I
Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story
(2014/Cinedigm DVD)
Picture:
B- Sound: B- Extras: C+ Documentary: B
I
Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney
story is a fascinating behind the scenes look at the man who brought
to life two of the most popular characters in history - Big Bird and
Grouch from the TV classic Sesame
Street.
Expertly edited with a touching score and incredible interviews,
this documentary is a great example good storytelling and highlights
the early Henson years and the personal struggles this actor was
having behind the scenes when he wasn't on camera.
For
over 4 decades, Caroll's characters have been cherished by
generations of children. At 81 years old, the tenacious and
enthusiastic performer has no intention of slowing down. I
am Big Bird
features incredible footage of Spinney's earliest collaborations with
Jim Henson as it traces Caroll's journey from bullied child to
celebrated performer. This loving portrait peels away the instances
that inspired his creation of Big Bird and as the yellow feathers
give way to grey hair, it is the man, not the puppet (or Muppet), who
will steal your heart.
Incredible
interviews include Puppeteers and Performers including Kevin Clash,
Matt Vogel, Dave Goelz, and Frank Oz. Spinney himself is also in the
film along with great interviews with his wife and family. If you're
a fan of Henson or Sesame
Street
then you won't want to miss this award winning documentary.
Presented
in standard definition with an anamorphic widescreen aspect ratio of
1.85:1 and lossy Dolby Digital 5.1 track, the film looks fine on DVD
but could benefit a Blu-ray upgrade. Most of the footage is archival
footage so the quality isn't the greatest (which adds to the effect)
but the interviews are cleanly shot and executed and all of the still
images used throughout are fantastic.
Extras
include Deleted
Scenes: Caroll on Camera, Caroll Meets Michael Jackson, Oscar the
Grouch, Big Bird's Biggest Fan, First Date, Deb's Song,
and Chinese
Big Bird.
All
in all this documentary is touching and well done. Recommended.
-
James Harland Lockhart V
www.facebook.com/jhl5films
