Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Like many of the other reviews, this version is extremely frustrating. Some of the best scenes and songs are edited out. For those who have seen the unedited version as it was broadcast on television, you probably won't like this. If you haven't seen the edited version, you may like this. However, there are scenes that may have you thinking - "What happened?" "That was short." "Did they cut something out?" I sent an e-mail to Jim Henson productions. The official explanation has to do with licensing and copyright issues on the songs that were edited out. For example, Henson was cleared to use the Muppet Babies singing 'Santa Claus is coming to Town' on television. However, they were not licensed to release it on DVD / VHS. Here is the more frustrating point. Many movies have had similar issues. Weird Science, Heavy Metal, etc. were all held up being released on video because of songs, licenses, artist royalties, etc. However, all of them were eventually worked out and released. I think that Henson productions could do something similar. One can always hope. Added: December 18, 2006 Here's what Henson Productions had to say about the edited versions Thanks for your email regarding A Muppet Christmas Carol & Emmet Otter's Jugband Christmas. It is true that the video releases of of these productions are shorter than the broadcast specials. The original agreement that was made for the music was for the original TV broadcasts only. Subsequently, when we tried to arrange for the home video we were not allowed to release it unless certain sections were removed. This situation, which currently remains unchanged, is regrettable both to us and to our many friends who have been disappointed with their purchases. FYI, The Walt Disney Company acquired The Muppets and the Muppet properties from The Jim Henson Company some time ago. Since this is now a Disney property perhaps you might write to them with your complaint perhaps they can rectify the situation since we no longer can. The Walt Disney Company 500 S. Buena Vista St. Burbank, CA 91521-9722 Phone: 818-560-1000 Fax: 818-560-1930 [...] Again thank you for writing and for your interest. Regards . . . The Jim Henson Company