Muppet*Vision 3D Should Be a National Heritage Site

As a lifelong Muppet fan and theme park enthusiast, I can’t help but feel a pang of disappointment every time I visit Disney’s Hollywood Studios and see the once-thriving Muppets Courtyard now mostly empty and neglected. The closure of the Galactic Starcruiser experience has left a significant void in the park, with attractions like Muppet*Vision 3D receiving little attention and care.

In the United States, the most memorable cinema experience goes beyond Imax films, historic movie palaces with lovingly restored movies, drive-ins, or in-theater Caesar salad orders, and it’s not about streaming at home. Instead, it’s the immersive 3D adventure that is Muppet*Vision 3D.

As a devoted fan of the Muppets, I’m thrilled to pay tribute to an iconic piece of their cinematic legacy: Muppet*Vision 3D. This groundbreaking attraction, opened in 1991, carries on the esteemed tradition set by the original trilogy of “The Muppet Movie,” “The Great Muppet Caper,” and “The Muppets Take Manhattan.”

What is Muppet*Vision 3D?

As a cinephile and Disney enthusiast, I’d describe Muppet*Vision 3D at Disney’s Hollywood Studios as follows: This classic attraction takes me back to the golden age of moviemaking at Disney, where every detail is meticulously designed to transport you into the magical world of cinema. But lately, it seems like the theme has shifted to accommodate various IPs, losing some of its original charm.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=ETncY4Jjdpk?si=PVEZjrFZxFw4bjoC

Sounds cute. But why is any of that historically significant?

Despite its playful and whimsical Muppet*Vision 3D production, this attraction holds significant meaning. It was the last project overseen by Jim Henson before his tragic passing at the age of 53 in 1990. Not only did he direct it, but he also performed as Kermit, the Swedish Chef, and Waldorf – the latter being represented animatronically for the audience, mocking the show from his customary opera box.

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but acknowledge the immense impact Jim Henson had on our culture during the 20th century. His creations, particularly the Muppets, have stood the test of time just like Disney’s iconic inventions. Sesame Street holds a unique place in American education and broadcasting history. Henson deserves recognition equivalent to that given to our greatest auteurs.

Also, working with Disney kinda sorta might have killed him, and his death shall not be in vain!

Wait, what?

Muppet*Vision 3D was just one of many Muppet attractions that Michael Eisner had planned for MGM Studios when it first opened in 1989. At the time, Henson was in negotiations with Disney for a $150 million acquisition of Jim Henson Productions, which would have also locked Henson into a 15-year creative contract with the company. As the new year began, Henson filmed the attraction, as well as a The Muppets at Walt Disney World TV special, all while continuing negotiations with Disney. Between media appearances, recording sessions, and negotiations, Henson fell ill but decided to push through it until he was hospitalized with breathing issues. He died on May 16, 1990, due to organ dysfunction from untreated strep throat. His close friend and longtime collaborator Frank Oz told the Guardian in 2021, “The Disney deal is probably what killed Jim. It made him sick.” According to Oz, “Eisner was trying to get Sesame Street, too, which Jim wouldn’t allow. But Jim was not a dealer, he was an artist, and it was destroying him, it really was.”

That’s so sad.

As a devoted cinemagoer, I can’t help but feel that purity gets lost in today’s harsh capitalist world. And let me tell you, there’s no quicker way to dampen my spirits than by witnessing the memorial service for Henson’s passing.

Can a theme-park attraction even be a Historical Place?

The National Register of Historic Places houses a diverse assortment of sites, some of which bear a resemblance to theme parks. This collection includes numerous fairgrounds, approximately 50 carousels, five roller coasters, several other types of rides, and attractions like piers and boardwalks. Notably, there are some rides that can be found within the grounds of larger commercial entertainment corporations such as Cedar Point and Six Flags, similar to what you’d experience in Disney.

In my opinion, the unique ways a country has enjoyed itself throughout history plays a greater role in shaping its distinct identity than battlesites and war memorials. However, amusement parks and rides are often perceived as fleeting, insignificant, and not worth preserving for future generations. This perspective is reflected in their descriptive labels: they’re referred to as “sideshows,” “diversions,” or “pastimes.” These sites warrant recognition and historical documentation to prevent them from being dismantled like a temporary circus tent.

Disney is a giant, powerful corporation. Why would it even need this kind of official government designation?

As someone who grew up visiting Disney World and experiencing the magic of Muppet*Vision 3D firsthand, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of concern for its future within the Walt Disney Company. With fond memories of laughing alongside Kermit and his Muppet friends, I’ve watched as the once vibrant and innovative attraction has seemingly faded into the background.

As a movie critic, I’ve noticed that Disney has an uneasy track record when it comes to maintaining their quirkier, more unconventional attractions in their theme parks, which are often the ones that didn’t receive Walt Disney’s personal touch. Since Walt is considered the founding father of these parks, attractions close to his heart, such as the Disneyland Railroad and Carousel of Progress, are treated like sacred relics within the company and kept running as tributes. However, anything else, no matter how cherished or groundbreaking in its Imagineering, is susceptible to closure, modifications, and questionable decisions. And let me tell you, anything that exists beyond the original Disneyland park is particularly vulnerable, given that these parks serve commercial purposes rather than museum-like preservation.

On July 10th, the WDW News Today Twitter account shared a video of Disney World’s Magic Kingdom’s refreshed Country Bears Jamboree, a classic opening-day animatronic show that made its debut in 1971. With roots tracing back to Muppet*Vision 3D, this attraction featured lighthearted humor and a mischievous edge, Disney World style. In the initial production, a group of clumsy bears sang country tunes with amusing titles such as “Mama Don’t Whip Little Buford,” “Blood on the Saddle,” and “All the Guys That Turn Me on Turn Me Down.” The atmosphere is reminiscent of Madeline Kahn in “Blazing Saddles” or, to put it bluntly, “The Muppet Show”: a well-orchestrated chaos within a Grand Ole Opry environment.

In the updated version of “Country Bears Musical Jamboree” at Disney World, the once deceased bears have been brought back to life in a Frankenstein-like manner to sing Disney tunes lackluster and sorrowfully. Previously emotional numbers like Trixie’s heartfelt rendition of “Tears Will Be the Chaser for Your Wine,” have been replaced with upbeat songs such as “Try Everything” from Zootopia. Swingin’ Teddi Barra, who once charmed audiences with her Mae West act, now performs “A Whole New World.” This new iteration feels unoriginal and devoid of creativity, focusing solely on Disney+ collaboration rather than artistic expression. It is a disappointing reflection that Disney World has transformed into the very thing its critics have long ridiculed: a shallow experience for children.

The updated Country Bears may draw in Disney’s intended audience, which consists of families with young children. However, what made the original attraction unique and appealing to many park enthusiasts was its connection to a bygone era – the 1970s’ attempt to replicate the 1890s. For me, as a kid, the Jamboree evoked the same sense of wonder I felt when discovering “The Muppet Show” or even “The Simpsons,” despite lacking full understanding of the context. But what if Disney decides that Muppet*Vision 3D is outdated and unsuitable for today’s tech-savvy kids? Will they ruthlessly remove Henson’s masterpiece, or will they respect his legacy in line with how they honor Walt’s?

As a longtime fan of the Muppets, I strongly believe we should keep Disney from making any more questionable decisions regarding their treatment. Having grown up with these beloved characters, I’ve seen the highs and lows of Disney’s attempts to revive them since their acquisition in 2004 for $75 million.

How would this even work?

As someone who has spent the better part of my professional career advocating for the preservation and recognition of historically significant properties, I can tell you that convincing the powers that be to add Muppet*Vision 3D to the National Register of Historic Places will indeed be an uphill battle. The general rule of thumb is that a property should be at least 50 years old before being considered for this honor, and Muppet*Vision 3D falls short of that mark with its mere 33 years of existence.

Convincing Disney that this is in their best interest will be the tough part. It’s not necessary for the property owners to submit the nomination themselves, but they do hold the final say in approving or rejecting one. How can we make a compelling case that this would advantage Disney, despite potential lack of immediate financial returns?

➼ Point out how this helps its “legacy” branding: Disney is a legacy media brand and loves to play into that. For example: its sepia-toned 100th-anniversary production logo of Steamboat Willie and the “Partners” statue in a number of its parks showing Walt and Mickey holding hands. As long as it can coast on legacy, or at least point back to it, it has some wiggle room to do things that are less creatively ambitious and more nakedly cynical in the present. The Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco is another site where Disney reinforces its cultural legacy, despite not owning or operating it. It’s an example — like the National Register — of how an outside organization can symbiotically serve Disney’s reputation and brand identity.

As a huge fan, I’ve noticed Disney’s persistent pursuit of prestige in various aspects of its business. From the artistic heights of “Fantasia” to collaborating with talented artists like Julie Taymor for its theater projects, and garnering numerous Oscar nominations throughout the years. This ambition is also evident in its Parks and Resorts division, where under Michael Eisner’s leadership, Disney sought out renowned architects to create unique designs for their properties. To earn a place on the National Register of Historic Places for one of their theme parks would be an honor, adding a layer of cultural significance and a sense of high achievement.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is currently facing some challenges, particularly with crowd management. New attractions like Toy Story Land and Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway have not been able to sufficiently draw crowds away from congested areas, especially when Rise of the Resistance experiences technical difficulties. The Star Wars area, Galaxy’s Edge, is not as expansive as originally intended due to revenue generated from the Galactic Starcruiser paywall, which has since closed.

It’s just a movie, though. If it ever closes, can’t it be preserved on streaming?

Muppet*Vision 3D is unique among cinematic experiences due to its site-specific installation. It blends live performance and film in a way that resembles a lively stage show. The theater is richly detailed, filled with references for Muppet enthusiasts, and features animatronics integrated into the movie experience. During the presentation, characters like Kermit’s penguin orchestra, Statler and Waldorf, Bean Bunny, and Swedish Chef become part of the action. Midway through, a live-action Muppet character, Sweetums, emerges from the screen and into the theater, bringing the audience closer to the Muppet world. A parallel can be drawn between this production and early animated films such as “Gertie the Dinosaur” (1914) or Francis Ford Coppola’s “Megalopolis,” which includes a live sequence interacting with the movie. However, none of Muppet*Vision 3D can be replicated outside its dedicated venue designed to synchronize with the film.

The Muppets also translate so much better to physical space than any other Disney-owned characters, with the exception of maybe some Star Wars droids that it occasionally trots out for events. Live-action, walkaround versions of cartoons do not look like themselves; Chip and Dale should not be six feet tall, the Incredibles should not be unblinking with frozen smiles on their faces, and Peter Pan should not look like a 20-year-old twink in a wig. There’s something creepy about them. Not so with Muppets, who, in their animatronic forms, look like you’re seeing a celebrity in real life. I think that’s a huge part of the magic of them. It’s why you can see a look of genuine joy on celebrities’ faces whenever they interact with Muppets in live televised settings, and it’s why there’s a real feeling that they’re actually there, on a 1:1 scale, their felt faces looking just the same as they do on TV and in the movies, at Muppet*Vision 3D. The fact that two of the animatronics in the room feature Henson’s voice adds an extra feeling that the actual characters, not some pale imitations, are really present.

I’m concerned that the Muppets are currently being held against their will at Disney, and there’s a risk that their one-of-a-kind attraction may be transformed into an “Encanto” musical or an “Inside Out 2” stage show without proper care and attention. The Muppets, brought to life by Henson, have become as iconic in American culture as the Looney Tunes, Peanuts, and Disney characters. Muppet*Vision 3D is like their magnum opus. If you have any connections at Disney or with the appropriate government authorities who could help prevent this from happening, please let me know. It might even be a bipartisan issue that could bring people together under Biden’s administration – just an idea.

Okay bye!

2024-07-22 18:54