117 of 119 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Smiles And A Little Sadness, January 8, 2005
This review is from: H.R. Pufnstuf - The Complete Series (DVD)
I think the first thing that fans of the H.R. Pufnstuf series might find surprising is that there were only 17 episodes produced, and one of those is what amounts to a "clip" show. When the series first aired, it seemed to go on forever. That was in the days of one episode a Saturday, every Saturday. Somehow, kids didn't quite catch on that it was the same eps over and over.
But the show itself was pretty revolutionary for its time. A Dragon with a heart of gold, a witch with an eye for gold and a kid with a golden flute in the middle.
But that's typical of Sid and Marty Krofft, who provided a gentle touch, a bit of slapstick, some wild sets and costumes and a stellar star in the form of Jack Wild, just off his Artful Dodger turn in the Best Picture Oscar winning "Oliver!" at the time.
If you're a fan of the series, you will like what you see here. As advertised, every episode is presented (though one of them is in rather washed out shape in comparison to the rest for some reason). But even more notable are the special features you get here.
It's rare to get a sit down interview with the Kroffts themselves, but you get to hear them both tell their stories about the days of their childhood careers, and what led them to create their collection of programs. THAT is worth the price of the DVD, because you get to find out a lot about the psychology of these two guys through their candid comments: Sid, who was the Vaudeville star, and Marty, who copied his world famous sibling doing his same act. The interaction between these two could be the most amusing thing in this collection and MUST NOT BE MISSED!
They also slip you a couple of episodes of an early program titled "Irving" about a circus lion and his adventures in and around the Big Top.
Billie Hayes, who played antagonist Witchiepoo, does a wonderful interview at a convention, with people walking by in the background of a hotel ballroom, and that in itself is amusing.
But the toughest thing for me to see was Jack Wild's interview. It's clear that the guy has been through a very tough time in his life and every last bit of it shows quite clearly in his face. He nearly looks as old as his witch counterpart! However, to his credit, he still has the youth in his eyes and is still quite expressive.
If I have any advice, I'd suggest you view all the special features before you see any of the episodes. It sets them up a bit better and give you a better sense of the people involved and the timing of everything. But it's really a great package, good for kids from the 1970s, or maybe even their kids!
Highly recommended.
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23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Can't watch a little, cuz you can't watch enough!, June 2, 2004
This review is from: H.R. Pufnstuf - The Complete Series (DVD)
H.R. Pufnstuf may have lasted only 17 episodes, it may have come from the late 60's, and there may be a dozen other things that could be considered negative flaws about this show, but they only add to the infectious charm of this wonderfully orchaestrated live action cartoon.
I bought the complete DVD boxset for my fiancee's birthday recently, because I knew it would be something she would simply love and treasure for years to come. Some may think that the Kroft brothers did drugs in order to create the many zany and trippy programs they created over the years, but trust me, they didn't.
Are there druglike innuendoes and double-entendres placed visually and in the dialogue? well, that's really up to personal opinions and interpretations. But I digress.
This show is definitely worth owning, the dialogue can be a bit cringe-inducing at times but not overtly so, the puns and jokes can go from hilarious to Fozzie-like unBearability within the same episode, but everything is simply top=notch.
Jack Wild is awesome as Jimmy, he brings youthful energy and enthusiasm and seems to be enjoying himself wholeheartedly throughout the series. He is very convincing in his determination to get home or to rescue Freddy Flute from the witch, showcasing a great deal of courage and loyalty to his friends, Freddy, Puf, Dr. Blinky, etc.
Billie Hayes is simply excellent as Witchiepoo, she combines a playful lunacy with a menacing ruthlessness, wrapped up with perfect comedic timing, you can't help but laugh and love the ol' hag.
The costumes are simply marvelous, not just for Pufnstuff, but for everyone: Dr. Blinky, the Evil Trees (specially imported from Transylvania), Orson the Vulture, Seymour Spider, Cling & Clang (perfect examples of Keystone Cops), Judy Frog, etc.
There are even some very interesting moments within each episode. The show itself can be described as a 'Wizard of Oz' meets 'Puf the Magic Dragon', nowhere is this more evident than in the opening episode. Especially with a Magic Path looking very much like a Yellow Brick Road. Even Judy Frog is dressed and talks like Judy Garland (somewhat).
There is even an episode where a bunch of ants are holding up signs of protest with chants of 'Make Candy, Not War', this scene being somewhat reflective of the protests to the Vietnam war perhaps.
Jimmy does 'The Robot' long before it became a dance craze in 'Mechanical Boy', and in one episode a new dance is introduced called 'The Moonwalk' long before Michael Jackson would use the name for his own trademarked dance.
This is the perfect sort of show that can help lift your spirits when you're feeling down. Despite all of the bright and psychedelic colors utilized for this show, it certainly isn't candy-coated or in any ways babyish.
Let's hope more of the Krofft creations make it to DVD!
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