Remembering Jim Henson and Celebrating Muppet*Vision 3D

Greetings, Muppet fans! Today is May 16th, a day that holds dual meanings in the world of the Muppets. First, in 1990, it marked the day we lost the vision, the magic, and the hero to many that was Jim Henson, who we all surely miss daily, but an extra sting hits and holds special poignancy today, even 21 years later. Today also marks the 20th anniversary of Muppet*Vision 3D, Jim Henson's last major project, being opened at Walt Disney World--and it is still, of course, still operating today.

It was no coincidence that Muppet*Vision 3D opened today exactly one year after Jim Henson's passing. Disney opened the attraction on this day as to honor the memory of Jim and, perhaps, even showcase that his work will continue to live on. It's a testament to both Disney and The Jim Henson Company knowing that relations between the two were not at their best at this time, yet they still worked together to make sure Jim's last work was seen and enjoyed by millions of people.

It's extremely difficult to express what Jim Henson means to me and millions of other people all over the world... and I really think I expressed it best last year when I wrote up an article to help remember Jim Henson, and to talk myself through my own issues, after 20 years without him. It was coincidentally titled Remembering Jim Henson and I think it really expresses everything I could possibly express if I tried to write another article like it today.

And, of course, we are also celebrating Muppet*Vision 3D today so you should also check out my Diary of an Obsessed Muppet Fan entry that highlighted this magnificent attraction. Honestly, the Muppet*Vision locale at Walt Disney World is still the most Muppety place I've ever been to and the film itself is nothing but hysterical Muppet glory. It's fast-paced, it's witty, it's charming, it's perfect all the way from the pre-show to the exit queue. I'm so thrilled that such a testament to Jim's work and the legacy of both he and the Muppets still stands and entertains every day.

Thank you Jim Henson for the love, the laughter, and the light... and thank you Muppet*Vision 3D for 20 years of entertaining millions of people with all of the above.

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier

Weekly Muppet Wednesdays: Waldo C. Graphic

WALDO C. GRAPHIC

Performed by...
Steve Whitmire

First appearance...
The Jim Henson Hour Episode 101 "Science Fiction" (1989) 

Most recent appearance...
Muppet*Vision 3-D (1991) 

Best known role...
The spirit of 3-D, shape-shifter, general nuisance, Mickey Mouse impersonator. 

WHO (or what) IS WALDO C. GRAPHIC?
Waldo C. Graphic was first developed by Jim Henson for The Jim Henson Hour in order to demonstrate the new technology of the Waldo, a machine for puppetry which allowed puppeteers to remotely control Muppet characters without physically moving a puppet. The technology had been used in the past to operate such characters as the Doozers and Gorgs from Fraggle Rock. However, Waldo marked the first time that a character was developed utilizing the technology to create an entirely digital character--the first of its kind to be operated in real-time.

Waldo's main appeal as a character was his ability to shape-shift into almost anything imaginable to suit the mood or make a good visual pun. In The Jim Henson Hour his shapes morphed from a doctor, a hat, a power saw, a dinosaur, a teenage girl, a book, a clown, and a cowboy.

Although he debuted on The Jim Henson Hour, Waldo's biggest and most well-known role was in Muppet*Vision 3-D in Walt Disney World. In the film, he is created by Dr. Bunsen Honeydew in Muppet Labs to demonstrate Muppet-Vision technology by creating the first living 3-D element. Waldo proceeds to bounce on people's heads and generally wreak havoc. Throughout the film he became a knapsack, a firework, a taxi cab, a duck, a regular car, and, perhaps his most famous role, Mickey Mouse ("They'll never recognize me now!").

Waldo has not appeared since Muppet*Vision 3-D, but he continues to entertain tons of people everyday as the film shows in Walt Disney World and Disneyland. The first merchandise representation of Waldo C. Graphic will be included in The Muppets Vinylmation Series 2, where Waldo will be available as the chaser figure of the line.

WHY DO THE MUPPETS NEED WALDO C. GRAPHIC?
It's hard to come up with a reason that the Muppets might need Waldo in today's entertainment business. In The Jim Henson Hour he was a character used to showcase new technology and in in Muppet*Vision 3-D he was merely a tool for fun 3-D tricks. However, in today's world there are countless films made every year with 3-D creatures interacting with real people so the technological newness is gone from Waldo's appeal... and 3-D tricks aren't really needed in a lot of Muppet projects nowadays.

Unfortunately, because of the short run of The Jim Henson Hour, Waldo was never really given the chance to develop much as a character. However, due to his nature as a shape-shifter there is a lot of room for growth with the character (identity crisis, anyone?). I guess the Muppets don't really need Waldo... but it would be neat to see him return as a character sometime and fleshed out a bit more.

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier

Ryan's Adventures in Walt Disney World, 2011

Ryan Dosier - Greetings, Muppet fans! I can't tell you how disappointed I am to be back from Walt Disney World... I mean, do you realize how difficult it is to be at the Magic Kingdom one day and then sitting in Anthropology class the next? It's no Zip-a-Dee-Do-Dah day, let me assure you. But you don't really care about that, do you? No, you care about the Muppet presence at Walt Disney World--and who can blame you? With the new movie, The Muppets, coming out in 245 days one would obviously have to wonder what sort of Muppety things are happening at the largest Disney park in the world. Well... the answer will disappoint most but shock hardly no one. Let's break it down by park, shall we?

EPCOT
The first day of my Disney journey began in EPCOT, where you can take a world tour and become a crash-test dummy all in one afternoon (unless the lines are brutally long, then it might last into the night). The Muppet presence was especially strong at the Experimental Prototype City of Tomorrow on March 13th because it just so happened that Steve Swanson of The MuppetCast was hanging around Orlando as well! Seriously people, we did not plan this! It was just a wonderful coincidence. Steve, as always, was great to hang out with. He bought two Muppet Vinylmations for us to open while being filmed on his handy-dandy Flip-Cam. Steve pulled out Sweetums (lucky dog) and I got Waldorf... so now I have to spend thirteen bucks to buy Statler on eBay--thanks a lot, Steve. (Seriously though, thanks!)

Anyway... other than that there wasn't too much Muppet stuff to go around at EPCOT. I did buy a Kermit Kooky Pen which was $7 or something ridiculous like that... but I loved it and probably wouldn't be a real Muppet fan if I didn't buy it. (Even though I didn't buy the three piece Kermit, Piggy, and Beaker pen set--in my defense, it was $21!) Other than that there were Muppet Vinylmation nearly everywhere they sold the addictive things. I was very pleased to see that, considering last year when I went they were sold out virtually everywhere so it's nice to see that they were popular enough to warrant more production.

Oh, one more thing! I wore a Kermit t-shirt to EPCOT and I got quite a few comments from quite a few people (including a cute girl--*waggles eyebrows*) about how awesome they thought it was. People love that Frog!

Disney's Animal Kingdom
Much like last year there was hardly any Muppet merchandise at the Animal Kingdom park... which really didn't surprise me. Vinylmation were present in a few Dinoland USA gift shops and I think I saw a Fozzie plush somewhere, but I'm not positive. So... in place of Muppet merchandise, enjoy this picture of me with Brer Rabbit!

Magic Kingdom
The Magic Kingdom... my favorite place on earth. (Note: I haven't been many places.) In between my trips through Space Mountain, my rollicking on Splash Mountain, and my waiting an hour to see Ariel (long story) (even longer line), I kept my eyes peeled for Muppety things and... well, same old, same old. They had the Kooky pens, the Vinylmation everywehere, and, my favorite, the Kermit Ears Hat (seen at right). Other than that there wasn't much... a few plush dolls hidden in the corners here and there but not much else. I think the Muppets--and a lot of other Disney properties--were being overshadowed by the huge amount of Walt Disney World 40th Anniversary merchandise... cause there was a lot of it.

However, I did wear my Muppets walking down Abbey Road t-shirt to the Magic Kingdom and the response it got was epic. A girl came up to me and asked if she could take a picture of my shirt--just my shirt, a few Cast Members commented on it, and one working at an ice cream stand made sure that everyone else working in said stand saw how awesome the shirt was. They were all impressed that I got it at Target and not Hollywood Studios... and quite frankly so was I.

Disney's Hollywood Studios
Ah, yes... the home of Muppet*Vision 3D, the place you are guaranteed to find at least some Muppet merchandise. But... how much? The answer... not much. Yes, once again I was incredibly disappointed with the haul at the Muppet*Vision gift shop... especially because it had essentially the exact same stuff it had last year. The only thing that I saw that was new this year was a Kermit mug that I forgot to go back and buy--and it wasn't even that cool! They had a few t-shirts (read: five), Vinylmation, and the same old plush dolls they've always had.

This is once again a case of Disney holding off on the Muppet merchandise wave until their promotion for the movie begins, I think. I spoke to the cast members working the gift shop and they didn't know much... but they were extremely hopeful and seemed to think that lots of merchandise was on the way with the movie promotion. I agree with them and certainly hope that's factual.

But this was my first time seeing Muppet*Vision after the new Disney Digital 3D transfer and I must say... it was absolutely gorgeous. I've seen this film so many times and became accustomed to the slight graininess it had acquired over the years, but 20 years later after this brilliant refurbishment I am thrilled to say that the film looks like it was made this year. It's gorgeous! Kermit and Fozzie never looked better. I just wish that they could do the same to the pre-show. It's such a hilarious gem and it would be nice to see it get a bit of a touch up because it is definitely showing signs of aging.

Well... there you have it, Muppet fans. So there's not much going on, Muppet-wise, at Walt Disney World at the moment... but I just know that as we get closer to the release date of the movie we'll be seeing a flood of Muppets at the Parks. I just wish I could be there then. Ah, well. Also, I've been hearing that the second series of Muppet Vinylmation will be released on April 15th and that Dr. Teeth is confirmed to be included... so that gives us Janice, Floyd Pepper, Sam Eagle, and Dr. Teeth confirmed so far. I'll keep you posted as I hear more!

Have a Magical Day, Muppet fans!

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier

The Diary of an Obsessed Muppet Fan - Muppet*Vision 3D

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, penguins of all ages... I have returned.

Yes, it's true. What? Oh, no, no. I don't need the fanfare or the parade... well, if you insist.

Well, now that we've gotten that over with... Welcome back to The Muppet Mindset! Yes, I'm just as surprised as you are to see that it's still here after being in the hands of The British Correspondent for a week. If he wasn't so funny (and so darn hard to find) I'd kill him. Thank goodness for our lovely, unpaid Lisa the Intern to keep him in check (or at least to douse his flames).

Anyway, enough about them, let's move on to me! I had an incredible time at Walt Disney World and I've got about two days worth of stories from my five day trip. Look for those to pop up 'round these parts Tuesday and Thursday this week.

But for now, it comes to my favorite part of the week: The Diary of an Obsessed Muppet Fan! Let's get started, shall we?

The Diary of an Obsessed Muppet Fan - (Real) Entry 4, March 14, 2010

Dear Diary, I'm back! I know you missed me. How did The British Correspondent treat you? ...He did what? ...How much did he spend? How dare he treat you so... so... so well? Just unbelievable. That's the last time I leave you alone with someone who treats you well. Now go make me dinner.

Wait, don't. Stay here, I need to write in you. Well, as you know, I went to Walt Disney World without you (thank goodness). Of course part of going to Walt Disney World is viewing Muppet*Vision 3D at Disney's Hollywood Studios. As you probably don't know, Muppet*Vision 3D was one of the last projects Jim Henson worked on.

But Muppet*Vision is more than just a 3D show, it's an entire atmosphere. The inner-lobby area of the theater is housed with tons of Muppet props and random things. Including, but not limited to, the Electric Mayhem's road gear, The Great Gonzo's Weird Stuff, Sam the Eagle's Patriotic Paraphernalia, the Swinetrek, and small wooden soldiers who we'll later see in the the 3D show itself. It's a Muppet fan's dream come true and you could spend hours in the lobby just exploring all the hilarious sight gags and Muppet stuff.

Beyond all the props and bad puns, the lobby also houses one of the funniest Muppet productions ever filmed: the Muppet*Vision 3D pre-show. Yes, perhaps even funnier than the actual thing, the pre-show features Scooter, Gonzo, Bean Bunny, Fozzie, Sam Eagle, and Nicky Napoleon and his Emperor Penguin Orchestra. It's a great little pre-show where three Gonzo's tap-dance with flower pots on their heads, Bean tries to add to Miss Piggy's act, and Sam Eagle instructs on safety tips (with help from Gonzo), all while poor Scooter tries to control it all. It's hilarious and honestly one of the funniest Muppet productions ever producted (shut up, Diary).

Anyway, on with the show. Muppet*Vision 3D is perhaps Jim Henson's crowning achievement. It's technologically years before most other 3D shows. It's still beyond any other 3D show in Walt Disney World (and I've seen them all). And it's just darn funny and fun. Kermit tries to present the audience with a special presentation of new Muppet Vision 3D technology, but of course between Bunsen and Beaker, Statler and Waldorf, and the spirit of 3D, Waldo C. Graphic, that's not happening. I just love this show so much and it's near-perfect. Truly a great tribute to Jim's life and work.

There are a few odd things about the show, however. Such as Zoot being the only member of the Electric Mayhem to appear (besides Janice in a brief background cameo), no Jerry Nelson characters in the show, and Bean Bunny playing such a large role. But hey, this is the late 80's, the Muppets had tons of characters playing a big role who don't any more. Thankfully, this doesn't detract from the fantastic show and every performance is the best of the best.

My favorite part of the show is Sam Eagle, without a doubt. He cracks me up with every line he has (which aren't very many, actually). Whether it's the title of his grand finale, "A Tribute to All Nations, But Mostly America," or his description of said finale, "Yes, it is a glorious three hour finale!", Sam delivers laughs throughout the show.

As for the most Muppety part... It has to be the real finale, in which Sam's production goes completely out of control and Sweetums, the penguin orchestra, and the Swedish Chef have a canon war right in front of your eyes. It's hysterical, it's out of this world, and it's everything the Muppets represent. Just when someone starts to get too serious, another person is right there to blow them up.

Well, that about wraps it up for this review of Muppet*Vision 3D technology. Luckily this blog only suffered minor damage. We hope you all enjoyed the show... and we hope you'll come back and see us again some time! CURTAIN!

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier

News Update: February 26, 2010

NEWS UPDATE: February 26, 2010
Today, Grover appeared on The Dr. Oz Show (check local listings). He apparently popped in to ask Dr. Oz (not Frank, sadly) a question about hair. A clip of which can be seen on Sesame Street's Facebook page. If more video of the full appearance surfaces I'll be sure to let you know.

Thankfully, if you missed Grover's appearance, there is still more Sesame goodness coming. Elmo will be stopping by The Wendy Williams Show on Monday (March 1). For local listings, be sure to check out Wendy's website.

Various Disney websites are confirming that Muppet*Vision 3D in Walt Disney World's Hollywood Studios will be closing for refurbishment from April 24 to May 14. This refurbishment is most likely taking place to upgrade the film to Disney Digital 3D. Note: The original film is not going anywhere. The same content will be seen but the film's 3D effects will now look crisper and sharper in the new Digital upgrade.

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier