I have to disagree, I kind of like the original AMs, only because I actually like seeing the evolution and improvements of the puppets during those early years: it shows that even geniuses like Jim, with Don Sahlin, Kermit Love, and John Lovelady were learning new things as they experimented.
But actually, I do have to admit that a lot of the original characters are now looking a little too simplistic compared to newer characters... but there is ONE thing though... with Abby, that was intentional; she wasn't meant to look like a traditional Muppet, because she wasn't, she was a newcomer from a different "world", so-to-speak. However, there are times when they do a bit of a 180 degree turn... like this Walter for the new movie? That is the most generic looking puppet I've ever seen on screen, he almost looks like one of those poorly made, hardly flexible puppets you can buy at Christian bookstores, and it makes me think... was that the best they could do?