If you’re a child of the ’80s, you probably remember Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas and The Bells of Fraggle Rock, two beloved holiday specials that were seasonal staples. Now, for the first time ever, these heartwarming films will play on the big screen!
Fathom Events and The Jim Henson Company are bringing the two programs to theaters on December 10 and 16 under the title Jim Henson’s Holiday Special. The event will also debut an all-new featurette, “Memories of the Jug-Band,” featuring a “surprise celebrity guest,” and Jim Henson’s daughter, Cheryl, will be on-hand for a special greeting. The holiday special will begin at 7PM on December 10, and at 1PM and 4PM on December 16.
“These two unique and well-loved classics from Jim Henson offer an exciting new way for families to spend the holidays together, enjoying classic entertainment that will be nostalgic for parents and delightfully new for kids,†said Tom Lucas, Fathom Events VP of Studio Relations, in a press release.
Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas premiered on HBO in 1977 and became an instant-classic. It follows the story of Ma Otter and her son Emmet, a poor otter family who enter a local talent show with hopes to win its $50 prize so they can celebrate Christmas. It was directed by Henson, with music written by Paul Williams and puppet performances from Frank Oz. The soundtrack for the special is finally being released.
The Bells of Fraggle Rock premiered as a holiday episode of the popular TV series Fraggle Rock in 1984. It centers on Gobo Fraggle as he struggles to feel excited for The Festival of the Bells, the Fraggles’ version of Christmas. He goes on a personal adventure to discover the true meaning of the holiday, and why it’s so special to his fellow Fraggles.
In addition to the big screen event, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment will also release Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas on Blu-ray this December 18, which will in the new “Memories of the Jug-Band” featurette.
If you’d like to attend Jim Henson’s Holiday Special, tickets are available at Fathom Events.
Do you remember watching these specials as a kid? If so, what were your favorite songs? Let us know in the comments below!
Images: The Jim Henson Company
