Search - The World of Sid & Marty Krofft - H.R. Pufnstuf on DVD

Your friend when things get rough!

Jason Robey | Silver Spring, MD USA | 08/27/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

""H.R. Pufnstuf! Who's your friend when things get rough? H.R. Pufnstuf! Doesn't do a little 'cause he can't do enough!" I've been missing my friend for close to 25 years now and it's great to have him back. Oddly enough, the show is both better and worse than I remember it - but mostly better.First of all, the opening theme is priceless! In my book, it's one of the top five Saturday Morning TV theme songs. The soulful reprise by The Boyds at show's end is also great. (Move over Aretha!)When I was just a tyke my favorite aspect of the show was, of course, the life-sized puppets - especially H.R. himself. I still like him, but the good ol' boy accent and (*gasp*) go-go boots are just a wee disconcerting - but I'll forgive him. However, I could never stand that dumb magic flute, Freddy, and he's even more bothersome now. (And honestly, what's so magical about him!?) The side characters are mostly charming, like Cling and Clang, but also really weird, like that pink piece of candy that talks with a New York accent. And what's the deal with that glitter-encrusted Cabaret frog? What a freak.Looking at the show today, I'd have to say what really held it together were, not so much the life-sized puppets, but the two human characters: Jimmy and Witchiepoo. I can't say enough about Jack Wild, who plays Jimmy. He radiates talent all over the place, and that Cockney accent can out-charm even the most enchanting of puppets. He's also got these crazy twist-about, stutter-step dance moves that are so cool they ought to be patented. And then there's Billie Hayes who plays Witchiepoo - she's an absolute riot! It's about as over-the-top as a performance can get, but in this venue, it's perfect and hysterical. What would the show be without Witchiepoo? Not a thing!If you grew up watching the show, and if you can appreciate good camp, "H.R. Pufnstuf" is definitely worth watching again. Sid and Marty Krofft were working on a tight budget, and that's obvious, but they were able to pull off magic with what they had. Not only was it great television, but also the show was highly influential. Will today's children like it? I can't say, but I would assume so.As far as the DVD itself is concerned, Rhino did an uncharacteristically poor job. The shows look and sound good, which is the main thing, but the navigation is dreadful; finding your way around is a chore. The interview with an adult Jack Wild is simply audio dubbed over a series of (creepy) photographs. (He hasn't aged well.) The sing-a-longs are a nice addition, but I would've liked to see more. The episodes are good, but randomly selected. I would be more than happy to add "H.R. Pufnstuf" to my DVD collection, but I'm going to wait for a better release, hopefully a box set with all 17 episodes. I guess I'm hooked again!"

Take a trip to Living Island!

Shelley Gammon | Kaufman, Texas USA | 06/14/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you grew up in the 1970s, you watched "H.R. Pufnstuf" after school... even if you don't remember it well, you saw it at least once. "Barney" owes his existence to the first big plush dragon (or whatever type of animal he was!) on TV.With Freddy the Flute in his shirt pocket, Jimmy (played by Jack Wild) sings and dances with his costumed friends in the fantasy world of Living Island where all animals and even inanimate objects like clocks, chairs and houses talk and interact with everyone. A definite predecessor to "Pee Wee's Playhouse!"The DVD has an interview w/ Jack Wild as an adult and has previews of other Krofft Titles. There is also an H.R. Pufinstuf theme song sing-a-long w/ the DVD. Even the FBI warning on this DVD is entertaining!The picture quality is excellent and the DVD is well worth the price to be transported back in time to your carefree childhood days of afterschool television and the Krofft Superstars.This is also great viewing for kids compared to the usual garbage that is on tv for kids nowadays. Morals such as friendship, loyalty and teamwork are taught in a non-threatening fantasy environment."

Take A Trip Back In Time....

M. B Evans | Madison, Mississippi United States | 07/27/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Man, Do you remember what it was like back in the late 60's and all thru the 70's? One thing stands out in my mind, and that one thing being Saturday morning TV. We had the best TV shows back then. Who remembers waking up on those early Saturday mornings, with a bowl of sugar coated cereal in one hand, and a blanket,( still in you pjs) in the other, and sitting right in front of the TV to start watching all those great cartoons, and all those great Sid and Marty Krofft shows. Those days are unfortunatly long gone, all but memories, but you can still relive them. Just buy this H.R. Puff DVD. All the magic, creativity, and fun is here. Witchie-Poo, Jimmy, Puff, and the rest of the gang. I recommend this DVD, an also all the rest of the Krofft stuff, like Land Of The Lost, and Sigmund and the Seamonsters, which are all on DVD. I will buy all of them whan they come out. You owe it to yourself, and your kids(if you have them) to get this DVD and the others, and to show them what real Saturday morning tv was and is. Buy these DVDs, and take a trip back in time, when Saturday morning TV meant something. Those days are gone, but we have these DVDs, and the great memories. Long Live Sid and Marty Krofft...."

Krofft's Best Effort

B. Seed | Bend, Oregon USA | 04/21/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The world of Living Island, including Witchie Poo and H. R. Pufnstuf is arguably the best effort from the Krofft team. The look and feel of the show is engaging to all ages, the voice talent is second to none, and the characters are loveable (and laughable - even the villain). I loved this show as a kid and still love it as an adult. It was great watching this DVD with my two young sons!
The transfer to DVD is great and these episodes are wonderful representations of the series. The interview with Jack Wild has good content, but not as engaging thanks to the "slide show effect" of him speaking.
This is definately a series that NEEDS to be released in total on DVD and, at the very least, the Pufnstuf movie needs to be available!"