Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)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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Take a "trip" back in time to a place that made Saturday mornings come alive! HR Pufnstuf, one of the most popular and beloved television series, is presented this deluxe DVD package featuring every episode ever made! Travel to Living Island with Jimmy and Freddie, his talking flute, as they battle the evil Witchiepoo with the help of HR Pufnstuf and his colorful collection of friends.
Click here for more information about H.R. Pufnstuf - The Complete Series (1969)
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