Kermit in the "Picture Book Specials"

[Philo and Gunge]

I was watching my copy of "Emmet Otter's Jug Band Chirstmas" (the evil edited version) and I noticed that Kermit's appearence was a little random. I noticed this also in "The Christmas Toy", even though I haven't seen it in 8 years, Kermit was a little unexpected. Is there a reason Kermit wasn't in these specials? To get viewers or something, to give Jim a role?

 

[AndyWan Kenobi]

I always thought of Kermit as just presenting or hosting these specials. It was like Kermit was my little green anchor in these specials, keeping me tied in with the Muppets while these new stories unfolded. I always thought it was reassuring, because if Kermit was introducing the story I was in good hands (or flippers).

 

[Vic Romano]

Y'know, maybe I'm a little crazy here and I've created a new ending in my head, but I have Emmet Otter's Jug Band Christmas on VHS that I bought about 3 years ago. Now Kermit does his little intro by riding that scooter in until he hits the sign post and falls down and then the River Bottom Boys take his scarf and peel off, the movie starts and that's the last time you see our hero.

Now Philo and Gunge, you said you had an evil edited version and here is where I'm curious. Why do I remember watching that special on TV back in the early 80's and seeing Kermit in the night club at the end, and that's where they close the show. He sorta' ties it up. I don't remember if they continue outside afterwards to sing "When The River Meets The Sea" again, but I coulda' sworn Kermit was sitting at a table in that night club, turns around and says that everthing worked out just fine.

Was there alternate endings for TV and VHS, or am I lost here?

 

[Aaron]

this looks like a job for phill

 

[Phillip]

There are multiple versions of Emmet Otter floating around. The original TV version did include Kermit at the end while Columbia's current DVD/VHS releases do not.

For a list of the Emmet edits and to the best of our knowledge why they occur, check out this from the FAQ...

http://www.muppetcentral.com/help/faq/collectibles.shtml#10

 

[Whatever]

SuperPhil scores again!

 

[Vic Romano]

THANK YOU, PHIL! I guess I can go cancel my therapy, I'm not crazy!

 

[Philo and Gunge]

Was Kermit in "The Tale Of The Bunny Picnic"? I mean, were there Kermit scenes filmed but cut out?

 

[Philo and Gunge]

There are multiple versions of Emmet Otter floating around. The original TV version did include Kermit at the end while Columbia's current DVD/VHS releases do not.

For a list of the Emmet edits and to the best of our knowledge why they occur, check out this from the FAQ...

http://www.muppetcentral.com/help/faq/collectibles.shtml#10

Yeah, I was watching the Columbia version. There's no Kermit at the end, I tried to catch him at the fade, but it cut right through.

 

[minor muppetz]

Emmet Otter wasn't a "picture book special" (it also wasn't a "Tales from Muppetland", despite being released on laserdisc as such). Jim Henson came up with the picture book specials idea in 1986, and only two were made. In fact I think the "Picture Book Specials" term may have been dropped by the time they were broadcast (or has anybody seen any promotional material referring to them as such?), aside from them getting storybook adaptations.