The Muppet Show
Was this really first broadcast over 30 years ago? It's staggering to believe, especially when you once again unlock the fun contained in The Muppet Show: Series 2 on DVD.
It's fair to say that all The Muppet Show favourites get an airing across the 24 episodes that make up the series. There's Piggy and Kermit, of course, but it always tends to be the supporting characters that consistently generate the big laughs. Fozzie the aspiring comedian Bear, for instance, along with the unrivalled Animal, the great Gonzo, Rowlf bashing away on the keys and the high-pitched Beaker. And that's before we've even got to the majesty of The Swedish Chef, and consistent hecklers Waldorf and Statler.
Series 2 of The Muppet Show also brought together a congregation of impressive guest stars, with Julie Andrews, Elton John, Peter Sellers and Steve Martin among the names joining in the maniacal fun. And with a healthy combination of sketches and big musical numbers, it's easy to understand why The Muppet Show remains one of the finest childrens' television programmes of all time.
What's also pleasing is how well it's held up. While not all of the The Muppet Show is timeless, there's nonetheless a real evergreen feel to much of the material here. And with hours of entertainment that, genuinely, the entire family can enjoy, this is a box set with immense rewatch potential. Brilliant. --Simon Brew
Fozzie becomes an honorary hip dude when Floyd approves of his suggestion of playing Lullaby of Birdland on the show.
Statler and Waldorf decide to watch TV in their box, instead of watching the show. Meanwhile, Kermit can't make payroll ($27.14), but Muppet Theatre owner J. P. Grosse says he'll give him the money if he puts "good old-fashioned entertainment" back in the show -- meaning lady wrestlers.
When Berle comes to guest-star on the show, Fozzie is too shy to meet his idol.
Gonzo holds auditions for a chicken act while Rich Little guest stars on the show.
Judy Collins sings classic folk songs, including Send In The Clowns and I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly. Kermit must deal with Scooter's uncle, J.P. Grosse, the theater's owner, who is inspecting it for his plans to tear it down
Kermit is off sick with the flu so Fozzie must manage the show. Things do not go so well for the bear and he is afraid Kermit may fire him.
Inspired by Edgar Bergen and his companion characters, Fozzie decides to try his hand at ventriloquism.
Much to Steve Martin's initial displeasure, Kermit cancels the regular show and holds private auditions for new acts.
Gonzo falls in love with Madeline Kahn after she compliments him backstage.
Reporter Fleet Scribbler is covering the Muppet Show with his obviously hostile biased writing.
Miss Piggy comes up with various schemes to impress Kermit.
Robin the Frog feels sad that nobody notices him. Miss Piggy gets jealous when Kermit does a duet with Miss Mousey.
When Sam the Eagle finally recognizes the guest star, Rudolf Nureyev, he is horrified at the silliness the ballet dancer is eager to perform with the gang.
Elton John performs four of his biggest hit songs of the '70's like, "Crocodile Rock", "Bennie and the Jets", "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road", and, "Don't Go Breaking My Heart", with Miss Piggy filling in for Kiki Dee.
As Fozzie tries to finalize his roller skating routine, the rest of the acts have to come on stage sooner than scheduled, leading to some Muppetastic chaos.
Fozzie tries to hijack the show as his mother is in the Audience. Cleo Laine does a Scat number with Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem Orchestra. Guest Puppeteer Bruce Schwartz performs with Cleo Laine "If" by Bread.
To Kermit's concern, and Gonzo's delight, a real live cow winds up backstage.
Jaye P. Morgan has difficulty adjusting to the show's wacky ways, especially all the explosions.
Peter Sellers appears as a wild gypsy, a strange doctor, and forms a band against drinking in this very comical and rare performance by the master of disguise himself.
A mix-up results in a moose who sounds like John Wayne hanging around backstage.
The Muppets find they have accommodate Bob Hope's hectic volunteer schedule.
When Kermit cancels her ballet number because she's too heavy, Miss Piggy struggles to lose weight.
The gang tries their best to force John to perform with them, but he drags his feet at every opportunity.
The pigs seize control of the Muppet Show and forcibly replace the other cast members with pig versions.
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Frank Oz | Fozzie Bear |
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Dave Goelz | Zoot |
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Jim Henson | Kermit the Frog |
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Jerry Nelson | Floyd Pepper |
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Richard Hunt | Scooter |
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Muppets | Themselves |
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Louise Gold | Pig |
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Faz Fazakas | Additional Muppets |
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John Cleese | Self - Special Guest Star |
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Julie Andrews | Self - Special Guest Star |
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Steve Martin | Self - Special Guest Star |
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Cloris Leachman | Self - Special Guest Star |
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Dom DeLuise | Self - Special Guest Star |
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Madeline Kahn | Self - Special Guest Star |
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Peter Sellers | Self - Special Guest Star |
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Elton John | Self - Special Guest Star |
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Don Knotts | Self - Special Guest Star |
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Bernadette Peters | Self - Special Guest Star |
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Bob Hope | Self - Special Guest Star |
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Richenda Carey | Queen |
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Milton Berle | Self - Special Guest Star |
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Rich Little | Self - Special Guest Star |
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Zero Mostel | Self - Special Guest Star |
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George Burns | Self - Special Guest Star |
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Edgar Bergen | Self - Special Guest Star |
| Director | Peter Harris |
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| Philip Casson |
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| Writer | Jim Henson, Jerry Juhl, Joseph A. Bailey, Don Hinkley, John Cleese | |
| Producer | Lew Grade, Jim Henson, David Lazer | |
| Musician | Maury Laws | |
| Packaging | DVD |
|---|---|
| Nr Discs | 4 |
| Distributor | Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainm |
| Layers | Single side, Single layer |
| Edition Release Date | Nov 05, 2007 |
| Regions | Region 2 |