Jim Henson’s Holiday Special is a gem for the whole family this Christmas. Jim Henson’s (Muppets, Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock) Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas, originally released in 1977, and The Bells of Fraggle Rock, originally released in 1984, have been remastered and brought to the big screen as a Fathom Event on December 10 and 16, 2018.
The Holiday Special begins with a brand new featurette, Memories of the Jug-Band, with celebrities and Jim Henson’s daughter, Cheryl Henson, sharing their memories and behind-the-scenes stories. This is followed by the remastered originals of Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas and The Bells of Fraggle Rock.
Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas is an adaptation of the illustrated book of the same name by Russell Hoban, illustrated by Lillian Hoban, in 1971. The TV version has an introduction and close from Kermit the Frog. The story follows Emmet Otter and his Ma, who are trying to earn money to financially support their family after their Pa had passed away. They do odd jobs to get by and encourage each other as a family by singing songs and playing outside in the snow and frozen river outside their home. They learn about a talent show that has prize money of $50. Ma and Emmet independently enter the contest with the hope to win the $50 to have enough money to buy each other a gift. Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas brings a positive message about family bond and hope during the good and bad times.
The Bells of Fraggle Rock is the story of Gobo Fraggle who is not overly excited about their Festival of the Bells holiday, the Fraggle’s most cherished celebration. So, Gobo journeys to find out if the Great Bell at the heart of Fraggle Rock is real. Through his search, he discovers that what he is looking for—the heart of the Festival of the Bells—is not inside the cave; what really matters is what’s inside of him. Jim Henson’s Holiday Special earns the Dove-Approved Seal for All Ages.
The Jim Henson’s Holiday Special is a great opportunity to talk about family and what truly matters is what is in a person’s heart.
