Pufnstuf [HD]

Great to see this movie in widescreen!
I will start by saying I grew up on H.R. Pufnstuf. And I saw this movie in a theatre when I was eight years old. So it's a big blast from the past for me.

The film is great. Not anything Oscar-worthy, but it's highly entertaining from start to finish. The music is really good, in a groovalicious sort of '60s way. Not generic, either. I still hum these melodies and sing the lyrics nearly 40 years after its release! The solid music score and songs are topped off by the outstanding "Different" sung by Mama Cass. What a great number! This is her one and only feature film as an actress, and at least she makes a memorable impression. She's genuinely funny as the gossipy, over-the-top, jealous Witch Hazel. And her scenes with Billie Hayes (Witchipoo) are the best in the movie. Then there's Jack Wild, who manages to be "sincere" in this crazy world of oversized puppets, painted flat sets, and piano-wire special effects.

As for the DVD---it's a very strong release...

Pufnstuf Is Stuffed With Fun
The movie that was inspired by the Sid and Marty Krofft television series is now released on DVD. Jack Wild stars as Jimmy, a downtrodden British boy who is kicked out of band practice and rushes off. Along the way he notices the transformation of his real regular flute, to the talking flute with a diamond skin condition named Freddie. After shortly( and I mean shortly) becoming good friends, Jimmy and Freddie Flute board a talking ship that takes them for an eventful ride. Billie Hayes plays Witchiepoo, a lackluster but enthusiastic witch who yearns to capture Freddie and become witch of the year at the next convention of witches. But in order to become witch of the year officially, she needs to impress the Boss Witch who is played by the ever delightful Martha Raye. But the forces of good and happiness, led by the golden dragon known as H.R Pufnstuf, want to make sure that Jimmy and Freddie stay safe. But Witchiepoo just can't keep her mouth shut, and brags to her so called friend...

"PUFNSTUF"... THE NEXT "WIZARD OF OZ"???
"Pufnstuff" is, of course, the feature film version of Sid and Marty Kroft's popular series "H.R. Pufnstuf" from 1969. In fact, the film is exactly like the series, but stretched out to around 90 minutes. Feeling rejected at home and school, Jimmy (Jack Wild) discovers that his flute is actually a magic, talking golden flute named Freddy. Jimmy and Freddy are lured away on a boat belonging to the wacky Witchiepoo (the outragous Billie Hayes), who plots to steal Freddy for herself. Escaping the boat, Jimmy and Freddy land on Living Island, a fantastic place with Hippie Trees, Evil Trees, Talking Clocks, Talking Books, a house that sneezes, and even stranger inhabitants. Jimmy and Freddy are rescued by Mayor H.R. Pufnstuff, a tall dragon who speaks in a Southern drawl, Dr. Blinky, an owl, Cling and Clang, and assorted other characters. Witchiepoo's attempts to nab Jimmy and Freddy are always thwarted by Pufnstuf and pals, who also thoroughly ruin Witchiepoo's chance at being named...

Click to Editorial Reviews