Have a Fraggly Easter on DVD!

[GonzoLeaper]

Hey- just saw this at http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Fraggle-Rock-Easter-DVD/12772

Looks like Lionsgate is releasing "Fraggle Rock Easter" on DVD on February 9th, 2010!
I presume it would include episodes of the show with something of an Easter theme (though I really can't think of too many offhand.)
Maybe it'll even include more of the Fraggle Rock cartoon series too. Who knows? Just thought I'd spread the word to help you dance your cares away!:smirk::coy::excited:

[RedPiggy]

It boggles the mind to think of a "Fraggly Easter".

The Mudwell episode springs (ahem) to mind as maybe the closest in theme.

[Drtooth]

What? Do they dye radishes or something? Poison Cackler eggs seem too dangerous.

[GonzoLeaper]

What? Do they dye radishes or something? Poison Cackler eggs seem too dangerous.
LOL! That would be hilarious.:D
Oh well- I guess any excuse to make a little more money...
Hopefully it will actually be worthwhile to Fraggle Rock fans with some kind of bonus or something- but I think it's probably just marketed to the casual fans who want to enjoy a few episodes of a childhood favorite show...

Now, if they were to actually do a whole new Fraggle Rock Easter special- that might be something.:excited:

[dwmckim]

Hopefully what it may lack in an "Easter" theme it will make up for with an overabundence of cool Easter eggs.

...and if it's anything like the Christmas dvd it will probably have bonus features related to some other Henson properties - i'm thinking Tale of the Bunny Picnic. (Likewise i wouldn't be surprised to soon hear news of a Picnic dvd)

[BobThePizzaBoy]

...and if it's anything like the Christmas dvd it will probably have bonus features related to some other Henson properties - i'm thinking Tale of the Bunny Picnic. (Likewise i wouldn't be surprised to soon hear news of a Picnic dvd)

Probably if Tale of the Bunny Picnic wasn't owned by Disney.

[GonzoLeaper]

Yep- Tale of The Bunny Picnic would make sense- and it would be nice to see it out on DVD too.

[Kermieuk]

Maybe the epsiode, Wembley's Egg?

Chris

[Drtooth]

Hopefully what it may lack in an "Easter" theme it will make up for with an overabundence of cool Easter eggs.


And if it doesn't, it would jut be epic fail. :D

[bazooka_beak]

EASTER? I can vaguely associate Fraggle Rock episodes with something like Halloween or Valentine's Day, but EASTER? Where is there anything that has anything to do with Easter besides perhaps Wembley's Egg?

[Drtooth]

Don't look a gift Bemble in the mouth! :D

[minor muppetz]

If not for it's inclusion in the christmas DVD I would put "The Perfect Blue Rollie" in this easter DVD. The rollies are small, round, and colorful, like easter eggs.

[RedPiggy]

EASTER? I can vaguely associate Fraggle Rock episodes with something like Halloween or Valentine's Day, but EASTER? Where is there anything that has anything to do with Easter besides perhaps Wembley's Egg?
It's not just about eggs, though. Like I mentioned, the Mudwell ep might work for the Easter theme as it deals with death and resurrection. I realize that's a bit deep for "a kid's show", but as that ep about the radio was a metaphor for religion, I think FR can handle something deeper than an egg hunt. I mean, Halloween is supposed to be more than a free candy binge, you know. ;)

[Oscarfan]

Why would they waste money making an "Easter" DVD, when a Halloween one would be so much easier?

[GonzoLeaper]

It's not just about eggs, though. Like I mentioned, the Mudwell ep might work for the Easter theme as it deals with death and resurrection. I realize that's a bit deep for "a kid's show", but as that ep about the radio was a metaphor for religion, I think FR can handle something deeper than an egg hunt. I mean, Halloween is supposed to be more than a free candy binge, you know.

Fraggle Rock has always been great for dealing with deep themes and definitely can do better than just a Easter egg hunt. I'm interested in this Mudwell episode now that you mention the themes it deals with. I must admit I haven't seen some Fraggle Rock episodes in quite a while- I'll have to watch this one.
While I doubt any of the episodes or any new specials would outright talk about the death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice made it possible for everyone to be forgiven of all their sins and go to Heaven through faith in Him- (though it'd be nice) - I imagine something vague about the "death" that winter symbolizes and the "resurrection" that spring represents would be about as far as it would go. And even that would be nice- just something to let kids know there's more than Easter eggs and candy and bunnies. And there's more than candy on Halloween too- but again, I wouldn't expect them to talk about All Saints' Day or the Celtic festival of Samhain during a Halloween special either- but maybe something generic to talk about community, the common bond between all people and respect for the dead as part of what the Celtics celebrated.
That's the trouble with commercializing and/or generalizing holidays. They are in fact holy days- and either you accept them for what they stand for in full or you just concoct a general message that people of all faiths or no faith can accept - or you wind up marrying the two ideas, by giving the general conception that most folks just take such and such from said holiday, but this particular religious group does such and such in celebration. I think Sesame Street has tried to do that in special like "Elmo's World: Happy Holidays", which makes sense since it's an educational show for kids and it's good for kids to be exposed to different beliefs and cultures. However, in this case, it's Fraggle Rock, so I suppose the overriding beliefs of the creators would trump here. And that's fine as that's to be expected.
Anyway- I'll just be happy to see the final season of Fraggle Rock get released on DVD and I would like a separate DVD box set for the Fraggle Rock cartoon. And if that Fraggle Rock movie ever actually happens- that'd be great to see too.:excited::smirk::coy:

[frogboy4]

Fraggle Rock has always been great for dealing with deep themes and definitely can do better than just a Easter egg hunt. I'm interested in this Mudwell episode now that you mention the themes it deals with. I must admit I haven't seen some Fraggle Rock episodes in quite a while- I'll have to watch this one.
While I doubt any of the episodes or any new specials would outright talk about the death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice made it possible for everyone to be forgiven of all their sins and go to Heaven through faith in Him- (though it'd be nice) - I imagine something vague about the "death" that winter symbolizes and the "resurrection" that spring represents would be about as far as it would go. And even that would be nice- just something to let kids know there's more than Easter eggs and candy and bunnies. And there's more than candy on Halloween too- but again, I wouldn't expect them to talk about All Saints' Day or the Celtic festival of Samhain during a Halloween special either- but maybe something generic to talk about community, the common bond between all people and respect for the dead as part of what the Celtics celebrated.
That's the trouble with commercializing and/or generalizing holidays. They are in fact holy days- and either you accept them for what they stand for in full or you just concoct a general message that people of all faiths or no faith can accept - or you wind up marrying the two ideas, by giving the general conception that most folks just take such and such from said holiday, but this particular religious group does such and such in celebration. I think Sesame Street has tried to do that in special like "Elmo's World: Happy Holidays", which makes sense since it's an educational show for kids and it's good for kids to be exposed to different beliefs and cultures. However, in this case, it's Fraggle Rock, so I suppose the overriding beliefs of the creators would trump here. And that's fine as that's to be expected.
Anyway- I'll just be happy to see the final season of Fraggle Rock get released on DVD and I would like a separate DVD box set for the Fraggle Rock cartoon. And if that Fraggle Rock movie ever actually happens- that'd be great to see too.:excited::smirk::coy:

The whole "commercializing" claim is moot to me because the church co-opted existing observed dates in secular culture for Christian-based festivities. Nobody really knows the exact historical dates of these religious occurrences.

Even though the Muppets under Jim did mention religion here and there, he largely stayed away from being preachy and I am very glad for that! In fact, Convining John represents the lunacy of having to get everyone agree on one thing. The Fraggles never had a Jesus component and they never should. It goes against the core of the program = many ideas, many cultures.

[RedPiggy]

"Jesus" wouldn't work in Fraggle Rock because everyone was encouraged to help themselves. However, coming back from the dead is an aspect of the holiday (Christian or otherwise). It's vague enough to fit in with the overall mythology in Fraggle Rock. It's kind of like how the Fraggles tell Kermit and Robin that, while they don't celebrate Christmas per se, they do share a lot of the same concepts in general.

[GonzoLeaper]

The whole "commercializing" claim is moot to me because the church co-opted existing observed dates in secular culture for Christian-based festivities. Nobody really knows the exact historical dates of these religious occurrences.
True- no argument there.
I think most of the commercialization claim is just from all the merchandising and things that are thrust upon holidays- Christmas and Easter in particular- though one could argue that for Valentine's Day and Halloween too.

In fact, Convining John represents the lunacy of having to get everyone agree on one thing. The Fraggles never had a Jesus component and they never should. It goes against the core of the program = many ideas, many cultures.
But that's just the point, isn't it? I think Convincing John represents the lunacy of trying to make and/or force everyone to agree on one thing. I don't believe in that. I do believe in people feeling free to share what they believe and everyone having the right to choose what they will believe or won't. And I also believe that, in true Fraggle Rock spirit, it's entirely possible and fine to peaceably get along with one another even if we agree to disagree on some things.:wisdom:
That said, it seems there should be room to talk about Jesus as well as Krishna as well as Buddha as well as Mohammed as well as Confucious as well as no deity in particular. I don't know that Fraggle Rock would necessarily get that specific in addressing any particular religion- but I just feel that if a particular Christian holiday is going to be represented, at least some aspect of Christianity should be represented in order to fully acknowledge it.
(The same would hold true for any other religion.)
However- since Fraggle Rock has never claimed to be the kind of educational show that Sesame Street does- I wouldn't expect it to. That's why I like that Sesame Street has done things to educate kids about the largely African-American celebration of Kwanzaa, the Jewish celebration of Hannukah and the Christian celebration of Christmas.

"Jesus" wouldn't work in Fraggle Rock because everyone was encouraged to help themselves. However, coming back from the dead is an aspect of the holiday (Christian or otherwise). It's vague enough to fit in with the overall mythology in Fraggle Rock. It's kind of like how the Fraggles tell Kermit and Robin that, while they don't celebrate Christmas per se, they do share a lot of the same concepts in general.

I understand that Fraggle Rock never mentioned Jesus and probably never would. All that I was saying is that if a TV special or direct-to-video movie or whatever is going to purport to be about a holiday which happens to be of a religious nature, it would be nice to see that represented in some form or another. It's like doing a Hannukah or Divali special and just treating them both as a celebration of light and goodwill and so forth, without specifically talking about the significance of them to Jews and Hindus, respectfully.
Thus, it's nice to see Christmas and Easter (since these seem to be the two most common holidays that get purposefully religiously-absent specials) get a TV special or whatever that acknowledges Jesus, as in "A Charlie Brown Christmas" and "John Denver and the Muppets: A Christmas Together". :)
But that's all I was trying to say on that. Some people want to see religions recognized and mentioned and some want no mention whatsoever. Some are okay with something somewhere in between. That's the whole point of Fraggle Rock- we can be different and think differently and that's okay because we're all still friends.:super:

[frogboy4]

True- no argument there.
I think most of the commercialization claim is just from all the merchandising and things that are thrust upon holidays- Christmas and Easter in particular- though one could argue that for Valentine's Day and Halloween too.


But that's just the point, isn't it? I think Convincing John represents the lunacy of trying to make and/or force everyone to agree on one thing. I don't believe in that. I do believe in people feeling free to share what they believe and everyone having the right to choose what they will believe or won't. And I also believe that, in true Fraggle Rock spirit, it's entirely possible and fine to peaceably get along with one another even if we agree to disagree on some things.:wisdom:
That said, it seems there should be room to talk about Jesus as well as Krishna as well as Buddha as well as Mohammed as well as Confucious as well as no deity in particular. I don't know that Fraggle Rock would necessarily get that specific in addressing any particular religion- but I just feel that if a particular Christian holiday is going to be represented, at least some aspect of Christianity should be represented in order to fully acknowledge it.
(The same would hold true for any other religion.)
However- since Fraggle Rock has never claimed to be the kind of educational show that Sesame Street does- I wouldn't expect it to. That's why I like that Sesame Street has done things to educate kids about the largely African-American celebration of Kwanzaa, the Jewish celebration of Hannukah and the Christian celebration of Christmas.



I understand that Fraggle Rock never mentioned Jesus and probably never would. All that I was saying is that if a TV special or direct-to-video movie or whatever is going to purport to be about a holiday which happens to be of a religious nature, it would be nice to see that represented in some form or another. It's like doing a Hannukah or Divali special and just treating them both as a celebration of light and goodwill and so forth, without specifically talking about the significance of them to Jews and Hindus, respectfully.
Thus, it's nice to see Christmas and Easter (since these seem to be the two most common holidays that get purposefully religiously-absent specials) get a TV special or whatever that acknowledges Jesus, as in "A Charlie Brown Christmas" and "John Denver and the Muppets: A Christmas Together". :)
But that's all I was trying to say on that. Some people want to see religions recognized and mentioned and some want no mention whatsoever. Some are okay with something somewhere in between. That's the whole point of Fraggle Rock- we can be different and think differently and that's okay because we're all still friends.:super:

To me Fraggle Rock is about broader strokes and universal themes. Introducing religion, however subtle, just doesn't seem like the Fraggley spirit. The template of the program was so that the different viewers could view the same pieces and have the messages plug into their lives in a unique way. Disguising religious discussions would just go against that. I like what Jim did. It was a truly universal show.

[GonzoLeaper]

To me Fraggle Rock is about broader strokes and universal themes. Introducing religion, however subtle, just doesn't seem like the Fraggley spirit. The template of the program was so that the different viewers could view the same pieces and have the messages plug into their lives in a unique way. Disguising religious discussions would just go against that. I like what Jim did. It was a truly universal show.

I agree with you for the most part here. Though I feel like Fraggle Rock did incorporate some basic general messages about life and morals, values and virtues, etc. that most religions would be in agreement with. Some of Cantus' sayings and songs seemed to have a bit of a religious feel somewhat to me- but that's just my take on it. You're right that if anything like that was there at all- it definitely wasn't blunt or abrasive or anything like that. "The rules are there are no rules and that's the rules."- Cantus
So there you go- make of it what you will. But you cannot leav the magic.;):excited::coy:

[Beauregard]

It's not just about eggs, though. Like I mentioned, the Mudwell ep might work for the Easter theme as it deals with death and resurrection. I realize that's a bit deep for "a kid's show", but as that ep about the radio was a metaphor for religion, I think FR can handle something deeper than an egg hunt. I mean, Halloween is supposed to be more than a free candy binge, you know. ;)
What about the ToeTicklers episode, too. That one has a death/life theme...

I agree with others though...Fraggles and Easter don't really mesh well. Fraggle Rock is about all to all, Easter is about Specific Meaning to Specific People.

[RedPiggy]

That said, it seems there should be room to talk about Jesus as well as Krishna as well as Buddha as well as Mohammed as well as Confucious as well as no deity in particular.
It would work best, though, for Doc's part in the show, like how they did the Christmas ep. It's kind of like preaching to your dog ... you could, but why would the dog even care? Religions are by humans, for humans, and (mostly) about humans and their relationship to the universe. It'd be REALLY stretching it to have Fraggles, who supposedly never even saw Outer Space until Uncle Matt discovered it in his older years, would know or care anything about any of our sacred and holy people. They've been off in their own little world (so to speak). I mean, I truly get what you're saying, really I do. This isn't a criticism ... more like an observation. In a certain sense, you already do get stuff from the religions you mentioned ... but, in Fraggle Rock, it's only the Jungian concepts behind them, not the details of the doctrines themselves. In other words, you have sharing and gift-giving and life out of death and tradition and magic and etc, etc.

I don't know that Fraggle Rock would necessarily get that specific in addressing any particular religion- but I just feel that if a particular Christian holiday is going to be represented, at least some aspect of Christianity should be represented in order to fully acknowledge it.
That's just it, though ... aside from it being marketed TO HUMANS as an Easter DVD, the fact is, FR wouldn't really HAVE Easter ... just their own spin on some of the celebrated concepts.

Some people want to see religions recognized and mentioned and some want no mention whatsoever. Some are okay with something somewhere in between. That's the whole point of Fraggle Rock- we can be different and think differently and that's okay because we're all still friends.
I don't really have much of an opinion on it, only that any portrayal should take into account the fact that Fraggles only recently (as far as they are aware) started interacting with humans at all. I'm not against bringing up religions, but it should be done in the Outer Space segments, not Fraggle Rock, unless it can be plausibly explained how they even got introduced to it.

What about the ToeTicklers episode, too. That one has a death/life theme...
Possibly, though, technically, no one really died in that one. It was just insect metamorphosis. Mudwell actually died.

[bazooka_beak]

It's not just about eggs, though. Like I mentioned, the Mudwell ep might work for the Easter theme as it deals with death and resurrection. I realize that's a bit deep for "a kid's show", but as that ep about the radio was a metaphor for religion, I think FR can handle something deeper than an egg hunt. I mean, Halloween is supposed to be more than a free candy binge, you know. ;)

The Mudwell episode did cross my mind, but that and the Wembley episode isn't enough to fill a DVD, I guess. I don't know.

[Drtooth]

I'm guessing there's some sort of Spring theme in there. I can't think of any spring like episodes... and the only obvious seasonal one I can think of is "Blanket of Snow" which is a very winter episode. I just think they're going with a "holiday" themed release because it just makes financial sense to slap a holiday on the title of a DVD and just have it released for a couple months. People will ALWAYS buy a holiday themed DVD, no matter what's on it. it's the magic of a commercialized holiday.

[dwmckim]

Talk all you want about "commercialized holidays" but with an Easter Fraggle Rock DVD, it's essentially commercializing/selling out the Fraggles to push product.

I'm glad Lionsgate is getting Fraggle DVDs out - i will forever be grateful to them for cleaning up HIT's mess by getting the fourth season its own box set and i can totally see the need to get other dvds out there to keep the brand name out in public as we wait for the movie (even if all the episodes have now been released). But by putting out a dvd with Easter in the title when there's never been any kind of Easter-based episode in the series is just really using Easter as a very thin excuse to put out a dvd. It might actually make parents mad because some may pick it up for that purpose and basically find they've been subject to false advertising. Likewise kids may enjoy the dvds put end up very confused as why Easter never really came up.

Now they could get away with this for Christmas because "The Bells of Fraggle Rock" was essentially a "Christmas episode" even though the concept of Christmas was foreign to Fraggle Rock itself. It contained the framing sequences with Doc and Sprocket talking about the similarities between Christmas and other Winter Solstace timed holidays around the world - while in the world of the Fraggles, they were celebrating a festival which had its own similarities and in a very deep way explored religious issues in a symbolic manner - Gobo experiences a crisis of faith and starts to question his the religious doctrine he's been told all his life and decides to search for physical evidence behind the stories to make them more meaningful. This was really a masterful way of symbolizing more adult concepts of questioning which religion may be right for you (even if it may not be the one you were raised in) and making conscious efforts of what you personally believe in once you reach the age of higher reasoning skills while at the same time also dealing with simpler (but still very deep) issues kids go through - reaching that age where they start to realize that the whole concept of Santa Claus was just a feel-good story and basically a game and not real. That's a very sad moment for kids when they essentially realize they've been lied to (and part of that lie has been for purposes of bribery - you have to behave or you'll be put on the naughty list and not get presents) but at the same time once they reach the age where they can understand that, then they're also old enough to realize the other things the holiday season is about - religious and spirtitual (goodwill/peace/sharing).

But as mentioned, Fraggle Rock had no similar episode that could really be called an "Easter" episode. So unless it was a new production (which we all know it won't be - just a way to market a dvd of a few already released existing episodes), they really have to stretch to find episodes that have something...ANYTHING in common with Easter. Thematically Gone But Not Forgotten is the strongest choice but its a very deep "downer" episode and since these are being marketed to children, a lot of people - kids and parents - may be surprised that what they though may be a more light-hearted or fun dvd would be so deep and depressing (not that it can't be done though - it's best to sandwich it in the middle of two lighter episodes). Otherwise you just have to stretch and find episodes that deal with very superficial (but recongnizable) elements like eggs. So i think they'll be Wembley's Egg and possibly (and maybe a little more than ironically!) Preachification of Convincing John since the Doc/Sprocket framing story concerned Doc trying to figure out how to sew a button on a fried egg. (Correct me if i'm wrong but i don't off the top of my head remember any episodes where either Doc/Sprocket were celebrating Easter or Matt's postcards mentioned it)

So that takes care of the meat and potatoes of the main attraction. Then that leaves the question of the appetizers/dessert of the bonus features - and here is where the dvd can salvidge itself as being an "Easter dvd" since the episodes themselves are doomed to fail. I think the best way to do this that will make the kids and their parents happy - and make the larger fans ecstatic (or at least give them a reason to buy this when they already have the box sets) would be to include a number of really awesome bonus features that are on the disc in the form of Easter Eggs. And this would actually be easy to do as there's still quite a few Fraggley goodness things they could put in there that weren't included in the box sets - more global Postcard segments - Doc/Sprocket scenes from the international co-productions, original promos/commercials, "Fraggles Look For Jobs", episodes of Animated Fraggle Rock and who knows what other stuff might be lieing around the vaults. That would really be the only way the disc would really redeem itself for taking advantage of an Easter marketing approach...and sadly i'm predicting that it will be a huge disappointment in that area.

And as alluded to above, there ARE ways for Lionsgate to still release Fraggle based dvds even after all the episodes have come out on boxsets - they can give all the animated episodes their own release (that way we can have the live action Matt parts included) - Doozer Music still could use a dvd release (probably as a bonus feature since it was pretty short even for its own VHS). They could release discs that have international versions of the show on them - heck at least get out mini-compilations that include the "Terrible Tunnel" and "Finger of Light" episodes with thier original opening themes with the alternate "Down at Fraggle Rock" closes. You can be so much more successful getting this stuff out that fans would want instead of going down the line of more "It's Labor Day, Charlie Br...uh I Mean Gobo!" releases.

[GonzoLeaper]

I don't really have much of an opinion on it, only that any portrayal should take into account the fact that Fraggles only recently (as far as they are aware) started interacting with humans at all. I'm not against bringing up religions, but it should be done in the Outer Space segments, not Fraggle Rock, unless it can be plausibly explained how they even got introduced to it.


Actually, it would definitely work best in the Outer Space postcard segments- as well as scenes with Doc and Sprocket- and that's pretty much how the Christmas episode was done, if I'm not mistaken. No reason they couldn't have done an Easter episode the same way.

[Drtooth]

Talk all you want about "commercialized holidays" but with an Easter Fraggle Rock DVD, it's essentially commercializing/selling out the Fraggles to push product.

Not in so many words, but I did kinda say that. These are generic "Holiday" DVDs that you buy for kids to shut them up for an hour or so. Plus the general DVD buying public are more likely to buy holiday DVDs than regular ones anyway. i can see why they're working that. What really nugged me is when this new company promised to give us Fat Albert DVD's, and just gave us the same Holiday specials that were already released with one or 2 bonus episodes (had I known, I woulda waited)... but that's all we got. No season sets, no best ofs... Even Warner Bros is getting in on the "skap a holiday on a DVD for a 3 month release" bit... example (http://tvshowsondvd.com/news/Bugs-Bunny-Looney-Tunes-Comedy-Hour-Bugs-Bunnys-Cupid-Capers/12784)

I just wonder why they skipped over a more logical Valentines special with "Wembly Wembly no. 9" as it's figurehead episode.

[GonzoLeaper]

Hey- just so you know, you may be interested to learn that Warner Bros. is at least including some shorts as bonuses on this DVD that have never been released before.
http://tvshowsondvd.com/news/Bugs-Bunny-Looney-Tunes-Comedy-Hour-Bugs-Bunnys-Cupid-Capers/12793

So at least that's something. But yeah- I totally get what you're saying with marketing any holiday out there to sell more stuff. (And it's easier to get the general public to buy something marketed as a holiday special of some sort because it's ready-made gift for said occasion.):shifty::crazy::hungry:

[GonzoLeaper]

Okay, so here's a look at the cover art and the actual official title for this release-
http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Fraggle-Rock-Wembleys-Egg-Surprise/12980

It's actually titled using the name of the main episode that was pretty much a no-brainer to put on here- "Fraggle Rock: Wembley's Egg Surprise".
However, that said- there is still much more of a spring theme really than much of an Easter connection. (However, I say that mainly because I primarily equate Easter with the death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ and the salvation He offers to all through that. But I've come to accept that pretty much no mainstream TV series will very often, if ever, acknowledge that aspect outside of specific Christian productions.)
So I wasn't really expecting much on that front from this release. But I know many other people focus on the rebirth in spring from the death of winter and the Easter bunny and so forth and this DVD seems to be more a celebration of that. (well, not so much on the Easter bunny either really- mainly just spring and the newness of everything at that time of year.)
So anyway, the episodes are as follows: "Wembley's Egg", "The Great Radish Famine" and "The Finger of Light". Sounds like a pretty cool line-up. And there are a few bonus features- an episode of the Fraggle Rock animated series- "The Great Radish Round-up" and a Sing-Along and "A Look at Jim Henson's Animal Show with Stinky & Jake".
I'm not sure how long that last featurette will run, though I'm thinking on this kind of release it's probably a 10 to 15 minute thing at most. Still, that's pretty neat I guess.
It's definitely a nice little Fraggle Rock birthday gift or an Easter basket stuffer (and in recent years I've been kinda surprised just how popular giving Easter baskets with candy and toys and such and other gifts at Easter has become.) But for those who do, this would be a great option for introducing someone to Fraggle Rock. Let the Fraggles play!:smirk::excited::coy:

[Zack the Dog]

hmmm...it sounds like the Animal Show maybe coming to dvd? that makes me happy!:)

[BobThePizzaBoy]

Only exciting news out of this is that The Animal Show appears to be coming to DVD. That makes me a happy camper. I'm digging LionsGate over HIT already. :D

[dwmckim]

hmmm...it sounds like the Animal Show maybe coming to dvd? that makes me happy!:)

Yeah, that was my thoughts on seeing the latest news - everything else was mega-meh but when i saw that bonus feature included that was a rather nifty sign that we may be seeing some kind of release of not only The Animal Show but hopefully some other various neglected properties being brought to dvd.

The only other thing that i'm kind of happy about is that they didn't include the word Easter or holiday or anything like that in the title. It would have essentially been false advertising and all the other issues we've talked about before regarding the whole concept of an Easter Fraggle dvd.

[GonzoLeaper]

The only other thing that i'm kind of happy about is that they didn't include the word Easter or holiday or anything like that in the title. It would have essentially been false advertising and all the other issues we've talked about before regarding the whole concept of an Easter Fraggle dvd.

I definitely agree with you there. They handled that issue rather nicely of not directly trying to call it an Easter holiday video- though of course, I'm sure it will be marketed for sale at Easter, but that's to be expected.:cool:
If it gets people interested in Fraggle Rock, cool deal. And if it's an indication that the Animal Show may be headed to DVD, that's really cool news too.:)

[wembleyfraggle]

I wasn't an Animal Show fan... but when they start putting Faffner Hall previews i'll jump up and down! I wish Disney would put out Tale of the Bunny Picnic on DVD for Easter!

[GonzoLeaper]

I wasn't an Animal Show fan... but when they start putting Faffner Hall previews i'll jump up and down! I wish Disney would put out Tale of the Bunny Picnic on DVD for Easter!
That would certainly be a lot more fitting anyway.

[Drtooth]

Yeah, that was my thoughts on seeing the latest news - everything else was mega-meh but when i saw that bonus feature included that was a rather nifty sign that we may be seeing some kind of release of not only The Animal Show but hopefully some other various neglected properties being brought to dvd.

Considering I don't have any of the season sets yet (mainly because I was toying with just buying the complete series for awhile) I never put any stock into these single DVD best ofs... I mean, after January, we'll have everything including the cartoon. But seeing a preview from that long lost, bad timeslot, Fox Kids series really is something to be perked up about. I agree with whoever said it, but I hope this means we'll see Faffner Hall and other neglected/rare/Europe only shows. If they can get Dog City out there, I'll REALLY be happy.

The only other thing that i'm kind of happy about is that they didn't include the word Easter or holiday or anything like that in the title. It would have essentially been false advertising and all the other issues we've talked about before regarding the whole concept of an Easter Fraggle dvd.

I wonder if they got any of our complaints and wondered if calling it an "Easter Special DVD" was the right choice. Clearly this is an Easter Basket buy, and not that much else. But if this DVD doesn't have a single Easter Egg on it, EPIC FAIL.

[frogboy4]

Considering I don't have any of the season sets yet (mainly because I was toying with just buying the complete series for awhile) I never put any stock into these single DVD best ofs... I mean, after January, we'll have everything including the cartoon. But seeing a preview from that long lost, bad timeslot, Fox Kids series really is something to be perked up about. I agree with whoever said it, but I hope this means we'll see Faffner Hall and other neglected/rare/Europe only shows. If they can get Dog City out there, I'll REALLY be happy.

I wonder if they got any of our complaints and wondered if calling it an "Easter Special DVD" was the right choice. Clearly this is an Easter Basket buy, and not that much else. But if this DVD doesn't have a single Easter Egg on it, EPIC FAIL.

I think this sly wink to Easter without using the term is a good move in keeping with the Henson tradition.

I too would like to see Dog City and other Henson properties unearthed on DVD. Maybe they could use those burn-to-disc tactics that are becoming popular these days?

[Drtooth]

While I like the principle of MOD DVD's, I just don't like the whole fact that you have to order them online and you have to pay a fixed (no discount no competition) price. Otherwise, I woulda got some of those Nicktoons. But if they used that to get some of the rare Jim Henson Productions stuff out there, I'd buy it.

I still think if Stinky and Jake, which is pretty obscure considering where it aired, can get a DVD release of some sort, the animated Dog City should be in season sets... even if it's just the first two. I wonder if they'd have to make a deal with Nelvana, though.

[Redsonga]

While I know fraggles don't have Easter I would not go as far as say they don't have their own type of religion :). At the very least, they seem to have a culture based around some deep sense of faith like many tribe cultures of Outer Space:excited:. It's not so much an human vs. fraggle world use as more of a living being issue. Even if you worship nothing, faith in yourself and your culture is a type of religion I think...
As far as the DVD itself having the theme of eggs/Spring in place of the 'real meaning', well, that has become the way many easter DVDs/shows have been for a long time now. More Easter Bunny than Easter Easter, but I think that might have something to do with trying to be PC about everything than draw everyone together with deeper meanings...Not that I don't love Easter Bunny stories :3.
If we are doing Spring themes, I'm surprised Toe Tickers isn't on there O.o

[dwmckim]

While I know fraggles don't have Easter I would not go as far as say they don't have their own type of religion :). At the very least, they seem to have a culture based around some deep sense of faith like many tribe cultures of Outer Space:excited:. It's not so much an human vs. fraggle world use as more of a living being issue. Even if you worship nothing, faith in yourself and your culture is a type of religion I think...
As far as the DVD itself having the theme of eggs/Spring in place of the 'real meaning', well, that has become the way many easter DVDs/shows have been for a long time now. More Easter Bunny than Easter Easter, but I think that might have something to do with trying to be PC about everything than draw everyone together with deeper meanings...Not that I don't love Easter Bunny stories :3.
If we are doing Spring themes, I'm surprised Toe Tickers isn't on there O.o

Yes, Easter specials for kids have traditionally been about eggs and bunnies - which is why i really wish there would at some point be an Easter special with the Classic Muppets. They've done more stuff with Christmas than even The Count would have difficulty keeping up with but Easter has been untouched - and Muppet Bunnies are too awesome for words (given how overshadowed they get by the chickens and penguins, they're horribly underrated!) Yeah, i know there was Tale of the Bunny Picnic two decades ago but i don't count that since that was before anyone thought of transplanting Bean over to the Classic Muppet group so at the time it was more comparable to an Emmet Otter type project - a new group based on a book.

Mainly, after Muppets.com, i have wanted so bad to see an Easter special with Animal and Easter Bunnies! I can't get enough of Animal's Bunny Love! Throw in Carl the Big Mean Bunny and you've got Muppet Gold.

[GonzoLeaper]

Yes, Easter specials for kids have traditionally been about eggs and bunnies - which is why i really wish there would at some point be an Easter special with the Classic Muppets.
That would be cool. Unless they did a special similar to the style of John Denver and the Muppets: A Christmas Together, I wouldn't really expect to see anything about Jesus' death and Resurrection (though it would be nice to see it acknowledged in a mainstream show or special, rather than all the various Christian-produced videos of varying quality. Though the Jesus movie, Jesus of Nazareth and The Passion of the Christ have all been pretty well done.)- But it'd be nice to see some mention made in a kids' production.
Anyway, it'd just be nice to see more Muppet TV-movies and specials and such, not necessarily having to deal with holidays, but it would be good to see some other holidays that have not been tackled much, or at all, like say Easter and Valentine's Day, Thanksgiving and maybe even Independence Day, etc.
Something in the vein of "It's The Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown" even would be fun.:insatiable::sing::batty:

[dwmckim]

Basically, i could care less if it's for Easter, Labor Day, Sweeps Month, or National Cherry Cheesecake Day - i just want an excuse to see more of Animal interacting with bunny rabbits. Despite the comics, LTS, and all the other awesome Muppet stuff from last year, Animal's bunny rabbit schtick is THE BEST Muppet thing to have come from 2008.

[frogboy4]

Basically, i could care less if it's for Easter, Labor Day, Sweeps Month, or National Cherry Cheesecake Day - i just want an excuse to see more of Animal interacting with bunny rabbits. Despite the comics, LTS, and all the other awesome Muppet stuff from last year, Animal's bunny rabbit schtick is THE BEST Muppet thing to have come from 2008.

It adds an amazing depth to Animal. That little aside Frank Oz' performed Animal dropped in that (unaired Odyssey Channel) interview later used on the Muppet Show DVD provided this dynamic. I wonder what other unaired gems could be unearthed to shape the future of all things Muppetverse.