The Jim Henson Company Releases Statement on the Future of MuppetVision 3D at Walt Disney World

8 days ago in "Jim Henson's MuppetVision 3-D"

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Posted: Saturday November 23, 2024 1:50pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

The Jim Henson Company has released an official statement regarding the future of MuppetVision 3-D, following the recent announcement of its closure at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

MuppetVision 3-D Overview

The Official Statement

"Jim Henson's final project was MuppetVision 3D, now regarded as a true theme park classic. Innovation was always Jim Henson's north star, and his trailblazing career led him to a unique challenge: a truly immersive Muppet experience where audiences are part of the happy chaos of the iconic Muppet Show. Originally debuting in 1991, MuppetVision 3D combined 3D technology with real-world practical effects, alongside animatronic and live Muppet characters. The result was a one-of-a-kind Jim Henson experience, and an unforgettable capstone to Jim's magnificent career. As we learn of the show's upcoming closure in its current form at Disney's Hollywood Studios, we look forward to Muppet*Vision 3D's next act."

A Tribute to Jim Henson's Vision

Debuting in 1991, the show embodied Henson's signature blend of humor, creativity, and technological innovation, combining 3D visuals with real-world elements to create an unforgettable, immersive experience. For many fans, MuppetVision 3D is more than a theme park attraction; it is a tribute to Henson's life work and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of entertainment.

Jim Henson was known for always looking towards the future, and the statement underscores that innovation was central to his career. With MuppetVision 3D, Henson took on the challenge of creating a theme park show that would immerse audiences in the world of the Muppets like never before. The result was an attraction that blended animatronics, practical effects, and 3D film in a way that was ahead of its time—an experience that allowed guests to feel like they were part of the Muppet Show itself, surrounded by the happy chaos that defines the Muppets.

What's Next for MuppetVision 3-D?

While the closure of MuppetVision 3D in its current form at Disney's Hollywood Studios is blow for fans, The Jim Henson Company's statement hints at a promising future. The phrase "we look forward to MuppetVision 3D's next act" suggests that this beloved attraction is not gone forever, but rather poised for an evolution—perhaps in a new format, location, or even as part of a digital experience.

A Legacy That Lives On

Jim Henson's influence on entertainment is immeasurable, and MuppetVision 3-D stands as a testament to his creative genius.

The Muppets' joyful chaos, brought to life through Henson's vision, will live on in whatever form MuppetVision 3D takes in its next iteration.

MuppetVision 3-D's Future: Potential Disney Park Venues and Apple Vision Pro Immersive Experience

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Cmdr_Crimson3 days ago

Yes...Sesame Place, Busch Gardens and Sea World are owned by United Parks and Resorts.

muddyrivers4 days ago

I think it also needs to be made available in both 3D and 2D. Because if they just release the 2D footage, that would be a huge disservice to the attraction and its fans. Also, how do you incorporate the interaction with the animatronics in the film?

rd8054 days ago

I'm pretty sure all of those are actually the same parent company (could be mistaken).

The Leader of the Club4 days ago

So, I’ve been thinking about the idea of MuppetVision on Disney+. I think if that happens we need an introduction from The Henson Kids, Frank Oz, or Dave Goelz to explain the significance of this attraction. Putting it on D+ should be done with love and admiration for the attraction’s history instead of just slapping it on there to appease fanboys.

Jrb19795 days ago

I don't think it would end up at Sesame Place. They are owned by the SeaWorld parks. I can see it going to Busch Gardens or SeaWorld over Sesame Place

Blobbles5 days ago

Real question though: has ANYONE actually HEARD about what this preservation could mean? NO personal opinions on what you personally THINK could happen.

Cmdr_Crimson5 days ago

Well.......you could....ah heck with it..Hit it boys!

Blobbles5 days ago

MUPPETVISION 3D’S FUTURE: THE STORY SO FAR Since there has been a lot of discussion about the closure and hypothetical future of MV*3D as a result of disneys open ended claims, I wanted to make a master post with everything that is currently out there about the future of MV3D, both official word and rumors OFFICIAL WORD: DISNEY: "As we move forward with these changes, we are having creative conversations and exploring ways to preserve the film and other parts of the experience for fans to enjoy in the future." JIM HENSON COMPANY: “As we learn of the show's upcoming closure in its current form at Disney's Hollywood Studios, we look forward to Muppet*Vision 3D's next act." FAN SITE RUMORS: TOUGHPIGS: “Our contacts at Disney have told us that they are investigating options to keep the attraction alive in another format. If it’s possible, this may not be the last we see of Muppet*Vision 3D.” & “The surrounding displays, including the iconic Miss Piggy fountain, will be removed as well, though we have been told that Disney is investigating options for a new location for the statue.” DISNEY DISH: Jim Hill: “Imagineering is having conversations about bringing back MuppetVision into the Disney Parks in some form” Len Testa: "well, I know what you know so that's all I'll say". WDWMAGIC: “While the closure of MuppetVision 3D in its current form at Disney's Hollywood Studios is blow for fans, The Jim Henson Company's statement hints at a promising future. The phrase "we look forward to MuppetVision 3D's next act" suggests that this beloved attraction is not gone forever, but rather poised for an evolution—perhaps in a new format, location, or even as part of a digital experience.” (If you want me to change your quote Steve, just lmk and i will) Use this as you will. Hope this is helpful

SteamboatJoe5 days ago

Well said. They are just different philosophical approaches to the conveyance of theme.

WDWFREAK535 days ago

Let's turn the back of Sunset into a Muppet Studios. Rock n Rollercoaster starring the Electric Mayhem Theater behind Tower could house a revised MuppetVision 3D with different in-house effects. Bring out the Muppet Mobile Labs in the RnR courtyard Tower of Terror could have Gonzo and Rizzo running the elevators and each floor has a different skit being shot. (Swedish Chef, Pigs in Space, etc.) (Yes, the Tower of Terror line was sarcasm)

TheMaxRebo5 days ago

The studios used to be much more about the making of movies and TV - it is now about putting you into the worlds that film and television have created and enabling you to have your own adventures in those worlds. So instead of the making of Star Wars, it is putting you in the world of Star Wars. Instead of about making Toy Story and Pixar movies, it is about putting you in Andy's backyard and how it feels to be a toy there And Monstropolis will do that too - make you feel like a part of that work and go on adventures like Mike and Sully The front of the park is still more like the studios, though Sunset Bvld could be putting you in the world of old Hollywood. Really, just Echo lake doesn't fit the rest of the park much Not saying this is all a good thing or a bad thing, but the change of direction and why it is IP lands vs MK which is lands with an overarching theme and various attractions/multiple IP that fit that theme

SteamboatJoe5 days ago

They are exactly places the movies take us. I mean if you're saying the whole park isn't themed to LA or a studio backlot anymore, of course, but the evolution of how movies are created (green screens and computers) made that change a necessity. The mystique and glamour of movie making no longer exists and an entire park devoted to the "the old ways of doing things" is way too niche. Hollywood, Sunset, and Grand Avenue are the roads of Hollywood that take us to places in a way that only Hollywood can. It doesn't have to be your cup of tea or design preference but it doesn't mean the theme doesn't exist. There is absolutely zero thematic transition in MK between Fantasyland and Tomorrowland (Tea Cups to Speedway and Cosmic Rays) or Main Street and Tomorrowland (Plaza Inn to Tomorrowland Terrace).

celluloid6 days ago

Yes. That is what a large part of it started as with the studio. What it has become... But Monstropolis is not that. Andy's Backyard is not that. Galaxy's Edge is not that. It does not really match and there is no transition to the entrance and exit. About half of the park are now animated movie-based lands. Not amalgamations. No comaprison to MK Only one and a Half Land is that anymore. Sunset Blvd and Hollywood Blvd. They have been butchered. And one was always technically the entrance plaza.