This delightful collection of episodes from The Muppet Show celebrates three British comic giants who rose to fame in the 1960s and early '70s. Peter Sellers is right at home immersing himself in layers of costumes and ... more »accents, portraying a gypsy violinist getting heckled by his kin and a sadistic orthopedist (with Hitler mustache) tying patients into knots. (During Kermit's ritual interview with a guest, Sellers says, "I do not exist. I had myself surgically removed.") While actor-musician Dudley Moore's guest shot never quite gets traction--the script is dominated by lame jokes about a music-making machine threatening the jobs of the Muppets' house band--there's a funny jam session featuring Moore on piano in a crumbling set. The John Cleese show is best, with the lanky Monty Python genius outraged about having to work with pigs and refusing to participate in cheesy Wagnerian opera. --Tom Keogh« less
"It's astonishing to see Peter Sellers, arguably one of the best actors of all time, working so gamely with the Muppets. Like the chameleon that he is, Sellers throws himself into each sketch that he performs, be it as Boris the beleaguered gypsy musician, a Strangelove-esque masseuse who leaves Link Hogthrob tied up in knots, or even as himself, whispering quietly to Kermit that he has had the real himself surgically removed, then playing a pair of tuned chickens under his armpits while reciting the "winter of discontent" speech from Richard III. Positively fascinating.Cleese, too, is a scream, especially as a sea pirate who has lost his way on "Pigs In Space." Moore's show is apparently trying to send a message that was crucial at the time, but those not in on the joke are not going to get it as well. It's fun to watch Dudley at odds with Animal, though.And in "Muppet Extras," be sure to click on "Movie Mania," for a [take-off] of "The Godfather" that is a sight to behold."
An excellent DVD
S. Young | Bountiful, Utah USA | 12/27/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I own four Best of the Muppet Show. There's always an episode that you semi liked or just didn't like and the rest were wonderful. This DVD was all wonderful. The three actors were funny, even Dudley Moore and I'm not too fond of him. Peter Sellers was the best, he is an outstanding comedian who fits in so well with the spirit and humor of the muppets. From being a gypsy to a singing preacher it was great.John Cleese is always funny, his skit in Pigs in Space as a pirate from the 1600's with a jealous parrot always nagging him as he tries to take over the Swinetrek is a hoot. Dudley Moore's was the least outrageous but it had it's moments. Especially when the Muppet band was out for blood when Dudley brings in a mechanical music replacment for them. I really enjoy the episode. This is so worth 5 stars. I will enjoy it a lot."
Another 2 our of 3 Disk
A. Guyton | Fredericksburg, VA United States | 08/18/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"It seems that most of the Muppets disks are 2 out of 3 affairs- 2 good or great episodes, and one mediocre one. Sellers and Cleese are fabulous- the Sellers episode alone is worth getting the disk- but the Moore episode is just kind of flat, and his numbers aren't very interesting.
I have not had the disk problems that other reviewers seem to have. The audio on my disks is fine, and they play fine.
It is a shame that there isn't more "bonus material" on these disks, considering the price; they could be great ads for modern Muppet projects."
A great sell for Sellers alone
amazonkris | Toronto, Canada | 12/22/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Cheesy title, I know, but the aforementioned poor audio quality and lack of special features simply don't take away from the biggest selling feature of this DVD: Peter Sellers. I love John Cleese, and Dudley Moore is also talented man, but of the 3 episodes on here, Peter Sellers simply shines. Must be seen."
Awesome Fun
Andrew K. Bowerly | UW - Seattle, WA | 02/03/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Muppets are a great children's/adult/anyone can watch tv series. People, young and old, enjoy the witty, slapstick humor that is present in all of the episodes. The Talent that Jim Hensen has to perform with all these charachters, as well as the time it takes to put on a great variety show (even if they are muppet charachters) it takes a scheme and technique in order to have everything work well. THis is a great buy and you and your kids will laugh like it was the first time all over again."