Muppets and Disney

[PoohsPal]

Can someone refresh my memory as to the history between these two? Did Disney just buy them after Jim Hensen died or have they been together longer than that?

[lenshanem]

I think despite the two entities working together on projects over the years it wasn't until this past year that Disney actually bought the Jim Henson company. If I recall right, they were asking too much so Eisner waited it out until the price came down.

[tjkraz]

I think despite the two entities working together on projects over the years it wasn't until this past year that Disney actually bought the Jim Henson company. If I recall right, they were asking too much so Eisner waited it out until the price came down.

Probably true (about them asking too much.) My recollection is that there were serious merger talks going on in the early 90s when Jim Henson suddenly died. After his death, the Henson company pulled away from the deal.

In 2000, a German company called EM.tv paid almost $700 MILLION for Henson. This really raised some eyebrows. In many ways it's comparable to the extraordinary sum Disney paid for Fox Family.

The Sesame Street characters were later sold off for about $200 million. EM.tv ultimately took a bath on the entire franchise and sold the remaining muppet characters back to the Henson family for less than $100 mil in 2003.

Like Fox Family, the muppet obsession was often regarded as Eisner's folly. I'm sure many of us share fond memories of the muppet characters dating back to the 70s and 80s, but they are largely irrelevant in today's marketplace. Muppet Wizard of Oz received mediocre reviews and mediocre ratings. And, while ABC and other Disney companies are doing their best to get Kermit and the gang out in public, the public seems to yawning at their efforts.

One of Bob Iger's very first acts after 10/1/05 was to fire Michael Eisner's hand-picked choice to manage the muppet franchise for Disney. Yet another bad sign.

Hard telling where things will go from here. It will take a marketing brain greater than mine to figure out how to make these characters relevant again in our pop culture.

[lenshanem]

That is interesting about Iger.

The Muppets are still totally revelant to us. :)

Matter of fact, DH went as Dr. Bunsen Honeydew last Halloween to work and his assistant dressed up as Beaker. It was pretty darn funny. I should probably post a pic.

[PoohsPal]

Thanks for enlightenening me. Dh and I were trying to remember the other day and I had no idea they were owned by DIsney until our 2000 trip.

[jnrrt]

Shan, I would love to see that pic!

I have some memory of you posting a pic of you guys in Alice in Wonderland costumes? Am I right? If so, they were really cute.

I am also a huge Muppet fan, but I think it's nostalgia. My kids like the ride, but otherwise don't get it too much.

[lenshanem]

Yes, jnrrt. That was us. :goodvibes

I'll see if I can post a pic...

[lenshanem]

Here's DH and his assistant at work dressed as Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and Beaker last Halloween -
http://home.comcast.net/~shanthompson/Muppets.JPG

Here's DH and I last year going to MNSSHP -
http://home.comcast.net/~shanthompson/hatterandalice.jpg

[PoohsPal]

Very fun!

[jnrrt]

Yep, that's the pic I remembered.

Those are really cute, Shan!

[lenshanem]

Thanks! :)

[jiggerj]

You guys are just TOO adorable! :) You could definately pass for a "real" Alice!

[dianeschlicht]

Great pics, Shan! We love the Muppet Vision 3D show. The pre-show is the best!

[KNWVIKING]

They need to come up with a similar type preshow for McPhilHarMagic.

[DSNY FN]

Funny thing our kids only know of the muppets from MGM and the shows my DW and I make them watch at home. I can still remember going to see the original muppet movie at the theatre when I was younger I love the muppets.

[PoohsPal]

I can still remember going to see the original muppet movie at the theatre when I was younger I love the muppets.
:yes:

[DSNY FN]

Not to hijack the thread but Poohspal have you been to see any Red Wings games this season? I am headed to Buffalo in Feb for the Habs Sabres on Feb 9th my anniversary gift from DW. After reading this thread I just made the kids go sit down and watch the Muppet movie LOL.

[PoohsPal]

Sadly, no. Just on TV. (Better than last year, though!) My parents used to split season tics 4-ways which put us there at least once a year (other side of the state from us and to go there means a whole weekend, not just a day trip, as I have to pass my parents to get there). Anyway, we did get to see a couple of very key games (I've seen 2 cups), but I do not know if we will make it this year. :( Their primary affiliate plays not far from me, though, so I will likey see soem of teh WIngs that bounce back and forth. That's fun to watch!


I need to get myself a copy of the Muppet Movie! I just realized that I've forgotten a lot!

[DSNY FN]

Sadly, no. Just on TV. (Better than last year, though!) My parents used to split season tics 4-ways which put us there at least once a year (other side of the state from us and to go there means a whole weekend, not just a day trip, as I have to pass my parents to get there). Anyway, we did get to see a couple of very key games (I've seen 2 cups), but I do not know if we will make it this year. :( Their primary affiliate plays not far from me, though, so I will likey see soem of teh WIngs that bounce back and forth. That's fun to watch!


I need to get myself a copy of the Muppet Movie! I just realized that I've forgotten a lot!

Just remember the Rainbow connection LOL. I now a couple guys that play for the wings Brendan Shannahan I met at a party in London where I live just after he went to the NHL he went to CCH highschool in London when he played Juniour hockey and my cousins went to school with him so I got to meet him that way. I am also good friends with Jason Williams family he to is from London. I got to be in the cup parade he had when they last won it along with all the parties etc. Well my kids are laughing so that is a good sign they were both sick this morning and now they are watching the Muppet Movie and having a good tiem so all is good see the old Muppets worked miracles on the 2 sick ones LOL.

[PoohsPal]

:worship: OK, speechless here. Closet I have come ot meeting a WIng is my dad shared a hospital room with the architect who designed Shanny's house.

Jason WIlliams is one of my favorite fromer Griffin, now Wings players. I've heard he was a great guy. Even let members of the Griffins booster club wear his cup ring. Wow. :yes: (close as I can get to green with envy)

Will never forget Rainbow Connection, but did forget how muc I like Movin' Right Along. DH just got me the 25th Anniversary cd.

[DSNY FN]

:worship: OK, speechless here. Closet I have come ot meeting a WIng is my dad shared a hospital room with the architect who designed Shanny's house.

Jason WIlliams is one of my favorite fromer Griffin, now Wings players. I've heard he was a great guy. Even let members of the Griffins booster club wear his cup ring. Wow. :yes: (close as I can get to green with envy)

Will never forget Rainbow Connection, but did forget how muc I like Movin' Right Along. DH just got me the 25th Anniversary cd.


Ah movin right along what a classic. I still picture when animal become a giant and almost steps on everyone LOL what a funny movie. My hockey roots have brought me close to many an NHL player playing against them etc. I had an uncle play in the NHL when I was a kid and I know Dino cicarelli and Rob Ramage and Bunny Laroque all from when my uncle played Juniour A with them I even have pictures with teh team and with the individual players. I played against Jeff hackett and numerous others. So who wnats to have a Muppets party at Disney?

[PoohsPal]

Dino cicarelli ...snip... So who wnats to have a Muppets party at Disney?
:ROTFL: at putting these together in the same reply! Dino, there's a blast from teh past.

Muppets party? Very fun!

[DSNY FN]

:ROTFL: at putting these together in the same reply! Dino, there's a blast from teh past.

Muppets party? Very fun!

Hey we have to try and keep it on track somewhat or I would turn the whole thread into a hockey topic LOL.

[PoohsPal]

Well, good point. Seeing as I started the thread and pretty much got my answer. I would not object to a hijacking. Then again, I would have missed Dino, the latest muppet. Would he resemble Animal?

[DSNY FN]

Well, good point. Seeing as I started the thread and pretty much got my answer. I would not object to a hijacking. Then again, I would have missed Dino, the latest muppet. Would he resemble Animal?


Dino would have to represent animal it is only fitting LOL. Dino is in London fairly often when his juniour team plays the knights Cicarelli owns the Sarnia Sting of the OHL. and the Hunter brothers own the London Knights.

[PoohsPal]

That must be interesting! lol!

[DSNY FN]

That must be interesting! lol!
Ya rumour has it that teh Hunters are trying to sell London and buy teh Sting from Dino as they are both from the Sarnia area same as Dino. SO what hockey players do you think of when you try to cross them over to represent muppets carachters? I see Chelly and Gonzo I mean just look at those noses perfect fit LOL.

[PoohsPal]

SAdly, most of them would be animal. ;) I'll have to think about that one.

[PoohsPal]

Got one: Federov and Miss Piggy. lol! I was down by teh glasss with my camera before a game and the pose he gave me made me ill. I came to watch hockey pretty boy!

[DSNY FN]

Got one: Federov and Miss Piggy. lol! I was down by teh glasss with my camera before a game and the pose he gave me made me ill. I came to watch hockey pretty boy!


That is hilarious you will have to e mail me that one LOL. I would say Brett Hull would be the guy that Kermit has running around the stage hand or whatever he is with the red hair LOL. Vinny LeCavalier would be Beaker almost the same shaped head LOL.

[PoohsPal]

Too funny! Must keep an eye out for Vinny!

[DSNY FN]

Too funny! Must keep an eye out for Vinny!


Stevie Y looks like the Eagle Sam Eagle LOL. Pat Quinn reminds me of one of hte old guys from the balcony LOL.

[PoohsPal]

Stevie Y looks like the Eagle Sam Eagle LOL. Pat Quinn reminds me of one of hte old guys from the balcony LOL.
Yup, I can buy those!

Mark Mowers could be Scooter.

[DSNY FN]

Yup, I can buy those!

Mark Mowers could be Scooter.


Yep that is so true. Patric Roy reminded me of the Swedish Chef when he had his playoff beard and mustache LOL.

[PoohsPal]

lol!!! PIcture Swedish Chef doing Statue of liberty!

[DSNY FN]

lol!!! PIcture Swedish Chef doing Statue of liberty!


Holding the Con Smyth trophy LOL.

[PoohsPal]

Sorry, Game 7 , round 3, 2002. Puck behind him in net, no trophy. ;)

OK Mike Babcock really has a scary resemblance to animal!

[DSNY FN]

Sorry, Game 7 , round 3, 2002. Puck behind him in net, no trophy. ;)

OK Mike Babcock really has a scary resemblance to animal!

Yep he does. as for teh Roy reference I was refering to 93 MTL and LA game 5 after we won and he won the con smyth trophy.

[PoohsPal]

I'm a died in teh wool WIng fan, you don't ecpect me to remeber his good moments, do you? ;)

[DSNY FN]

I'm a died in teh wool WIng fan, you don't ecpect me to remeber his good moments, do you? ;)


Ah the dead wings LOL my first ever NHL game I attended was a Red Wings Blackhawks game the wings got beat 5-1. This was back in 78 I was 9. Hey I was just thinking you know who reminds me of Fozzie Bear Mike Vernon does LOL.

[PoohsPal]

That's a good one. yes, we suffered as teh dead wings for a very long time. It's nice to be where we are now.

[DSNY FN]

That's a good one. yes, we suffered as teh dead wings for a very long time. It's nice to be where we are now.


You will still be the Dead Wings to me LOL. SO any other muppet hockey players you can think of?

[gopherit]

SO any other muppet hockey players you can think of?

Not to hijack your hijack, but if you two are really this excited about Muppet Hockey players, I have just what you need.... My son says he'd sell him to you for a reasonable price (warning - he's a card shark, that one...) Just promise not to fight over it - you clearly share a deeply-rooted passion for this topic.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v218/ck26181/fozzie.jpg

Kermie and Animal are around here somewhere.... they probably haven't heard yet that hockey season's back in swing again.

[PoohsPal]

Very cute gopherit!!!! I think my obsession stops at taking stuffed animals frm childer, though. That just doesn't seem right.

[DSNY FN]

Not to hijack your hijack, but if you two are really this excited about Muppet Hockey players, I have just what you need.... My son says he'd sell him to you for a reasonable price (warning - he's a card shark, that one...) Just promise not to fight over it - you clearly share a deeply-rooted passion for this topic.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v218/ck26181/fozzie.jpg

Kermie and Animal are around here somewhere.... they probably haven't heard yet that hockey season's back in swing again.


That is awesome but I don't want to be taking your sons muppet hockey players even as adorable as they are.

[WDWSTAR]

I was one that really never cared for the muppets and dread going to the muppets 3d at MGM. But last christmas our family reunoin when i got to see all my neices & nephew (ages 7 and all teens ) in their 3d glasses waiting to enter in the muppets got me all misty.......
so now i dont think the muppets are that bad, but i am in no hurry to sit thru the muppets 3d anytime soon, LOL

[PoohsPal]

:scary: I love Muppets 3D. It's just like watching the show live, being in the theater, the old guys in the box. Just loved it! Glad it's at least a little more tolerable for you now!

[DSNY FN]

That show is awesome and best to be situated closer to the centre but on that note it is fun at the far ends also as it gives you a different angle and perspective on all teh 3D imaging really cool show if you ask me.

[WDWSTAR]

I think the reason i was never fond of the muppets i think because DM wouldnt let us watch the Muppets, seasome street, eletric company, while growing up, i dont know why but she just didnt let us. :beaniepro

[jnrrt]

That's deprivation. Borders on child-abuse, almost!

[PoohsPal]

I think the reason i was never fond of the muppets i think because DM wouldnt let us watch the Muppets, seasome street, eletric company, while growing up, i dont know why but she just didnt let us. :beaniepro :sosad: That's just not right!

[DSNY FN]

I loved the Electric Company does anyone know what big screen actor came from that show?

[tjkraz]

I loved the Electric Company does anyone know what big screen actor came from that show?

Wasn't Morgan Freeman on there?

[PoohsPal]

You want us to pick one? I cheated and looked at the list. There are many big names that were there!

Yes Morgan Freeman was one of them.

[DSNY FN]

Yes Morgan Freeman was the one I was talking about.

[PoohsPal]

Others on the list:
Gene Wilder
Joan Rivers
Mel Brooks
Bill Cosby

There may have been more, but those are the ones I remember. I think some were just voices, though.