34 reviews
A Muppet Family Christmas is as wonderful as Christmas specials can get: it's got heart-warming imagery and characters whom celebrate the timeless traditions of Christmas together. Kermit the Frog, Fozzie Bear, Miss Piggy, Gonzo the Great and company all tag along to Fozzie's mother's house for Christmas eve. Along the way, the Sesame Street Muppets come along to join this gorgeous party and its charm is virtually bursting at the seams. And heck, even the Fraggles from Fraggle Rock join the party; this whole special is Henson-filled happiness through and through.
From the mind of a man who knew no limits to his imagination, Jim Henson gave us entertainment comparable to Walt Disney himself. Even though Henson's gone, he still makes millions of people happy thanks to his Muppets. A Muppet Family Christmas is entertainment that just makes you feel incredibly happy: and that's how good Christmas specials should make you feel in the end.
From the mind of a man who knew no limits to his imagination, Jim Henson gave us entertainment comparable to Walt Disney himself. Even though Henson's gone, he still makes millions of people happy thanks to his Muppets. A Muppet Family Christmas is entertainment that just makes you feel incredibly happy: and that's how good Christmas specials should make you feel in the end.
- Johnny-the-Film-Sentinel-2187
- Aug 20, 2018
- Permalink
Having seen this for the first time as a child, and subsequently grown up watching it several more times, A Muppet Family Christmas has become my favorite Christmas TV special.
There is a lot of charm and joy to be found in this 40-odd minute show. Muppet fans will truly appreciate this, if for no other reason than the mass gathering of literally every single Muppet Show, Sesame Street and Fraggle Rock character, and a cameo appearance by the late Jim Henson himself, surveying his creations as they celebrate the season. Even for those who aren't Muppet fans but suffer from Christmas fever, this should prove enjoyable, with many heart-warming sequences and several Christmas songs performed.
A Muppet Family Christmas contains it's share of the usual Muppet moments of charm and wit, but it succeeds most by simply being a feel-good holiday special. It is the perfect show for the season.
There is a lot of charm and joy to be found in this 40-odd minute show. Muppet fans will truly appreciate this, if for no other reason than the mass gathering of literally every single Muppet Show, Sesame Street and Fraggle Rock character, and a cameo appearance by the late Jim Henson himself, surveying his creations as they celebrate the season. Even for those who aren't Muppet fans but suffer from Christmas fever, this should prove enjoyable, with many heart-warming sequences and several Christmas songs performed.
A Muppet Family Christmas contains it's share of the usual Muppet moments of charm and wit, but it succeeds most by simply being a feel-good holiday special. It is the perfect show for the season.
I first saw this on Nickeleon(the old school one from the early 90s) during the holidays.
I really liked this one, because it has a lot of your favorite Muppets all gathered up for Christmas at Fozzie's mother's farmhouse, who didn't expected her own son to bring company over.
While Doc(from Fraggle Rock) was expected to have a quiet Christmas, but finds the farmhouse to be packed with Muppets. And to make it more interesting the entire Sesame Street Muppet gang came all the way from new york to celebrate with them.
And not to mention the 5 main Fraggles from Fraggle Rock, who know little about Christmas also decide to join the fun. With these many Muppets all under on roof, you'll be sure to expect one enjoyable Christmas TV movie.
With some Chirstmas Carols, and jokes. I'm sure any Muppet Fan will be pleased with this TV special. The cool thing is this was made when Jim was still around. He even made a cameo at the end just cause it's the holidays. I re watched this off of the recent DVD release which had a few minutes cut out of it. Cause I remember some extended scenes that were included in the TV version.
Hopefully one day there'll be an uncut DVD of this fine Christmas program. If Jim were still alive, he'd be sure that this TV movie will remain uncut for everyone to enjoy.
I really liked this one, because it has a lot of your favorite Muppets all gathered up for Christmas at Fozzie's mother's farmhouse, who didn't expected her own son to bring company over.
While Doc(from Fraggle Rock) was expected to have a quiet Christmas, but finds the farmhouse to be packed with Muppets. And to make it more interesting the entire Sesame Street Muppet gang came all the way from new york to celebrate with them.
And not to mention the 5 main Fraggles from Fraggle Rock, who know little about Christmas also decide to join the fun. With these many Muppets all under on roof, you'll be sure to expect one enjoyable Christmas TV movie.
With some Chirstmas Carols, and jokes. I'm sure any Muppet Fan will be pleased with this TV special. The cool thing is this was made when Jim was still around. He even made a cameo at the end just cause it's the holidays. I re watched this off of the recent DVD release which had a few minutes cut out of it. Cause I remember some extended scenes that were included in the TV version.
Hopefully one day there'll be an uncut DVD of this fine Christmas program. If Jim were still alive, he'd be sure that this TV movie will remain uncut for everyone to enjoy.
- emasterslake
- Nov 23, 2006
- Permalink
It is not Christmas without this movie, i just wish the full version could be found. I have two different versions one I bought, the other taped. The one I bought has an extra scene that the taped doesn't have, but the taped one has an extra scene that the video doesn't. I LOVE THIS MOVIE. I can watch it all year. We need a little Christmas, right this very minute....
- picklesandcreamca
- Nov 12, 2002
- Permalink
I remember seeing this special when I was younger and I recently acquired the video. I've watched it a few times already. It's so cute and involves all the muppet characters (including fraggles and Sesame Street characters). My favourite parts are when the turkey tries to 'woo' Camilla and when the Swedish Chef tries to cook Big Bird. It's very amusing. And of course, Miss Piggy must make a grand entrance! I highly recommend this movie if you are in a giddy or childish mood. Every child I know enjoys this video.
This movie is awesome! My mom taped it off the TV when I was about 2 years old and I started watching it when I was 4 and have loved it ever since! It is one of the funniest Christmas specials I have ever seen. I mean, who doesn't love that scene were Miss Piggy was coming up the steps and slips and all the characters yelled "Careful of the icy patch!" :D
That being said, I have read numerous comments on amazon.com that the new version that was on video and DVD has been cut. So needless to say, I think I will stick to my taped copy, even with the old Toys "R" Us commercials on it.
It is especially wonderful to see Mr. Jim Henson make an appearance at the end of it. I miss him so much! I mean if you watch the new movies and videos that the Muppets are in, you will notice Kermit's voice is different.
Anyways, I believe everyone should watch this wonderful holiday classic, but if you are thinking of buying it on DVD or video, DON'T! Stick to your taped-off-the-TV copy if you have one.
That being said, I have read numerous comments on amazon.com that the new version that was on video and DVD has been cut. So needless to say, I think I will stick to my taped copy, even with the old Toys "R" Us commercials on it.
It is especially wonderful to see Mr. Jim Henson make an appearance at the end of it. I miss him so much! I mean if you watch the new movies and videos that the Muppets are in, you will notice Kermit's voice is different.
Anyways, I believe everyone should watch this wonderful holiday classic, but if you are thinking of buying it on DVD or video, DON'T! Stick to your taped-off-the-TV copy if you have one.
- happy_gurl_2003
- Jul 9, 2004
- Permalink
- laurakay76
- Nov 22, 2001
- Permalink
"A Muppet Family Christmas" is not only the greatest Muppet Christmas TV special ever made, but it is also the greatest Muppet TV special bar none. Some may even consider it the greatest Christmas TV special ever made.
"A Muppet Family Christmas" is so delightful to watch that you may not find yourself caring that the special really doesn't have a plot. Most of the adult Muppets (i.e. the ones from "The Muppet Show" (1976-1981)) accompany Fozzie Bear to his mother's country house, and they spend the rest of the special settling in and getting ready for Christmas.
That's pretty much the extent of the story. What makes this special . . . well . . . special is when more Muppets appear and crowd the house. First, there are most of the "Sesame Street" Muppets who come a-caroling, only to later make themselves at home.
Later, the Fraggles from "Fraggle Rock" appear below Ma Bear's house. Oh yeah, and those Muppet fans who are relatively unfamiliar with "Fraggle Rock" may not notice that the human who intended to rent Ma Bear's house for the holiday is none other than Doc (Gerard Parkes), who brought his dog Sprocket with him.
Muppet fans who are familiar with all three Muppet universes (or at least two) will find some surprising poignancy in these different characters interacting. I especially treasured scenes like Bert & Ernie engaging in "small talk" with Doc, or the Swedish Chef trying in vain to cook Big Bird only to reconsider after receiving a special gift. I also laughed when Rowlf and Sprocket speaking "dog".
To fully enjoy this special, it helps if you know most of the Muppet characters beforehand, which is a prerequisite almost all children of the 1970's and 1980's fulfilled effortlessly. I imagine children born after 1990 will know the "Sesame Street" characters, but not the others as much. Undoubtedly, they will wonder why Elmo didn't get more screen time.
"A Muppet Family Christmas" was actually one of Jim Henson's favorite specials on which he worked, and was even described by Henson biographer Brian Jay Jones as "one of (Henson's) finest, and most under-appreciated, productions". It's under-appreciated for a good reason: it has rarely been seen on TV in years, and is out of print on VHS and DVD.
Also because of music royalty issues, and because the "Muppet Show" Muppets are owned by Disney, the "Sesame Street" Muppets are owned by Sesame Workshop, and "Fraggle Rock" is owned by HIT Entertainment, the best chances of seeing this special are unfortunately by spending $50+ on a DVD copy on eBay or Amazon.
A special like this one, which Muppet fans love and some have even worn out their old VHS copy they taped from TV, deserves to be seen perennially, and obtaining a copy of it should not be difficult. In fact, there is a Facebook group dedicated to getting the special the DVD release it deserves, and the page is already "liked" by several cult followers (Campaign for Eventual "Muppet Family Christmas" DVD Release).
This special is very much like the holiday season: craziness and chaos abound, but it is nothing that good company, song, and the comfort of love and companionship can't make worthwhile. Just like the holiday season is one to which people look forward, they may have to wait longer to own a copy of this movie. However, if you find yourself lucky enough to get your hands on an uncut copy, consider yourself lucky.
"A Muppet Family Christmas" is so delightful to watch that you may not find yourself caring that the special really doesn't have a plot. Most of the adult Muppets (i.e. the ones from "The Muppet Show" (1976-1981)) accompany Fozzie Bear to his mother's country house, and they spend the rest of the special settling in and getting ready for Christmas.
That's pretty much the extent of the story. What makes this special . . . well . . . special is when more Muppets appear and crowd the house. First, there are most of the "Sesame Street" Muppets who come a-caroling, only to later make themselves at home.
Later, the Fraggles from "Fraggle Rock" appear below Ma Bear's house. Oh yeah, and those Muppet fans who are relatively unfamiliar with "Fraggle Rock" may not notice that the human who intended to rent Ma Bear's house for the holiday is none other than Doc (Gerard Parkes), who brought his dog Sprocket with him.
Muppet fans who are familiar with all three Muppet universes (or at least two) will find some surprising poignancy in these different characters interacting. I especially treasured scenes like Bert & Ernie engaging in "small talk" with Doc, or the Swedish Chef trying in vain to cook Big Bird only to reconsider after receiving a special gift. I also laughed when Rowlf and Sprocket speaking "dog".
To fully enjoy this special, it helps if you know most of the Muppet characters beforehand, which is a prerequisite almost all children of the 1970's and 1980's fulfilled effortlessly. I imagine children born after 1990 will know the "Sesame Street" characters, but not the others as much. Undoubtedly, they will wonder why Elmo didn't get more screen time.
"A Muppet Family Christmas" was actually one of Jim Henson's favorite specials on which he worked, and was even described by Henson biographer Brian Jay Jones as "one of (Henson's) finest, and most under-appreciated, productions". It's under-appreciated for a good reason: it has rarely been seen on TV in years, and is out of print on VHS and DVD.
Also because of music royalty issues, and because the "Muppet Show" Muppets are owned by Disney, the "Sesame Street" Muppets are owned by Sesame Workshop, and "Fraggle Rock" is owned by HIT Entertainment, the best chances of seeing this special are unfortunately by spending $50+ on a DVD copy on eBay or Amazon.
A special like this one, which Muppet fans love and some have even worn out their old VHS copy they taped from TV, deserves to be seen perennially, and obtaining a copy of it should not be difficult. In fact, there is a Facebook group dedicated to getting the special the DVD release it deserves, and the page is already "liked" by several cult followers (Campaign for Eventual "Muppet Family Christmas" DVD Release).
This special is very much like the holiday season: craziness and chaos abound, but it is nothing that good company, song, and the comfort of love and companionship can't make worthwhile. Just like the holiday season is one to which people look forward, they may have to wait longer to own a copy of this movie. However, if you find yourself lucky enough to get your hands on an uncut copy, consider yourself lucky.
- sherbetsaucers
- Dec 2, 2012
- Permalink
This is one of the greatest Christmas specials ever made! It's so magical because it's one of the very few times we get to see characters from The Muppet Show, Sesame Street and Fraggle Rock come together. I love watching this every year at Christmas time and sometimes I enjoy watching it not at Christmas time. I love watching it because this is something that could not be made today because the Muppets are now owned by Disney and even if it was made today it wouldn't be as good because most of these characters have new puppeteers and voice actors that aren't as good. I highly recommend watching this if you can. It's a very special Muppet Christmas special. I think I like it better than A Charlie Brown Christmas even though it doesn't hold up as well.
Jerome "Doc" Christian (Gerry Parkes) rents a home from Fozzy's mom, only to find that the house has been taken over by the Muppets! Interestingly, Gerry Parkes also plays "Doc" in both "Boondock Saints" movies... coincidence? But, that is just an aside.
This film is pretty much for anyone who grew up with the Muppets, which should be almost everyone. The regular Muppets are here, the Fraggles show up (briefly), the Sesame Street clan is here, and even the Muppet Babies are around for a moment. Few characters are left out. One missing is Telly, I guess, but that could be worse. And this is before the Elmo craze, so although Elmo appears, it is only in the background and it was tolerable.
The better Mupper Christmas film, by far, is "Muppet Christmas Carol", but if you love them so much you need two movies, this would be Mupper film number two. (Jim Henson's Otter Jug Band Christmas is not even worth picking up.)
This film is pretty much for anyone who grew up with the Muppets, which should be almost everyone. The regular Muppets are here, the Fraggles show up (briefly), the Sesame Street clan is here, and even the Muppet Babies are around for a moment. Few characters are left out. One missing is Telly, I guess, but that could be worse. And this is before the Elmo craze, so although Elmo appears, it is only in the background and it was tolerable.
The better Mupper Christmas film, by far, is "Muppet Christmas Carol", but if you love them so much you need two movies, this would be Mupper film number two. (Jim Henson's Otter Jug Band Christmas is not even worth picking up.)
- crazydude1989
- Jul 1, 2007
- Permalink
I'm an avid fan of the Muppets, so there isn't much Muppet content that I have missed over the years. A Muppet Family Christmas was a TV special that I distinctly remember watching as a kid and back then I found it truly magical. It was an amazing amalgamation of all Jim Henson's work up to that point, as we get to see the Muppets, Sesame Street, the Fraggles, and even the Muppet Babies gather together to celebrate the holidays. There isn't a ton of story in this special, and any point of conflict doesn't last for more than a few minutes. But there are a good number of Christmas songs throughout, and a handful of funny moments between all these beloved characters. That being said, it's clear that this special is targeted specifically at kids and there is little to entertain the adults in the audience. I'm convinced that, if I were not a fan of the characters, I would be underwhelmed by the whole special. But because I find them so charming, I enjoyed A Muppet Family Christmas. It's not a classic that I'll watch every year, and the Muppets themselves have better holiday entertainment to offer. But it has enough to make me smile and to warm my heart this December.
- blott2319-1
- Dec 15, 2020
- Permalink
This is probably my favorite Christmas special of all time, and I never even saw it as a kid. I have a weakness for the Muppets, and this special literally just hits you with all the muppety goodness you could ever ask for. The crossovers with Sesame Street and Fraggle Rock are so well done, and the little relationships they build with the characters (Oscar and Rizzo, Big Bird and Swedish Chef, Animal and Cookie Monster, Kermit and Doc) are just so sweet and funny and incredibly heartwarming. That's the best word to sum the whole thing up- heartwarming. The music is wonderful, the jokes are actually kind of hilarious (the scene with Fozzie and the Snowman is INCREDIBLE), and it's just a lot of fun. My favorite bit in the whole thing has got to be the scene with Ernie and Bert and Doc ("where we're from, this is small talk), and the whole plot line with Miss Piggy trying to get to the farmhouse and her big entrance at the end is so CLASSIC Piggy, and that cameo at the end has me in tears every single time. I can't ever not watch this special, as it's the biggest and best crossover the Jim Henson Company ever did, and it's just DRIPPING in Christmas magic. I absolutely love this special, and I highly recommend it. 9.5/10
I just wish they'd re-release this on DVD. Can only find originals and copies on ebay for over $45. My copy on VHS is good but you just don't get the clarity that you see on DVD. I love the fact that Muppets meet the Sesame Street gang. Have watched this every season since my kids were toddlers and that was over 20 years ago. How does the public change the marketing of movies. Or is this a Jim Henson glitch? Wish I could find out. Just not ready to spend the big bucks on ebay. The story line is a blizzard on Fozzie's farm and Miss Piggy is on her way to the festivities. It's just comical to see the "cook" see the size of Big Bird and think "how do I roast That". Just an all round great holiday film.
I love Sesame Street and The Muppets, and I love this special. It is still among the best work the Muppet and Sesame Street clan have done, and is a must for the Christmas season. And I do concur, like Scrooge, the first two Home Alones, Muppet Christmas Carol, Miracle on 34th Street(the original) and It's a Wonderful Life, Christmas is incomplete without A Muppet Family Christmas. The story is heart warming, and the writing is always witty and funny as well as being accessible to children and adults. The production values, from the costume and set design to the photography, are splendid, and the festive tunes are delightful and not only lift the spirits but make you want to sing along, both of which is exactly what they should do. The characters are cute and engaging and serve a purpose to the story, while the acting and voice work is spot on. All in all, essential for "the most wonderful time of the year". 10/10 Bethany Cox
- TheLittleSongbird
- Jul 31, 2011
- Permalink
My sister and I love watching Christmas movies each year, and this is one of our favorites. It's such a feel-good fest. I watched it twice this year, actually! You get Fraggles AND the Sesame Street gang in addition to the regular Muppets, and lots of great singing of classic Christmas songs. Highly, highly enjoyable and nostalgic. Can't miss.
- hurshy-04056
- Jan 4, 2021
- Permalink
- Horst_In_Translation
- Oct 17, 2013
- Permalink
Fozzie Bear drives the gang thru the snow for a surprise Christmas visit to his mom. Unbeknownst to him, she's flying to Malibu, California for the holidays and has rented the home to Doc and his dog Sprocket. She stays to host the growing group of visitors. They watch home films of Muppet Babies. The Sesame Street gang drops by. Kermit and his nephew Robin discover Fraggle Rock. Miss Piggy makes a grand entrance.
There is so much Jim Henson goodness in this one hour TV special. They've brought together so many of his children TV work. There are traditional songs and some reworked ones. It's simple muppet joy and there is something fun about the childhood simplicity.
There is so much Jim Henson goodness in this one hour TV special. They've brought together so many of his children TV work. There are traditional songs and some reworked ones. It's simple muppet joy and there is something fun about the childhood simplicity.
- SnoopyStyle
- Dec 13, 2017
- Permalink
- bblack1-699-968577
- Jun 4, 2013
- Permalink
This is def the best Christmas movie of all time. I watch it many times each December and a few years back even got the DVD. I was heart broken though to find out that although there are a few small scenes on the DVD that weren't in the TV version that I have taped the DVD actually cut on 2 whole songs... and good songs at that!
Whoever owns the rights to this movie HAS to release it on DVD again with all the scenes in it.
I've toyed around with the idea of loading the whole movie onto my macbook and edit together my own master version but I simply don't have the time :(
Whoever owns the rights to this movie HAS to release it on DVD again with all the scenes in it.
I've toyed around with the idea of loading the whole movie onto my macbook and edit together my own master version but I simply don't have the time :(
- drew_vinson
- Dec 3, 2006
- Permalink
According to the IMDB trivia, finding the original version of this Muppet Christmas special is tough. This is because the various rights to the four Muppets franchises apparently are owned by various folks...such as Disney and HBO. So, while it was nice to unite the Muppets with Fraggle Rock and Sesame Street, this caused nightmares when it came to rights.
Fortunately, there is currently a version on YouTube that appears to be complete. Apparently, someone taped the show when it debuted and now it somehow got uploaded to YouTube.
As far the the show goes, the program takes a decidedly sweet turn and focuses far less on comedy than you'd expect from the Muppets. I think this is inevitable when Sesame Street and Fraggle Rock characters are used, as they are shows for little kids...ditto with the odd Muppet Baby sequence using Muppets instead of animation. Much of this sweetness consists of various Muppets having a sing-a-long. It's all very nice, albeit rather safe and lacking the edge I like when it comes to Muppets. Still, unless you are a total Grinch, you'll likely enjoy this family outing.
Fortunately, there is currently a version on YouTube that appears to be complete. Apparently, someone taped the show when it debuted and now it somehow got uploaded to YouTube.
As far the the show goes, the program takes a decidedly sweet turn and focuses far less on comedy than you'd expect from the Muppets. I think this is inevitable when Sesame Street and Fraggle Rock characters are used, as they are shows for little kids...ditto with the odd Muppet Baby sequence using Muppets instead of animation. Much of this sweetness consists of various Muppets having a sing-a-long. It's all very nice, albeit rather safe and lacking the edge I like when it comes to Muppets. Still, unless you are a total Grinch, you'll likely enjoy this family outing.
- planktonrules
- Dec 30, 2021
- Permalink
Absolutely essential Christmas offering. I watched this for the first time in at least 14 years, and yet I recalled every scene. It was such a charming experience to sit through this again. Fozzie and the Muppets head to his grandmother's house for Christmas. Before you know it, the Sesame Street gang and the Fraggles show up. What might have been an overcrowded crossover works due to the hilarious sketches. The scenes between the Turkey and the Swedish Chef are perfect examples of the Muppets' weird and rowdy wit. Common themes such as friendship and family are covered, but The Muppets always have a way of making these sweet, rather than sickly.
- SnakesOnAnAfricanPlain
- Dec 13, 2011
- Permalink
"A Muppet Family Christmas" is just that sort of old-fashioned TV special that plays on all of the best aspects of Christmas. Simply out, it's a gathering of family, near and extended, in one place for the occasion. It's just that in this case it's the colliding worlds of the Muppets, Sesame Street and Fraggle Rock. The sight of these characters interacting is something in its own right, but the legal clearances required make it all the more remarkable. The stars really aligned for this.
All of the songs in this special are standards - those well-worn tunes that FM radio play right into the ground on an annual basis. But here, they're performed with a refreshing heart and a new sheen. Big Bird and Swedish Chef share (honest to god), the greatest duet. And by the time this draws to a close with an appearance from the late Jim Henson, the pitch perfect sentiment is enough to leave you in tears. Or at the very least, shot up with warmth and fuzziness. I smiled so widely it hurt.
I love this special.
10/10
All of the songs in this special are standards - those well-worn tunes that FM radio play right into the ground on an annual basis. But here, they're performed with a refreshing heart and a new sheen. Big Bird and Swedish Chef share (honest to god), the greatest duet. And by the time this draws to a close with an appearance from the late Jim Henson, the pitch perfect sentiment is enough to leave you in tears. Or at the very least, shot up with warmth and fuzziness. I smiled so widely it hurt.
I love this special.
10/10