Experiencing the Full-Length Adaption of The Muppet's Christmas Carol is the Preferred Method for Relishing in the Seasonal Classic
Experiencing the Full-Length Adaption of The Muppet's Christmas Carol is the Preferred Method for Relishing in the Seasonal Classic
Today is an ideal day to indulge in Brian Henson's timeless classic, ''The Muppet Christmas Carol'', as it commemorates its theatrical release anniversary. The 1992 rendition of Charles Dickens' ''A Christmas Carol''—with Michael Caine as Scrooge and a band of Muppets (in accordance with the Henson Company's tradition)—continues to be an unforgettable retelling of the tale.
For holiday movie buffs and dedicated Muppets fans, ''The Muppet Christmas Carol'' is now available on Disney+. However, connoisseurs of the art form know that the only true way to experience the film is in its original format, featuring the restored version of the previously missing song "When Love is Gone", penned by frequent Henson collaborator Paul Williams. This uncut version has been released thanks to the discovery and use of the original reel containing the song to prepare a 4K remaster of the classic film.
This scene is crucial: the song highlights a poignant moment in the film where Scrooge faces a choice between love and work, resulting in a bittersweet memory of his transformation into a cold, heartless man.
Watching the uncut, extended version of the film might not be as straightforward as viewing the edited version, which is what will appear if you search for ''The Muppet Christmas Carol'' on Disney+. Instead, once you reach the film's main menu, you'll need to navigate down and click on "Extras" to access the 89-minute "full-length version."
(Image: Disney)
It's worth the trouble, although a note of caution: there's no resuming the film if you exit it at any point; only the pause function seems to work, which can be quite inconvenient. The film would benefit from its own Disney+ page (similar to the alternate sing-along versions of ''Moana'' and ''Encanto'') to streamline access to the Henson production as intended.
Throughout, of course, it's filled with catchy tunes sung by Kermit the Frog as Bob Cratchit, Miss Piggy, and the rest of the merry Muppets gang, as they put their own spin on Dickens' festive story. The incorporation of Williams' underrated romantic ballad earlier in the film adds even more emotional depth to the finale's last song—"When Love Is Found/It Feels Like Christmas"—making the conclusion all the more heartfelt.
(Image: The Jim Henson Company)
Find ''The Muppet Christmas Carol'' on Disney+.
In the future, technology might allow for a more seamless viewing experience of "The Muppet Christmas Carol" on Disney+, with a dedicated page for the Henson production. IO9, a renowned culture and technology news site, might highlight this potential improvement for movie enthusiasts. The timeless song "When Love is Gone" from the movie, composed by Paul Williams, is a testament to the enduring impact of technology on the preservation and enhancement of classic movies.