Jim Henson Retrospective Coming to Siskel

Just when we thought the Siskel Film Center had reached its maximum level of awesome, they've pretty much blown our minds by announcing a month-long Jim Henson retrospective. It runs from November 8 through December 4. It features all the highlights you'd expect (including The Muppet Movie, The Great Muppet Caper, The Dark Crystal, Labyrinth) as well as a bunch of stuff you won't see anywhere else.

"Muppet History 101" compiles early TV appearances, commercials, guest spots on The Dick Cavett Show, and the rarely-seen pilot for The Muppet Show. Puppeteer David Rudman, who's played Baby Bear and Cookie Monster, will host the program. Another show, "Commercials & Experiments," features non-Muppet shorts by Henson, among them "an industrial film for Wilson’s Meat that must be seen to be believed."

There's also an episode of Fraggle Rock, some "Muppet Fairytales" shorts and the classic holiday special, Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas. We don't care what age you are, there's something here you'll want to see. And with the economy tanking, putting everyone on edge, there's no better time for the warm and fuzzy feelings that only Muppets can provide. (By the way: our favorite was always Beaker).