The Jim Henson Company and Plastic Meatball Celebrate the 45th Anniversary of ‘Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas’

The Jim Henson Company has partnered with Plastic Meatball to develop a cross-category line of products based on Jim Henson’s 1977 classic Christmas special, “Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas.” 

The deal encompasses a wide swath of consumer products categories, including toys, games, apparel, housewares, seasonal décor, limited-edition artwork and more.  

The centerpiece of the anniversary capsule collection is a pre-order for a special 2-pack of 5.5-inch collectible figures of Emmet and Ma – the first licensed figurines ever produced for the special. The set will be made to order and comes with a variety of accessories including a washtub bass, Pa Otter’s toolbox, various tools and the Christmas Branch. Also available is a limited edition 18” x24” screenprint by artist Dave Perillo in a “gig” poster style, advertising the Jug-Band’s nightly performances at the Riverside Rest. Rounding out the collection is a concert t-shirt, also featuring art by Perillo, for the hard-rocking Riverbottom Nightmare Band, the primary competition for Emmet and Ma at the Waterville Christmas talent contest.  

“I think I saw Emmet during its initial run on HBO in the late 70’s when I was very young, and it really resonated with me,” says Roman Cortez, creative director, Plastic Meatball. “It was unlike the other holiday specials at the time - very multi-layered and really focused on folks just doing the best they can for each other during the holiday season. I loved it, and it was always the sort of secret special that not every kid knew about. It’s a dream that we actually get to play with these characters and environments and bring them to life through our products.” 

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“Only a company like Plastic Meatball can give Emmet, Ma and all the other residents of Frogtown Hollow the attention they so richly deserve,” says Melissa Segal, head, global consumer products, The Jim Henson Company. “Clearly, they are fans of the special and appreciate the unique world Jim and his collaborators built, so they are approaching each project with an attention to detail that makes these products must-have.”