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Home Theater Movie Renter's Guide - August, 2010

"Henson's Place" (DVD) - Reviewed by Jim Milton

Synopsis

This film is the original documentary about Jim Henson, the creative visionary that brought us the enchantment of “The Muppet Show,” Labyrinth and more. From honing his skills as a puppeteer in college to creating some of the world’s most beloved characters in the last 30 years, see the imaginative genius like never before. Enjoy interviews with Henson, his wife Jane, long-time puppeteer partner Frank Oz and others, as they share memories of the legendary “Muppet Show,” “Sesame Street,” and “Fraggle Rock,” with a behind-the-scenes look inside the revolutionary Henson Workshop. Experience Henson’s desire to celebrate the child inside all of us.

Commentary

Since the film was made in the mid-80s, it covers his work with Sesame Street, The Muppet Show, and Fraggle Rock - plus, a little bit of the early muppet movies and Dark Crystal. The development of Kermit and Big Bird are quite interesting. Keep in mind that the documentary is not quite an hour long, so it doesn't go into a lot of depth or detail. The thing that I think makes this such a great documentary are the personal interviews with Jim Henson, Jane Henson, Frank Oz and Lord Grade. If you are a Jim Henson fan and don't already have this in your collection you will probably want a copy.

Technical

Most of the footage is soft and grainy, typical of archival stock from the 80’s. Sound is in stereo, but dialog is clear.

Extras

The only extra is a 30 minute feature on the 1985/86 "Amphibian", a year book that was produced highlighting all the people and departments of the Henson companies around the world.

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