There’s a lot to talk about. But for now, here were some of the highlights I discovered. If you’d like to know thoughts, let me know:

WHITE FANG
SHIPWRECKED
WILD HEARTS CAN’T BE BROKEN
IRON WILL
D2: THE MIGHTY DUCKS
HEAVYWEIGHTS
TALL TALE
THE PARENT TRAP
SERENGETI SYMPHONY
ENDURANCE

Tom and Jerry both move like they’re in a Mickey Mouse cartoon under Ken. Which makes sense, he was considered an A-lister Mickey.

The Muppets actually had 2 US network specials which acted as pilots for doing what would become THE MUPPET SHOW. Neither was picked up beyond a special, & it would take Lew Grade & a move to London (& international syndication) to get THE MUPPET SHOW. The 1st was 1974’s THE MUPPETS VALENTINE SHOW

And we also have Lew Grade’s belief in Jim Henson to thank for both THE MUPPET MOVIE & THE GREAT MUPPET CAPER. I think of this often - about how important simple, straightforward belief is vital to a creative spirit. Belief in yourself, but also others’ belief in you. (See: THE MUPPET MOVIE)

Looks to me Ken Muse animates the vast majority, Pete Burness does DON’T YOU BELIEVE IT, and Irv Spence does the gun and bear trap. Without a doubt, all of these guys are part of the reason T&J works as well as it does.

Not to harp on it (totally to harp on it), but I go back again & again to how strongly the notion of a support system of like-minded weirdos factored into the resonance of The Muppets. I’ve had plenty of long, dark nights of the soul, & this scene is a touchstone for me...

For every Operation Dumbo Drop and I’ll Be Home for Christmad, out of nowhere you’ll get a Tall Tale or White Fang that makes the banality worth it.

I can’t explain with any good or smart reason why I’m doing it, but I’m finding it to be a very illuminating experience in examining 90s pop culture and examinaing the positives and negatives of 90s Disney mindset releasing movies at this time.