Sources: Wikidata · OpenAlex. The record of the motion picture, not an assessment of this cell.
FILM NOTES
Muppet Treasure Island arrived in 1996 as Jim Henson Pictures' second literary adaptation following A Christmas Carol, released through Walt Disney Pictures with Brian Henson directing. It paired the Muppet troupe with a live-action cast including Tim Curry, folding Robert Louis Stevenson's adventure into the puppet tradition. The film holds a fond place among Muppet productions for balancing genuine swashbuckling stakes with the ensemble's established comic voice, and it remains a favorite entry point for collectors tracing the studio's output after Jim Henson's death.
This cell centers on Kermit the Frog in his role as Captain Abraham Smollett, the ship's captain charged with keeping order aboard the Hispaniola. Casting Kermit as a naval authority figure is one of the film's sharper jokes, placing the most recognizable Muppet into a position of gravity and command rather than his usual master of ceremonies role. Collectors seek this pairing because it captures a defining piece of stunt casting, the kind of character-role fusion that gives Muppet adaptations their particular charm and makes this cell a natural touchstone for fans of the film.
Authentication Findings8 checks
Consistent with a 35mm theatrical release print of Muppet Treasure Island (1996).
Gauge
35mm, four perforations per frame visible on both edges; the strip holds three frames.
Perforations
Four per frame on both edges, evenly spaced; punched edges appear clean with no visible tearing or distortion.
Soundtrack
A variable-area optical track is visible running along one edge beside the picture area, consistent with an analog stereo print; a finer secondary track line also appears, suggesting a twin-track variable-area configuration.
Edge print
Not visible in this capture at sufficient resolution to read manufacturer codes or key numbers.
Base & colour
Base appears with a slight blue-violet tint along the rebate strips; the dye image in the picture area reads as warm-toned with no obvious red shift or significant fading.
Projection history
Fine longitudinal lines are visible running the length of the strip, consistent with projection wear; no splices or cue marks are seen.
Picture
Positive image; the three frames appear to be consecutive frames from a single continuous shot, and the puppet character visible is consistent with the Muppet Treasure Island (1996) production.
Era check
The twin variable-area optical track, warm dye image, and blue-tinted polyester-type base are all consistent with a mid-1990s theatrical release print of the period when Muppet Treasure Island was distributed.
Read from the original intake capture shown below. Observations only — film is authenticated, not graded.
This original motion picture film element has been examined and authenticated by Crown Grading in partnership with National Film Vault, and encapsulated for archival preservation.
Why so little survivesRelease prints were leased to theaters, not sold. When the run ended they went back to the distributor to be destroyed, and most were. What collectors hold today came from the prints that escaped that order, and no new 35mm prints of these films are being struck.
CROWN SERIAL 000063436
Original Film CaptureAs received
Photographed on the light panel at intake, before encapsulation — tap to open full size
Tap to enlarge
