DVD Corner

Fraggle Rock: Back To The Rock Season 1 Blu-ray Review

“Fraggle Rock: Back To The Rock” is a reboot done right. 

Apple TV+’s “Fraggle Rock: Back To The Rock” is a 2022 reboot of Jim Henson’s 1983 “Fraggle Rock.” In the 13 episode first season (plus the Christmas special “Night Of The Lights”), we travel back to Fraggle Rock where Gobo, Uncle Traveling Matt, Mokey, Red, Boober, Wembley, and others reside alongside the builder Doozers (like Cotterpin). Outside of Fraggle Rock, we are introduced to the new characters Doc (a grad student) and her dog sprocket (a puppet) who move into a new house (which contains a hole that leads to Fraggle Rock). The duo have their own stories involving ocean life and Doc developing a new bacteria. 

Storywise, expect to see plots about the Gorg giants, Marjory The Trash Heap, water, diving, dreams, sea life, Wembley’s birthday, Icy Joe (a frozen Fraggle), The Troubadours band, Craggles, pink goo, Merggles, and Night of the Lights holiday.

Developed by Matt Fusfeld and Alex Cuthbertson, “Fraggle Rock: Back To The Rock” is a prime example of how to do a reboot. Granted, it’s not going to please everyone. Some purists may scoff at changes (including those to Mokey), but for the most part, this new version has been well received. It stays true to the spirit of the original, it delivers new characters (like Doc, Archivist and Great Glitterini), it’s a more serialized show, and it delivers everything fans loved about the original. ‘Fraggle’ still has catchy musical numbers (including the iconic “Down In Fraggle Rock”), top notch puppetry, incredibly detailed hand built sets, fascinating worlds within worlds world building, life lessons, radishes, and lovable returning characters. This series could have easily been a nostalgic rehash, but it’s clear that the entire creative team put their heart and soul into making this a special project that will appeal to fans of the original and make new fans along the way. 

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.78:1 1080p. How does it look? The series looks gorgeous and colorful in hi-def.

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? From the songs to the sound effects, this is a lively 5.1 track. 

Extras:
* Commentary on “Pilot” by puppeteers Karen Prell and John Tartaglia.
* Commentary on “Craggle Lagoon” by puppeteers Karen Prell and John Tartaglia.
* Commentary on “Night Of The Lights” by Karen Prell and John Tartaglia.
* A near 3 minute blooper reel
* Sing-alongs for “Go With The Flow,” “Follow Me,” “Party In Fraggle Rock,” and “Fraggle Rock Theme Song.”

January 5, 2025 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Fraggle Rock, Fraggle Rock: Back To The Rock, Fraggle Rock: Back To The Rock Season 1 Blu-ray Review, Jim Henson, Puppets