Eyes in the dark

It's an old cartoon gag when the lights go out, to show only the whites of a character's eyes in the dark. In Muppet productions, special techniques are used to achieve the effect. Speaking in the audio commentary for the Muppet Treasure Island DVD, Brian Henson explains that the eyes are painted with tiny balls of glass that reflect a small source of light placed under the lens of the camera. Other methods have been used, including the use of CGI (for a scene from Sesame Street Episode 4173).

Ernie and BertSesame Street sketch in Episode 0003

Maria, Oscar and RosebudSesame Street Episode 0700

Cookie Monster"If Moon Was Cookie"

Forgetful, Clementine and BusterSesame Street sketch

unidentifiedThe WXYZ Book

Telly and OscarBig Bird in China

The MuppetsMuppets Studios Presents: You're the Director

Oscar the Grouch"My Name Is Oscar the Grouch"

Elmo"Elmo's Preschool"

Smollett, Rizzo, Gonzo, and pigsMuppet Treasure Island

Oscar the Grouch"The Three Grouchketeers"

Kermit the Frog and GroverSesame Street sketch

ElmoThe Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland

Elmo, Oscar and his goatElmo's World: Farms

UpdubMopatop's Shop: "The Heebie Jeebie"

The Three Bears and GoldilocksSesame Street Episode 3977

Abby Cadabby, Oscar, Lassie, and SpotSesame Street Episode 4173

TingoSesame English

The MuppetsThe Muppet Movie soundtrack ad

Kermit, Fozzie, Scooter, Piggy, Skeeter, Beaker, and BunsenMuppet Babies, "Who's Afraid of the Big, Bad Dark?"

Summer, Kermit, Fozzie, and AnimalMuppet Babies, "Sir Kermit the Brave"

Gonzo, Camilla, Priscilla, and BeepMuppet Babies "Muppet Rock"

Grover, Oscar and Cookie MonsterStreet Mission

Red, Wembley, Mokey, and GoboFraggle Rock: Back to the Rock, "The Glow"

See also

• Beaker's glowing eyes