First of all, I just saw the next veggie episode, "The Wonderful Wizard of Ha's" for the first time complete. In case you don't know, this is only the second veggie episode I have written since the bankruptcy of Big Idea Productions in 2003. (The first being "Lord of the Beans." As you can tell, I've been in a parody mood when it comes to my veggies.) Anyway… the new video looks great. Brian Roberts directed it, what with Mike locked up in Toronto finishing the pirate movie. Brian and producer Chris Wall did an awesome job, and you should really check this one out. (And don't turn it off before the credits… heh heh… there's a litle surprise you won't want to miss.)
Secondly, Mike and the gang just finished recording the score for the movie, The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything. Picture is complete, only about a month worth of sound work and the film will be done! The visual looks really nice. I can't wait to hear Kurt Heinecke's final score, as recorded by an 80-piece orchestra in Prague! (As far as I know, the release date is still in early January.)
And finally, read this amazing story to hear what a difference a certain tomato made in the life of one father. This one kinda got to me…
Just read Cliff’s story about Bob. Wow. That one event alone makes the whole journey worthwhile, doesn’t it? God is just amazing. Amazing.
Great link. Thank you for the Veggie videos and for sharing your own story. Me, Myself, and Bob was my favorite present this past Christmas.
Phil,
I read the link to Cliff’s blog. I can see why it got to you. It illustrates the importance of why more Christians need to “Do what they do” for the glory of the Lord.
Our Savior is truly amazing, wonderful and marvelous. Cliff’s story is a reminder for us all not to believe the lie that our work is in vain. It isn’t!
Sharing God’s love, the prayers of the saints, and remaining faithful to God’s call does change things in this world AND the next. Phil, the Lord used you to usher in a soul that is saved for all eternity. The ripple effects on his family, community and more we won’t know until we get to heaven. Praise God for His unending love. Let’s join with the angels as we celebrate this lost son who has now been found! Hallelujah!
I was just in search of some way to contact you to send you the link of that Dad’s story. I see you already heard about it.
Thanks for making a difference!
Phil, I’ve heard people say that if I were the only one who could have been saved by Jesus’ death and resurrection, he would still have gone through with it. If that’s the case then how wonderful it is that there is one man whose life was saved- in more ways than one- by what God has been doing through Veggietales!
Cliffs story was just awesome, thank you Jesus!
I have seen the trailer of the wizard of has, and it looks really cool, im not sure when it comes out over here but I shall be buying as soon as it does, we still dont have lord of the beans yet 🙁 and im hoping that The pirates who dont do anything comes out over here too, or im taking a trip to the US to see it.
Cool! I visited Prague a few months ago to visit the set of the next Narnia film (why are you recording the music in Prague?). Can’t wait to hear Kurt’s score. He’s always good, and Jonah was his best work.
Oh you wrote the new veggie movie? I’m definitley gonna have to get this one then. It looks adorable =)
And I’m getting really pumped up for the pirates movie. The trailer is hilarious!
GodbewithyaPhil
~Beth
Hey, you know what? We’ve got a bunch of of your DVDs, and I’m really hoping that we’ll get the Wonderful Wizard of Ha’s soon! By the way, has it come out yet? We’re great fans of you, Phil! God bless you!
(P.S. We’ve also got 321 Penguins!)
Forgot to mention this, but we just watched Minnesota Cuke and when we got the trivia right, it said that the watever or other (or was it a cupoun) expired something or other 1 2006! What’s the idea for that, It’s 2007! Anyway, how many spoofs did you put in that? I’m longing to meet ya, Phil! Komin’ by Kansas soon?
Looking forward to the new video and the movie!
Thanks for that post from Cliff’s blog. Very touching and a great reminder.
The Wonderful Wizard of Ha’s?! That is hilarious! If I realized you had a blog, I would have been over sooner to tell you how much I have enjoyed VeggieTales all these years. I was collecting the movies long before I even had kids! The Easter Carol never ceases to bring me to tears (I think we all know what part :). I think VeggieTales has had an impact on so many people, and it is neat to hear that Bob helped that suicidal man see life from God’s perspective. Don’t stop being you, Phil!
~A big fan!
Wow, what an awesome story. The awesome thing is, that`s just one story among so many, including my own. Somehow, those Veggie episodes hit my heart right where it needs it. You will never know how many time God has spoken to me through Veggie Tales, to the point of weeping. As a child of divorce (i`m only 17), I am always reminded of the Father I have, my heavenly Daddy. Through the videos I saw that God can use me too in the arts. So one day I hope to do a lot of the stuff you do, if God permits.
hilarious, i just read the Wizard of Oz to my 7 year old, there were certainly parts of the story that he didn’t quite “get” or care for, and now the two of us just watched the trailer for “Ha’s”on Big Idea.com he really loved it, (and of course I liked it a little more than he did) he is really excited to see it
Hey! Our family LOVES Veggie Tales and my husband has been greatly touched and encouraged by your recent book, Me, Myself and Bob.
Thanks for being so transparent
Just one note – I was checking out your blog, clicked on a couple of links including “Bully Pulpit News” – and up popped several ads with rather “undressed” women pictured…..just thought you might want to know…..
A sister in Christ, Jen
I am so excited! just as long as the suprise does not involve Mr.Lunt singing. I saw him singing “over the rainbow” on the Big Idea website.
Phil,
Hey, I don’t know if you read these or not, but a buddy and I have started writing some scripts. We have a couple being looked at. Are there any legal reps (agents/lawyers) that are legit and not shady that you know of? We have no industry experience or insight, so if you do check this and get a chance to write, it will not be taken forgranted! Thanks
Finished your book in tears last night. I have encouraged my little Mormon mom book group to read it as an awe inspiring journey to GOd’s will. I have loved the Veggies since 5 years before we had kids (the sheep falling over in DATGP undoes me everytime!!) and now by them with the kids as an excuse. WIll see Pirates at least twice in the theatres!!
THanks for all you do- and I love that Bob has a documented “save” though I am sure there are MANY more lives he (and Who-he-works-for) has touched! THanks for providing a different way for GOd to touch and Save lives.
Thank you for your candor, humor and courage.
M. Arnold
You know, this wise man once told me that God has perfect timing (wink, wink). What an incredible example! Our God is truly awesome!
Wizard of Ha’s is already getting rave reviews in our house. Well, a certain song, anyway!
We are Big Idea Ambassadors and my son’s are counting down the minutes til they can watch “Ha’s.”
What in the world could be funnier than a decorative gourd singing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow?”
It will be years til my kids see Wizard of Oz, or Lord of the Rings… and when they do?!?! They are going to think THEY are the parodies!
Stay involved, Mr. Vischer. It might be hard, emotionally, physically, etc., but God will be glorified by your continued involvement!
What a wonderful story! Not only was he saved, but he was really saved! Even with all the troubles of our lives, such simple things as a talking tomato can help us heal, get on our knees, and get to know the God who made us all. What a wonderful story. Phil, this sure shows the power you have been blessed to use for all of us. Keep on leading us to God, Big Tomato!
Why must we wait until January for the Pirate movie? I completely misunderstand the timetable for movie release stuff. Is this whining? Probably. But jeepers!
Got “The Land of Ha’s” today and watched it with kids and wife. It was awesome. Very touching. Very teaching.
Got the new video today. My kids (and me) have watched it about 3 times. I think the funniest part for me was “Darby O’ Gill.” And what was TuTu’s name originally? We are dying to know. Thanks for another great veggie lesson, and we sincerely hope to have you pen more for them. Great to hear you on the commentary as well. And a thousand curses on you for that Monkey/Ape song. I have had nothing else running through my head all day. Worse than Gilbert and Sullivan! 🙂
Just finished watching the new video. As always, the animation is a lot of fun. I still think the characters’ eyes and acting are priceless. The characters are so much fun to watch, and the voices where great as usual. But this wasn’t one of my favorite episodes. I just think that the parody is too close to the source. With the old Star Trek parody, for example, it kinda spoofed the whole feel and cliche lines of Star Trek, but the story, characters, and humor were still very original. One thing I did love about this one was the Silly Song. Been stuck in my head all day, but I’m okay with that! And the ending totally caught me off guard, haha. Great to see you back on an audio commentary, Phil! And I loved your line in the behind-the-scenes video “It wasn’t for philosophical reasons. I just thought it was funny.” LOL, say it like it is!
I never saw the “The Wonderful Wizard of Ha’s” but I saw on Wikipedia that Phil’s going to make a parody to “Huckleberry Finn” called “Huckleberry Larry’ These are my questions, now.
1. What is the lesson to “Huckleberry Larry”? Will it have a Silly Song. If so what is about? And will it be retold as a western?
2. When Minnesota Cuke comes recurring will the first story in Minnesota Cuke and the Search for Samson’s Hairbrush called “Bully Trouble” have a sequel. And when will Minnesota Cuke recurring.
3. Will LarryBoy have a fourth adventure. If so when, and in 2-D or 3-D.
4. Will Toto Baggypants ever be a recurring character? I hope he comes one. If Toto will be a recurring character, when?
5. Will Sheerluck Holmes be a recurring character to VeggieTales? I want him to. If so, when, and will the first story make a sequel? I want the first story to have a sequel with Sheerluck Holmes’s.
6. Will Junior Asparagus, Laura Carrot, and Bob the Tomato be in “The Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything: A VeggieTales Movie”?
I can’t wait to see “The Wonderful Wizard of Ha’s” and to know these questions.
Thanks Phil, for another great VeggieTales episode! We thoroghly enjoyed the Wonderful Wizard of Ha’s! My personal favorite funny was Old Yellow McToad! My husband thinks he picked up a Star Wars quote… The only thing I still can’t figure is why Tutu is a pig…I mean, I know the story of the Prodigal Son, and how a pig fits in there, but I missed the connection.
BTW…my daughter LOVES her JellyNews…she’s always asking if there is a new one. She still talks about trading things for an Xbox.
Another great effort! I think my favorite part is during the tornado scene when the gourd comes by on his bicycle and is singing the “witch” music from the original Wizard of Oz- priceless! I also liked the Big Mister/Little Mister reference at the end. The Silly Song rates right up there with the best. Two thumbs up!
Phil, I have the video and it is so cooly awsome. Please, please, please, please write another blog. God bless. One more thing, PLEASE WRITE ANOTHER BLOG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dear Melissa (comment 28), Tutu is a pig because they are on a farm and a pig is a farm animal. Happy to help.
Hi! I love your blog site! My sister, Erica, just started one for our family, so I like looking at blogs.
I was clicking on a bunch of things on the internet one day, and I came up with your blog site! I thought it sooooo neat that VeggieTales had a blog! I like checking up on what’s going on over there.
For Thanksgiving this year, we were allowed to pick something for Mommy to give us, and I chose (guess what!)… The Wonderful Wizard of Ha’s! I love the silly song! I often go to BigIdea.com to hear that Monkey song. What a creative ending!
Noelle
The characters are still great, and I can’t wait for the Pirates movie. But the parodies are getting old.
Haha mrs the cucumber…of course you are right. Let me clarify my question….why do the characters refer to Tutu as a dog when he is a pig?
But now that I’ve had time to watch the “Making of” bonus feature, I realize that this really may be only my perception. Perhaps he really is a dog…
Hooray! Today was New Veggie DVD Day– quite an occasion for our family! We just finished watching the Prodigal Son/Wizard of Ha’s Story, plus all the bonus features. To find my normally cynical, action-movie watching- husband laughing along with my 3 kids is in itself, pretty hysterical. We were most touched by the themes of forgiveness and grace; and honestly, we had to watch Mr. Lunt sing “Over the Rainbow” numerous times.
The testimony of that father that you referenced was a confirmation how God can use each of us, Veggie or otherwise, to share God’s love. Thanks once again, especially to you and Lisa for humbly allowing God to use you as His vessels.
Yipes! I’m falling behind! I still need this and “God Made You Special”! 😮
Well, that’s great news!
And I can’t wait for Pirates!
Go Bob!
Phil I have got to tell you that I’m soooooo exited about the Pirates movie. I wake up almost every morning thinking about it. I also agree with mrs. the cucumber, please write another blog!!! ( no hurry.) Now I have to go study.
Phil,
You and the crew did an awesome take on the prodigal son story.
I read the story and it tore me 2 bits. You are very blessed my friend. I can not wait for Huckle ( or however it’s spelled) berry Larry. The first episode of season three! ( the seasons are separated by movies, like Johnah)
Phil, I wanted to share this with you. Below is a recent note I posted for my friends on Facebook. My daughter will be 3 next month, and I have owned Veggietales since I worked at CBD in 1999. My daughter has already seen the Wizard of Ha’s 10 times and we only bought it on Monday. Hmmmm…I’m slacking in my tv rule.
So here is my note:
I’ve never had a problem letting Lorien watch the occasional Veggietale movie, although there have admittedly been a few times when she was watching them a bit too often. In general though, she watches one every few days or so. While we are in the car, she loves to listen to her Veggietale cd’s. Recently, she has started singing along to them. It is so precious. She sings along to God is bigger than the boogie man. Although, if you really listen to her it sounds a bit like she is saying that God is the boogie man.
I remember when my niece used to listen to cd’s in her bed with headphones on when she was about Lorien’s age. She would sing the songs so loudly that we could hear her out in the living room.
It is so wonderful to hear Lorien singing songs about God and how he loves her and will take care of her.
Thanks Phil!
–Dawn
Thank you. I think we have watched “The Wizard of Ha’s” a million times today and yesterday. Okay, maybe that’s an exaggeration. Just like I had expected, it’s great work. The kids get to watch some TV that is (I believe) God pleasing, and I get some great laughs along the way. I think I’ve become the VeggieTales addict in the house, but don’t tell anyone.
I really wish I had introduced myself to VT much earlier. I used to send my oldest to a Christian Preschool, though I was not a true believer then. She would tell me whenever they got to watch it, but I had no clue what in the world it was.
After I’d become a Christian, we were looking around for children’s programming for my (now) 3 year old. I started thinking back about VeggieTales, and while I was in Walmart, I saw LarryBoy and the Bad Apple. Got it, and loved it. We have nearly all of the DVDs now, and none have disappointed us.
And thank you for posting the link to Cliff’s Lost and Found Blog. What a great testimony that is.
Just read Cliff’s story, Phil. Wow…what an incredible change one tomato can make. It was really touching.
Also, I got the new episode yesterday…and absolutely loved it. I can’t wait to see future episodes with your wonderful writing. 🙂 Mr. Lunt singing “Over the Rainbow” was just a wonderful thing.
Also, can’t wait to see the Pirates movie!The trailer makes it look absolutely fantastic.
I live in Mishawaka, Indiana, which is only 45 minutes from Shipshewana! Any time Lisa and you want to visit, I’d be glad to take you there! It is wonderful to have another Phil written story and to hear you again on the commentary! I agree, Mr. Lunt is the best Judy Garland around! Thanks!
Phil, I know this is your website but would like to give kudos to Mike Nawrocki( did I spell it write?). I have not seen the movie but I bet he directed his butt (I could not say the other word) off. I think you should parody Spongebob Squarepants. Somehow…..
hey just saw the movie its realy great! o yha for all of the people on this web site i have entered my movie in The Apple Insomnia Film Festival please vote for me at the apple web site oct19th – nov.somthing. my movie is called A Blind Date
Hey Phil! I was just on TPWDDA site. It’s cool! Everyone, check it out!
I did check it out. I thought it was cool!
Dear Phil, I know you are busy with the next Veggietale, but please write another blog. I really like hearing what’s happening next at big idea.
Hey Viki’s Back, did you check out The Wonderful Wizard of Ha’s yet?
Hey Phil!
(Actually, can I call you that? My eleventh birthday is still about a month away.)
First of all, I haven’t gotten to look at your blog recently because I’ve been so busy with my school and all.
Second, have you been reading my comments?
Third, I see you and Noelle have met since last time I WAS on your blog. I also love the ‘Monkey’ song in the Wonderful Wizard of Ha’s, although I still haven’t seen the video. Guess what? (Taaa Daaa!) I’m going to get Moe and the Big Exit for Thanksgiving, and Larryboy and the Bad Apple for my birthday! Will you please give us an e-mail if you come around Stafford?
You know, “Mr. Vischer” (Actually, I like calling you ‘Phil’ better!) I am really looking forward to seeing the Wonderfull Wizard of Ha’s, and also God Made You Special. I think the story about Bob going on vacation will be very funny.
–“Raymond?!?”
“My fern.”– I saw that at Big Idea when veiwing part of it.
I’m really looking forward to seeing all the newer videos that we haven’t got.
Oh, by the way, PLEASE E-MAIL US IF YOU COME AROUND STAFFORD COUNTY KANSAS!
I saw “The Wonderful Wizard of Ha’s” and it had an okay script. (It just was the best). However I was dissapointed. Usally being dissapointed by a VeggieTales eposide doesn’t happen. I did hear though the rest of you weren’t. I don’t even know what you’re talking, but you do. (You all can have your own opinion).
I relized something else in the past VeggieTales (some of them), Junior Asparagus wears hats. In “Larry-Boy and the Rumor Weed”, Percy Pea, Li’l Pea, Junior Asparagus, and Laura Carrot had stripes on their outfits.
Also Moe and the Big Exit is the first VeggieTales episode since “God Wants Me to Forgive Them?!?” were Ma Grape appears.
I made a mistake on the previous comment, “[I just was the best]” mean “[I just wasn’t the best].” I didn’t catch that mistake until I submit the comment. Another mistake I caught and don’t know why I didn’t fix before submit “Moe and the Big Exit” wasn’t in quotations.
One more thing “The Wonderful Wizard of Ha’s” just wasn’t the best VeggieTales, and I was dissapointed by it. Was anyone else dissapointed by “The Wonderful Wizard of Ha’s”?
I actually found Wizard of Ha’s to be one of the better recent VeggieTales episodes. I thought it was very innovative and charming, with the various song spoofs. The scene where Junior says he can’t go home and that his dad would never forgive him for what he did just really tugged at my heartstrings, as did the scene of him returning to his dad, who runs with joy to greet him. It really reminded me of God’s open arms and love for us when we return to him.
We just got Wizard of HAs (brother got it for Christmas), and I have to say it is quite refreshing to see a new Junior story. (That was my only issue with L-B: Bad Apple) It was also great to hear you on a commentary again. (I had to assure my mom the “restraining order” was a joke more than once. Also, I got the Bob-headphones joke)
I agree with the person above, who said the parodies are getting old, especially when they drive bible story adaptations. That’s why I know the Pirates movie will be a breath of fresh air.
Yeah, they may seem to have jumped the shark, but if this 19-year old who’s been watching since almost the beginning is still satisfied, they can’t be so far gone yet.
Hey Phil!
Our whole family watched the Wizard of Ha’s and loved it! Mathew, 6, and Thomas, 2 1/2, are crazy about VT. Mathew actually started out w/ Thomas the Tank engine nd VT, then it became Bob the Builder and VT, then it was Star Wars and VT, now……….. it’s just Veggie Tales! Point is: he’s always been a fan of VT no matter what else was going on then. To answer 1 of the questions from above, “I personally think that Wizerd of Ha’s was much, much, much better than Duke and the Great Pie War.” I thought Duke and the Pie War was anything like Ruth and Naomi. Our whole family was pretty upset w/ the outcome of that 1. And one more thing, the testimony at the top was very touching. Hope you will be able to touch many more lives. God Bless! 🙂
When will Huckleberry Larry be released? I need it for birthday gift by the 8th of march!