"It's time to light the lights." - The Muppet Show theme
The Best of The Muppet Show with Harry Belafonte, Linda Ronstadt, and John Denver DVD Review
By Jonathan Boudreaux
For more information on the background of The Muppet Show, please read the review of The Best of The Muppet Show with Elton John, Julie Andrews, and Gene Kelly.
As with the other Muppet "best of" releases, three episodes are included in this collection. The first episode's special guest is Harry Belafonte. He is an inspired choice, as his personality, voice, and singing style are a perfect match for the Muppets. His songs are often exotic, the lyrics somewhat mysterious, but they are also simple and catchy. The Muppets share the same kind of simple yet graceful sophistication, allowing an easy fit in bringing the songs to life visually on stage.
Fozzie is nominally in charge of Belafonte's show. He has written Kermit's error-filled opening monologue, and he attempts to make the first number, "Day-o (The Banana Boat Song)," more "special." This often means interrupting Belafonte in mid-note for an explanation on what the song actually means. The singer provides simple explanations of the lyrics, and exhibits a breezy charm as the number devolves into an increasingly chaotic sing along.
Later, Belafonte has a drum duel Animal. This is a clever idea and is well done, but his best number is saved for last. In his dressing room, Belafonte begins to explain the origin of his songs, "Turn the World Around" in particular. This dissolves to him performing the song with specially made African mask Muppets. Slowly, more of the beautifully designed masked Muppets join the number. In a spellbindingly magical five minutes, it seems totally possible that the song's message of understanding and peace could become a reality. By the end, even grumpy Statler and Waldorf are singing along, and Gonzo is finally allowed a graceful trumpet note.
In between these terrific numbers, there are also several other fun comical bits, like Rowlf singing "Tea for Two" backwards, a jazzy musical number involving a bee, and a Wide World of Sports parody involving a 100 meter blindfold sprint. The Sports parody is ridiculous, but in a good way.
The second episode stars Linda Ronstadt. As a performer, Ronstadt has never been willing to be boxed into a single category, and The Muppet Show gives her the perfect opportunity to showcase several of the musical styles she excels at. Her first number is the melancholy ballad "Blue Bayou." She performs the song on a large bayou set while a group of frogs ribbit along in rhythm. The goofiness of the frogs provides an excellent counterpoint to the somber song. She later croons "I've Got a Crush on You" to Kermit, belts out "It's in His Kiss (The Shoop Shoop Song)," and sings a delicate duet with Kermit.
The running gag of the show is that a jealous Miss Piggy has locked Kermit in a trunk because she is afraid that a smitten Ronstadt will steal him away. This leads to a final showdown between the two ladies, but Ronstadt graciously concedes when she realizes that Miss Piggy truly loves her Kermie.
This episode also features a classic performance of "The Cat Came Back" by Rowlf. This number, about an unwanted cat that simply will not go away, is very funny, especially the cat itself - a ragged creature that wears an eye patch.
The final episode stars John Denver. This episode does not quite match the other two in quality, but it comes close, mostly because of Denver. His gentle, crunchy image works well with the Muppets' subtle social commentary. His country fried songs shine when combined with the Muppets' conservation minded, back-to-nature imagery. Plus we are also treated to a cheerful performance of "Why Can't We Be Friends" by a group of soldiers who simultaneously blow each other up, the Swedish Chef trying to cook (and catch) a family of squirrels, and Miss Piggy's musical appreciation of nature (which, unfortunately for her, is unappreciated by the nature that happens to hear it).
These three episodes are included on a single DVD which is housed in a white keepcase. The opening menu allows the viewer to play all episodes or to choose individual episodes. Choosing an individual episode leads to a needlessly complicated scene selection screen.
