You know, some fans seem to be worried that Disney might want to hold off until the release of the new movie to release season four (and unless the movie comes out sooner than Christmas 2011 I hope Disney doesn't delay the season four release), but given the planned release date for the movie I think it would be wiser for Disney to promote the film with a new DVD release of A Muppet Family Christmas. Disney didn't seem to care to get music clearances on the older release, but maybe Disney would care now, after getting all music rights cleared for the last two sets. And I don't think we have to worry now about the non-Muppets Studio characters.
I don't care what existing productiosn Disney releases on DVD in WInter 2011 to coincide with the new movie's release, as long as The Muppet Show: Season Four doesn't get a delayed release because of it. Disney can release new editions of the Muppet movies, or release some specials, or season five, whatever. But season four better come sooner.
SEASON 5! Season 5 season 5 season 5 season 5 season 5! There's NO CALL to hold season 4 3 years after the third volume, no matter what. If we don't hear anything in August, I'm gonna just say forgetabout it. Really. Disney HAS been behaving good lately and to do this is inexcusable. I don't even want a date... I want an explanation. Is it music rights? Is there some problem with the John Denver episode (my hypothesis)? Why is it taking so long? This is a longer wait than between season 1 and season 2, and we at least GOT a good explanation that time.
I'm thinking we might still get season 4 later this year. DVD sales are really terrible right now. It's all about the Blu-ray and downloads.
I hate Blu-ray for that reason and that reason alone. I don't care how sparkly and shiny and wonderful it is, there's no call to hold back production of rarer, older, fan driven shows because people think they want to see Norbit in high def. Sure, it's a great way to watch current TV shows and current movies... but I don't want current! I want the alternative to current!
let's not forget the over-saturization of the market hurting DVD's as well. Who the heck wants half the stuff they DO release? I haven't seen a cartoon pop up on TvshowsonDVD in months. All cable reality shows and British shows that lasted 2 episodes, and the occasional show from the 60's or 70's no one has ever heard of, even if you were alive then. And scores and scores of shows that aren't even finished with their seasons yet. Disney has had tremendous success with the Muppet Show DVD's, even the edited to heck and back first volume. I can't see why "The Best of Food Network presents generic show where celeb chef eats at restaurants and doesn't actually cook or give out recipes" that sits on the shelves gets rushed into production every week has more of a right to be produced than Muppet Show season 4.
Freaking format's gonna be obsolete by the time we get season 5, let alone Muppets Tonight. We're dangerously close to resort to tape trading again.