Customer Reviews

Henson's Place: The Man Behind the Muppets

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4 star:		(2)
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This video is a documentary from around 1985. It profiles Jim Henson and some of the people that worked for him. 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. Keep in mind that the documentary is only about an hour long, so it doesn't go into a lot of depth. 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.

The video is full-frame (1.33:1, not widescreen) and has both English/Spanish subtitles. 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. The first 7 minutes is an introduction by Michael Frith - who was the "Faculty Advisor" for the book's creation. The rest of the feature is a non-interactive video slide show of the pages of the book. There are a number of trailers for some new Lionsgate films on the dvd too - then animated film "Alpha and Omega" looks interesting.

Received this new unopened item right away. Great video for those who are Jim Henson's/Muppet fans. Basically a documentary on how he got started with actual interviews with Him Henson, wife Jane, Frank Oz and others. Would like to see a part two done as a continuation of the documentary. GREAT!!!!

Great DVD and delivered in a timely fashion.I thoroughly enjoyed it even though I thought it was a retrospective of Mr. Henson's life and Accomplishments. Actually it is up to about 1986 or so. I thought it would go all the way to his tragic death in 1990.It's probably for the best it wasn't though.When A biography about somebody who has passed on is made it tends to end on a down note. Mr. Henson was all about Up notes.

I could write a review which tells you everything about this DVD but all that really needs to be said, is just go ahead and buy it! Since if you are from a generation which remembers Jim Henson's work and how influential it was, then this DVD will satisfy those memories. There is so much I could write about Henson's work and we all know how important it was to so many people around the world that this release could have offered more as he was one of the great figures in American culture who showed the world that imaginative ideas can shape the world for the better and that more than anything is Henson's legacy, the power of the rebellious imagination in the face of oppressive convention. As with the newest Sesame Street DVD, 40 Years of Sunny Days,which holds interviews with Jim Henson, this DVD presents us similarly with early footage showing the mans genius at work, it reminded me that it wasn't only his creative eye which gave Henson's work distinction but how he saw the world, he truly believed that nothing was impossible and he saw that we are essentially all the same, one big family and his worlds showed this, always affirming that belief and we were, as an audience part of his vision for a better world and it was more full filling and more rewarding an idea than the political structures which surrounded us as children at that time. He was at heart an artist, a positive thinker and this shaped his success and so possibilities did open up for him, however it was hard work! If you are a devoted Henson follower then I don't need to convince you to buy this DVD but if you are part of a generation who missed him, well do buy it because it is a phenomenal echo which will give you an insight into that world of film and television, the best of what was achieved is there in Henson's story and I can assure you it is all true and there is much more to tell making his story inspiring for anyone who has a growing imagination.

I bought this DVD to introduce my 5th grade students to Jim Henson in our puppet-making unit. The kids found this entertaining although it is probably better suited for older students. We watched the first 29 minutes (right up to where they mention "sex" as a describing word of monster!) Personally, I love watching this dvd. It is so fun to see Henson at work and this provides a good glimpse into all he accomplished. Glad I have it in my collection.

This DVD was purchased as a gift for an adult. She was very pleased. The DVD arrived promptly in good condition.

Henson's Place is a 52-minute TV documentary made in 1984, when the Muppet Shows were being produced. Extremely illuminating background on Muppets and puppeteering. Also contains the Jim Henson Company yearbooks for 1985-1986. Even the 52-minute running time is nostalgic for the era when a TV hour actually ran 52 minutes!

If you are a fan of Jim Henson and his fabulous Muppets, this is some good insight for you. It holds interviews with Jim Henson, Frank Oz, Jane Henson, and others. It shows Jim Henson at different points at his career. It holds clips and photos from numerous shows he created and spotlights people and parts of his life. It is a nice buy for those wanting to learn about Jim Henson.

The DVD is a great look at a creative genius with some wonderful clips from the past. A very enjoyable DVD which any Muppet/Sesame St./Fraggle Rock/etc. fan should get.