Elmo's World Explores Faces on DVD

Sesame Workshop and Genius Products are planning to release a band-new DVD entitled "Elmo's World: All About Faces!" on September 1, 2009. This 56-minute DVD will feature three complete episode of "Elmo's World" focusing on the face - noses, eyes and mouths.

"Elmo's World" stars the loveable Muppet Elmo along with his goldfish Dorothy and his silent human friend Mr. Noodles. In this collection of episodes Elmo learns about winking and whistling, he discovers that the optometrist can help you take care of your eyes, he finds out why it's important to blow your nose; and learns how brushing your teeth will help keep your mouth happy. Episodes on this DVD feature appearances by Cookie Monster, Bert & Ernie, Oscar the Grouch, and special guest Fred Newman.

Bonus features on this DVD include the all-new "Elmo's Make-a-Face" game, which allows players to mix-and-match facial features (such as eyes and noses) to create their own unique Sesame Street characters. I will be sure to keep you posted with more information on this title as more details become available.

Beaker at The Webby Awards

As previously reported, Beaker won a Webby! Beaker's "Ode to Joy" music video was earned a People's Voice Award at the 13th annual Webby Awards. Beaker appeared live at the awards ceremony on Monday night to accept the Webby and make a brief speech. Watch what happened below:

eFX Inc to Produce Authentic Muppet Photo Puppets

It was announced today that eFX Inc. is picking up the license to produce authentic Muppet "Photo Puppet" replicas. Disney is partnering to eFX to produce highly-collectible Muppet pieces. The license was previously held by Master Replicas, who produced three Muppet replicas between 2006 and 2008 – Kermit the Frog, Animal and the Great Gonzo. eFX plans to continuing this class of collectibles with more full-sized Muppet "photo puppets." These life-size, full-body "photo puppets" will be highly detailed and skillfully crafted collectibles.

The line of Muppet replicas is said to kick-off with such characters as Rizzo the Rat, Reporter Kermit, Pepe the King Prawn, and Miss Piggy. The company is also looking into the feasibility of producing a full-scale Fozzie Bear replica down the road.

Proto-types for the debut "photo puppets" are already in the works and eFX plans to preview several pieces from their Disney collection during the San Diego Comic-Con in July, and at Disney’s first-ever D23 Expo in September. For more information on eFX’s current and upcoming collectible pieces, visit the eFX website - efxcollectibles.com. I will be sure to keep you updated as more information becomes available on this new line of high-quality collectors' products.

"Letters to Santa" DVD Details!

Just hours ago we reported that the 2008 holiday special "A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa" would be coming to DVD this fall. The collectable DVD release will hit stores on September 29, 2009. Since our initial report I've received even more details on this exciting release from the fine folks at Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment.

Aside from the complete hour-long television special, the DVD will also include over 15-minutes of original bonus material! The bonus features include an all new documentary-style featurette entitled "Searching for Santa Claus," plus a collection of never-before-seen deleted scenes from the special. The single-disc DVD release will come in an eye-catching collectable o-sleeve package and will carry the suggested retail price of $26.99.

"A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa" features the Muppet gang on a quest to get three misplaced letters to Santa Claus before Christmas Eve. The musical special features appearances by Nathan Lane, Whoopi Goldberg, Richard Griffiths, Jane Krakowski, Petra Nemcova, Uma Thurman, Tony Sirico, Steve Schirripa, Michael Bloomberg, Madison Pettis and Paul Williams. The special, directed by Kirk Thatcher, was written by Hugh Fink, Scott Ganz, Andrew Samson, and Paul Williams.

I will keep you updated with any more information on this exciting holiday release as information becomes available.

Muppets Deliver "Letters to Santa" on DVD this September

"A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa", the Muppet's 2008 NBC television special, is coming to DVD! Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment has announced plans to release the holiday production on DVD in time for the 2009 holiday season, hitting DVD stores on September 29, 2009.

In the special, the Muppets accidently divert three letters on their way to Santa Claus, so Kermit, Fozzie, Gonzo, Rizzo and Pepe set off to hand-delivering the letters to Santa before Christmas Eve. The 1-hour musical special features appearances by Nathan Lane, Whoopi Goldberg, Richard Griffiths, Jane Krakowski, Petra Nemcova, Uma Thurman, Tony Sirico, Steve Schirripa, Michael Bloomberg, Madison Pettis and Paul Williams.

Additional details for this release (such as bonus features, cover art and other techincal specifications) have not been announced at this time. I will be sure to keep you updated with more information on this release as soon as more details are confirmed.

Henson Goes on a Monster Safari

It has been announced that the Jim Henson Company is planning to produce a stop-animated feature entitled "Monster Safari." The creative team at the renown stop-motion animation studio Screen Novelties - Mark Caballero, Chris Finnegan and Seamus Walsh - will animate and direct the project; while Craig Zobel and Matt Chapman are said to be penning the script.

"Monster Safari" began life as a short film from Screen Novelties that Henson executives Lisa Henson and Jason Lust saw and decided to spin into a feature. The film follows the adventures of Basil and Pang, two charmingly inept cryptozoologists in search of Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, and other mythical beasts. However things become complicated when Buckminster, the world's most insane big-game hunter, begins hunting the beasts. Basil and Pang spring into action in an attempt to save the rare creatures from the ruthless hunter.

Jason Lust, Senior Vice President of Feature Films for the Jim Henson Company, said of the project: "What's great about Screen Novelties is their look and feel is very Henson-esque. There was a stylistic similarity... [the writers] have a wry, witty sense of humor that fits perfectly with the Henson and the Screen Novelties approach to comedy."

I will be sure to keep you updated as soon as more information on this upcoming film becomes available.

Fozzie Bear's "Late Late Show" Cameo

Fozzie Bear made a surprise appearance in the cold-opening of last night's episode of CBS's "The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson." The Muppets' resident stand-up comedian appeared in a brief skit with "Late Late Show" guest Denis Leary. If you missed this unannounced cameo appearance, you can watch the whole bit in the video player below courtesy of CBS.com. Enjoy!

Henson Alternative Teams Up with Microsoft for "Mann-ster"

As previously reported, the Jim Henson Company has partnered with Film.com to produce two original web series under their Henson Alternative banner. These two series, "Simian Undercover Detective Squad" and "Alt/Reality", are planned to debut on the web later this year. The company is also partnering with Microsoft to produce an original Henson Alternative webseries. The new series is being developed by the Henson Company for Microsoft's Zune.

The upcoming series, entitled "Mann-ster", will be a live-action puppet series about a hapless man who works as a mall cop by day, but turns into a crime-fighting hamster at night.

Producers are aiming to distribute "Mann-ster" for the viewing on Microsoft's Zune media player with the potential for additional distribution via the MSN online and Xbox Live platforms. I will be sure to keep you updated with more details this upcoming Henson Alternative project as more details are confirmed.

The Sesame Street Muppets Celebrate America in "A Capitol Fourth"

The Muppets of Sesame Street will help America celebrate its 233rd birthday this summer with a musical appearance in A Capitol Fourth, a national Independence Day concert celebration. The annual concert event is broadcast live on PBS and NPR; it is viewed and heard by millions across the country and around the world, as well as attended by more than half a million people who gather at the US Capitol Building in Washington, DC.

This year's concent will be hosted by actor Jimmy Smits and feature performances by Barry Manilow, Aretha Franklin, the Muppets of Sesame Street, Michael Feinstein, the cast of Jersey Boys, Andrew von Oeyen, the Choral Arts Society of Washington, the National Symphony Orchestra, and others. This performers will light up the stage on the West Lawn of the United States Capitol for the 29th annual A Capitol Fourth celebration, followed by one of the most spectacular fireworks display anywhere in the nation.

Big Bird, Elmo, Cookie Monster, Oscar the Grouch, and others Muppets from the cast of Sesame Street will be on hand to celebrate the special occasion. The Muppets will perform a musical medley of patriotic favorites as well as classic songs from their iconic children's television series.

A Capitol Fourth will be broadcast live on PBS on Saturday, July 4, 2009 from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. ET (check your local listings for details), as well as on National Public Radio and to American troops around the world on the American Forces Radio and Television Network. So be sure to check out this patriotic appearance by the Sesame Street gang this 4th of July and celebrate America with the Muppets.

Muppets' Halloween Special Coming this Fall

Earlier this year it was reported that Disney's Muppets Studio was looking at the possibility of producing a Halloween special starring the Muppets. I have received word that Disney is developing the idea and a Muppet Halloween special is planned for this fall. The details of the special are being kept tightly under wraps, however the word is that the Muppet crew will begin filming in the next month!

The all-new haunting television special is planned to debut this fall on an undisclosed network. I will be sure to keep you updated as soon as details are confirmed and more information becomes available. However fans should be prepared to enjoy a spooky Halloween adventure with Kermit, Fozzie, Gonzo, Miss Piggy and the gang on television this fall.

Oscar the Grouch Teaches Money Management in ABC Special

Oscar the Grouch, Sesame Street's green and grourchy Muppet, will appear in an all-new television special this Friday on ABC to teach viewers about finance. The television special, entitled UN-BROKE: What You Need to Know About Money, aims to explain the basics of finance and managing your money. The special gives an unconventional look at the fundamentals of everyday finance with facts about credit cards, mortgages, stocks and bonds, investing and 401(k)'s, in a fresh new format combining information and humor. The one-hour television special is scheduled to air on Friday, May 29, 2009 (9:00 - 10:00 pm, ET) on the ABC (check your local listings for details).

Hosted by Good Morning America contributor Mellody Hobson, the special will also feature appearances by Will Smith, Samuel L. Jackson, the Jonas Brothers, Christian Slater, Cedric the Entertainer, Seth Green, Rosario Dawson, the E*Trade Babies, and many others.

So be sure to tune in to ABC this Friday for an educational look at managing money, and a fun financial-focused appearance by Oscar the Grouch. For more information on the special, visit ABC.com

Muppet Comics Roll on with The Muppet Show, Robin Hood, and Peter Pan

BOOM! Studios plans to continue their series of Muppet comic books with more mini-series. The company currently has two 4-part Muppet Show comic book series underway, plus two 4-part fairy tale adaptations coming soon.

The first Muppet mini-series, "The Muppet Show Comic Book" by Roger Langridge, launched in March with monthly installments following thereafter. The third issue will be released soon, and the 4-part story arc is set to conclude in June. The series became an instant top-seller, with the first two issues already entering second printings. However Roger Langridge's adaptation of The Muppet Show won't end after issue #4, as the series will be followed by another four-part arc by Langridge entitled "The Treasure Of Peg Leg Wilson". The second Muppet Show comic arc will kick off in July and follow with monthly installments into the fall.

BOOM! is also readying a series of Muppet fairy tale books with twisted retellings of classic tales staring the Muppets. The first comic, "Muppet Robin Hood", will run throughout the summer with a four-part story featuring Kermit the Frog in the titular role of Robin Hood and Miss Piggy as Maid Marion. While originally planned to launch last month, the series' release was somewhat delayed; however the first issue was sent to print last week and issue #1 is planned to hit comic book stores on Wednesday (May 27th). In the comic, Robin Hood and the Merry Men take on the stuffy Sheriff of Muppetham (Sam the Eagle) and the wicked Gonzo of Gisbourne. The mini-series is being written by Tim Beedle, with artwork by Armand Villavert Jr.

The fourth Muppet comic arc, also retelling of a classic story, will be "Muppet Peter Pan". The 4-part arc is planned to hit comic book stores and newsstands around August. The timid Kermie Pan resides in the magical realm of Neverswamp, where the pushy fairy Piggytink tries to toughen him up! One night, while searching for his shadow, Kermie Pan and Piggytink encounter the Darling children, who run away to Neverswamp and encourage Kermie Pan to battle Captain Gonzo! Written by Grace Randolph with artwork by Amy Mebberson, the issues in the 4-part comic will also feature special covers by David Petersen.

I will be sure to keep you updated with more information on all the upcoming Muppet comic books as more details and titles become available.

Elmo & Gordon Teach Ways to Stay Healthy

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have joined forces with Sesame Street to produce a national PSA campaign designed to encourage families and children to take steps to protect themselves from the H1N1 influenza virus. The campaign is sponsored by the Department of Health and Human Services, the Ad Council and Sesame Workshop. So be on the lookout for the new public service announments and other material designed to teach ways to stay happy and healthy. For more information on the campaign, visit sesamestreet.org.

Sid and Sesame Sweep Daytime Emmy Nominations

Earlier today the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences announced the nominees for the 36th Annual Daytime Entertainment Emmy Awards. The awards recognize outstanding achievement in all fields of daytime television; the Jim Henson Company's newest television series Sid the Science Kid received two nominations, and Sesame Street earned a remarkable 15 nominations – including the nominations of Leslie Carrara, Kevin Clash, Chris Knowings and Marty P. Robinson in the outstanding performer in a children's series category.

Additionally, this year's Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Sesame Street for its 40 years of education and entertainment. The 36th Daytime Emmy Awards ceremony will be broadcast live on the CW Television Network on Sunday, August 30th, 2009 (check your local listings for details).

Sesame Street's 2009 Daytime Emmy Nominations:
• Outstanding Performer in a Children's Series: Leslie Carrara-Rudolph as Abby Cadabby
• Outstanding Performer in a Children's Series: Kevin Clash as Elmo
• Outstanding Performer in a Children's Series: Chris Knowings as Chris Robinson
• Outstanding Performer in a Children's Series: Martin P. Robinson as Telly Monster
• Outstanding Pre-School Children's Series
• Outstanding Original Song - Childrens and Animation: "The Addition Expedition"
• Outstanding Original Song - Childrens and Animation: "Elmo's Ducks"
• Outstanding Original Song - Childrens and Animation: "I Don't Wanna Be a Prince"
• Outstanding Directing in a Children's Series
• Outstanding Achievement in Costume Desing / Styling
• Outstanding Achievement in Lighting Direction
• Outstanding Achievement in Music Direction and Composition
• Outstanding Achievement in Technical Direction / Electronic Camera / Video
• Outstanding Writing in a Children's Series
• New Approaches - Daytime Children's Entertainment

Sid the Science Kid's 2009 Daytime Emmy Nominations:
• Outstanding Children's Animated Program
• Outstanding Achievement in Main Title & Graphic Design

For the complete list of nominees, be sure to check out the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences' official website at emmyonline.org; and don't forget to catch the 36th Annual Daytime Emmys to see how many awards Sid the Science Kid and Sesame Street take home this year. We congratulate the casts and crews of Sid the Science Kid and Sesame Street on their remarkable achievements and wish them the best of luck at the Emmy ceremony in August.

"Sesame Street: Silly Songs" Returns to CD Stores

Sesame Workshop and KOCH Records have announced plans to re-releases the classic Sesame Street album "Sesame Street: Silly Songs" on CD later this month. The currently out-of-print album feature great Sesame Street music including such favorites as "Monster in the Mirror", "Captain Vegetable" and "The Honker-Duckie-Dinger Jamboree". The re-released album is set to hit store shelves on May 19, 2009. The newly remastered CD features all-new artwork that matches Sesame Workshop's current design style for consumer products; additionally the new CD includes a color booklet contain the lyrics to all the songs!

So be sure to pick this album up when it hits stores next week (and with a suggested retail price under $10, how can you say no?). Below is a copy of the official track listing for the title; and I will be sure to keep you updated as information on future Sesame Street audio releases become available.

Track listing:
1. The Honker-Duckie-Dinger Jamboree
2. Batty Bat
3. I'm Proud to Be a Cow
4. Everything in the Wrong Place Ball
5. This Song Is for the Birds
6. There's a Hole in the Bottom of the Sea!
7. Captain Vegetable
8. Keep in the Park Clean for the Pigeons
9. Love in the Junkyard
10. The Transylvania Polka
11. Oh, Look What Our Baby Can Do
12. Big Round Nose
13. Elephant Elevator Operator
14. Boogie Woogie Piggies
15. Monster in the Mirror

Watch Michelle Obama & Elmo Promote Healthy Habits

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Labyrinth Comes to Blu-Ray

Jim Henson's 1986 fantasy film Labyrinth is getting the HD treatment this fall, with its first ever Blu-Ray release. Sony Pictures Home Entertainment announced today that Labyrinth is planned for release on Blu-Ray on September 1, 2009. The disc specifications for the title have not been announced, and I will be sure to keep you updated with information on bonus features and other specifications as soon as such details are announced. I have also been told that The Dark Crystal is slated for a Blu-Ray release this year as well, however a specific date has not been set. I'll keep you updated on all these exciting Hi-Def Jim Henson releases.

Kermit the Frog Supports The Prince's Rainforests Project

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Michelle Obama Visits Sesame Street

While addressing a crowd at the United Nations in New York yesterday, First Lady Michelle Obama announced that she had just visited Sesame Street, and she was absolutely giddy from the experience. "I'm thrilled to be here, but I was just at 'Sesame Street' — I'm sorry," Mrs. Obama said. "And I never thought I'd be on 'Sesame Street' with Elmo and Big Bird and I was thrilled. I'm still thrilled. I'm on a high!"

The First Lady visted the set of Sesame Street to record a public service announcements for Sesame Workshop’s Healthy Habits For Life Initiative. In the PSAs, Michelle Obama and longtime Sesame Street resident Elmo chat about the importance of eating right, exercising regularly, and being a healthy and positive role model.

"I think it's probably the best thing I've done so far in the White House. But we were there talking about nutrition and healthy eating, and it's just been a thrill."

Look for the PSA to begin airing soon. I will be sure to keep you updated with more information on these PSAs and Mrs. Obama's visit to Sesame Street as more information becomes available.

Beaker Wins!

Winners were announced today for the 13th annual Webby Awards and Beaker clinched the win of the People's Voice Award! Beaker's Webby-nominated "Ode to Joy" music video was voted the People Voice Award in the Music sub-category of Online Film & Video. A big thanks to everyone who voted and supported Beaker in the polls; and congratulations Beaker, Muppet Studios, Soapbox Films and everyone else involved in bringing this video to the web.