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Emmet Otter's Jugband Christmas (Complete) - (Released) — Page 2

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Okay, maybe I'm not reading this carefully enough.

I own two DVDs of Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas. One is the Columbia/Tri-Star release with a run time of 50 minutes listed on the back cover. The other DVD from Hit Entertainment has "never before seen footage" on the front cover, and the back cover lists 100 minute run time, including bonus features. Columbia disc has Kermit on cover in corner, but no mention of Kermit on the Hit disc. Is the version you're compiling more complete than either of these? I picked up both discs at used DVD stores and haven't watched either yet...







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HEY, I'VE GOT AN IDEA! WHY DON'T YOU READ THE THREAD?
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Pretty sure I have a version 1 edit, taped directly off the original broadcast. I know for sure that the title appears late, because I started the video slightly late. It's missing a second or two at the beginning of the song, I think.

Let me check into this.
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Originally posted by: phraseturner
Okay, maybe I'm not reading this carefully enough.
I own two DVDs of Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas. One is the Columbia/Tri-Star release with a run time of 50 minutes listed on the back cover. The other DVD from Hit Entertainment has "never before seen footage" on the front cover, and the back cover lists 100 minute run time, including bonus features. Columbia disc has Kermit on cover in corner, but no mention of Kermit on the Hit disc. Is the version you're compiling more complete than either of these? I picked up both discs at used DVD stores and haven't watched either yet...
Both of the DVD's you've mentioned (each containing different "Version 2" edits) will be used, along with a DVD transfer of the "Version 1" HBO broadcast. V1 is the only source for the last 3 of 4 Kermit narration segments. The bonus footage from the HIT DVD (aside from the deleted scenes...a best source for many V1 bits) will not be used, as I encourage people to buy the HIT DVD, as it was made by people who care about the Muppets.
Originally posted by: kmcherry
Pretty sure I have a version 1 edit, taped directly off the original broadcast. I know for sure that the title appears late, because I started the video slightly late. It's missing a second or two at the beginning of the song, I think. Let me check into this.

Advance thanks for checking on this! I'm sheepish about using my tape because A) it's SLP speed, B) It's missing a few seconds here *and* there, and C) I have yet to find a way to transfer analog sources into the computer without the capture card making everything 1/3 darker than the original (the reason I want to rip from the DVD's instead of capturing them analog)!

Just to let everyone know, I plan on doing the bulk of Emmet during mid-November, after rehearsals and performances of "Beauty and the Beast" are done. (Not that editing this while covered in fur is all that inappropriate, but...) If that goes well, I'll move on to Muppet Family Christmas (maybe).

“The tragedy of your times, my young friends, is that you may get exactly what you want.”
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Good news and bad.

Good: I definitely have version 1, and I think it is complete (commercials cut, but the logos superimposed over the title card screen are still there). Quality, for something recorded so many years ago, is pretty good.

Bad: I can't find my DVD transfer. I only have an AVI file (around 400 megs). I tore apart my apartment and even went into my storage facility (my wife is not thrilled). No sign of it anywhere (neither am I). I could try transferring it again, but that can't happen until after Christmas (the VHS is at my parents' house--even then, since I won't have my computer, it would probably be a crappy transfer).

So I can try uploading the AVI file somewhere if people are interested in that. I'm sorry I can't be of more help.
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I wouldn't mind seeing the AVI (as it will show us exactly how complete your version is), and waiting for the VHS. Your help is definitely appreciated. In the meantime, I've got Emmet Otter, which I won't be starting until mid-November, and only after someone can help me find a DVD ripping program that will make editable AVI's for Adobe Premiere.
“The tragedy of your times, my young friends, is that you may get exactly what you want.”
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Happy to do so--I don't have uploader status at the Spleen, so I can try demonoid or apply for it here. Let me know what's convenient for people.
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No response yet from the Spleen. I'll give it another couple of days and then post to Demonoid.
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What.Cobbler: I'll assume that Adobe Premiere can't use avisynth files (which would make your live really easy).
Your only other answer would be to rip the DVD to your drive, use VirtualDubMod to load it up and re-encode the whole thing to a lossless avi format like HuffYUV.

Dr. M

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Originally posted by: kmcherry
No response yet from the Spleen. I'll give it another couple of days and then post to Demonoid.

Spleen seems to be in donation mode right now so they may not be responding yet. I had no idea they removed Kermit from the dvds! For shame! If I think of it, I'll check which dvd we sell at my store (I work at a FYE).

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getting it to Spleen would be great...!
Hammond
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Originally posted by: kaine23

Spleen seems to be in donation mode right now so they may not be responding yet. I had no idea they removed Kermit from the dvds! For shame! If I think of it, I'll check which dvd we sell at my store (I work at a FYE).

The Columbia/TriStar version is discontinued, so if FYE (or their sister Coconuts) have it, it will most likely be on VHS in the bargain bin (as it is in my local Coconuts). Kermit's on the cover of that one, and since it's the V2 edit, he only appears in the beginning. The one with Emmet, Ma, and the gang is the recent HIT release, containing V2 minus Kermit, and everything but Kermit that appeared exclusively in V1 (via the deleted scenes section). The HIT version also has bonus features, making it the best official DVD release of that special yet.

“The tragedy of your times, my young friends, is that you may get exactly what you want.”
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my mind melted when i found this thread/forum.
i spent the better part of the last 24hrs reminising about watching this on HBO as a lad, and then lamenting the fact that that version is not available.
not to mention being very confused about the versions and what's in what. still not sure i have it straight.

i'm going to buy the HIT version for my nephew (he won't care what's missing!), but i'd love to obtain a copy when you're done with your work.
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Originally posted by: What.Cobbler?
Originally posted by: kaine23

Spleen seems to be in donation mode right now so they may not be responding yet. I had no idea they removed Kermit from the dvds! For shame! If I think of it, I'll check which dvd we sell at my store (I work at a FYE).

The Columbia/TriStar version is discontinued, so if FYE (or their sister Coconuts) have it, it will most likely be on VHS in the bargain bin (as it is in my local Coconuts). Kermit's on the cover of that one, and since it's the V2 edit, he only appears in the beginning. The one with Emmet, Ma, and the gang is the recent HIT release, containing V2 minus Kermit, and everything but Kermit that appeared exclusively in V1 (via the deleted scenes section). The HIT version also has bonus features, making it the best official DVD release of that special yet.

We likely had it on VHS last yr, but we've recently stopped carrying VHS and cassettes this year.
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I have the VHS copy- Does someone need it. Not sure If I can capture it or not, but If it is needed, I bet something can be worked out.
Hammond
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Posted my AVI file of the Muppet Family Christmas to Demonoid under the creative title, "Muppet Family Christmas."

Let me know what you think!
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Originally posted by: JHammondC
I have the VHS copy- Does someone need it. Not sure If I can capture it or not, but If it is needed, I bet something can be worked out.

Any and all VHS of the original broadcasts are welcomed. I don't have a plan for getting them all together yet. First I need to finish performing in Beauty and the Beast this weekend, and then find a way to complete Emmet Otter. Until then, hold onto that tape! :-)
“The tragedy of your times, my young friends, is that you may get exactly what you want.”
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kmcherry, thank you for posting that AVI of MFC. If I never get around to doing my re-edit, you have provided everyone with possibly the most complete original version available. Even hardcore Muppet collectors only have the pre-DVD version 2. Excellent work...and let us know when you find the original tape, even if it's *after* Christmas. :-)

Oh, and bonus points for those ads. :-)
“The tragedy of your times, my young friends, is that you may get exactly what you want.”
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My family has always been huge muppet fans.
My mom has a really really really old picture and letter of Kermit and Jim (signed of course). She got that after complaining that Kermit did not get enough screen time (way back when he first appeared) compared to other characters.

That said, I'm embarrassed as hell that I have no idea what the Muppet Family Christmas is. Snatching it from Demonoid now.
Thank you so much, I can't wait for the restored EOJC.

Dr. M

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Muppet Family Christmas is basically a wet dream for Muppet lovers. The Muppet Show muppets sing carols at Fozzie Bear's mom's house with everyone from Sesame Street and Fraggle Rock (plus a Muppet Babies appearance, to boot). It's one of the last few specials they did before the (first) Disney merger (and Jim Henson's unfortunate passing). An excellent overview/critique can be found at http://toughpigs.com/myweekxmasmore03.htm (in two sections).
“The tragedy of your times, my young friends, is that you may get exactly what you want.”
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Got it, will watch it later. Quality is a bit... yucky.

Left channel audio only, bad high frequency hiss, and the bitrate should be about 20% higher for the resolution at 29.97 frames.
That won't stop me from enjoying it like a lost treasure of the muppet golden years that it is.

Dr. M

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kmcherry: Tonight I got to sit down and watch Muppet Family Christmas.
I was in high school when it came out and it's the first time I've ever seen it (can't understand why). Even my dad loved it.
I can't stop smiling from how much I enjoyed it.
I'm also once again reminded: Brian Henson is a hack who should just turn over everything to Disney and stop ruining the franchise.

Thank you for posting this. I sure hope someone can step up and give this the restorative treatment it deserves.

Btw, has anyone else seen this horror in the making? http://www.puppetup.com/

Dr. M

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Heh, I found that Puppet Up clip amusing.
“The tragedy of your times, my young friends, is that you may get exactly what you want.”
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Thanks for the Muppet Family Christmas special - it looks great! I never caught that one while growing up for some reason...

Do you have any DVD case artwork for that? I'd love to give a slick case to my brother-in-law (and my 2 year old niece) for Christmas. I'll post a request in the cover art thread as well.

Thanks again, and I'm looking forward to the Emmet project - that's another one that I missed but is HUGE with my wife's family.