2002, 04:39 PM

Originally posted by radionate
Well, at least you went back and correctly quoted Luke. Thanks for editing your post to CORRECTLY quote what Luke was saying.

Um.....Actually I went to edit my grammar in that post, as I was just quoting Luke from his above statements. Might I suggest some ventilation in your office? ^_^

sidcrowe

10-11-2002, 12:50 AM

Daniel Romens

"Camp Candy,"..........that's tonight's nightmare :eek:

radionate

10-11-2002, 01:14 PM

Originally posted by beaker
Um.....Actually I went to edit my grammar in that post, as I was just quoting Luke from his above statements. Might I suggest some ventilation in your office? ^_^ rriiiiigggghhhhhttttt :mad:

Bean Bunny

10-11-2002, 09:48 PM

There had been interest from bigger media companies, such as Viacom Inc. and Disney Corp., but those talks disintegrated, according to media reports.

This is some very very bad news. It look like Mr. Saban and the owners of the National Enquier ( Why?) will buy the Muppet.

No Nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnoooo No NO NO NO NO NO NO NO No No NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO
Nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnoooo No NO NO NO NO NO NO NO No No NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO Nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnoooo No NO NO NO NO NO NO NO No No NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO Nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnoooo No NO NO NO NO NO NO NO No No NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO

Okay, I feel better.
:mad: :rolleyes: :mad: :o :( :D

AbbessBryony

10-11-2002, 11:26 PM

I didn't know about this until this week and I was really shocked. I'm over the shock and I don't mind if Saban buys the Muppets. Or Disney, for that matter.

BoyRaisin2

10-12-2002, 06:55 AM

First I'd like to say:

NO. NO NO N-NO NO NO. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. O.

N. O. NYO. NYO. n-ni-n-o. NOPE. UH-UH.

That felt nice, no!

Secondly, why do I blame Disney for this? If they didn't buy Fox Family (and the Saban library) from Saban for billions of dollars in July 2001, it wouldn't have made him a big investor billionaire and he would still have his Power Rangers and Digimon to play with while the Mouse (who you guys suddenly love, reminiscent of February 2000) would still be circling around Henson like they were in March of 2001...and before.

Weird, Disney owns the Power Rangers, and Saban might own the Muppets. Cringe (to both).

I don't know, I just don't, NO!

Well, at least I finally know what the guy looks like. :-)

JamieDenny

10-12-2002, 07:52 AM

wow Look what happens when you don't check out MC everyday. You find that a billionaire has is attempting to buy the Muppets.
Remember what happened when a mouse loving entertainment company went to Texas billionaires and asked for some help?
Maybe Saban will be a hands off guy, maybe he won't.
Perhaps he wants to buy the Muppets and then give complete creative control back to the people at Henson.
Whilst it seems sad that all the hard work that the Imagineers have done might go to waste the mouse has been less than enthusiastic, if it had really wanted the Muppets it would have negotiated EMTV to get a price it thought was fair.
Perhaps if Mr Eisner was a little more fiscally prudent then you guys would have got your wish and had the Muppets where you wanted them.
Back to Saban people are worried about the Muppets not being in American hands, this guy has served on a foreign trade board for the American Government and I'm sure he's as American as an 'outsider' can be.
Okay the man has produced pretty dubious kids entertainment but what you forget is that in their time the Power Rangers were must have accessories for any discerning child of a certain age.
Saban may bulk up their profile then sell them on to Disney for a higher price.
As for the Muppets not being the crown jewels any more, from our point if view, yes of course they are and always will be, but we are not the ones buying the Muppets when their last two movies didn't do great, a direct to video realese was universally panned *I LOVED IT But I'm not in charge here* EMTV payed over the Odds for them, Disney were going to give $150million but aslong with the Muppets they would have got Jim Henson's creative services, well worth that.
Sadly Jim is no longer with us which even though we may hate it diminishes the market value of any deal. What I guess I'm saying is in the Disney Deal of the 80's the equasion was something like this Muppets=$100million Dollars Jim Henson's Creative genius=$50million.
Do i think the Muppets are being sold down the river? Who Knows only time will tell. Interesting Times These Are

Muppets1985

10-13-2002, 05:40 PM

**There had been interest from bigger media companies, such as Viacom Inc. and Disney Corp., but those talks disintegrated, according to media reports. EM.TV has already sold the "Sesame Street" Muppets characters to Sesame Workshop, and also has dumped Henson's shares in Crown Media Holdings Inc.

EM.TV may still be talking with at least one other suitor, which would preclude exclusive negotiations for now with the Saban/Evercore team, said one person close to the situation.**

Does THIS mean Disney COULD still be in the running at Piggy & co., Or not?? God I hope so!!
:) :) :D

Bean Bunny

10-13-2002, 08:09 PM

I think not, it states in the article that both Disney and Viacom has disscussion but they didn't go anywhere. So it looks Mr. Saban is the soon to be winner of the Muppets. I dig some information on Saban past show, specifically animated. Mr.Saban started a company in 1977 that did animation and later in the 80's formed Saban Entertainment. Both theses were sold to Disney last year with the purcharse of Fox Family Channel.
http://www.sipanimation.com/flash/eng/prod-02.html

The only way that I am for this sale, is if Mr.Saban put Kelly Ripa in a Sexy bunny outfit singing a song with Bean.

rdurantjr

10-14-2002, 02:05 PM

Now, I don't claim to be a business guru, but I do know this:

EM.TV is trading at 0.74 Euros per share today.

The Euro is about equal to the US dollar these days (0.986442 Euros per $1 US).

There are 145,854,116 shares of EM.TV (57% outstanding), for a total market capitalization of $106.5 million.

To own a controlling interest in the WHOLE COMPANY (not just purchase the Jim Henson Company), one would need to own 51% of the shares of EM.TV. Cost? Less than $55 million.

Am I missing something? Even at a premium, a take-over bid for the entire EM.TV company should be significantly less than the $100+ million being discussed.

Oh, if only I had a rich uncle.

:)

Drtooth

10-15-2002, 01:35 PM

I still can't agree with the "horrors" that DIsney would do to the Muppets. People are saying "muppet Theme park rides and restaraunts" like it's a bad thing. Apparently, this person has never heard of Sesame Place. Even with a nasty woman in a Cookie Monster Suit, there's no way to stop me from wanting to go (something, is stopping me from going, however, a bunch of paper green things, or lack thereof).

If I could go to Disneyworld, the first thing I'd do is go to the Muppet rides and stuff! I'm not a HUGE Disney fan, so I like to go out of the peramiters of the park and copyrights and see Non- Disney things at a Disney park. Come on. I'd love to see people in Kermit, Fozzie, and Piggy costumes roaming the park along with the Mickey, Goofy, and Snow White (SNOW WHITE!!! SNOW WHITE!! HAAAA AAAAH HAAAA!!!) costumes.

But if they buy them, I don't see them over exposing them as badly as they did Winnie the Pooh, or to a less annoying extent Buzz Lightyear (I like the movie and the show and all, but his stuff is getting kinda freaky!!!). I think I see a couple of bean bags here, a christmas orniment there... maybe even rereleasing Muppet Babies, and Fraggle Rock (live action, of course) to video and DVD.

sidcrowe

10-16-2002, 12:54 AM

Why don't we all buy lottery tickets and take a crazy chance on buying them ourselves?

I'd pay a dollar to be a member at MC.

danielromens

10-16-2002, 03:52 PM

DrTooth,

I'm not saying Muppet rides and restarants are bad, what I am trying to point out is that you seem to feel that Saban would use the characters for his own personal gain, whereas you seem to feel Disney filling it's expensive parks with rides and theme restaurants would somehow be only in the best of intentions for the characters. Come on man. True I'm sure a lot of the imagineers are fans and love thinking of this crap but at the same time the whole point of Disney World is a huge money maker for Disney. Jeeps to the creeps, why do you think the charge the first born of each visiting family? Out of the goodness of their hearts? I doubt it buddy.

Just trying to give a little perspective.

Bean Bunny

10-16-2002, 10:04 PM

One of the major reasons why I don't like the idea of a Saban buyout becasue Mr. Saban didn't have a network, a promotinal team, home video division, and so on. With a company like Disney, Henson will have all of those resources at their disposal. For example, Jim Henson films and programming could be released on Walt Disney Home Video or Buestia Vista Home Video. The Disney Store can provide more Henson merchidense. Disney Parks will bring more exposure to the characters in Calforina, Flodoria, Japan, Paris, and Hong Kong. Disney relationship with both Kellogg's and Mcdonald will allow Henson to promote their updcoming projects through new themed cerels, Happy Meal toys, and so on. The Disney Channel, ABC Family, and ABC will give Henson programming a home again. Playhouse Disney is perfect place for Muppet Babies, Hoobies, Construction Site, Mobit Shop, and other Henson Preschool programming. ABC Family is a good home for the oringal Muppet Show, Fraggle Rock, The Storykeeper, Muppet Movies, Dinosaurs,and past made for tv specials like "A Muppet Familily Christmas". ABC is a great place for new Henson programming. Walt Disney Pictures, Tochstone Pictures, Miramax and Dimision are all great area for all Henson theatherial productions. Disney Interacive will aloud Henson to team up with super-developer like Square-Soft, Biazze Creations, Trailers Tails, Capcom, and others.

Luke

10-16-2002, 10:12 PM

Oh yes Bean - you just got my penguin award for post of the century - that is TOTALLY why this company (whether they want it or not) should be in the hands of Disney if they want to move onwards and upwards. All else and they'll still be stuck in the graveyard they've been in since Jim (frog bless him) died.

Totally well said !

sidcrowe

10-17-2002, 12:19 AM

Luke...

"frog bless him"

Cute :)

Luke

10-17-2002, 04:56 AM

oops 'Graveyard' was probably the wrong word to use in that post seeing as i referenced Jim's death - i'll point that major snafu out myself before anyone else does. It was 3am and i was probably out of my mind so sincere apologies folks. Seriously what i meant is that they seem to have been in such a lull since Jim's death - sure they've continued and thats to their credit and i can understand why it has and will continue to have an affect on the company but things do seem to have dragged along, rather than really advanced in leaps and bounds - they really need a parent company with huge resources 'on tap' to be back in people's homes to the extent they were before and i do think that it's possible to achieve.

Beauregard

10-17-2002, 11:38 AM

Two things,

1.) Enything is posable to achive

2.) I also think that Disney should buy the Muppets and they could make good toys, merchandice ect. And they have good advertising, Also they could make the new Muppet Clasics!!! Yeah!!!!

3.) Having reasently watched Muppet Treasure Island again it is quality. And that is what the JHC needs now more quality.

and

4.) can't think of anything else
Beauregard

sidcrowe

10-18-2002, 12:17 AM

Luke...

Still, "frog bless him" was cute :)

Luke

10-18-2002, 09:01 AM

LOL - Thanks !

Drtooth

10-18-2002, 02:34 PM

and what would they sell at Swedish Chef restaraunts? Svenska Tacos?

Gichyour yimmy yimmy Sveska tacos snee! Chili Lutifisk Tacos Snee...

BoyRaisin2

10-18-2002, 07:48 PM

Yes. Bean has the right idea. That was what I've been hoping for since early 2001. Those are the things Disney could do for Henson, and what Henson could actually do for Henson.

Wish I had mailed that post with the four-page letter I wrote to Disney on Monday about the whole JHC thing. :-)

Very well said, Bean. OK, that's enough sucking up.

Bean Bunny

10-18-2002, 09:23 PM

Drtooth

10-21-2002, 11:27 AM

I think Disney is knocked out of the race now! I'm not sure, but it seems that way to me. On the upside, no cartoon Muppet cheapquals (I can't think of how they'd do it anyway), no Winnie the Pooh dressed ujp like Kermit dolls (yay) and no chance of making any kind of... uh.. well... I... uh... eh.....

scarylarrywolf

10-21-2002, 07:49 PM

Let me get this straight:

If Disney did get a hold of the Muppets, would they actually allow the "Henson team" to remain? IOW, would they be able to still be called "Jim Henson's Muppets" and have the Charlie Chaplin Lot and the same puppeteers, only with such things as copyrights and production responsibilities belonging to Disney?

That would certainly lead me to lend an ounce or two of support for Disney... except the part about Muppet Happy Meal toys -- those are too cheap these days.

--"Scary" Larry Wolf

Drtooth

10-22-2002, 02:11 PM

Originally posted by scarylarrywolf

That would certainly lead me to lend an ounce or two of support for Disney... except the part about Muppet Happy Meal toys -- those are too cheap these days.

I disagree! They are MUCH better than when they first came out. Basically, back then you got a sheet of plastic, which you snap out parts of, and put some sort of car or helicopter together out of it. I still have some, but the peices are missing.

I gotta say that the Monsters Inc. ones were pretty good for what they were!

radionate

10-22-2002, 02:49 PM

Originally posted by Drtooth
I disagree! They are MUCH better than when they first came out. Basically, back then you got a sheet of plastic, which you snap out parts of, and put some sort of car or helicopter together out of it. I still have some, but the peices are missing.

I gotta say that the Monsters Inc. ones were pretty good for what they were! Sorry, as a life long collector of Happy Meal toys up until the last two years, I must say that McD toys are getting cheaper and cheaper.

While they used to have snap apart toys, there were never any Disney toys. There were some great Disney toys though in the late 80's and into the 90's. Tailspin, Little Mermaid, 101 Dalmations have all seen the star treatment.

Burger King had the spectacular toys though. Beauty & the Beast, Mickey's Toontown, Aladdin, the list goes on an on. The latest McD B&B toys were ugly, clunky, and had little play value.

Drtooth

10-22-2002, 06:56 PM

The last good toy they had WAS Lilo and Stitch. Little Bobble heads! You can't beat that with a stick. Burger King will always be the champ, though! I got 4 Simpson ones already! Wendy's gets much better, as well. Fewer and Fewer paper products, and more actual plastic toys!

kansasteen14

10-22-2002, 07:49 PM

I liked the McD's 100 years of magic toys. anyway about the Disney just wanting money. Walt Disney did all he did for the happiness of others,and The Disney Company isnt in it for the money.Eisner is. I hope Disney gets the muppets

scarylarrywolf

10-23-2002, 12:35 AM

Kanasteen:

the Disney company WAS good when Walt managed it. I'm just saying it's gone downhill, to say the least.

--"Scary" Larry Wolf

Drtooth

10-23-2002, 11:08 AM

Originally posted by kansasteen14
I liked the McD's 100 years of magic toys.

I liked the idea, just hated the "mystery figure" packaging. I only got one I relly really Loved (Donald) two I liked (Jaafar and Aladdin) and one I wished I'd've held out for another (the witch from sleeping Beauty)

I REALLY REALLY wanted Emperor Kuzco (Emperor's new Groove) and Scrooge McDuck and never got them!

radionate

10-23-2002, 11:23 AM

I had everyone and their mother eating Happy Meals for me. I managed to get most I really wanted. But alas, no pigs or big bad wolf. I got 2 out of the 3 song of the south, and most of the Alice though, and those constitute my favorite Disney films and characters.

And since I haven't said it in awhile.....I WANT AN ALICE IN WONDERLAND SET OF MUPPETS FROM PALISADES.

Drtooth

10-24-2002, 11:28 AM

I saw the new Transformer toys at McDonalds....TERRIBLE!!! YUCK!!! these are worse than the Transformer Rip-offs from the 1980's!

However, I think I saw the Cheshire cat at a collector's store! If you really want it, I could probably get it for you! If they still have it, of course!

JamieDenny

10-24-2002, 11:40 AM

Hate to disagree but 'Uncle Walt' had a few flaws. The first being he was anti-semtic. He was anti-women and instead of negotiating with strikers he set the mob on them.
Then there's the testifying before the committe of un-american activities. People who today would be called Democrats were called communists, lost their jobs, children and some even took their lives
Then there was his friendship with J Edgar Hoover, the chief transvestite in charge of bringing 'criminals' to justice and erasing memebers of the Kennedy clan.
We don't even know if the guy is who he says he is, three birth certificates is a little greedy, and I haven't even touched on the fact that he couldn't draw his company's symbol, Mickey Mouse.
Disney was a creepy Anti-democratic Three birth certificated guy.
He also had no sense of humour.

radionate

10-24-2002, 11:53 AM

Originally posted by JamieDenny
Hate to disagree but 'Uncle Walt' had a few flaws. The first being he was anti-semtic. He was anti-women and instead of negotiating with strikers he set the mob on them.
Then there's the testifying before the committe of un-american activities. People who today would be called Democrats were called communists, lost their jobs, children and some even took their lives
Then there was his friendship with J Edgar Hoover, the chief transvestite in charge of bringing 'criminals' to justice and erasing memebers of the Kennedy clan.
We don't even know if the guy is who he says he is, three birth certificates is a little greedy, and I haven't even touched on the fact that he couldn't draw his company's symbol, Mickey Mouse.
Disney was a creepy Anti-democratic Three birth certificated guy.
He also had no sense of humour. I see somebody has read the un-authorized biography on Uncle Walt.

Word to the wise though, don't believe everything you read. While some of it may be based in reality, there are a lot of things that many folks have question the validity of.

The 50's were an interesting time in Hollywood with the "red scare", but I don't buy into many of the stories that have been told. I find it hard to believe that Walt was a spy for the CIA/FBI/Whatever.:rolleyes:

BoyRaisin2

10-25-2002, 07:19 PM

Originally posted by radionate
don't buy into many of the stories that have been told. I find it hard to believe that Walt was a spy for the CIA/FBI/Whatever.:rolleyes:

Anti-semetic and anti-women. Yeah right.

Bean Bunny

10-26-2002, 08:28 PM

Let get this baby back on topic....

Okay, while it almost November and it looks we have winner at Saban unless someone else step in or EM.TV decide to further push back the sale. It looking very unlikely that Disney will buy the company since there would have been alot of press coverage or at least some rumor that would have been out by now. Hey, maybe DIC, 4 Kids Entertainment, or Mike Young Productions coudl step in for a bid :D .

BoyRaisin2

10-27-2002, 12:10 AM

Originally posted by Bean Bunny
Hey, maybe DIC, 4 Kids Entertainment, or Mike Young Productions coudl step in for a bid :D .

Blech! Don't know what Mike Young Pro. is, but blech!

Bean Bunny

10-27-2002, 03:48 PM

Mike Young make such shows as the new He-Man on Cartoon Network, Clifford The Big Red Dog for PBS, and Butt Ugly Martians among others.

BoyRaisin2

10-28-2002, 07:45 AM

Originally posted by Bean Bunny
Mike Young make such shows as the new He-Man on Cartoon Network, Clifford The Big Red Dog for PBS, and Butt Ugly Martians among others.

woo-woo...

Boober_Gorg

10-28-2002, 10:16 AM

Here's how it happened: I was on a bus.
I was minding my own business, when all of a sudden the Saban himself walked on the bus.
He had kind of a nonchalant expression on his face, as if he was going to be happy when he destroyed the Muppets.
He was sitting face to face across the bus from me.
I scowled at him. :mad:
He didn't even look at me.
I didn't know how I got up the courage to say it, but ... I blurted out quietly, "You're evil!"
He looked at me confused.
I drew back.
I remarked, "Look, I'm really sorry ... I admit that was a rude thing for me to say ... but I just feel this way because ... well ...
(tears came to my eyes, and I felt choked up) :(
... because I really want Fraggle Rock to be on DVD (http://www.PetitionOnline.com/Fraggle/petition.html) ...
all 96 episodes ...
and so do thousands of other Muppet fans ...
I hope you see where I'm coming from ...
and I hope you'll take my words into consideration."
That certainly put a prolific expression on his face.

And then my watch alarm woke me up so I could get up to watch O Canada on Cartoon Network.

Maybe I don't understand what Saban is going to do with the Muppets, but at least I'm happy now. :D

Drtooth

10-28-2002, 11:09 AM

What Bean said... about DIC, and 4 Kids...

Dic: They had their share of hits and misses. Mostly Misses now-a-days. There was some great stuff like Inspector Gadget, the Super Mario Super Show, Heathcliff and Dennis the Menace. But now they Have that terrible Sabrina cartoon, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen (BLEEECH), and even considered a Who wants to be a Millionaire cartoon (God must've intervined! There is no way in heck that was a good idea). The Archie's Mysteries show was okay, but they were SUPPOSED to give Inspector Gadfet a second series..which they never DID!!!)

4 kids... BLECCCHHH!!! The only show they make I actually watch is Kirby, and just for king De De De and Escargoon. I gotta say, those guys are worth the whole show!

Let's hope some how that Henson can find financial independance!

Smig

10-28-2002, 04:55 PM

DIC is currently running tv-movie versions of many of its characters on Nickelodeon Sunday afternoon at 12:30 (ET)
October 13th they ran an all-new GADGET film (In widescreen, yet)
"GADGET"S LAST CASE" while nicely animated, it was a bit of a mixed bag, since they redesigned the characters a bit (Penny is a teenager now) and added elements from the Disney live-action movie. (The talking gadgetmobile) no idea when it will be rerun.
(DIC plans at least 13 tv-films based on its characters/licensed properties)

There HAVE been other (sort of) Gadget series The first was GADGET BOY and HEATHER, which was basically a toddler version of Gadget with his fellow agent/ guardian and transforming robot dog, G-9. Instead of Dr. Claw, the villains were the six-armed hag Spydra and her vulture henchman Boris. TO say this version sucked would be an understatement.

Two more series were made for THE HISTORY CHANNEL. GADGET BOY'S ADVENTURES IN HISTORY - basically a second season of Gadget Boy with time travel added, and just as bad as ever. The
other series was INSPECTOR GADGET'S FIELD TRIP, which was basically a travelogue series, as animation of the Inspector was combined with live -action video footage of assorted historical sites, making Gadget more of a tour guide. (he was the only character from the series to appear in this version)

CURRENTLY, SABAN is now oficially called SIPanimation, and are now co-producing with DIC a NEW GADGET tv series, GADGET AND THE GADGETINIS. Gadget is now woking for an international organization, and is now teamed with, besides the Gadgetmobile, two half-size robotic versions of himself. There is no indication when this show will debut in the US. If you'd like a look, go to
www.dicentertainment.com (the GADGETINIS artwork seem on this site is a early-pre production version, not the final designs)
or go to www.sipanimation.com where Gadget himself acts as sort of a tour guide. (Check the "IN DEVELOPMENT section")

And Finally, a all-new live action sequel to the first Gadget movie,
titled IG2, will be released direct-to video this spring. This sequel may be brought closer in spirit to the animated version, as Penny and Brain will be given more to do, the character Gadget had as a love interest (Brenda)is gone, and Dr, Claw will once again be "Faceless" a complete story synopsis as well as whole mess of other preview goodies (added on to as the realease date approaches) can be found at www.gogogadget.com

And one other fact..A live-action GADGET tv series was being considered to be developed by THE FAMILY CHANNEL, but was dropped.

Whew!
Smig

Bean Bunny

10-28-2002, 05:31 PM

CURRENTLY, SABAN is now oficially called SIPanimation

also half owned by Disney through the Fox Family sale. Mr. Saban no longer with this company.

danielromens

10-29-2002, 12:08 AM

boyraisin says...

Yes. Bean has the right idea. That was what I've been hoping for since early 2001. Those are the things Disney could do for Henson, and what Henson could actually do for Henson.

__________________________________________________

Wake up man, if Disney owns Henson, they are no longer doing anything for Henson, they're doing it for Disney

JamieDenny

10-29-2002, 09:26 AM

Okay In fairness I have read two biographies about Disney.
The first one was a sanitized and sanctioned one by the Walt Disney Estate. The second one was unauthorised but similarly it was uncontested. If it was untrue then surely the Disney Estate would have gne to court and PROVED that these were lies and the author would have had to have paid vast amounts of money in compensation.
The Estate may well have tried to get an injunction against the book being published all that proves is that there were things in the book that they didn't want the public to read, they never sued.
I want to know what evidence you guys have for being able to disprove the theories of 'Dark Prince' rather than just your 'gut instincts that we shouldn't believe everything we read.'

Bean Bunny

10-29-2002, 03:15 PM

You should try "The Man Behind The Myth". "Dark Prince" was invovled in a battle when it came out against the Walt Disney Family and the company. Disney's Daughter also did a great biography about her father, she every talks about the Urban Legends about her father that Dark Prince talks about. Let just say that Mr. Disney was not working for the FBI.

BoyRaisin2

10-30-2002, 06:30 AM

Originally posted by danielromens
Wake up man, if Disney owns Henson, they are no longer doing anything for Henson, they're doing it for Disney

D'oh! Typo, can't believe I noticed 'til now. I meant what "Henson could do for Disney" in the last part. Man, and I wrote that how long ago...

When I said that, I meant that Disney would put the Muppets in the parks, stores, networks, etc. Keeping the Jim Henson and/or Muppet name in people's minds. And in return, of course, the Henson projects would make a lot of money for Disney. (duh)

Drtooth

10-30-2002, 09:16 AM

Thanks for the update of my one of My Childhood heroes.

My opinion, I'd kill to see Gadgets last case. Even though they incorporated the worst bits of the movie in it. It's going to be released on DVD and Video, but only in PAL format in Australia. Curses!

Gadget Boy and Heather was a mixed bag. The idea of making him a kid was dumb enough. Don't want to get into the specifics. Just another Muppet BaBIES ripoff. Though I did like the Dapple Scenes and Boris the Vulture.

I hope the second movie's improved on the first. I like Mathew Broderick and all, but he was NO Don Adams. I thought that the guy who played Dr. Claw's scientist, Kramer should have been Gadget. I can really see Harry Solomon (French Stewart, as he as known in reality) as Gadget better.

Gadget and the Gadgetinis has been in developement ever since Inspector Gadget the movie came out. I hope it surfaces soon.

And I have noticed that the DIC site has totally omitted Heathcliff Refferences. That was my second favorite Dic show.

Hope they have new toys, soon!

jeremyactor

10-30-2002, 09:37 PM

Today it was announced that someone other than Haban has bought Kirchmedia. If Jim Hill is right about Saban thinking "I'll give you this much for Kirchmedia, and throw in the Muppets for $100 million," will this be the end of Saban's deal for the Muppets, or do you think he'll still buy them?

You can see the article about the sale HERE (http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&cid=493&ncid=790&e=2&u=/ap/20021030/ap_en_mo/kirch_bauer).

Sorry if someone beat me to posting this, but I hadn't seen it anywhere else.

Jeremy

Smig

10-31-2002, 12:04 PM

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Drtooth
[B]Thanks for the update of my one of My Childhood heroes.

My opinion, I'd kill to see Gadgets last case. Even though they incorporated the worst bits of the movie in it. It's going to be released on DVD and Video, but only in PAL format in Australia. Curses!

You might like to know that for some reason, NONE of the original voice actors, (Adams and Welker, especially) did any voices for LAST CASE. The only name i recognized was Maurice LaMarche
(Best known as "Brain" on WB'S PINKY AND THE BRAIN) and he has Adam's voice and delivery down PERFECTLY! I was amazed when I read the credits at the end of the movie! I have no idea why they didn't use the originals, though. It could have been money , or location (Some studios prefer to tape voices in Canada using local talents becuse it;s cheaper to do so) And then again, Don Adams is getting a little on in years..Maybe his voice quality no longer has the energy..

I hope the second movie's improved on the first. I like Mathew Broderick and all, but he was NO Don Adams. I thought that the guy who played Dr. Claw's scientist, Kramer should have been Gadget. I can really see Harry Solomon (French Stewart, as he as known in reality) as Gadget better.

Kramer was played by Andy Dick, who also worked with Don Adams in the short-lived GET SMART revival on FOX some years ago. on this series, Max was now head of seurity and Dick played Max's son. How close to following footsteps can a guy GET??

Smig

Drtooth

10-31-2002, 12:25 PM

My opinion..again. Did Maurice LaMarche do the voice of Gadget? He alternated with Adams in Inspector Gadget Saves Christmas, and subbed for Adams as the host of the video Gadget's greatest Gadgets (in which dubbed footage was used). I thought he did a decent job. Frank Welker wasn't in it? That's a shocker. His interpretation of Dr. Claw was the best. I remember seeing the episode "Gadget goes West" and (frank did not do Claw's voice) he sounded more like he had a sore throat than Menacing.

I am psyched for the new projects IG2 and Gadgetinis, dispite the fact that
A) live action movies are seldom as good as the actual show (Rocky and Bullwinkle was close, dispite the fact everyone BUT me hated it) and B) the Gadgetinis have the potential to become VERY annoying.

It looks like Saban is doing one GOOD deed (of sorts) in conjunction with all those lousy shows he did (the good ones are long forgotten, and I'm the only one whose ever even HEARD of Walter Melon). But I still think whoever buys the Muppets should:

A) let Kermit (or maybe even Rowlf) back as a regular on Sesame Street (if not this coming season, next season)
B) Rerelease TMM, GMC, and MTM back to theaters (allong with Dark Crystal)
C) Let Henson have creative control
D) Make great Muppet stuff, both Merchandise and entertainment.

Smig

10-31-2002, 07:42 PM

One other good point about "Gadget's Last Case":

No Capeman.

Smig

Drtooth

11-01-2002, 11:14 AM

I'm the only one who liked Capeman! At least he was a BILLION times better than Scrappy Doo...and they gave him his OWN show!

BoyRaisin2

11-02-2002, 02:59 AM

Originally posted by Drtooth
But I still think whoever buys the Muppets should:

A) let Kermit (or maybe even Rowlf) back as a regular on Sesame Street (if not this coming season, next season)
B) Rerelease TMM, GMC, and MTM back to theaters (allong with Dark Crystal)
C) Let Henson have creative control
D) Make great Muppet stuff, both Merchandise and entertainment.

My opinions on those:

A) not really a MAJOR concern, but, yes, that would be nice. But, right now, if Kermit actually does stuff with Classic Muppet group I'd be happy.

B) not really necessary, to be honest. Particularly TDC which bombed. But definitely some attention focused on the fantasy aspect of the company would be awesome. I wish Henson will soon be recognized as a leader of not only children and family entertainment with the Muppets, but also with fantasy programs which started (in a way) with the now-defunct Farscape. And if they could do more fantasy movies or revive The Storyteller for cable or something, that'd be cool. ANYWAY...

C) YES.

D) Double yes. Promote the heck out of everything if you like, just make sure the product is entertaining and cuddly and/or cool-looking.

I still wanted to walk to The Disney Store one day and see Kermit, Fozzie and Fraggles alongside Mickey, Pooh, and the sorta-adopted Big Blue House characters. THAT would be a sight.

Muppets1985

11-02-2002, 09:39 AM

**I still wanted to walk to The Disney Store one day and see Kermit, Fozzie and Fraggles alongside Mickey, Pooh, and the sorta-adopted Big Blue House characters. THAT would be a sight.**

Me 2 brother, meeeee 2!!!:( :( :)

Zack the Dog

11-03-2002, 12:13 AM

Dic: They had their share of hits and misses. Mostly Misses now-a-days. There was some great stuff like Inspector Gadget, the Super Mario Super Show, Heathcliff and Dennis the Menace.

Oh i can not tell you how much i loved the Super Mario Bros Super Show! along with the Super Mario Bros 3 show as well with the koopa kids.

I am also a Heathcliff fan too, that theme song will be guled in my mind forever! Riff Raff and the Cattlelac cats were a hoot! Heathcliff was on a few summers ago back on the fox family channle, when it was the fox family channle, i watched it all summer long, that and pee wee's playhouse.

this is really making me miss these shows and i don't even want to turn the tv on to see the junk that they play now.

The Raccoons was a great show too that was back on a few summers ago on a local Canada station i got because i live near the area. some time it pop's back and goes away from time to time, for all i know it could be back on now, i should check.

Zack) Rowlf the, if i could just have my own satation and run all the shows i love, that would be great, can i have that for Christmas Mom? Yeah, thanks! Dog;)

Drtooth

11-04-2002, 07:52 AM

Originally posted by Zack the Dog
Oh i can not tell you how much i loved the Super Mario Bros Super Show! along with the Super Mario Bros 3 show as well with the koopa kids.

I am also a Heathcliff fan too, that theme song will be guled in my mind forever! Riff Raff and the Cattlelac cats were a hoot! Heathcliff was on a few summers ago back on the fox family channle, when it was the fox family channle, i watched it all summer long, that and pee wee's playhouse.

this is really making me miss these shows and i don't even want to turn the tv on to see the junk that they play now.

Thank you, Zack the "remembering the days before Dic made crappy junk shows, and let all the bad ones (but, luckily letting Super Mario :D ) on DVD" Dog.

This is kinda fun, man! In case you want to know, DIC had a Disney partnership, and though it released some great stuff on Video, they did make pretty bad cartoons like Hammerman (?) and (before the partnership ended) Sabrina the Series (YUUUUCHHHH!!!!)

I am worried about Disney buying the Muppets, as much as I encourage it. At least it will be less confusing.

Wonder why Sony entertainment (aka Columbia Tristar) didn't put in a bid!