mkurland23 Reviews

Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas (1977 TV Movie)

Jim Henson's Underrated Masterpiece Still Going Strong

[9/10 · 27 April 2024]

I didn't know what to expect from this TV special, but I knew that if Jim Henson was involved, we were really in for something truly special. Originally produced as a special for HBO in 1977, the story and songs have gained a life outside of that original broadcast. With the special's 50th anniversary approaching, I'm hoping that it can be released on home media in its uncut form with a special appearance from Kermit The Frog (Jim Henson).

With the various songs written by Paul Williams, the one that truly stands out is "When The River Meets The Sea," which some could consider an early draft of "The Rainbow Connection." It is a must-see for fans of both Jim Henson and the Muppets.

Spider-Man: The Animated Series: The Return of Hydro-Man: Part 2 (1997) Season 5, Episode 8

History repeats.

[8/10 · 7 January 2024]

The revelation that Mary Jane isn't the real person really broke Spider-Man's heart, especially since he would never officially be reunited with her during the remainder of the show's run. Now the comics have done something just as bad in order to keep them from getting back together again. Marvel's staff might have the power to create these stories. But they seem to have forgotten Spider-Man's cardinal rule: "With great power, there MUST also come great responsibility." In this case, they have failed us twice. At least John Semper had a way to fix it for the show. But the writers on the character in the comics seem to think that Spider-Man is undeserving of any kind of happiness.

Muppet*vision 3-D (1991)

The End of an Era: Jim Henson (1936-1990)

[10/10 · 6 December 2023]

Based on the words of numerous others, this 3-D film is an excellent example of the quirkiness of Muppets creator Jim Henson, and serves as a fitting farewell to their longtime friend. Apparently, Henson directed principal photography for this unique attraction, with Frank Oz taking over for the post-production. In addition to certain animatronic characters seen inside the theater like Statler and Waldorf, the Swedish Chef and the penguin orchestra, the audience is also given a live performer as Sweetums as well as the computer generated character of Waldo C. Graphic (Steve Whitmire). For Muppet fans who can't make a trip to the Disney parks, this short film should be made available in a modified version for either a physical media release or for streaming on Disney Plus. It marked the end of an era, but it jumpstarted a new beginning.

Muppets Tonight (1996–1998)

Muppets Tonight on Disney Plus?

[8/10 · 13 April 2023]

I remember watching this show on the Disney Channel during the point when it transitioned from ABC. It was still quite hilarious and featured guests like Jason Alexander, Tony Bennett, Whoopi Goldberg, Rick Moranis and even Prince. Even though Kermit is in a producer's role, he still has a lot of influence on the format of the show with Kevin Clash's character of Clifford taking over as host. The show hasn't been seen since its initial airings, and it's not officially available on either disc or streaming. I really hope that Disney can work out a deal with the Jim Henson Company to make the show available on either one of those formats in the near future.

In Memoriam: Jerry Nelson (1934-2012) Richard Hunt (1951-1992) & Jim Henson (1936-1990).

Phantom of the Opera: Behind the Mask (2006 TV Movie)

"The Phantom" Unmasked

[9/10 · 6 May 2022]

This BBC documentary is probably the most comprehensive behind the scenes look at the origin of the longest-running musical in Broadway history. It also reveals some of the actual drama backstage throughout the show's entire development. I only have two regrets. One is that this documentary didn't say much about the late Steve Barton, who originated the part of Raoul. The second is that we were finally given a sample of Steve Harley's rendition of "The Music of the Night" but we still have yet to hear that performance in its entirety. Despite those two problems, this is the true story behind Andrew Lloyd Webber's "The Phantom of the Opera." I also wish that this documentary would be available on physical media or streaming.

The Brave Little Toaster (1987)

Pixar's Prototype: "The Brave Little Toaster"!

[9/10 · 28 October 2021]

Even though "Toy Story" wouldn't be released until November of 1995, this little-known gem featured involvement from many of the future key Pixar team including Joe Ranft and John Lasseter. In fact, the film has been seen as possibly the prototype for "Toy Story" due to several similarities between both films. John Lasseter was originally intended to be the film's director, but his ambition of combining traditionally animated characters with CGI backgrounds was deemed too expensive and unfortunately led to him being fired from Disney. But the idea didn't die when Lasseter was given the boot. Jerry Rees, who assumed the director's chair, still had faith in the idea and finally got the film made. Others who helped shape the story included Brad Bird and Joe Ranft, both of whom would later join Pixar.

Despite being a hit on home media, it's sadly not included with the DTV sequels on any streaming service. Possibly due to a poor quality transfer made for Laserdisc back in the early 1990s. However, a 2003 UK DVD release used a fresh transfer from an international print. Hopefully, the original film will be seen for the classic it really is and will be given a proper transfer for the US market.

In Memoriam: Joe Ranft (1960-2005).

Star Trek Continues: Still Treads the Shadow (2017) Season 1, Episode 8

Two Kirks? Where's Shatner when you need him?

[9/10 · 20 October 2021]

The basic idea of Kirk encountering a much older version of himself is a fascinating one. It would have made a lot more sense if the older Kirk was brought to life by his original actor William Shatner. I'm guessing that Bill was busy with other projects which is why he didn't return. I'm just saying this story might have been better if Shatner had returned one more time.

Inspector Gadget (2015–2018)

"Go-Go Gadget Nostalgia!"

[7/10 · 11 October 2021]

Inspector Gadget is back, and his timing couldn't be better. With Dr. Claw resurfacing partially thanks to his nephew, Talon, Gadget will need all hands on deck. Once again accompanied by his niece, Penny, their dog, Brain and Chief Quimby, Inspector Gadget is always on duty. My only problems with this new series are the voice cast and the lack of the original theme from the classic series. The characters I would recast include: Maurice LaMarche: Inspector Gadget/Chief Quimby Frank Welker: Brain/Dr. Claw And D. L. Hughley as "Gadgetmobile"

The New Scooby-Doo Movies: The Dynamic Scooby-Doo Affair (1972) Season 1, Episode 2

Scooby-Doo Meets Batman

[8/10 · 3 October 2021]

With the Mystery, Inc. Gang teaming up with DC's Dynamic Duo, what's not to like? My only complaint is that they didn't use the voices from the 1966 Batman TV series which would've included: Burgess Meredeth as Penguin Cesar Romero as Joker Burt Ward as Robin & Adam West as Batman.

I also noticed an error with Batman's costume. His neck is visible despite the fact that it's covered up in the comics. Was that intentional, or just a mistake?

Spider-Man: The Animated Series (1994–1998)

Spider-Man: A Swinging Revival (But still no proper closure)

[9/10 · 11 September 2021]

"Spider-Man: TAS" was one of the best adaptations of the original character as created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. Producer/Story Editor John Semper, Jr. Really threw his heart and soul into bringing Spider-Man to life for a new generation. Unfortunately, he wasn't able to give the show a proper closure due to a disagreement between FOX Kids and Marvel. As a result, the series ended with a cliffhanger and no one knew what would happen next. Madame Web and Spidey were about to begin searching for the real Mary Jane Watson who had been trapped in limbo since the season three finale. But we never got to see the search and the events that would have happened. I'm hoping that Disney+ will be willing to make that final episode as a possible exclusive. But, in the meantime, we do have the other 65 episodes on that service completely uncut and a real blast from the past. 'Nuff said!

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine: Trials and Tribble-ations (1996) Season 5, Episode 6

Past Meets Present Perfectly

[10/10 · 15 May 2021]

I didn't know what to expect after watching the original episode "The Trouble With Tribbles." I was thinking "how could they have the DS9 characters seamlessly transported into an episode that was filmed 30 years before?" However, the final result speaks for itself and is one of the major highlights of DS9. If they were going to remaster an entire episode in HD, this one would be a good one to attempt because the original footage from 1967 is already in HD thanks to the "Remastered" project from 2006-2009. If CBS/Viacom is listening, and to use Captain Picard's words, "Make It So!"

Return of the Ewok (1982 Video)

"I find your lack of interest disturbing."

[8/10 · 13 September 2020]

I haven't been able to see this the way it was intended. However, after director David Tomblin posthumously won the Star Wars Fan Film Award for it in 2005, I believe that the fans deserve to see this fan film in the best possible quality, especially since one moment involving Boba Fett was included in the Original Trilogy gag reel on the 2004 bonus disc in spectacular quality. If you're listening, Lucasfilm, let the fans see this in the best possible presentation.

Star Trek: The City on the Edge of Forever (1967) Season 1, Episode 28

Star Trek's Finest Hour...Forever

[10/10 · 19 July 2020]

When Harlan Ellison first pitched this episode's concept to Gene Roddenberry, Gene was enthusiastic and wanted Harlan himself to write the teleplay, which he did. However, as brilliant as the original teleplay was, it didn't quite fit the established format. The final teleplay was rewritten by Gene L. Coon, D.C. Fontana & Gene Roddenberry himself to fit the established format. Despite being credited as the sole writer of the episode, Harlan Ellison almost never forgave them for the rewrites, carrying a grudge for almost half a century. When IDW announced that they would create a graphic novel version of Harlan's unaltered teleplay, he finally called off his grudge. But despite the behind the scenes tension between Ellison and Roddenberry, one thing was certain. "The City on the Edge of Forever" was the best written episode of the entire Original Series, and it will be, forever.

Star Trek: The Animated Series: Yesteryear (1973) Season 1, Episode 2

"The City on the Edge of Forever: Part II"

[9/10 · 12 July 2020]

To me, this episode is probably the best one of the Animated Series. For starters, it's written by the late, but legendary D.C. Fontana, who has written more for "Star Trek" than anyone except for Gene Roddenberry himself. Secondly, we get to revisit the location of the most popular episode of the Original Series, Harlan Ellison's "The City on the Edge of Forever." And we are given the opportunity to see Spock's childhood through his own eyes as he is forced to travel back in time to prevent his own death. Add the guest voice of Mark Lenard as Sarek, and you've got a rare episode that even Gene Roddenberry would have approved. In the event of the deaths of Gene Roddenberry, D.C. Fontana, Harlan Ellison, Mark Lenard, Majel Barrett & Leonard Nimoy, may this story and their legacies continue to "live long and prosper."

From 'Star Wars' to 'Jedi': The Making of a Saga (1983 TV Movie)

The Saga Behind the "Saga." Wish it was on DVD or Blu-Ray.

[9/10 · 22 March 2020]

Narrated by Mark Hamill, this documentary reveals most of the major secrets behind the scenes of the Original Trilogy. With additional comments from George Lucas and others who were involved, this documentary from 1983 is a must see for any fan of "Star Wars." My only problem is that it's not officially available on DVD or Blu-Ray. Here's hoping that we'll get it when the entire Saga is released in a special Blu-Ray collector's set, as well as the original theatrical versions of the Original Trilogy. I believe that the official website released it in chunks on YouTube, so we're still able to see it. I just wish that they had posted it as one video. Regardless, the Force is strong with this one.

The Beatles Anthology (1995–1996)

"A Splendid Time is Guaranteed for All."

[10/10 · 20 November 2019]

The Beatles' own life story as told by the Beatles themselves. What more could anyone ask for? Featuring new interviews with Paul, George & Ringo, as well as numerous archival words from John. Who would know their story better than them? In addition, we're treated to two songs created from unfinished demos by John Lennon by the other three to give us the final Beatles recordings: "Free As A Bird" & "Real Love".

I, for one, would love to see it remastered for Blu-Ray, but the presentations we have here are still in excellent quality. So, for both hardcore fans, as well as relative newcomers, "A Splendid Time is Guaranteed for All" because of these fab four:

• John Lennon (1940-1980)
• Paul McCartney (Born 1942)
• George Harrison (1943-2001)

&

• Ringo Starr (Born 1940).

Add them together, and it equals: The Beatles.

Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987)

Good Idea, Bad Execution

[6/10 · 24 August 2019]

Christopher Reeve had been offered creative control of the story for this film, which was originally budgeted at $36 million. However, poor business decisions by Cannon Films caused them to slash the budget to less than half of that. As a result, this film designed around an "A" budget was now being done on the cheap, which certainly did not help the story that Chris wanted to tell. What also didn't help was the deletion of 45 minutes of footage, which left severe plot holes. However two of those deleted scenes were completely finished and included in the international release of the film. Even though most of that footage was located in 2006, there was still a mystery concerning a print that was shown at a test screening in Southern California. I'm not sure if that print still exists, but I'm not qualified to go on that kind of scavenger hunt. But there was one thing that Superman said in the film that holds relevance even today. "There will be peace when the people of the world want it so badly, their governments will have no choice but to give it to them. I just wish that you could all see the world the way I see it. Because when you look at it, it's just one world."

Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back - Evolution (2019)

A Nostalgic Trip for Pokémon Fans

[9/10 · 18 July 2019]

A CGI remake of the very first Pokémon movie, "Mewtwo Strikes Back," this film serves as both a Nostalgia trip and a fresh introduction for new fans by retelling the story of the ultimate showdown: Mew vs. Mewtwo. On November 17th, "Training Is Over!"

Why, Charlie Brown, Why? (1990 TV Short)

"Peanuts" With A Very Important (And Personal) Message

[10/10 · 1 July 2019]

This "Peanuts" special is a huge departure from everything that had come before, to discuss the real illness of cancer. Schulz had previously insisted on a reading of the Biblical version of the true meaning of Christmas in the very first special. He insisted on this special being expanded from five minutes to the full half-hour of the previous ones because of how personal it was to him. (His mother died of cancer right as he was drafted into the Army.) In a way, this special was foreshadowing the very disease that would claim Schulz's life in 2000. I might have only seen parts of this special, but I believe it is a must-see for both kids and their parents so they understand what others might have to go through if they have cancer.

Snoopy: The Musical (1988 TV Movie)

"Just One Person" and just one DVD release needed

[9/10 · 1 July 2019]

While not as memorable as "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown," this musical still has a few memorable moments and melodies, including the unforgettable "Just One Person" which was a favorite of the late Jim Henson. When Warner Bros released "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown" on DVD in 2010, I was hoping that they would include this second Peanuts musical as a bonus feature, but they didn't. But I'm not losing hope. If Warner Bros plans to release the first one on Blu-Ray, this second musical should be included as well.

Gotham: Legend of the Dark Knight: The Beginning... (2019) Season 5, Episode 12

All Good Things...

[9/10 · 30 June 2019]

This show was quite an interesting alternate approach to the origin of the character of Batman. I'm sorry to see it go. At least, they kept their promise that the last shot we would see would be of Batman himself. However, I felt that it should have also included the track "Finale" written by Danny Elfman from the 1989 film by Tim Burton as a way of showing both an ending as well as a new beginning. Happy 80th Birthday, Batman.

Spider-Man Unlimited (1999–2005)

"To be Continued?"

[7/10 · 28 June 2019]

This show does have a few things that one would rather forget, as well as a few welcome additions like Spider-Man's new threads. However, just like the 1994 animated series, this show ended with a cliffhanger leaving what happened next up for debate. If I was working on this show, I would have at least given it a proper conclusion and brought Spider-Man back to his own Earth and back to Mary Jane.

Batman: The Animated Series: The Underdwellers (1992) Season 1, Episode 27

"Look Down, Look Down. You'll Always Be A Slave."

[7/10 · 8 June 2019]

This episode gave me a strong reminder of the conditions for the character of Jean Valjean from "Les Miserables." There were too many similarities between that kid Batman rescued and Valjean. The Sewer King reminds me of Javert, and his brutality.

SpongeBob SquarePants: Just One Bite/The Bully (2001) Season 3, Episode 3

The "Complete" Season Three lacks this episode Uncut.

[9/10 · 8 June 2019]

A few years ago, Paramount Home Entertainment and Nickelodeon released the First and Second Seasons of the show on DVD, billing them as "complete." Despite the same billing for Season Three, without the deleted footage from this episode, it is anything but "complete." And it won't be unless the uncut version of this episode is officially released. I think that enough time has passed for kids to know about the real danger that the deleted footage might have posed. In other words, the coast is clear to release the Uncut episode.

Star Trek Continues (2013–2017)

"These Are The Continuing Voyages..."

[8/10 · 19 April 2019]

Like "Star Trek: New Voyages" before it, this series had the same goal: to complete the Original Series' 5-year mission under the command of Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner, TOS. Vic Mignogna, "Star Trek Continues"). As Gene Roddenberry was quoted as saying in 1979, "The Human Adventure is Just Beginning."