After years of rumors of the return of hit Jim Henson-produced sequence Fraggle Rock in both sequence or movie kind, Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock is lastly right here. We’re comfortable to report that the sequence not solely matches the spirit of the unique but in addition expands upon it in all of the methods a modern-day reboot ought to.
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Here are 5 methods Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock is a reboot finished proper:
1. A More Vibrant and Detailed Aesthetic
The authentic designs of the Fraggle Rock characters and set are iconic, and for probably the most half, they continue to be fairly related, if not improved, right here. The principal solid appears just about the identical save for Mokey and to a lesser extent the Doozers, although the brand new designs aren’t an enormous shift and nonetheless stay acceptable for his or her characters.
The basic places just like the Gord Garden, Trash Heap, and Fraggle Rock itself nonetheless stay intact, however fashionable expertise has allowed them to be extra vibrant on this reboot than the unique present. Don’t fear, the modifications aren’t dramatic, however the potential to deliver extra colour into this world permits for extra seen depth and element within the units.
2. Updated Effects (Most of Them Practical!)
It’s been a couple of many years for the reason that present’s authentic run, so naturally, the reboot has taken benefit of the brand new developments in puppeteering expertise and media normally. But a pleasing shock is that many of the updates on the present don’t depend on CGI as a lot as the power to do extra with the puppets themselves (the best way they work together with water is sort of spectacular to see) in addition to issues like making use of a greater variety of digicam angles.
Of course, there may be some CGI used right here — most notably to cover the arm rods of the puppets — nevertheless it appears the present’s artistic workforce used sensible results at any time when potential, which helps keep the spirit of the unique program.
3. Returning Cast Members
Many of the unique Fraggle Rock solid members have handed away for the reason that ’80s (or within the case of Steve Whitmire, are now not on good phrases with the Jim Henson manufacturing workforce) however a few of those that are nonetheless round have returned. Longtime Muppeteer Dave Goelz is again because the voice of Boober and Uncle Traveling Matt, whereas Karen Prell was on set puppeteering Red simply as she was in the course of the present’s authentic run along with voicing the character.
4. Modern Life Lessons
Jim Henson initially created Fraggle Rock in hopes of bringing about world peace. While he didn’t fairly obtain that lofty aim, the present did train plenty of essential classes to children about cooperation and coexistence with these totally different from themselves.
Back to the Rock does the identical however by means of a 2020’s lens. It’s not like Disney+’s Muppets Now that was very a lot rooted in on-line tradition; this present nonetheless primarily takes place in Fraggle Rock itself with the one “updated” places being in “Outer Space” aka the true world. Rather, the reboot offers with hot-button subjects within the present world like the hazards of echo chambers and the significance of consent, presenting them in a approach children will perceive.
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5. Semi-Serialized Storytelling
Television right this moment is totally different than it was within the Nineteen Eighties, together with the methods by which audiences devour it. While the unique Fraggle Rock was proven on HBO again earlier than the VCR was a commonplace equipment (within the days when if somebody missed an episode, they missed it) Back to the Rock is a streaming sequence that can have all 13 of its episodes launch collectively, obtainable for viewers to observe at any time.
This permits for the present to inform a little bit of an overarching story along with those in every particular person episode. It’s not the principle focus of the present for probably the most half, however the creators understanding that folks may have entry to all of the episodes permits this, and it provides an additional storytelling layer to the reboot that the unique was unable to make the most of for probably the most half.
All 13 episodes of Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock can be obtainable on Apple TV+ beginning January 21.
