Sid and Marty Krofft are Canadian siblings who were puppeteers and TV producers. The produced some of the most imaginative and awe-inspiring shows in cinema history. Those include The Banasplits (1968), H.R. Pufnstuf (1969), The Bugaloos (1970), Lidsville (1971), Sigmund the Sea Monster (1973) and my personal favorite of the bunch The Land of the Lost (1974).
The Krofft's shot one season 17 episodes of their show H.R. Pufnstuf. While in production a deal was struck with Universal Pictures and the show's sponsor Kellogg's Cereal to produce a full length feature movie based on Pufnstuf.
The film follows a young schoolboy named Jimmy (Jack Wild) who after a bad day at school, runs to the shore to play his flute, but is shocked when his ordinary flute comes to life! Than it things go from strange to out right weird when a magical talking boat
appears. Jimmy climbs aboard the ship, but soon find out that it has been sent by an
evil witch named Witchiepoo all in hope to imprison him and take his flute. Now it is up to the dragon H.R. Pufnstuf and his comical
companions, Cling and Clang, to come to the rescue.
Jack Wild was known for his amazing portrayal of the artful Dodger in the classic musical Oliver. But he is surrounded by an amazing cast including, Billie
Hayes (The Black Cauldron), Martha Raye (Jumbo), Billy Barty (Body Slam), Felix Silla (Buck Rogers in the 25th Century) and music legend
‘Mama’ Cass Elliot (The Mamas and the Papas).
Hollingsworth Morse is known for directing TV episodes of classic shows such as Dukes of Hazzard, McHale's Navy, The Ghost & Mrs. Muir and Adam-12. But here he is given the task to direct a feature film. Now for some that may not know there is a difference. But I must say I think he a masterful job.
All of the fun that was H.R. Pufnstuf is found in this feature film. The music is bright, the costumes are colorful and the acting is superb. Now some may call this feature film dated, and yes it is of a different era. But in this reviewer's opinion this sweet family friendly adventure still is entertaining over a half a century later.
Pufnstuf makes it's Blu-ray debut thanks to the fine folks at Kino Lorber and Code Red. The film has been transferred in 1080p in 1.85:1 aspect ratio with a with a DTS-HD 2.0 there is also English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing. The transfer of this film looks and sounds amazing on Blu-ray. The colors are bright and the picture is crisp and the audio is clear. It really looks great.
Now as for bonus features. We get a gallery of trailers including Pufnstuf, C.H.O.M.P.S., and Wobbling Free. Now while that may not be a lot, I think to be able to see the feature film of Pufnstuf in HD makes this release an absolute must own. I am so glad that I will be able to share Pufnstuf with my family for years to come.
If you are as much of a fan of Sid and Marty Krofft shows as I am you are going to want to add this Blu-ray to your collection. You can head over to Amazon.com and order your copy today.
Out of 4 Film Reels (4 Being the Best) Kino Lorber's Blu-ray of PufnStuf receives...
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