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Warner Bros. Discovery has decided not to renew the iconic children’s show Sesame Street for another season. Per The Hollywood Reporter, Warner Bros. Discovery will not be moving forward with the Sesame Street output deal with HBO and Max, so the series, which began in 1969, will be looking for a new home for its original episodes.

Max, however, will be continuing its relationship with Sesame Street’s producer, Sesame Workshop, which means the streamer will continue to license episodes of Sesame Street through 2027. The current 55th season of Sesame Street will still be available on the platform at the beginning of January as planned.

The reason for not continuing the deal to air new episodes of the beloved series is due to a change in content strategy, as Max wants to focus on adult and family programming and not children’s content like Sesame Street.

Related Andrew Garfield Remembers...

Iconic Muppets such as Kermit the Frog, Bert, Ernie, and Miss Piggy have delighted audiences since creator Jim Henson introduced the first iteration of this lovable ensemble cast back in 1955 on the short-form series Sam and Friends. A staple on The Ed Sullivan Show and several late-night talk shows, Henson developed his most recognizable roles with Rowlf the Dog and Kermit the Frog on Sesame Street in 1969 and then The Muppet Show in 1976. Since then, each generation of television viewers and moviegoers has found at least one favorite to call their own.

However, there are lesser-known Muppet characters that were equally, sometimes briefly, memorable in their own right. From the sidelines of Sesame Street to The Muppet Show stage, these underappreciated stars deserve a standing ovation for their unique talents and comedic timing.

The Composing Legend That Was Don Music "Oh, I'll Never Get It! Never!"

Within the universe of Sesame Street,...

TV is an incredibly widespread medium and can be reached by billions of people all over the world. Though some shows boast worldwide acclaim, some don't make a good impression in certain foreign markets. Not only can this cause the show to become less competitive, but depending on certain laws, some episodes can be banned.

Banned episodes are always interesting because the majority of audiences are always looking for their next dose of shock value. But occasionally, certain episodes get banned because of surrounding current affairs rather than inappropriate content. As such, there are certain things every TV fanatic should sink their teeth into because they help to offer audiences a better look into recent history.

A Key Sesame Street Character Gave Children the Wrong Idea Sesame Street, Season 23, Episode 19, "Snuffy's Parents Get a Divorce"

Sesame Street is well recognized for its educational themes, offering new ways for children to cope with big emotions.

The Jim Henson Company, the company behind Fraggle Rock and Farscape, is in the process of developing a new kids television series called Paul the Bear with Julia Pott and former Disney Channel star Raviv Ullman, best known for his role as Phil Diffy in Phil of the Future. Per The Hollywood Reporter, the new series will be a live-action show.

Paul the Bear is the story of a recently retired brown bear who is trying to get in touch with himself and his community. The show is in the process of being introduced to interested buyers at MIPCOM, an annual trade show for the TV industry that is held in Cannes, France.

Related A Forgotten Muppets Crossover Failed to Honor a Beloved Disney Attraction

The Muppets have had many iconic crossovers, but one never quite managed to capture the fun of a beloved Disney attraction.

The Show Will Have...

Frank Oz’s illustrious career will be celebrated by the Museum of the Moving Image with screening series “The Magic of Oz: A Frank Oz Retrospective.”

All 15 films Oz directed will screen, ranging from “Little Shop of Horrors” to “The Muppets Take Manhattan” to “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” and “Bowfinger.” Oz’s acting roles in “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Inside Out,” plus his character creations for “Sesame Street” and “The Muppet Show,” will also be part of the lineup. The series will take place from October 4 to November 30.

“Frank Oz has been a revered and adored artist for generations, yet I’d argue he’s under-appreciated for his filmmaking, which he’s dedicated the past 40 years to,” curator of film Eric Hynes said.

“From the beginning he defied expectations, starting with his now-classic homage to the Hollywood studio musical and B-movie creature feature, ‘Little Shop of Horrors,’ and continuing through...

There's no denying that Twin Peaks is a surreal, cultural phenomenon. From imbuing a newly sinister undertone to the classic ditty Mairzy Doats or inspiring years of unease around black-and-white chevron, the heightened, dreamy nightmare of David Lynch and Mark Frost permeated not only television but the language of pop culture for decades. As with all great art, it inspired many of its peers at the time as well as future writers and directors.

The essence of Twin Peaks is undeniably unique to itself and can never quite be replicated. But, still, many of our favorite TV shows have paid homage. From tongue-in-cheek nods to outright episodes based entirely around the show, there's a lot to love about these iconic tributes.

The Cookie Monster's Emerald Adventures Turn Red Sesame Street: Cookie's Crumby Pictures: Season 2, Episode 2, "Cookie of Oz" 2:37

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Psychological thriller TV shows like Sharp Objects,...

VFX artists at Corridor Crew rave about the visual effects in The Great Muppet Caper, calling them "such a flex" and very clever. They give an analysis of a scene where Miss Piggy and Kermit ride a bike with seamless effects. Despite mixed reviews upon its release in 1981, The Great Muppet Caper has gained acclaim over the years for its clever use of VFX.

Jim Hensons 1981 film The Great Muppet Caper gets a rave review from VFX artists. This musical heist comedy, which serves as Hensons feature directorial debut, follows Kermit the Frog, The Great Gonzo, and Fozzie Bear, three Muppet reporters who journey to London to investigate the disappearance of a missing, expensive jewel. Henson himself, Frank Oz, and Dave Goelz play the three Muppet characters respectively, and are joined by other names like Richard Hunt, Louise Gold, and Jerry Nelson.

Now, the VFX at Corridor Crew breaks down...

The first "Pigs in Space" segment of "The Muppet Show" occurred in the third episode of the show's second season, the one hosted by Milton Berle. "Pigs in Space" sought to lampoon all of the most popular sci-fi tropes of the day, most notably "Star Trek," which was exploding in popularity at the time thanks to endless syndication deals. The segments took place on board a pig-shaped vessel called the Swinetrek, which was commanded by the handsome Captain Link Hogthrob (Jim Henson). Miss Piggy (Frank Oz) played First Mate Piggy, and the ship's chief medical officer was Dr. Strangepork (Jerry Nelson). The "Pigs in Space" segment was so popular, it appeared in 32 episodes of "The Muppet Show" through its fifth season. The segment was revived for the short-lived 1997 series "Muppets Tonight," where it was called "Pigs in Space: Deep Dish Nine: The Next Generation of Pigs in Space."

"The Muppet Show...

The best Christmas characters are those who embody the Christmas spirit and make holiday movies memorable favorites that people return to. From Michelle Pfeiffer's iconic portrayal of Catwoman to the lovable Ghost of Christmas Present from The Muppet Christmas Carol, these characters steal the show. While new Christmas movies may deliver memorable characters, there are already plenty of iconic Christmas characters ready to be reintroduced.

The holiday season means it is the time to revisit all the classics of the festive time of year and become reacquainted with some of the best Christmas characters. While there are countless Christmas movies to choose from, with more being added each new year, only the best stand out and become the favorites that people return to again and again. In most cases, it is the characters at the center of these stories that make them so memorable.

Some of the best Christmas...

Synopsis

Broadway bound, the Muppets take Manhattan by storm in this magical musical about breaking into show business! Fresh out of college, Kermit, Fozzie, and the entire cast of Kermit’s musical “Manhattan Melodies” head for the Big Apple with plans to turn their small play into a big hit! All they need now is someone to produce their show! But when no one in town will even meet with them, it’s up to Kermit to believe hard enough for all of his friends that the show Will go on! Family entertainment has never been more fun than this comedy marking Frank Oz’s solo directorial debut.

Disc Details & Bonus Materials

4K Ultra HD Disc

Feature remastered in 4K resolution from the original camera negative with Dolby Vision, plus all-new Dolby Atmos immersive audio 4K picture and Atmos sound mix approved by director Frank Oz Also includes English 5.1 + mono...

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has announced a 4K remaster for The Muppets Take Manhattan.

Set to officially be released on Oct. 24, the new release features an all-new 4K restoration of the film using the original camera negative. This marks the first Muppets movie to get a special 4K release. Along with the 4K restoration, the new 4K Blu-ray release will also include an all-new audio commentary with director Frank Oz, woh approved the 4K picture and Atmos sound mix. Other special features included are a classic interview with Jim Henson and a "Muppetisms" featurette with Miss Piggy, Kermit the Frog, Pepe, and Fozzie Bear.

Related: How the Muppets Produce the Definitive Adaptations of Major Stories

Per Sony, the official description of the film reads, "Broadway bound, the Muppets take Manhattan by storm in this magical musical about breaking into show business! Fresh out of college, Kermit, Fozzie and the entire...

Buffalo Springfield’s 1966 anti-war anthem “For What It’s Worth” is timeless — so much so that Billy Porter revived it to take on the tumultuous year that was 2020. Maybe the most creative revamp, though, came in 1978 when The Muppet Show tweaked the track into a tender warning against killing forest creatures.

The Muppet Show came to Disney+ in February, reviving classic episodes featuring everyone from Johnny Cash to Kenny Rogers singing with Kermit and crew. The new version of “For What It’s Worth” crops up in a Season Two episode starring Bob Hope,...

The Muppet Show is currently streaming on Disney+ with an offensive content disclaimer, warning viewers of potentially offensive material. Originally airing 1976 and 1981, the Muppet-hosted variety show has long been a favorite for fans of all ages, though the series and its subsequent incarnations have always been particularly popular with children.

This week, The Muppet Show made it to Disney+ with all five seasons, but the classic program is now accompanied by the disclaimer.

"This program includes negative depictions and/or mistreatment of people or cultures," the statement reads. "These stereotypes were wrong then and are wrong now. Rather than remove this content, we want to acknowledge its harmful impact, learn from it and spark conversation to create a more inclusive future together. Disney is committed to creating stories with inspirational and aspirational themes that reflect the rich diversity of the human experience around the globe."

It isn't specifically stated which...

It's time to play the music and light the lights as you can stream all five seasons of The Muppet Show on Disney+ tonight. Last month, it was announced that every episode of the classic series would be coming to the streaming service. The moment has finally arrived for those who've been counting down the days, as The Muppets announced on Twitter that the entire series has officially begun streaming.

It's #TheMuppetShow, with our very special guest star... You! Now you can be part of the Muppet mayhem and stream all five seasons of our classic television series right now, only on @DisneyPlus. pic.twitter.com/FKYauz3jil

— The Muppets (@TheMuppets) February 19, 2021

"It's #TheMuppetShow, with our very special guest star... You!" the tweet reads. "Now you can be part of the Muppet mayhem and stream all five seasons of our classic television series right now, only on @DisneyPlus."

The episodes...

“A frog and a bear, seeing America!”

-Fozzie Bear, The Muppet Movie

There was a time, not too long ago, when the world was swept up in full-on Muppet Mania. Adorable felt-and-foam constructions brought to convincing life by an array of artisans first overtook TV airwaves, then graduated to vinyl and celluloid. The excitement peaked with the release of the critters’ initial big screen adventure on June 22nd, 1979. The Muppet Movie will return to theaters across the country to commemorate that 40th birthday this summer via Fathom Events on July 25th and 30th. So what better time than now to wax poetic about the crowning and singular cinematic achievement that is The Muppet Movie?

According to Christopher Finch’s excellent, comprehensive illustrated Jim Henson biography Jim Henson: The Works, Henson’s Muppets were commissioned to grace the silver screen by The Muppet Show producer Lord Lew Grade following the variety...

Forty years ago this summer, a frog with a dream to make millions of people happy hopped out of the swamp, onto a bicycle and into cinema history in “The Muppet Movie.” For two days only this July, the original classic is back in movie theaters nationwide from Fathom Events, The Jim Henson Company and Universal Pictures.

Tickets are available at www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices.

“The Muppet Movie” will play in more than 700 movie theaters on Thursday, July 25, and Tuesday, July 30, at 12:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. local time each day through Fathom’s Digital Broadcast Network (Dbn). For a complete list of theater locations, visit the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).

Following massive global success with the television hit “The Muppet Show,” which at its height aired in more than 100 countries around the world, Muppets creator Jim...

Forty years ago this summer, a frog with a dream to make millions of people happy hopped out of the swamp, onto a bicycle and into cinema history in&#160The Muppet Movie&#160For two days only this July, the original classic is back in movie theaters nationwide from Fathom Events, The Jim Henson Company and Universal Pictures.

The Muppet Movie will play in more than 700 movie theaters on Thursday, July 25, and Tuesday, July 30, at 12:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. local time each day through Fathom's Digital Broadcast Network (Dbn). For a complete list of theater locations, visit the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).

Following massive global success with the television hit The Muppet Show, which at its height aired in more than 100 countries around the world, Muppets creator&#160Jim Henson&#160took a huge creative risk to have the characters star in their first motion picture.

Celebrate the holidays with Jim Henson! Two beloved specials have been remastered and are coming to the big screen, Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas and The Bells of Fraggle Rock. Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas Based on a book by Russell and Lillian Hoben, this beloved Christmas story, with music from Paul Williams and an all-puppet cast of woodland creatures, tells the story of Ma and Emmet Otter - a family that has little more than each other. When a talent show is held in town, a fifty-dollar prize gives them each hope of buying the other a real present this year. The Bells of Fraggle Rock deftly addressing the melancholy many people feel during the holidays as they struggle to find meaning in the special time of year The Bells of Fraggle Rock begins as Gobo Fraggle wonders why he doesn't have his normal excitement over The Festival of the Bells,...

A trailer has been released for a fantastic looking documentary called Muppet Guys Talking: Secrets Behind the Show the Whole World Watched. It features the five original Muppet actors coming together for the first time to talk about their experiences working on The Muppets show and they also dive into what it was like working with the legendary Jim Henson and discuss the kind of man that he was. 

For the first time ever, five of the original Muppet performers come together to discuss the creation of their iconic characters under the visionary leadership of Jim Henson. With unexpected stories, rare behind-the-scenes footage, and important insights into how Jim led his team, this documentary gives a private glimpse into the true spirit of the Muppets and how a culture of innovation, hard work, and playfulness produced one of the most successful creative endeavors in history.

The documentary was directed by Muppets puppeteer Frank Oz,...

"I think about Jim all the time." The full trailer has arrived for the documentary Muppet Guys Talking, presented and directed by the one-and-only Frank Oz. This amusing film is about what happens when Oz gets together five of the original Muppet performers in one room for a discussion about all kinds of funny topics. The Muppet puppeteers in the discussion are: Frank Oz (Grover, Bert, Cookie Monster, Miss Piggy), of course, plus Jerry Nelson (Count Von Count, Mr. Snuffleupagus), Fran Brill (Betty Lou, Prairie Dawn, Little Bird), Dave Goelz (The Great Gonzo, Bunsen Honeydew), and Bill Barretta (Johnny Fiama, Pepe the King Prawn, Bobo the Bear). They often discuss Jim Henson and his influence and their memories of working with him, along with various behind-the-scenes stories and other funny tidbits of details from their time working as Muppets. This looks wonderful and looks like it will be a total joy to watch.

We talk to Frank Oz and the other original Muppeteers about creating characters, watching them evolve, and giving them sentience.

After a few moving documentaries about individual puppeteers, this year’s SXSW debuted a new documentary directed by Frank Oz called Muppet Guys Talking: Secrets of the Show the Whole World Watched. The film is an hour-long free form discussion with Jerry Nelson (The Count, Mr. Snuffleupagus), Dave Goelz (Gonzo, Bunsen Honeydew), Fran Brill (Zoe, Prairie Dawn), and Bill Barretta (Pepe, Tree-Face-Guy) loosely moderated by Oz. Because it features so many of the key personalities that have been only briefly touched upon in spotlight docs on Big Bird or Elmo, it’s a must-watch for any Muppet Show obsessive who wants to hear about what it’s like being buried in a room under a fire pit so they could perform a song with John Denver.

You wouldn’t know it from the way they talk...

Filmed in 2012 but proving timeless, Frank Oz’s loving and free-wheeling “Muppet Guys Talking: Secrets Behind the Show the Whole World Watched” is a must-see not only for Muppet fans and the people who made them, but for anyone seeking insight into the power of creativity.

Its title is nearly longer than its 65-minute runtime, but that’s a fine length for a doc that plays like a snappy conversation between pals. Oz assembled said “Muppet Guys” (Oz plus Muppet maestros Jerry Nelson, Dave Goelz, Fran Brill, and Bill Barretta) for an unprecedented gabfest, all filmed and assembled into a satisfying inside look at the people behind (and sometimes under) the world’s most beloved puppets. In his introduction, Oz promises a look at “the spirit of The Muppets,” and “Muppet Guys Talking” delivers on that claim.

Read More: The 2017 IndieWire SXSW Bible: Every Review, Interview and News Item Posted...

Other than Jim Henson, Frank Oz is the most famous man behind The Muppets, as the voice of Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, and Grover, among others. He’s at South By Southwest right now promoting his new documentary, Muppet Guys Talking: Secrets Behind The Show The Whole World Watched. Variety reports that the “film is a candid, often bitingly funny conversation between Oz and four of his closest colleagues: Dave Goelz (Gonzo), Bill Barretta (Rowlf The Dog), Fran Brill (Little Bird), and Jerry Nelson (Count Von Count), who died in 2012.”

Bringing those beloved characters to life might be enough for some people, but Oz went on to become a director for films like Little Shop Of Horrors, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, and In & Out. He also happened to voice another iconic character: Yoda, who first appeared in Star Wars: Episode V—The Empire Strikes Back.

At SXSW, Oz candidly ...

Muppets fan site, Tough Pigs, reports that Muppeteer, puppeteer, and puppetry instructor, Michael Earl, passed away at age 56, on December 23rd, after a three year battle with colon cancer. Earl took over the Sesame Street role of Mr. Snuffleupagus, originated by Jerry Nelson.

In a 2011 interview with Tough Pigs, Earl said that when he was just 19 years old, Jim Henson gave him his big break, when he hired him for The Muppet Movie. He also discussed taking over the Snuffy role:

Read More…...

Big Bird is familiar to countless people of multiple generations all around the world who grew up watching “Sesame Street.” But who’s the man behind (or inside, actually) the 8-foot-tall, perpetually six-years-old, 4,000-feathers-covered bird? That would be Caroll Spinney, who has puppeteered Big Bird since the first “Sesame Street” episode aired in 1969. He also puppeteers Big Bird’s next-door neighbor, Oscar the Grouch. Now 81, Spinney still works on the PBS show as both characters and has no plans for retirement. Spinney is the subject of new documentary “I Am Big Bird” (now available to VOD and iTunes in a limited theatrical release), a sweet, reverent tribute to the man behind the yellow feathers. The film puts a spotlight on both his joyous and difficult times on “Sesame Street” and features archival footage and interviews with Spinney, his wife and several “Sesame Street” cast and crew members. Here are the...

Feature Simon Brew 11 Feb 2014 - 06:32

How do we decide what's a four star movie? Are all five star movies made equal? Simon explains the issues with star ratings

A pair of reviews went up on this site last week, for films that - for differing reasons - we rated at four stars apiece. Above the four stars, in both cases, were many hundreds of words discussing the films in question. Yet both, in different ways, continued to fuel the ongoing, interesting debate about the star rating system, and its suitability.

Because in the comments below our reviews of both RoboCop (2014) and The Lego Movie were some pertinent, constructive questions. We're not going to name the commenters, as the aim isn't to expose them to flaming or such like. Yet they raise some interesting questions and points - which we've quoted directly - that in many ways frame the ongoing star rating debate.

Sarah Dobbs Jun 21, 2017

As news arrives that Sherlock's creators are working on a Dracula adaptation, here are 10 screen versions of Bram Stoker's character...

Dracula is one of the classic monster stories. It’s the quintessential vampire tale; most of our ideas about what a vampire is, what a vampire does, and what a vampire can be killed by come from Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel. And while elements of the story have been woven into countless other vampire-themed books, films, and TV shows, it’s Dracula that we keep coming back to, over and over. Sherlock creators Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss are in talks about reviving the character once again for a BBC miniseries, but before that arrives, let’s take a look back at ten other versions of the world’s most famous vampire…

See related Kevin Feige on Black Panther, female superhero movie Thor: Ragnarok - Thor's roommate won't be in it Nosferatu (1922)

Who plays Dracula? Max Schreck.

What’s the story? It’s a pretty faithful, if pared down, version of the Dracula story: a clerk is sent out to meet a mysterious client in a spooky castle, realises he’s a monster, and tries to flee, only for his own wife to fall victim to the vampire’s spell. It’s silent, black and white, and gorgeous.

What makes it special? What’s kind of amazing about this film is that it almost didn’t survive. The production didn’t have the approval of Bram Stoker’s estate, and despite changing a few details – the vampire here is known as Count Orlok, not Dracula, and the other names and locations have also been altered – it’s close enough that when the Stokers sued, a court ordered all copies of the film to be destroyed.

Luckily for us, one survived. It’s incredibly creepy, all weird angles and lurking shadows, and Schrek plays the vampire as a proper monster. There’s nothing seductive about him, he’s just terrifying. Even now. Especially now, maybe, now that we’re jaded and cynical about special effects and CGI. Because this film looks scarier than anything created on a computer, and it’s all real.

Dracula (1931)

Who plays Dracula? Bela Lugosi.

What’s the story? Based on a popular stage adaptation of Dracula, this is another mostly faithful adaptation, though the characters have been shuffled a bit. Here, it’s Renfield, not Jonathan, who goes out to meet Dracula in his castle in Transylvania. Jonathan and Lucy get shunted off to the side of the story, with Mina taking centre stage, while Dr Seward, head of the lunatic asylum, is recast as her father. Lugosi is a much sexier Count than Schreck, and the subtext about Mina’s sexual awakening is, er, pretty much text here.

What makes it special? Oh, everything. It’s beautiful to look at, for one thing. It’s got a bit of a sense of humour, though not enough to stop it from being insanely creepy. Lugosi makes the role completely his own; when people think of Count Dracula, this is the version most of them imagine. Interestingly, this version also does a lot more with Renfield’s story than the original novel, and Dwight Frye is fantastic in that role. Even if you think you’ve seen too many Dracula parodies to enjoy Lugosi’s rendition of the Count, this film is worth watching for Dwight Frye alone.

Dracula (1958)

Who plays Dracula? Christopher Lee.

What’s the story? It’s Dracula, but slightly wonky. It starts with Jonathan Harker setting off to visit Castle Dracula – but this time, he knows what he’s in for, and is planning to kill the Count. He fails, leaving Van Helsing to take up the hunt. Most of the characters have been shuffled around: Jonathan is engaged to Lucy, who’s Arthur’s sister, and Arthur is married to Mina. It’s not obvious why that reshuffle had to happen, because it doesn’t make a huge amount of difference to how things play out. It’s still Mina who has to fight to extricate herself from Dracula’s clutches in the end.

What makes it special? Dracula was one of the first Hammer Horror films, and it was massively successful. It spawned eight sequels, including The Brides of Dracula, Dracula Has Risen from the Grave, and Taste The Blood of Dracula, and it basically shaped the horror genre for a good couple of decades. But what’s special about it today is the cast. Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing are always good value, and here, as the evil Count and the scholarly vampire hunter determined to kill him off, they’re brilliant.

Count von Count, Sesame Street (1972)

Who plays Dracula? Originally Jerry Nelson, and now Matt Vogel.

What’s the story? Okay, this is kind of a cheat. Count von Count isn’t actually called Dracula, but he’s so clearly modelled on Bela Lugosi’s portrayal of the great vampire that I couldn’t just leave him out. The character appears to be based on the idea that vampires are obsessed with counting – folklore from all over the world has it that if a vampire encounters a pile of rice or other grains, they won’t be able to do anything until they’ve counted it all. The Count loves to, er, count.

What makes it special? The fact that Sesame Street included a vampire character is kind of amazing, and the fact that he speaks in a parody of Lugosi’s accent, and wears that cape, well, it’s just sort of brilliant. The earliest incarnations of the Count were a bit spooky, but apparently kids found his maniacal laughing and tendency to zap people who interfered with his counting a bit scary, so he was made cuter and goofier. He’s basically the most adorable incarnation of Dracula you’ll ever find.

Blacula (1972)

Who plays Dracula? Charles Macaulay.

What’s the story? This film is about one of Dracula’s protégés, rather than Dracula himself. After an African prince approaches Dracula for help dealing with the slave trade, he gets bitten and sealed in a coffin for centuries. Popping out in the 1970s, Mamuwalde – dubbed “Blacula” by the Count – sets about trying to win the heart of a woman he believes to be the reincarnation of his dead wife.

What makes it special? Isn’t the idea of a blaxploitation take on Dracula special enough for you? William H. Marshall plays the first ever black vampire in this movie, and since there haven’t been all that many since, that’s still pretty notable. The fashion is glorious, and the music is wonderful too. The plot is, well, kind of flimsy, and pretty slow, and it actually verges on being kind of boring, but there’s something pretty cool about it nonetheless.

Blood for Dracula (1974)

Who plays Dracula? Udo Kier.

What’s the story? A sickly Dracula is starving to death due to the lack of available virgins in Romania, so he travels to Italy in search of a bride. Unfortunately, the family of impoverished aristocrats he ends up staying with employs a rather rapey handyman, and there may not be any virgins left for him.

What makes it special? Produced by Andy Warhol, this is definitely one of the strangest takes on the Dracula story. Many of the established tropes are present – Dracula doesn’t have a reflection, and can’t stand garlic - but rather than being powerful and seductive, Kier’s Count is almost pitiable. He spends much of the film in a wheelchair, which is an oddly creepy image, and he’s kind of… whiny. It’s hard to know where your sympathies should lie, and it’s fun to see a mother actively throwing her daughters at Dracula rather than trying to save them from him. The accents are occasionally baffling (especially Joe Dallesandro’s Brooklyn drawl) but maybe that’s all part of the joke.

Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992)

Who plays Dracula? Gary Oldman.

What’s the story? Back in the fifteenth century, Dracula’s wife kills herself after being told her husband has been killed in battle. Knowing suicide is a sin, Dracula figures she’s damned, and turns against God himself, becoming a vampire. After skulking in his castle for centuries, he decides to move to London, where he meets Mina Harker – a woman who looks exactly like his dead wife. The rest of the Dracula story is intact, but with a side of overly dramatic tragic romance.

What makes it special? It’s one of the most faithful adaptations around, in terms of how much of the book it conveys to the screen. Characters are shown writing letters and diary entries, as per the book, and Lucy’s three suitors are all present and correct, which is rare.

Unfortunately, some of the performances are pretty terrible (Keanu Reeves is an easy target, but he’s truly awful here, and Cary Elwes is in full smirk mode). There are so many famous people crammed in that it gets distracting, and the set design is too stagey to be effective. But it gets points for keeping all the characters in their places.

‘Buffy vs Dracula’, Buffy the Vampire Slayer (2000)

Who plays Dracula? Rudolf Martin.

What’s the story? To kick off the fifth season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Buffy went up against the most famous vampire of all time. Yup, they actually wrote Dracula into an episode of Buffy. There’s no real messing with the character, apart from dropping him into modern day California, and he uses pretty much all of his tricks: he turns into a bat, he dissolves into mist, he uses mind control to turn Xander into a slavering minion, and he seduces Sunnydale’s women, including Buffy herself.

What makes it special? There’s something about crossovers that’s always oddly irresistible. Fitting the Scooby Gang into the Dracula story is fun because of the cognitive dissonance it causes: they’re all-American teenagers, and he’s a character from a gothic Victorian novel, so there’s no reason they should ever encounter one another, and the fallout is genuinely funny. (Spike’s indignation is a particular highlight.) There’s also a serious side to the story, as Dracula tells Buffy she’s a creature of darkness, but that’s something that really developed over the rest of the series. This episode is mostly just fun.

Dracula 2000 (2000)

Who plays Dracula? Gerard Butler.

What’s the story? Despite Van Helsing’s best efforts, someone has let Dracula out of his prison, and he’s determined to track down the one woman who might be able to stand up to him. (Who just happens to be Van Helsing’s daughter.) Bringing Van Helsing and Dracula into a modern day setting requires a bit of sleight of hand, but it just about works, and the film has an ace up its sleeve: an explanation for Dracula’s true identity that finally explains why he’s so averse to silver and crucifixes.

What makes it special? It kind of shouldn’t be, because it’s so silly. It’s got that self-aware, slightly camp late-90s horror thing going on, and it’s never actually scary. But it is a lot of fun, with some sharp dialogue (“I don’t drink… coffee”) and loads of geek-friendly faces popping up, including Jonny Lee Miller, Nathan Fillion, and Jeri Ryan.

Blade: Trinity (2004)

Who plays Dracula? Dominic Purcell

What’s the story? Dracula, or “Drake”, is an ancient vampire summoned by modern day vampires looking for an upgrade. Blade has been killing off too many of them, and they want to walk in daylight, which apparently Drake’s blood will let them do. Drake is a bit of a rubbish Dracula, as they go; he’s just a really old vampire, and none of the usual Dracula plot elements are present.

What makes it special? Let’s be clear about this, Blade Trinity is a pretty terrible film. It has two redeeming features, though: Ryan Reynolds and Parker Posey are fantastic, and every scene they have together is wonderful; and it includes a scene in which Drake wanders into a vampire-themed shop and terrorises the snarky goth assistants. Those things just about make it worth watching, but for Dracula super-fans, it hasn’t got much to offer. Purcell’s Dracula is apparently meant to be charismatic, but he just comes off dull and thuggish.

Other notable onscreen Draculas: Countess Dracula (Ingrid Pitt stars as Elizabeth Bathory, so not really Dracula at all, except in the title); Count Duckula (an 80s cartoon about a vampiric duck); Count Dracula (a low budget horror from 1979, directed by Jess Franco and starring Christopher Lee despite not being part of Lee’s Hammer Dracula franchise); Dracula: Dead And Loving It (Mel Brooks’s daft spoof); Dracula Ad 1972 (a reteaming of Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing that brings Dracula into the 70s); Dracula Sucks (a hardcore porn adaptation); and Dario Argento’s Dracula 3D (which isn’t out yet, and will almost certainly be terrible.)

This feature was originally posted in October 2013.

If you’re not aware, every Sunday Amazon rotates most of their DVD/Blu-ray deals and I've updated our deal list with the new stuff. In addition, if you’re a Criterion fan, Amazon still has a number of Criterion DVD and Blu-rays over 50% off. Finally, they also have a number of Pixar movies on sale for 50% off. They’re listed below with the rest of the deals: Casablanca (70th Anniversary Limited Collector's Edition Blu-ray/DVD Combo) $29.99 (54% off) The Complete Monty Python's Flying Circus 16 Ton Megaset $29.99 (70% off) Mr. Bean: The Ultimate Collection $20.99 (70% off) Sesame Street: Old School - Volume One (1969-1974) featuring Jim Henson, Frank Oz, Caroll Spinney and Jerry Nelson $17.99 (55% off) Sesame Street: Old School - Volume Two (1974-1979) $17.99 (55% off) Save up to 70% on Select TV Shows like House, The Office, Psych, Parks & Recreation, Warehouse 13 and more Sex and the City: The Complete Series...

One of the original Muppet performers, Jerry Nelson has passed away at the age of 78. He reportedly died on Thursday of complications from the various cancers and respiratory diseases that he'd been battling for years.

Back in 1965, Nelson started working with Jim Henson when Frank Oz took a break and a new right-hand performer was needed for Rowlf the Dog on The Jimmy Dean Show. Oz returned to work but Nelson stayed with the troupe, performing various characters for Henson's TV specials.

Nelson joined Sesame Street in its second season and went on to develop numerous characters like Count von Count, Herry Monster, Sherlock Hemlock, The Amazing Mumford, Frazzle, and Grover's long-suffering customer, Mr. Johnson. Nelson served as a mentor to a young Ricard Hunt and the two quickly became a team, performing duos like Sully and Biff and the Two-Headed Monster.

In sad news, Neil Armstrong passed away at the age of 82. The first man to set foot on the moon, Armstrong was more than just an American hero, he was a global pioneer who helped a generation dream of things bigger than themselves.

In one of the more touching stories I've read lately, longtime comic book writer Karl Kesel is selling his extensive collection of rare comic books collected over a lifetime. Why? To help pay the medical and adoption bills for his new son, who was born addicted to heroin. But it's all for the best cause, children.

Among the amenities that Republicans can expect in Tampa Bay is free admission to a bathhouse, a HomoCon party held in a fetish club, and a Paul Ryan-double go-go boy.

Speaking of surprises, the Republicans blinked and moved Ann Romney's speech to Tuesday night so the networks would televise it.

Los Angeles -- Jerry Nelson, the puppeteer behind a delightful menagerie of characters including Count von Count on "Sesame Street" and Gobo Fraggle on "Fraggle Rock," has died. He was 78.

Nelson, who suffered from emphysema, died Thursday night in his Massachusetts home on Cape Cod, the Sesame Workshop said Friday.

"Every description of his characters describes Jerry as well," said "Sesame Street" executive producer Carol-Lynn Parente. "Silly, funny, vulnerable, passionate and musical, for sure. That voice of his was superb."

Although he'd been in declining health for some time "his attitude was never bad," Parente said Friday. "He was always so grateful for what he had in his life."

"We're having a rough day on the Street," she said.

In a tribute posted online by the nonprofit Sesame Workshop, Nelson was lauded for his artistry and the "laughter he brought to children worldwide" with the Count and other Muppet puppets including Sherlock Hemlock,...

Los Angeles -- Jerry Nelson, the puppeteer behind a delightful menagerie of characters including Count von Count on "Sesame Street" and Gobo Fraggle on "Fraggle Rock," has died. He was 78.

Nelson, who suffered from emphysema, died Thursday night in his Massachusetts home on Cape Cod, the Sesame Workshop said Friday.

"Every description of his characters describes Jerry as well," said "Sesame Street" executive producer Carol-Lynn Parente. "Silly, funny, vulnerable, passionate and musical, for sure. That voice of his was superb."

Although he'd been in declining health for some time "his attitude was never bad," Parente said Friday. "He was always so grateful for what he had in his life."

"We're having a rough day on the Street," she said.

In a tribute posted online by the nonprofit Sesame Workshop, Nelson was lauded for his artistry and the "laughter he brought to children worldwide" with the Count and other Muppet puppets including Sherlock Hemlock,...

Jerry Nelson, who provided the voice of Sesame Street's Count von Count, has died aged 78. Lisa Henson, CEO of The Jim Henson Company, confirmed the news on the company's Facebook page today (August 25). "Jerry Nelson imbued all his characters with the same gentle, sweet whimsy and kindness that were a part of his own personality," she said. "He joined The Jim Henson Company in the earliest years, and his unique contributions to the worlds of Fraggles, Muppets, Sesame Street and so many others are, and will continue to be, unforgettable. "On behalf of the Henson family and everyone (more)...

News and Notes Hugh Laurie has dropped out of playing the villain in RoboCop, not that he was ever officially in to begin with. Word is Clive Owen is in talks to play the villainous rich CEO of OmniCorp. [Variety | Deadline] On the heels of Summit tapping Limitless director Neil Burger to helm a film adaptation of the Veronica Lake young adult fiction series Divergent, Fox has now launched their own Ya film adaptation, naming Wes Ball as director of The Maze Runner. The book follows a teenage boy named Thomas who wakes up one day with no memory of his past and finds himself enclosed in a place called The Glade. The book was written by James Dashner. [Deadline] After fighting various health issues over the past decade, Jerry Nelson has died. Nelson was one of the original...

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This is a Muppet News Flash: Puppeteer Jerry Nelson, the man behind Sesame Street muppet Count von Count, died yesterday at age 78. Nelson, a cast member of the show for over 40 years, also brought to life the characters Herry Monster, Fat Blue, Sherlock Hemlock and the Amazing Mumford.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Nelson’s first job with the Muppets was The Jimmy Dean Show in 1965 as Rowlf the Dog’s right hand man, literally. After learning that the Muppets were used on Sesame Street, he rejoined Henson and Oz as a puppeteer, beginning in the second season. He received a number of his major characters early in the show’s run, including the Sherlock Holmes parody Sherlock Hemlock, a hapless magician named The Amazing Mumford, and the overly strong but sensitive Herry Monster (1970–2012). His most famous character is the arithmomaniac vampire Count von Count, which he voiced until his death.

Jerry Nelson, a puppeteer with Sesame Street for more than four decades, has died. He was 78. Nelson was best known for voicing the numbers-obsessed Count von Count, but was behind dozens of beloved characters including Snuffleupagus, Sherlock Hemlock, Camilla the Chicken and Kermit’s nephew Robin. Nelson also played Gobo Fraggle on the Jim Henson series Fraggle Rock, and worked on several Muppet movies. A statement on the Sesame Workshop website expressed the impact Nelson had on the long-running children’s series: “He will forever be in our hearts and remembered for the artistry in his puppetry, his music, and the laughter he brought to children worldwide. We will miss his extraordinary spirit and the joy he brought to our Street.”...

Jerry Nelson, the puppeteer best known for playing Count von Count on Sesame Street and Gobo Fraggle on Fraggle Rock, died Thursday, the Jim Henson Company confirmed. He was 78.

"Jerry Nelson imbued all his characters with the same gentle, sweet whimsy and kindness that were a part of his own personality. He joined The Jim Henson Company in the earliest years, and his unique contributions to the worlds of Fraggles, Muppets, Sesame Street and so many others are, and will continue to be, unforgettable," company CEO and Jim Henson's daughter, Lisa, said in a statement on Facebook. "On behalf of the Henson family and everyone at The Jim Henson Company, our deepest sympathies go out to Jerry's family and to his many fans."

Remember other celebrities who died this year

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Jerry dedicated his life to entertaining & educating children, and continued to voice the fanged, felt-skinned Muppet until he died. Long before Edward Cullen sparkled his way into the hearts of every American, Sesame Street's Count Von Count was the hottest vampire around. And now, the CBC reports, his puppeteer Jerry Nelson died Aug. 23 at the age of 78. Though he gave up puppeteering in 2004, Jerry continued to lend his voice to several Muppets until he passed away. You might also remember Jerry as the voice of Snuffleupagus on Sesame Street, as well as the purple-haired Gobo Fraggle on Jim Henson's Fraggle Rock. To celebrate Jerry's memory, let's all enjoy a (slightly twisted) version of "The Song of the Count": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AXPnH0C9UA — Andy Swift Follow @AndySwift [CBC News] More Sesame Street: Cookie Monster Spoofs Carly Rae Jepsen's 'Call Me Maybe' — Watch Katy Perry...

Shall we count the ways children around the world loved Jerry Nelson? Read this in the voice of Count von Count, please: One, he voiced the aforementioned number-loving vampire to life on Sesame Street. Those not in their more impressionable years might have preferred the censored spoof of the Count's innocent-turned-very-inappropriate counting that went viral. Two, he gave life to the purple-haired explorer Gobo Fraggle on Fraggle Rock. And if that's not enough, three, he popped up not only on The Muppet Show but movies and specials throughout the years. Which makes it all the sadder that Nelson passed away yesterday. The puppeteer passed away Thursday at the age of 78 from unspecified causes,...

Jerry Nelson, the skilled puppeteer who played Sesame Street's math-addicted vampire Count von Count, has died, The Jim Henson Company confirms. He was 78. In a statement posted to the studio's Facebook page, Lisa Henson, CEO and daughter to its legendary founder Jim Henson, writes, "Jerry Nelson imbued all his characters with the same gentle, sweet whimsy and kindness that were a part of his own personality. He joined The Jim Henson Company in the earliest years, and his unique contributions to the worlds of Fraggles, Muppets, Sesame Street and so many others are, and will continue to be, unforgettable.

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Katie Holmes and business partner Jeanne Yang will reportedly stage the first New York Fashion Week show for their Homes & Yang label inside “the tents” at Lincoln Center. [Stylewatch]

Jerry Nelson, one of Jim Henson’s team of original Mupeteers and the first person to perform as Mr. Snuffleupagus, has died. [Slashfilm]

Does my butt look big on the cover of this magazine? According to Fox News, the latest trend in Photoshop makes women appear “larger and curvier.” [Art Info]

Barbie, meet Andy. Andy, Barbie. A Japanese toy company is set to release two vinyl collectible Warhol dolls — complete with interchangeable hair and banana accessory — this fall.

Jerry Nelson, who voiced "Sesame Street" characters including Count von Count during more than 40 years with the show, has died, the show said. "The cast and crew of 'Sesame Street' and the staff of Sesame Workshop deeply mourn the loss of cast member and creator of dozens of Muppet characters, Jerry Nelson," said a message on Sesame Street's website. "A member of the 'Sesame Street' family for more than 40 years, he will forever be in our hearts and remembered for the...

It's a sad day for numbers. Jerry Nelson, the puppeteer known for playing the instructional Count von Count on Sesame Street, died Thursday of unspecified causes, according to CBC Radio-Canada. He was 78. Besides the non-threatening vampire, Nelson, a Tulsa native who grew up in Washington, D.C., also performed Gobo Fraggle on Fraggle Rock and The Muppet Show's Sgt. Floyd Pepper of the Electric Mayhem band; "Pigs in Space" stalwart Dr. Julius Strangepork; Kermit the Frog's nephew Robin; and Gonzo's girlfriend Camilla the Chicken, among other roles, says the site. He first trained with American puppeteer Bil Baird,...

Sad news for Muppet fans: original performer Jerry Nelson has died at the age of 78. Muppet Central first reported the news, with it being verified by the CBC. Although no cause of death has been released, Nelson had struggled with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and prostate cancer. Nelson first began working with Jim Henson in 1965, when Frank Oz was drafted, and Henson needed a new right-hand performer for Rowlf the Dog on "The Jimmy Dean Show." When Oz failed his physical, Nelson stayed on board performing various characters for Henson's TV specials, including the full-bodied Thog the Monster and developing Kermit's nephew Robin. He joined "Sesame Street" in its second season developing the characters of Count von Count and Mr. Sunffleupagus, among others. A fruitful relationship with Richard Hunt, inspired the creation of the Two-Headed Monster. On "The Muppet Show," Nelson performed a variety of one-off characters, with some...

Jerry Nelson, whose versatile talents invigorated Muppet productions for six decades through characters like The Count Von Count, Emmet Otter, and Lew Zealand, has died. He was 78. Nelson’s path first crossed with that of Jim Henson while both worked at NBC affiliate Wrc in Washington, D.C.—Nelson as a page and Henson as onscreen talent, using Wrc as the home base for early Muppet commercials and his first TV series, Sam And Friends. Yet it wasn’t until both were living and working in New York City that Nelson, having performed with puppeteer Bil Baird as part ...

Editor’s Note: As part of our week-long Guide to The Muppets, Gwen Reyes takes a look at one of the funniest, most intimate and lovely scenes from the 1979 classic. Setting the Scene: 1979 was a pivotal year for cinema. Not only did modern classics like Alien, Apocalypse Now, and Caligula (!!) make their way into local movieplexes, but in the summer a little green frog and his lovable band of merry men (and pig) leaped from American homes to the big screen. Thanks entirely to the popularity of The Muppet Show Jim Henson’s iconic Muppets were in high demand. Considering how Hollywood obsessed Kermit and company were on their TV series, it only made sense the first film in a long line of Muppet features would be about the crew’s showbiz aspirations. Intentionally self-aware, the film begins with Kermit (voiced by Henson) introducing the final cut of The Muppet Movie in a private studio screening room...

Starring: Dave Goelz, Bill Barretta, Jerry Nelson

Director: Tim Hill

The Scoop: (1999) The first muppet-centric film released after the death of beloved creator Jim Henson, "Muppets From Space" flatlined at theaters. Still, it's the Muppets, meaning that even the worst in the franchise still provides plenty of charms and funny bits for fans of all ages. Sci-fi fans will especially appreciate the numerous space-themed in-jokes in this story about, well, Muppets in space.

Special Features: Outtakes, music video, rat featurette

Rated G, 87 min. | Watch the trailer...

Your Weekly Source for the Newest Releases to Blu-Ray Tuesday, August 16th, 2011

Agent 8 3/4 (1964)

Directed by: Ralph Thomas

Starring: Dirk Bogarde, Sylva Koscina, Robert Morley

Synopsis: Unemployed Czech-speaking writer Nicholas Whistler thinks he’s got a job visiting Prague for a bit of industrial espionage. In fact he is now in the employ of British Intelligence. His pretty chauffeuse on arrival behind the Iron Curtain, Comrade Simonova, is herself a Czech agent. Just as well she’s immediately attracted to 007′s unwitting replacement. [highdefdigest.com]

Special Features: Unknown.

Armed And Dangerous (1986)

Directed by: Mark L. Lester

Starring: John Candy, Eugene Levy, Meg Ryan, Robert Loggia

Synopsis: Dooley, a cop wrongly sacked for corruption, teams up with a useless defense lawyer in their new careers… as security guards. When the two are made fall guys for a robbery at a location they are guarding, the pair begin to investigate corruption within the company and their union.

Season three of True Blood may have finished on the television but you can soon relive Bon Temps vamptasticly sexy drama on DVD and Blu-ray. The third 12-episode foray into the lives of Louisiana’s most blood-thirsty inhabitants sees Sookie pursue Bill’s kidnappers into deepest Mississippi, home to a powerful vampire king and a pack of vicious werewolves. As the season moves forward, dark secrets are tested and some come to light – including the extraordinary origins of one Sookie Stackhouse. But even with the introduction of new mythical beings vampires will always come out on top!

Here are our top 12 fanged favourites from film and television.

Barnabas Collins (Jonathan Frid) – Dark Shadows (1967 -1971)

Barnabas Collins is a 200-year-old vampire in search of fresh blood and his lost love, Josette, on the American soap opera Dark Shadows. Although his role was meant to be brief, the popularity of the character...

We’re really excited about an upcoming series we’re doing at the Ritz, the Muppets™, Music & Magic: Jim Henson’s Legacy program! In fact, we’re so excited we put it on the cover of our guide. Why are we excited about the Muppets?

Because Henson’s bizarre children are some of America’s most cherished cultural icons. Whether you identify with the trash-talking Oscar the Grouch, the endlessly-excitable Kermit the Frog, the karate chopping egotist Miss Piggy, or the balcony hecklers Statler and Waldorf, there’s certainly a place deep in your heart for these felt friends. And we want to celebrate that thermonuclear warmth.

We’ve partnered with The Jim Henson Legacy and Brooklyn Academy of Music to present a series of special Muppet-related programming. You’ll see some of the greatest moments of the 50+ year history of the Muppets, rarely seen gems from the Sesame Street vaults,...