Sunday, August 17, 2014

Blu-Ray Review: Muppets Most Wanted

The eagerly anticipated sequel to 2011's "The Muppets" is home on Disney Blu-Ray Combo Pack! After revitalizing The Muppets brand, where would director James Bobin and co-writer Nicholas Stoller take the gang now? Well, they start by literally starting the movie right after the last one ended! In the best song of the entire movie, the opening number is pure magic!

Then we find that The Muppet gang have no idea what to do after their successful return to the stage. They meet Dominic Badguy (Ricky Gervais) who promises them as their new manager he will take them on a world tour. All The Muppets are excited by this except for Kermit. But Kermit isn't there for much longer as is switched identities with the world's most dangerous criminal Constantine, a dead ringer for Kermit minus a mole. Dominic is Constantine's number two and have planned this world tour to led them on a world tour of crime!

In hot pursuit of these crimes is Interpol Inspector Napoleon (Ty Burrell) and C.I.A. Agent Sam Eagle. And in the meantime Constantine watches old Muppet Show episodes to be able to impersonate Kermit. Only one Muppet knows that this is a Bad Frog! Wait until you see who it is!

But where is Kermit you ask? He is in a gulag in Siberia run by Nadya (Tina Fey), who runs a strict prison but in turn needs Kermit's help for the annual prison show. Be prepared for some epic musical numbers here! Fozzie, Animal and Walter help Kermit escape. But will they be in time to be able to save the day? Find out when you see Muppets Most Wanted!

There are tons of great celebrity cameos that I will not spoil here. There is the typical zaniness that you would expect from The Muppets. And Constantine is responsible for perhaps one of the greatest sight gags ever seen in a Muppet movie! Add to that with some great songs from Bret McKenzie and you have a sequel that actually improves upon the last film!
Video:

The 1080p/AVC-encoded video is near perfect. The details on all of the Muppets from their fur, felt, hair, and clothing all look amazing. The textures come alive. Another fantastic transfer from Disney!
Audio:

The DTS-HD High Resolution 7.1 Surround Track is solid. The dialogue is still clean and well prioritized. The crowded theatre, busy streets and the musical numbers create an immersive experience.
Bonus Features:

The Unnecessarily Extended Cut: There are two version of the movie: the 107-minute theatrical release and an extended 119-minute version.

The Longer Longest Blooper Reel In Muppets History: A collection of outtakes from the movie.

Rizzo's Biggest Fan: Rizzo poses as a Muppet super fan to try to convince director James Bobin that Rizzo needs more screentime.

The Statler & Waldorf Cut: The two guys in the balcony show us their cut of the movie.

Music Video: "I'll Get What You Want" by Bret McKenzie


Conclusion:

Muppets Most Wanted felt more like the classic Muppet Show than the first movie. It brought back a lot of old memories and nostalgia. The video presentation is picture perfect as usual. The audio does leave a bit to be desired as does the bonus features. I think I'm the only person that still wants audio commentary. That being said, Muppets Most Wanted is a fun movie filled with great songs and deserves a place on my movie shelf!

*Disclaimer: I was provided a copy to review but the opinions are strictly my own*

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