Among the holiday traditions I've developed to pass on to my own family is in watching the dozens of classic holiday specials, whether movie or television when they air or from my own DVD collection. Dicken's A Christmas Carol has been done in so many ways, both animated and live action, but when Jim Henson's Muppets tell the story, it becomes instantly classic and entertaining for the whole family.

A recent re-release of the Muppet movies, including The Muppet Christmas Carol, has Kermit celebrating his 50th birthday and has me buying another, 'newer' copy of the film. It goes without saying that I enjoyed the retelling of the literary classic, so much so that I watch it once or twice around the holidays. The reprint marks the first time the film is available in widescreen and includes the fullframed version as well as a bonus (single) feature not found on the first print.

The widescreen transfer is immensely better and sharper than the fullframe, I'm guessing this is because it's the TV edit, though oddly, the only way to hear director Brian Henson's commentary track or see the previously deleted musical number is to watch the fullframe. A very odd edit indeed.

Bonus features include an On-Set blooper/gag reel of the Muppet performers flubbing lines or improvising. Another features Gonzo and Rizzo discussing the Christmas traditions celebrated around the world. Finally, a Behind the Actor type of featurette on Gonzo and his career is presented. Missing though is a feature found on the original print, a behind the scenes featurette where Gonzo and Rizzo interview Henson and introduce clips of the other performers talking about the film as themselves and as their foam counterparts.

Even if you've already picked up the first print, its a no brainer to get the 50th anniversary for the prisitine quality of the widescreen theatrical transfer. It's a good family flic and presents the traditional story in a way children and adults can enjoy.