Muppet Central News - Disney responds, November DVD's will be in widescreen

Disney has announced plans to release four of the Muppets' most popular films in Special Edition DVDs to celebrate Kermit’s 50th anniversary. "The Muppet Movie", "The Great Muppet Caper", "The Muppet Christmas Carol", and "Muppet Treasure Island" will get special all-new releases in November 2005.

The films will be "completely restored and remastered", and the discs will feature a great collection of bonus features – both old and new. Disney also has stated that the films will be presented in their original theatrical aspect ratios (widescreen), and also in their modified full frame versions. Unlike their 2002 releases of "Christmas Carol" and "Treasure Island", this time they are giving the buyer a choice of aspect ratio.

Pre-order The Muppet Movie DVD.

Pre-order The Great Muppet Caper DVD.

Pre-order The Muppet Christmas Carol DVD.

Pre-order the Muppet Treasure Island DVD.

Unfortunately the rights to the other two theatrical films, "The Muppets Take Manhattan" and "Muppets From Space", are still tied up with Sony Entertainment and Disney does not have the ability to re-release those films at this time. Disney also stated that they plan to continue releasing more parts of the Muppet catalog on DVD over the coming year (including a season two box set for "The Muppet Show").

Many fans were distraught early this week to hear that Disney’s official press release for the DVDs stated that the films would be released in the cropped pan-and-scan (full frame) only. After hearing this upsetting news, many fans responded in protest to Disney. In just a few hours insider sources at Disney have confirmed that the press release was wrong.

It turns out that the press release had several errors in it – including the aspect ratio. The DVD will have both aspect ratios avalible for viewers. Disney admits to the mistake in the press release and apologizes for any confusion. They also stated there were some other oversights and mistakes in the press release, and have sent out a corrected list of features (see below).

The DVDs are scheduled to be released on November 29, 2005. No Muppet fan should go without picking up these 4 great films presented in their original aspect ratio, completely restored, and filled out with a nice collection of bonus features.

The Muppet Movie: Special Edition
- "The Muppet Movie" Widescreen (restored and remastered)
- "The Muppet Movie" Full Frame (restored and remastered)
- "Backstage Disney: Behind the Muppet Movie"
- "Pepe Profiles Present -- Kermit: A Frog's Life"
- Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
- English and French language tracks
- ...and much more!

The Great Muppet Caper: Special Edition
- "The Great Muppet Caper" Widescreen (restored and remastered)
- "The Great Muppet Caper" Full Frame (restored and remastered)
- "Backstage Disney: Behind the Muppet Caper"
- "Pepe Profiles Present -- Miss Piggy: The Diva Who Would Not Be Denied"
- Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
- English and French language tracks
- ...and much more!

The Muppet Christmas Carol: Special Edition
- "The Muppet Christmas Carol" Widescreen (restored and remastered)
- "The Muppet Christmas Carol" Full Frame (restored and remastered)
- "Backstage Disney: Unwrapping a New Holiday Classic"
- "Pepe Profiles Present -- Gonzo: A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Weirdo"
- Audio Commentary with director Brian Henson
- "Christmas Around the World"
- "On the Set"- Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
- ...and much more!

Muppet Treasure Island: Special Edition
- "Muppet Treasure Island" Widescreen (restored and remastered)
- "Muppet Treasure Island" Full Frame (restored and remastered)
- "Backstage Disney: The Tale of the Story Beyond the Tail''
- "Pepe Profiles Present -- Fozzie Bear: A Long Day's Journey Into Night Clubs"
- "Hidden Treasure" audio commentary with director Brian Henson
- "Treasure Island Sing-Along"
- Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
- ...and much more!

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