The Adventures of Teddy Ruxpin 1986 (Live Action Series Pilot)

Co-produced by Atkinson Film-Arts or Canada (defunct), Worlds of Wonder, Alchemy II, and DiC AV, this would be the first of two attempts to create a TV show based on the world of Teddy Ruxpin. Unfortunately, this live-action version would prove too expensive to produce and was ultimately shelved.

Work on the animated version that we all know would begin in the middle of 1986 and continue for a total of 65 episodes, concluding in 1987, leaving the series very much open for a sequel that never happened. The voice cast seen here is all almost identical to those who voiced the characters in the animated series.

This live-action pilot was aired a number of times as a TV special and saw a run of videocassette releases before disappearing. Bootleg DVD's have surfaced but are unofficial and seem to be made from VHS rips rather than source film.
Set construction and costume design here is stunning. It's beautifully done with very few, if any loose ends and would really benefit from a true high-definition release. Teddy Ruxpin has always been close to me, and to this day, one of the biggest part of my collection has been an original promotional costume that i keep in perfect condition.