[This article was written by Shawn Pero.]
Welcome to the new Tough Pigs blog! On teh Int4rw3bz! Forsooth! One of the interesting things about this newly revamped TP (2.0!) is that there’s more than one person writing it. While everyone’s favorite crab Danny is still going to be around, he’s gotten a bunch of great people (myself included) to help out.
Don’t worry about the signature Tough Pigs humor and crabbiness being toned down, however – we’re all funny and I know I, at least, am just as crabby. But for real, I hope to be a worthy contributor to the site, and that you like me. Really like me. That previous joke is a contractual obligation, by the way. The other contributors should be letting you get to know them soon with their own posts.
So enough of that, onto what you’re really here for: Muppet stuff! It’s a new year and a new ToughPigs, so let’s kick off with one of the most exciting new pieces of merchandise since the Disney merger – the Master Replicas Kermit the Frog Photo Puppet!
This product had been talked about for almost a year, and was released in late 2006. It’s essentially a replica (and a Master one at that) of a Kermit poser, ie. the kind of Kermit used in professional Muppet photo shoots with no puppeteer controls and an internal metal armature (but you knew that). The Master Replicas version includes a custom display stand and numbered plaque for added fancy-tude.
I’ve had the opportunity to see one of these up close, and it’s the real deal. The fleece MR used for the outside of the replica is spot-on. Little details like the invisible Henson stitching are there, and with a bit of effort it’s possible to tweak the eyes; a lot of the replicas shipped have the “flathead kermit” wonky eye focus preinstalled. But all told, great results for a first effort. I mean, it’s Kermit! For really real Kermit, not a toy! Very much not a toy!
I say ‘first’ because on the (tentative) slate at Master Replicas for 2007 are several more Photo Puppets, namely Gonzo and Animal – and how exciting is that? Especially since the retail price for Kermit is a decent $199 (although some looking around on eBay can get you one for as little as $169) (didn’t I say it’s not a toy?). Given the current status of any official Muppet productions at Disney (not a lot) you could start your own authentic-looking Muppet performances at home while you wait. Except, don’t put on any Muppet performances at home. Disney’s legal department could be on you like that.
Images Courtesy of Master Replicas
