Muppets From Space

Based on the 20-year-old running gag concerning Gonzo's origins (not to mention species), Muppets from Space finds our furry friend suspecting that he's a refugee from an alien race--a suspicion shared by villainous paranoid military type (Jeffrey Tambor). The government vs. extraterrestrial premise sets up gags based on every "aliens among us" film of the last 25 years. Fortunately, the film also offers the simple pleasure of time spent with old friends, such as Kermit, Miss Piggy and Animal. Although the film has an inconsistent tone and a fairly high rate of duds to chuckles--rarely hitting the high points of classic, anarchic Jim Henson-era Muppet wit--there's still enough subtly subversive humor to make you glad these old-time entertainers are still around. A strong optional purchase. (S. Renshaw)[Blu-ray Review—Aug. 30, 2011—Sony, 88 min., G, $19.99—Making its first appearance on Blu-ray, 1999's Muppets From Space sports a fine transfer and DTS-HD 5.1 audio. Blu-ray extras are carried over from the previous DVD release, including outtakes (6 min.), a music video for “Shining Star” by the Dust Brothers featuring Jeymes, and trailers, as well as a bonus DVD copy of the film, and the BD-Live function. Bottom line: not one of the Muppets' best, but full of fine moments, fans will appreciate this on Blu-ray.]