It’s hard to believe The Muppet Christmas Carol is hitting its 20th anniversary this year. It’s definitely happening, however, and Disney is putting together a pretty nifty Twentieth Anniversary release that will mark the first time the film has been available on Blu-ray. The Muppet Christmas Carol will hit Blu-ray, DVD, and digital download on November 6.
Fans can purchase the release in a DVD, Blu-ray, or Blu-ray combo pack that will also include the DVD and a digital copy. If you opt for the DVD singles, the only extras will be similar to the ones that came with earlier releases. If you are hoping for new extras, Disney has put together a nice little set for the Blu-ray copies with several brand new segments to explore. The first is a “Disney Intermission” feature that will allow fans to “cluck along” with some holiday songs when the disc is paused. That one actually sounds pretty annoying, but maybe the kids will love it. The second is new audio commentary recorded with some of the Muppets cast, including Kermit and Gonzo, which actually sounds fantastic, but then again, I'm always a sucker for a good in-character commentary.
The real question remains whether the song “When Love is Gone” will be part of the release (and whether you care). Disney took the song out of the original theatrical release, and has subsequently put the track back in and taken it out again according to whim in later releases. I personally have no track record with the song, and couldn’t pick it out of a lineup, but if you are the type of person who is really invested in the integrity of the original version of the film, you may want to keep your eyes peeled before you purchase. Until then, you can check out the list of extras, below.
The Muppet Christmas Carol Blu-ray Bonus Features
- Disney Intermission
- Audio Commentary
- ”Frogs, Pigs and Humbug: Unwrapping a New Holiday Classic”
- Blooper Reel
- Pepe Profiles Gonzo: “Portrait of the Artist as a Young Weirdo”
- Christmas Around the World
The Muppet Christmas Carol DVD Bonus Features
- Audio Commentary with Brian Henson
- Blooper Reel
- Pepe Profiles Presents “Gonzo: A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Weirdo.”
- Christmas Around the World
