Muppet*Vision 3-D was the very last project Jim Henson worked on before his death at the too-young age of fifty-four. In it, Kermit and crew have set up shop at Disney's Hollywood Studios, where they have formed Muppet Labs and Muppet Studios. The Muppets invite us to take a tour of their studios and preview Dr. Bunson Honeydew and Beaker's latest invention- Waldo: The Spirit of 3-D. As this is the Muppets, it doesn't take long for things to spiral wildly out-of-control as our tour and demonstration threaten to destroy the very theater we're seated in.
The queue rooms are decent enough, replicating the look of a studio building or office. The pre-show is a certified classic, so much so that crowds will line up early just so they can catch the whole thing. The theater we sit in is a faithful recreation of the classic Muppet theater from the Muppet Show (Easily one of the coolest things about this attraction).
Muppet*Vision 3-D has more on it's mind that good old-fashioned chaotic mayhem for the whole family. No, no, Muppet*Vision 3-D is actually a very clever commentary on the 3-D format. It uses Waldo: The Spirit of 3-D as a way to critique 3-D. Waldo is annoying and distracting. He is not needed, useful, nor does he add anything important to the proceedings. In fact, his presence actually detracts from the show, and he actively works to disrupt our tour/demonstration throughout. Can you see how these critiques can be applied to 3-D as well? Waldo was voiced by Steve Whitmire (who also voices Rizzo the Rat and Bean Bunny in the show). This is noteworthy as Steve would go on to voice Kermit from 1992-2017, before the Walt Disney Company ultimately dismissed him from their employ.
Muppet*Vision 3-D was directed by Jim Henson and Frank Oz (who also voices Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, and Sam the Eagle in the attraction). Bill Prady (‘Honey, I Shrunk the Audience’, ‘Here Come the Munsters’, 55 episodes of ‘Dharma and Greg’, 17 episodes of ‘The Muppets’ reboot, 280 episodes of ‘The Big Bang Theory’) wrote the screenplay for the attraction. Peter Anderson (T2 3D: Battle Across Time, Magic Journeys, Captain EO, Star Trek: The Experience - Borg invasion 4D, Newseum 4D Experience) was in charge of cinematography. The cinematography looks mostly grounded and life-like and the writing is classic Muppets all the way.
Disney has been slowly erasing their classic 3-D attractions. Honey, I Shrunk the Audience, The Captain EO re-release, and It's Tough To Be A Bug are all gone (well, Bug is on the way out shortly. Might have to review that one too. Such vivid memories). The Muppets have been given an eviction notice to vacate the premises as Muppet*Vision 3-D and the entire Muppets Courtyard (including fan-favorite pizza restaurant Pizzerizzo) is set to be demolished for a new Monsters Inc. themed land with a hanging door coaster, a new show, and possibly a smaller ride. The Muppets have been given the ok to take over for Aerosmith at Rock N Roller Coaster.
I'm obviously looking forward to the new Monsters Inc. land, but the big issue is that the land could have easily replaced Animation Courtyard instead. It would appear that corporate chose Muppets Courtyard as the location mostly because there is office space located behind Animation Courtyard that they plan on using for staff and higher-ups. Just goes to show where their real priorities lie (Want more proof? They are turning the Galactic Star Cruiser Hotel into office space for Imagineers when the hotel sits on a LARGE piece of land that really should be used for future expansion of Disney's Hollywood Studios).
So, I guess that's it for Muppet*Vision 3-D. Disney has promised they're looking into ways to preserve the movie and other aspects of the attraction, though I'm betting they just drop the queue video and main show on Disney + and call it a day. Muppet*Vision 3-D was the last remnant of the original, classic Muppets before Disney took over and diluted the brand and its signature tone and style. It's a shame to lose such a culturally important attraction, but Disney never really cared much about the Muppets to begin with. Just look at how they've treated Henson's lifework after his untimely passing.
5 STARS
