Barnes & Noble

Jim Henson’s puppet wizardry conjures up Frogtown Hollow, a pastoral Wind in the Willows-esque setting for Russell and Lillian Hoban’s Christmas-themed story of faith, sacrifice, and love. Emmet Otter and his widowed mother barely support themselves doing odd jobs, and the $50 grand prize offered in an upcoming holiday talent contest would afford each the opportunity to get the other an extravagant present. Readers of O. Henry’s "Gift of the Magi" can guess where this is heading, but Emmet Otter does manage a few surprises en route to its heartwarming conclusion. Paul Williams’s musical score is "otterly" delightful, and the visible strings supporting the all-puppet cast add their own retro charm. This DVD contains a segment about the making of Emmet Otter, the restoration of a lost song, and an amusing bloopers-and-outtakes section. Even without Kermit the Frog's original opening and closing appearances (seemingly a victim of pesky rights issues), Emmet Otter will, to quote one character, "leave you feeling pretty good." Donald Liebenson

All Movie Guide

Featuring a heart-warming story, the trademark Jim Henson wit, and beautiful songs, Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas originally aired as an HBO special. The story is a spin on the classic "Gift of the Magi," with the impoverished Emmet and his Ma each making a sacrifice in the hopes that it will help them win the yearly talent show, and enough money to buy the other a Christmas gift. Purists, take note: There have been multiple edits of Emmet Otter released over the years, with minor but noticible changes to dialogue, and the addition/removal of scenes featuring Kermit the Frog. ~ All Movie Guide

Product Details

• UPC: 031398114055
• Source: JIM HENSON COMPANY
• Presentation: Pan & Scan
• Sound: Dolby AC-3 Surround Sound
• Editions: Special Edition, Repackaged
• Sales Rank: 272

This DVD is also available as part of a box set:

• Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas/the Christmas Toy