News Update: August 1, 2014

AUGUST 1, 2014

Disney has been fast and loose in releasing previews of the Muppets Most Wanted Blu-ray Bonus Features. Last week, we got previews of Ricky Gervais' bloopers and Rizzo's letter to the filmmakers. This week, we get to see the entirety of the Statler and Waldorf Cut of the film. Check it out below!




Even more bonus features were shown off this week, with a preview of Tina Fey in the Muppets Most Wanted Blooper Reel. Watch the hilarity below!

According to sources, It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie is being released on Blu-ray on October 7th. The release is already available for pre-order on Amazon, but no details about bonus features, other than general "deleted scenes" and "bloopers." Presumably, these features will be exactly the same as the DVD release of the TV movie from a few years ago. It should also be noted that this release comes from NBC-Universal, not Disney, since NBC-U owns the rights to the TV movie.

This week, an enterprising Muppet fan, whose daughter is too young to go to San Diego Comic Con decided to bring Comic Con to her, by creating and performing his own panel featuring Kermit the Frog and Fozzie Bear. The picture is below, but be warned, you may explode from cuteness. (Thanks to our friends at ToughPigs.com for finding this amazing picture!)

Disney Videos Online has released a special Disney Channel segment featuring Kermit and Constantine. The segment, "10 in 60" challenges the two frogs to answer ten questions in 60 seconds or less. Check out the video below!



Disney has announced an upcoming new web series starring the Muppets. "Disney Drive-On with The Muppets" stars Walter and Pepe as they work on the Disney Studios lot. Apparently, six episodes of the series will be released very soon. According to our friend Peter Linz, these segments were filmed nearly two years ago, so it's fantastic that they've finally been released. The first full episode has been released and you can watch it right here, right now! UPDATE: The second episode can be watched on Disney Movies Anywhere!









The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, muppetmindset@gmail.com

News Update: March 14, 2014

MARCH 14, 2014

First of all, I have to apologize for the lack of news since last Friday. I didn't have the foresight to ask someone to cover the big, breaking news stories while I was in LA for the Muppets Most Wanted premiere--so that's my bad! Here's all of the major things you don't want to miss since last Friday. It's quite a lot.

Last night, the Muppets and their human friends from Muppets Most Wanted appeared on ABC's Nightline, a very serious newscast which was disrupted by a frog and pig. I haven't had time to watch the video yet, but I'm sure it's fantastic and YOU can watch it right here, right now!



Tons and tons and tons of amazing behind the scenes content from Muppets Most Wanted has been released online. This includes 20 minutes of B-roll footage (which you can see below and is extremely spoiler filled) and over 30 interviews with the cast and crew of the film. You can see those over on ToughPigs.com, because they're not as lazy as we are.




Another Muppets TV ad for SUBWAY has been released. This one stars Miss Piggy, Kermit, and Constantine. Boy oh boy do I love that evil frog.



SUBWAY also released some fantastic behind the scenes footage from the shoot--which is longer than commercial itself. Constantine continues to be incredible.



At the World Premiere of Muppets Most Wanted at the beautiful El Capitan Theater in Hollywood, Statler and Waldorf introduced the movie with some of their patented heckles! I'm so thrilled that Disney recorded this and it's great to see Steve Whitmire and Dave Goelz clearly so excited.



The Muppets (Miss Piggy, Rowlf, Fozzie, Animal, and the Swedish Chef) appeared in a new video from BuzzFeed to answer the age-old question... what if the Muppets were interns at BuzzFeed?



Kermit the Frog travelled to the White House immediately after the World Premiere to attend and introduce a special screening of Muppets Most Wanted for military families with First Lady Michelle Obama. The appearance is adorable and Kermit even kissed the first lady's hand! You can watch the whole video here: http://bcove.me/3nisz12c

Constantine has a fantastic new official website (from Disney) which has a lot of crazy new content, including some hilarious new introductory videos. The bad frog even has a shop open for #BadFrog merchandise that may or may not be real (but probably isn't). Hop on over to http://www.badfrog.me/ for all the Constantine you can handle!

Swedish Chef and Miss Piggy stopped by the set of Nerdy Nummies to make "M" shaped cookies with the host! I've never heard of Nerdy Nummies, nor have I had time to watch this video yet, but I'm sure it's fun!



Toyota has released some more incredible "reality" videos featuring the Muppets in the Toyota Highlander. There really is nothing better than Muppets unscripted, and Bill Barretta and Steve Whimtire make such a magnificent team. These videos are hysterical. First up, Rowlf and Rizzo try to get food without any money to pay for it.



Next, Rizzo and Pepe attempt to get gas.

 

Finally, Kermit and Pepe swing through a gas station and get mobbed by adoring fans.

 

Fozzie Bear and Animal appeared as guests on The Arsenio Hall Show last Friday night. Fozzie acted as Arsenio's announcer and Animal jammed with Robin DiMaggio. Watch both videos below!

 



Miss Piggy is promoting a new lifestyle brand, designed by her, entitled "Moi" which will sell on QVC. What's more important though, is this incredibly well-filmed promo video for the brand. I don't know what any of it means, but I love it.



The Muppets will appear in the wedding scene of the season finale of ABC's Trophy Wife on March 18. We're not sure why, and we're not sure what they'll be doing or which Muppets will be there, but it'll probably be funny! For more info, we once again defer to our friends at ToughPigs.com.

Gonzo is stopping by NASCAR's Auto Club 400 to kick off the race by shouting "Drivers, start your engines!" Gonzo will appear at the race on March 23rd and video will surely follow after. I'm sure Gonzo is thrilled to be announcing, but we all know that he'd be even more thrilled to be driving.

Just this morning, the Muppets appeared to once again takeover Good Morning America. There isn't a lot of video online yet, but you can see one video right now!

 

Kermit the Frog will appear as a guest on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Monday, March 17th on NBC at 11:35pm. You won't want to miss this appearance!

Lastly, our great friends at StitchKingdom.com have collected all of the incredible hi-res pictures that the official Disney photographer took at the World Premiere of Muppets Most Wanted. There are some truly amazing shots, including quite a few shots of the Muppet performers, which we almost never see. Our own coverage of the world premiere, including interviews with over 15 stars and so many pictures, will be online very soon. For now, we leave you with this unbelievably awesome picture of Ricky Gervais and Bill Barretta.

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, muppetmindset@gmail.com

News Update: February 27, 2014

FEBRUARY 27, 2014

The Muppets have yet another extraordinary advertising partner in their promotions for Muppets Most Wanted. Lipton Tea has partnered with the Muppets as part of their new "Be More Tea" promotion. A brand new commercial has been released starring Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and an entire metropolitan area full of Animal. Watch the truly incredible new commercial below, and be on the lookout for it to air on Sunday during the Academy Awards on ABC as well.



Plus, you can now watch a behind the scenes video about the making of the commercial! (Thanks ToughPigs!)



Speaking of the Oscars, Statler and Waldorf contributed their typically curmudgeonly reviews for the nominees for Best Picture to PAPERMAG. Read all about their choices, and try not to act surprised when they favor Nebraska, the film about an old man trying to collect a million dollars.

The internet collectively lost their minds this week over the Muppets' Instagram account, which has been active for months now. Everywhere from CNN, to Buzzfeed, to The A.V. Club went crazy for the Muppet selfies present on the account. Check out a few of the selfies below, and follow The Muppets on Instagram for more!

The other day a beautifully random video from Toyota came out of nowhere. The video features Rowlf the Dog and Rizzo the Rat in the Toyota Highlander getting ice cream. The video was directed by Muppet master Kirk Thatcher and was apparently filmed completely in "reality" style, so the human participants had no idea what was coming. Their reactions are WAY too tame. Anyway... watch the awesome, awesome video below.



The Muppets are getting a cover feature in the UK-based Starburst Magazine. The official details on what's inside are: It's time to play the music, it's time to light the lights, it's time to meet the Muppets... in the most sensational, inspirational, celebrational, Muppetational issue of STARBURST yet! That’s right, in honour of the iconic characters’ continued cinematic comeback with this month’s MUPPETS MOST WANTED, we turn the spotlight on Kermit and co. to explore their 40+ year career on screen. We also speak to key talent that contribute to the magic, including director JAMES BOBIN and The Jim Henson Company chairman, BRIAN HENSON. You can order the issue from the Starburst site, and it it is available at some Barnes & Noble stores in the U.S.

Walt Disney Records will be re-releasing The Muppet Movie Original Soundtrack on vinyl record this year for Record Store Day (April 19, 2014). The release features all-new liner notes from legendary songwriter Paul Williams, which is sure to be great. To search for stores in your area participating in Record Store Day, check out their official website.

The Disney Channel staple, The Movie Surfers, visited the set of of Muppets Most Wanted and chatted with Walter, wrangled some penguins, and unleashed Animal. The video is actually pretty entertaining. Watch it below...


Big Tour - Movie Surfers - Muppets Most Wanted BTS on Disney Video

Finally, in "Set your DVR" news, Gonzo will be appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live on ABC on Monday, March 3rd at 11:35pm ET. This is sure to be a crazy experience (based only on the fact that Gonzo is there), and you can't deny it's really really cool that Gonzo is getting to appear solo on a late night show.

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, muppetmindset@gmail.com

News Update: March 22, 2012

NEWS UPDATE: March 22, 2012

The promotional engine for The Muppets on Blu-ray/DVD just won't cool off! After a week of awesome appearances last week, we have even more incredible videos to share as the Muppets pop up all over the place to get people to buy their movie. First up is a hysterical video of Kermit, Miss Piggy, and Walter as they visit the offices of Entertainment Weekly magazine to meet with their editors. Kermit is trying to hold these two together as Piggy throws a tantrum and Walter is giddy about throwing a tantrum. Walter completely steals the show here as he shows that his fandom expands past Muppets. Watch and see for yourself!



Last week Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy appeared on The View to talk about the movie, their relationship, and the other usual things people talk to frogs and pigs about. This is also yet another moment when Whoopi Goldberg shares screen time with the Muppets. Has anyone checked to see if she's the person with the most number of Muppet appearances?



Miss Piggy appeared on CBS's The Talk yesterday alongside the likes of Sharon Osbourne and Julie Chen. Piggy completely rules this conversation, talking about her favorite duets, how beautiful she looks in high-definition, getting super jealous, and starting a cat fight with Sharon Osbourne. The whole appearance can be seen on The Talk's website, but a great highlight clip is below. 



Yesterday ended up being a huge day for Muppets on TV as Statler and Waldorf made a surprise appearance on E!'s The Soup hosted by Joel McHale. If you don't know, The Soup is a show where Joel McHale essentially heckles some of the strangest and stupidest moments in TV from the past week. It only makes sense to have Statler and Waldorf join the fun and heckle Joel. But the best part came in an exclusive webisode of The Soup in which Statler and Waldorf take over for Joel and heckle a bunch of old-time TV shows. It's absolutely hysterical. Watch it!!



My favorite appearance of the week (possibly one of my favorite Muppet appearances ever) came late last night when Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem completely rocked the house on Jimmy Kimmel Live on ABC. Dr. Teeth and the band stopped by to perform "Can You Picture That?" with the added bonus of Travis Barker, the drummer from Blink 182, joining the fun. Barker and Animal engage in an awesome drum battle, but the highlight here is the incredible performances from Bill Barretta (Dr. Teeth, Matt Vogel (Floyd Pepper), David Rudman (Janice), Dave Goelz (Zoot), and Eric Jacobson (Animal). Bill's Dr. Teeth is amazingly spot-on and Matt's Floyd is amazing. How unbelievably cool is it that Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem appeared on a late night talk show, performing their most famous song, in 2012? I'm just blown away and so thrilled to have the Electric Mayhem back!!



Finally, in the most important moment of the week, possibly of 2012 so far, The Muppets received their very own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Tuesday! Walt Disney Studios president Rich Ross, The Jim Henson Company CEOs Lisa Henson and Brian Henson, plus MUPPETS! Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo the Great, Animal, Pepe the King Prawn, Sweetums, and Walter were all present for the unveiling of the star. This star is recognition of not only the Muppets new-found fame, but everything they've ever done. It is recognition of Jim Henson, Frank Oz, Jerry Nelson, Richard Hunt, Dave Goelz, Steve Whitmire, Bill Barretta, Eric Jacobson, Matt Vogel, David Rudman, Peter Linz, and countless others who have contributed to their success. I am so, so proud to be a Muppet fan and thrilled for all of the unbelievably talented Muppet performers who made this star possible after so many years. Below is video coverage of the ceremony and some awesome pictures via Disney and StitchKindgom.com.

I'm sure you guys can find a new desktop background in one of those.

What a great time it is to be a Muppet fan.







The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, muppetmindset@gmail.com

Muppetology 101: Recasting of Muppet Show Characters, Pt. 3

Ryan Dosier - Welcome back to class, class! We're continuing our series on the recasting of characters from The Muppet Show. Today we're looking at the characters of Richard Hunt, who died far too soon in 1992 after 25 years of performing and bringing joy to countless people. Richard's characters were some of the most genuine and personal characters ever to appear on The Muppet Show. Each of Richard's characters had an engrained aspect of Richard channeled through them, which made them that much harder to recast. In fact, his main character on The Muppet Show wasn't permanently recast for almost 20 years after Richard's passing. Since 2008, however, all of Richard's recurring Muppet Show characters have found permanent performers and excellent recasts.

• SCOOTER 
• Originally performed by RICHARD HUNT (1976-1990)
• Currently performed by DAVID RUDMAN (2008-present)
• Scooter was the alter ego of Richard Hunt on The Muppet Show; young, naive, wicked sense of humor, Scooter channeled Richard just as Richard channeled Scooter. This very personal connection to the character is what made it so difficult for the character to even return on the screen, let alone find a new permanent performer. Scooter didn't return to a Muppet production for eight years after Richard's death, in Muppets From Space in 1999, where he was performed by Richard's brother, Adam Hunt for the first and only time. Matt Vogel did Scooter's voice for the Muppets Race Mania video game in 2001, while Brian Henson took on the character for a small return to his go-fer role in 2002 in It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie. Rickey Boyd gave a great performance as Scooter in his secondary role in The Muppets' Wizard of Oz in 2005. When Disney began to pursue a Muppet renaissance in 2008, David Rudman, a close friend of Richard Hunt's, was chosen to perform Scooter permanently. David's Scooter has both the voice and personality of Richard's and is a true testament to how close David and Richard were.
• Richard Hunt first performed Scooter in the first episode of The Muppet Show Season One and continued to be the only performer of Scooter through The Muppets Celebrate Jim Henson in November 1990, plus Scooter's major role in the Muppet*Vision 3-D pre-show, filmed in 1990.
• David Rudman first performed Scooter in Studio DC: Almost Live! Hosted by Selena Gomez in 2008 and continues to perform Scooter currently, including Scooter's return to prominence in The Muppets in 2011.

• BEAKER
• Originally performed by RICHARD HUNT (1977-1991)
• Currently performed by STEVE WHITMIRE (1992-present)
• Due to his popularity, Beaker was one of the first of Richard Hunt's characters to be recast after his death. Steve Whitmire began performing Beaker in 1992, first in The Muppet Christmas Carol, alongside Dave Goelz's Dr. Bunsen Honeydew. Steve would discover that Richard would inhale when he made Beaker's famous "mee-mee" sounds, rather than exhale, which made the recast transition near perfect. Steve performed Beaker through a string of YouTube video hits including "Ode to Joy," "Beaker's Ballad," "Habanera," and more throughout 2008 and 2009.
• Richard Hunt first performed Beaker in The Muppet Show Season Two: Episode 202 with Zero Mostel in 1977. Richard's final performance as Beaker was for Muppet*Vision 3-D which opened in 1991 and was filmed in 1990.
• Steve Whitmire first performed Beaker in The Muppet Christmas Carol in 1992 and continues to be the sole performer of Beaker, including his major star-turns in YouTube videos and his role in The Muppets in 2011.

• STATLER

• Originally performed by RICHARD HUNT (1976-1991) 
• Performed by JERRY NELSON (1975; 1992-2002)
• Currently performed by STEVE WHITMIRE (2002-present)
• Statler, one of the old hecklers in the balcony on The Muppet Show was performed by Jerry Nelson in his first appearance in The Muppet Show: Sex and Violence in 1975. Jerry was drafted into the army before Season One of the show so the heckler character was given to Richard Hunt to perform alongside Jim Henson as Waldorf. When Richard died in 1991, it was only fitting that his close friend Jerry Nelson take on the character that he originated. Starting with The Muppet Christmas Carol in 1992, Jerry would perform Statler until his retirement from the Muppets in 2002. Due to health reasons, Statler was puppeteered by Steve Whitmire in It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie in 2002, with Jerry dubbing the dialogue later. Steve Whitmire was then given the character to make his own later in 2002. He has continued to perform Statler almost exclusively (except for the later episodes of From the Balcony where Statler was performed by Drew Massey) for a decade now.
• Richard Hunt first performed Statler in The Muppet Show Season One in 1976. Richard performed Statler alongside Jim Henson's Waldorf until Muppet*Vision 3-D in 1991.
• Jerry Nelson first performed Statler in The Muppet Show: Sex and Violence pilot in 1975, but could not perform the character for the beginning of Season One of The Muppet Show so the character was given to Richard Hunt. Jerry became Statler again in The Muppet Christmas Carol in 1992 alongside Dave Goelz's Waldorf and performed him until his retirement after It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie in 2002.
• Steve Whitmire first performed and voiced Statler in Weezer's 2002 music video with the Muppets, "Keep Fishin'." Steve continues to perform Statler in every production, including The Muppets in 2011.

• JANICE

• Originally performed by ERIN OZKER (1976-1977)
• Performed by RICHARD HUNT (1977-1990)
• Currently performed by DAVID RUDMAN (2008-present)
• Janice, the lead guitar player for Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem, was also not originally performed by Richard Hunt. Erin Ozker, one of the only female Muppet Show performers, performed Janice in the first season. When Season Two came along and Erin Ozker left the show, Richard Hunt was given Janice so that every main Muppeteer had a character in the Electric Mayhem. Janice remained silent for over a decade after Richard's death, until Matt Vogel did the voice for Janice in the 2001 video game Muppet Race Mania. Janice didn't speak again in puppet form until she was performed by Brian Henson in 2002's It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie. Like Scooter, Janice was not permanently recast until Studio DC: Almost Live! in 2008, where once again David Rudman was chose to take over.
• Erin Ozker performed Janice in The Muppet Show Season One in 1976 until she left the Muppets in 1977.
• Richard Hunt first performed Janice and made the character truly his own in The Muppet Show Season Two in 1977. Richard's final performances as Janice were in The Muppets at Walt Disney World and The Muppets Celebrate Jim Henson in 1990.
• David Rudman first performed Janice in Studio DC: Almost Live! Hosted by Dylan and Cole Sprouse in 2008. David continues to perform Janice with the rest of the Electric Mayhem, including their return in The Muppets in 2011.

• SWEETUMS
• Originally performed by RICHARD HUNT (1976-1991)
• Performed by JOHN HENSON (1996-2005)
• Currently performed by MATT VOGEL (2009-present)
• Sweetums was one of the only full-bodied Muppets performed by Richard Hunt. Richard gave Sweetums a lovable but gruff attitude with his voice and mannerisms throughout the run of The Muppet Show and in The Muppet Movie. Sweetums took a five year hiatus after Richard's death, until Jim Henson's son John Henson took over the character starting in Muppet Treasure Island in 1996. John Henson made many appearances as Sweetums for almost ten years until The Muppets' Wizard of Oz in 2005. The next permanent performer to take on Sweetums became Matt Vogel in 2009. Matt has performed the character since then in various appearances.
• Richart Hunt first performed Sweetums in The Muppet Show Season One in 1976. He continued to both operate and voice Sweetums until 1991, when he performed only Sweetums' voice in Muppet*Vision 3-D due to his deteriorating health.
• John Henson performed Sweetums starting in Muppet Treasure Island in 1996, doing both the voice and body work. John continued to perform Sweetums, one of the only characters he performed, until The Muppets' Wizard of Oz in 2005.
• Matt Vogel first performed Sweetums in the "Give a Day. Get a Disney Day." promotions in 2009. He first did both Sweetums' body and voice in "The Muppet Show Theme Song" music video with OK Go in 2011 and continued to perform Sweetums in The Muppets in 2011.

Well, that's class! I promise that quiz is coming eventually... I've just got to buy a printer. And ink. And a computer. Yeah... we're not having a quiz. Never mind.

See you next week when we'll cover the recasts of Jerry Nelson's characters!

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, ryguy102390@gmail.com

THE MUPPETS Wins at Critics Choice Movie Awards

Last night The Critics Choice Movie Awards were held and broadcast live on VH1. These awards help kick off the awards season, leading into the Golden Globes this weekend, the Academy Awards next month, and numerous other awards in between. The Critics Choice marked the first awards that The Muppets was nominated for, being nominated for Best Comedy and "Life's a Happy Song," "Man or Muppet," and "Pictures in My Head" being nominated for Best Song.

The Muppets unfortunately (but unsurprisingly) lost in the Best Comedy category to Bridesmaids. But for the movie to be nominated alongside huge comedic successes such as Crazy, Stupid, Love, Bridesmaids, and others is a major honor for the film.

The Muppets did, however, take home the statue for Best Song for "Life's a Happy Song"!! This category was not broadcast on VH1, but the LA Times later confirmed the victory for them. This win only yields positive things for the movie and the song, giving it a much better chance of both being nominated and winning subsequent awards, including the coveted Oscar. Our sincere congratulations go out to Bret McKenzie, James Bobin, Jason Segel, and everyone on The Muppets team for their first big win of the awards season!

There was also a treat for Muppet fans watching the Awards last night, when Statler and Waldorf made a brief appearance via satellite, heckling movie stars and blockbuster pictures from the comfort of their home (or a home) in their bed robes. Thanks to our friends at ToughPigs, who found the video, you can now watch the two old geezers in their appearance below!

Get More: 17th Annual Critics' Choice Movie Awards

Congratulations again to The Muppets for the big win for "Life's a Happy Song"! Unfortunately, the movie received no Golden Globe nominations, so our next big awards season event will come with the announcement of Oscar nominations on January 24th, with the Oscars ceremony on February 26th. It seems that The Muppets is a shoe-in for "Best Original Song" nominations there, and perhaps more... and more than likely we'll see some Muppets make appearances at the ceremony. But until then...

Life's a filet of fish... yes it is!

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, ryguy102390@gmail.com

News Update: December 8, 2011

NEWS UPDATE: December 8, 2011

Walter, everyone's new favorite Muppet fan, has been all over the place giving interviews recently. Two of them really stood out, however, and really showcase the brilliance of Walter as a character and Peter Linz as a performer and ad-libber. First up is this great interview with Walter from The Los Angeles Times, where he discusses Kermit the Frog as a parallel to Tom Hanks, his place with the Muppets, and a lot more. Then we have what is possibly my favorite interview of all time, as Walter talks to CNN's Geek Out! Blog about his Muppet-geek chic. In the interview, Walter mentions that he is an avid reader of The Muppet Mindset!! (Now you get why it's my favorite interview.) This is the first time that a Muppet has officially endorsed The Muppet Mindset... and we really could not be happier. Thanks, Walter!

For the first time in years, The Muppets will be appearing at the annual Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade on ABC on the morning of December 25th! An entry on the Disney Parks Blog reveals that Kermit will be there (with a new scarf) and Statler and Waldorf will be heckling the proceedings from a perch above Main Street, U.S.A. We might also be treated to a few other Muppets in attendance, so set your recording devices/alarm clocks/coffee makers to see the Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade on December 25th!

The Critic Show Podcast is not a weekly podcast run by Statler and Waldorf. It's a great podcast run by Scott Murray where every week he talks about movies, TV, and general geekdom. Last week, the show was all about The Muppets! The podcast went 100% Muppety as it welcomed guests Steve Swanson of The MuppetCast, Ryan Dosier of The Muppet Mindset (hey, that's me!), and Charles Grodin, best known to Muppet fans as Nicky Holiday from The Great Muppet Caper. It's a lot of fun and a great listen, so if you've got the time take a minute to hear some Muppety goodness from some talented people and Ryan Dosier!

Our good friends at Muppet Musings continually provide the Muppet fan world with great Muppet content via their YouTube channel and their blog, and these two interviews with the cast and crew of The Muppets are no exception! For a total of 56 minutes, these interviews will have you laughing and intrigued as Kermit, Miss Piggy, Walter, Jason Segel, Amy Adams, director James Bobin, music supervisor Bret McKenzie, writer Nick Stoller, and producers Joe Liberman and Todd Hoberman talk to the press about their new movie. Kermit and Piggy are in spectacular form here... so if you've got an hour to kill, give a listen!

Delta Sky Magazine, the magazine that rests in the pocket of the seat-back of the person in front of you every time you fly with Delta Airlines, has a fantastic article about The Muppets as its cover story for December 2011. Not flying Delta anytime soon? Well, you're in luck! The fine folks at Sky Magazine have put the entire article online just for you (note: probably not just for you)! It really is a fun, exciting read, so sit in a cramped seat in the middle of two people with half of your luggage at your feet, sit back, relax, and enjoy the flight! Er... article.







The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, ryguy102390@gmail.com

(Kind of) Weekly Muppet Quotes: Statler and Waldorf

Casey Daron - Who do you think the funniest Muppets are? In my opinion, it is Statler and Waldorf. A Muppet movie cannot BE a Muppet movie without Statler and Waldorf. Their wisecracks, remarks, and jokes maintain the comedy of the Muppets, and it wouldn't be the same without them. I've never truly thought of them as bad guys, and I am excited to see their role in The Muppets. Will Statler and Waldorf help Tex enough to destroy the theater? We will just have to wait a long eight days to find out.

"I always dreamed we'd be back here."
"Those weren't dreams! Those were nightmares!"
~ Statler and Waldorf, The Muppets

"I guess that all's well, ends well."
"Doesn't matter to me, as long as it ends!"
~ Statler and Waldorf, The Great Muppet Caper

"Well, Waldorf, they made it to Broadway."
"Yes, and I already bought tickets."
"Are they good seats?"
"Sure are. They're on the next train out of town!"
~ Statler and Waldorf, The Muppets Take Manhattan

"Is breakfast over?"
"No, why?"
"Because I think the bacon just ran out!"
~ Statler and Waldorf, Muppets From Space

"Every week, this show looks better to me."
"Every week, your eyesight gets worse!”
~ Statler and Waldorf, The Muppet Show, Episode 121

"Well, how do you like the film?"
"I've seen detergents leave a better film than this."
~ Statler and Waldorf, The Muppet Movie

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, ryguy102390@gmail.com

More Official Character Descriptions from "The Muppets"

The fine folks at Disney Publicity and Marketing have provided us with even more official character descriptions from The Muppets! You'll remember that way back in September we spotlighted character descriptions of Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie, Gonzo, Animal, Walter, Gary, Mary, Tex Richman, and Veronica. Well, these extra descriptions give insight into some of the other Muppet players. Check them out below and thanks again to Disney for the information!

STATLER & WALDORF (Statler & Waldorf) return to the balcony in Disney's "The Muppets" as feisty and curmudgeonly as ever. These two old hecklers let the insults fly—as well as serving an important public service. "We didn't want to be in the movie," explains Statler, "but we felt it was our duty." Adds Waldorf, "Yeah, somebody's got to warn the rest of the audience what they're in for."

This time, the duo takes center stage, sharing the fine print of the Muppet contract with villain Tex Richman. Of course, Statler and Waldorf ("The Muppet Movie," "The Great Muppet Caper," TV's "The Muppet Show") don't realize that Tex plans to raze Muppet Studios and drill for oil, which would mean the end of their balcony—and their heckling.

One thing is certain. Statler and Waldorf think everyone should see this movie. "We had to sit through it," says Statler. "The least folks could do is share our pain."

THE SWEDISH CHEF (The Swedish Chef) is behind some rather combustible culinary creations in Disney's "The Muppets," especially after he discovers a long forgotten refrigerator in the rundown Muppet Studios.

The Swedish Chef ("The Muppet Show") is equally at home in the kitchen and on set. Wherever he goes, he's fighting a never-ending battle against food and ingredients; a battle he rarely, if ever, wins. It didn't take much convincing to get him to return to Muppet Studios when production kicked off.

'Zikkledeffer gøøbee der smidleflingen," says the Chef. "Vooshkee høøksker mit gingen agloofe majuskee! Børk! Børk! Børk!" (Roughly translated: "It's not everyday you get offered to play the role of Chef from Sweden. Besides, I had a soufflé in the oven and an afternoon free, so why not!? Børk! Børk! Børk!")

DR. BUNSEN HONEYDEW & BEAKER (Dr. Bunsen Honeydew & Beaker) are still hard at work in Muppet Labs—where their latest invention shrinks poor Beaker ("The Muppet Show") to pocket size. Undeterred by this diminutive debacle, Beaker fortunately returns to normal size to complete his latest big-screen appearance, all with the help of his mentor and boss, the legendary Dr. Bunsen Honeydew ("The Muppet Show").

"We are scientific consultants on the movie as well as scientific consultants in the movie," says Honeydew. "Very meta, don't you agree?"

"Meep meep meep," adds Beaker, who—in addition to his scientific contributions—was also tapped for an all-Muppet barbershop quartet rendition of Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit."

SAM THE EAGLE (Sam the Eagle) lends his patriotic disdain to Disney's "The Muppets" in a heroic effort to add dignity to the telethon's opening musical number and spirit to the barbershop quartet.

Sam Eagle ("The Muppet Show"), who has always looked askance at the Muppets' supposedly entertaining efforts, explains his reason for being part of Disney's "The Muppets." "I play an American Eagle who stands for all that is good and decent in the world, thus standing in sharp contrast to the rest of the weirdoes in this movie."

ROWLF THE DOG (Rowlf) isn't exactly tough to track down in Disney's "The Muppets." Kermit and the gang fetch the piano-playing dog from a cozy hammock and convince him to return to the stage. And, it turns out, Rowlf's ("The Muppet Movie," TV's "The Muppet Show') unique canine musical sensibilities prove perfect for the all-Muppet barbershop quartet.

"You could say that this is Rowlf unleashed," says Rowlf, who has been with the Muppets since the early days. "In this movie, I really get to do what I like best—play piano, sing, tell jokes and take myself for long walks around the neighborhood."

SCOOTER (Scooter) takes the threat to Muppet Studios in Disney'’s "The Muppets" to heart. "I'm stage manager of the Muppet Theater," explains Scooter. "I try to help Kermit save the studio, 'cause without a theater and stage, there's really not much for a stage manager to do."

Scooter ("The Muppet Show") gets to play a new role in the movie—as host—when, in a pinch, Kermit calls on Scooter to fill in for him on stage. Unfortunately the classic advice Scooter gets to calm his nerves—pretend that the audience is naked—doesn't necessarily work for him.

DR. TEETH AND THE ELECTRIC MAYHEM BAND (Dr. Teeth, Floyd Pepper, Janice, Zoot & Animal) rock the house, shake the foundations and do both major and minor structural damage with their funky, heavy rockin' musical sounds. And even though Animal has allegedly sworn off drumming in exchange for a more peaceful existence, Dr. Teeth, Floyd, Janice and Zoot have other ideas in mind for their legendary drummer—all of which lead to a seriously rockin' rendition of "Rainbow Connection."

Dr. Teeth highly recommends Disney's "The Muppets." "If you see only one movie," he says, "this is absotively, possolutely the one to see! And if you see two movies this year, I'd recommend goin' to see this one twice. We need the gig, you dig?"

Janice agrees. "It will, like, help you achieve total inner grooviosity, fer sure." To which saxophonist Zoot adds "Huh?"

Floyd Pepper was chasing Animal and could not be reached for comment.

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, ryguy102390@gmail.com