This film, unusual for Sesame Street, has a glut of these moments:
- One Little Star
, sung by Big Bird, Olivia, and Snuffy about how they miss each other. - "I'm a bluebird, that's been dreaming..." Even Sid cries over the song.
- When the two kids who see him and ultimately tell everyone on Sesame Street where he is peek at him, they see Big Bird shedding a single, realistic tear. Muppet magic.
- The song becomes more poignant following Big Bird's (and Oscar's) longtime puppeteer Caroll Spinney's passing.
- When Big Bird tells Snuffy he has to leave. Their reunion at the end of the film counts as both this and Heartwarming.
- Big Bird saying goodbye to the rest of his Sesame Street friends afterward.Maria: Don't forget, Big Bird, we love you!
- Even OSCAR is saddened upon Big Bird's departure... in his own grouchy way, of course.
Big Bird: Well, goodbye, Oscar.
Oscar: (genuinely surprised) What? Why, that's the nicest thing you've ever said to me. (sniffs) - When Big Bird sends hi friends a letter telling them about his new family, it's hard not to frown when you hear the last line.I should be happy, what's wrong with me?
- In a real-world example, this was Jim Henson's final theatrical role as Kermit the Frog (and Ernie) before his death in 1990.
