Disney is releasing a “Nearly 35th Anniversary Edition” of The Muppet Movie for the first time on Blu-ray today.  Telling the cinematic story of how Kermit the Frog went from playing his banjo in the swamp to getting the old gang together and finding legendary success in Hollywood, this is a joyous film filled with memorable moments and celebrity cameos.

The first of many movies featuring Jim Henson’s beloved characters, this 1979 classic has a wonderfully meta screenplay that entertains on multiple levels, topped off with an excellent soundtrack that includes the Oscar-nominated “The Rainbow Connection.”  The restored presentation of this oddly appropriate anniversary edition is good, and The Muppet Movie is a genuinely delightful film that still holds up after nearly 35 years and would make a worthy addition to any Blu-ray collection.

The Blu-ray includes an extended camera test with director James Frawley, a profile of Kermit hosted by Pepe, a Frog-E-Oke sing along track for three songs and a few other goodies.

The Muppet Movie is 95 minutes and rated G.

-John C.