Talking Simpsons Bonus Holiday Podcast - What A Cartoon Movie - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990)
Jan 15, 2025
The hosts dive into the nostalgic 1990 film, 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,' celebrating its 34th anniversary. They share humorous childhood memories and analyze the film's gritty puppetry. The discussion covers the actors' struggles during filming, the cultural significance of the Turtles' love for pizza, and philosophical themes within the story. With insights into behind-the-scenes challenges, marketing partnerships, and character dynamics, the podcast wraps up by reflecting on the franchise's continued impact on pop culture.
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Creating the Turtle Suits
- Jim Henson's Creature Shop created the turtle suits, marking their first non-Henson production.
- The suits were expensive, complex, and hot to wear, causing significant discomfort for the actors, especially during long shoots.
Secret Disney Screening
- Steve Barron secretly screened the movie for Jeffrey Katzenberg at Disney to secure additional funding.
- Katzenberg then attempted to acquire the film's distribution rights from New Line Cinema, causing tension with Golden Harvest.
Box Office and VHS Success
- TMNT was a box office success, outperforming The Hunt for Red October and becoming the highest-grossing independent film at the time.
- Its VHS release was unusually quick, capitalizing on the film's popularity and featuring cross-promotions with Pizza Hut.
