With the lackluster performance of Land of the Lost this past year, what does the future hold for Sid and Marty Krofft? Krofft Productions defined Saturday morning & variety television in the 1970s. No matter how awful these shows appear to us today, they live in the memories of an entire generation of kids…and maybe their nightmares too.

It seemed like a sure thing…Will Ferrell and dinosaurs, what better way could you bring Krofft productions to the 21st century? Whatever happend, it didn’t work and some momentum was lost. That leaves the question of how to get the next Krofft movie on the big screen. H.R. Pufnstuf and Sigmund the Sea Monster were already in the pipe prior to Land of the Lost, so let’s explore them.

With the recent release of “Where the Wild Things Are”, Spike Jonze illustrated both what to do, and what not to do when mixing low-tech costumes and high-tech effect. The character of H.R. Pufnstuf can learn a lot from Wild Things. Sid and Marty are still costume masters, so expect them to up the anti. They can also learn from the story, as Marty said “Don’t mess with what worked“. Removing the 70s camp, and inserting some 21st century realism without loosing the childhood innocense will make Pufnstuf a wonderful film. A cameo from Billie Hayes is also a must.

Sigmund on the other hand could be tricky. Where Pufnstuf takes place in the magical “Living Island”, the Sigmund story takes place in the ‘real world’. The entire premise is camp. The story and costumes would require an update. Does Sigmund still talk? Does the story take on a Waterhorse style? It would be amazing to see the story of Johnny and his pal Sigmund come to the big screen (music and all), but I just can’t imagine how it would work. Maybe Pufnstuf would pave the way.

One of the problems I see is that Sid and Marty aren’t doing enough self promotion. They are not following the advice of Walt Disney that Sid quotes often, “keep your name above the title”. It wasn’t “Sid & Marty Krofft’s Land of the Lost”, it was “Will Ferrell in Land of the Lost”. Yes, they are releasing more and more of their shows online (Hulu, iTunes, etc), but not promoting it well. They partnered with the already dieing MySpace, which has done nothing for their online presence except associate them with trashy chicks and dudes hoping to hook up (I’m not saying everyone on MySpace is that way, but it is the overwhelming majority).

Sid and Marty, get your name back “above the title”.

On Sunday, the highlight of The TVLand Awards was the wonderful tribute to Sid and Marty Krofft. Here at KROFFT.NET, we gave you a chance for premium tickets to the event. As a stalwart fan of the Kroffts, it felt good to see Sid and Marty honored on the same stage as my other love, M.A.S.H.

With the impending release of Land of the Lost, and future projects such as Sigmund and the Seamonsters, this tribute should go a long way in bringing them back into the pop culture consciousness.

Friend of KROFFT.NET, author Ted Nichelson, had this report from the event:

I went to the taping of the TV Land Awards on Sunday evening at Universal Studios. They had a huge, spectacular musical production number dedicated to Krofft shows, so you won’t want to miss it. It was like a Broadway revue and ran about 8 minutes. They touched on everything just about, and had many Krofft characters in full costume – including HR Pufnstuff and Sigmund. Others were Kilng and Klang, Lidsville hats, Hoo Doo, and Billie Hayes reprised her role as Witchiepoo. They had some Bugaloos flying around. Cyndi Lauper sang “ElectroWoman and DynaGirl” while Clint Black sang “Land of the Lost.” Sid and Marty came up afterwards and accepted the Pop Culture award. It was truly amazing to see in person.

I really regret my decision not to go, but I couldn’t justify the expense. After seeing the broadcast on Sunday, I’m very envious of those who attended. The production number was very Krofft, and I’m sure there were thousands of viewers who said, “Hey, I remember that show!” every time a new song was sung. Now, when do they get their Emmy tribute?

The costumes were wonderful; each reproduced to the original puppets of the 70s. Cindy Lauper and Clint Black seemed to fit in, but Barry Williams (as much as I like him) didn’t fit in well. Also, where was Billie Hayes? The actress that portrayed Witchiepoo did a wonderful job, but Billie should have been involved in some fashion. She was part of the Krofft’s early success and, I assume, available to participate.

Photos provided by Ted Nichelson

In all, I thought the show was great and hope that it is only a precursor to the coming wave of respect to be show to these great legends. Also, thank you Sid and Marty for recognizing us fans who’ve stuck by you all these years, and helped to keep your creations alive.

Welcome to the World of Sid and Marty Krofft!

At the 2009 TV Land Awards on April 19th, TV Land will be honoring our beloved Sid and Marty Krofft. KROFFT.NET, in association with the folks at TV Land, would like to make sure that fans of Sid & Marty Krofft have the opportunity to sign up to receive a FREE seat.

At the site, in the drop down “How did you find out about this event?” please select “Sid & Marty Krofft fan club”. Those fans that choose that option, will be ensured the best fan seats in the house.

Click here to register for tickets, and if you go, don’t forget to come back and let us know about it!

The Brothers Krofft’s first famous puppets, “The Banana Splits”, are coming back to the Cartoon Network. Variety gives us the information:

Hanna-Barbera’s 1960s phenom is returning in a multiplatform effort starting Sept. 2, with shorts and musicvideos airing on Cartoon Network and its website. Future efforts will include DVD and audio CD releases, as well as live performances.

Once in awhile we are treated to repeats of “The Banana Splits”, and my kids have really enjoyed it. The type of humor and style that was in “The Banana Splits” and the Krofft Shows have been missing from Saturday Morning. The manga-style entertainment is getting tiresome, and I think kids are ready for some old-school stuff.

I’m really looking forward to this, and I know my children are also. What do you think? Is the world ready for the splits to return?

The internets are a-buzz with Krofft-news from Comic-Con 2008 in San Diego. Here is a round-up of some of that news. (more…)

MovieWeb interviews Sid and Marty Krofft.

In preparation for the upcoming “Land of the Lost” theatrical release, Sid and Marty Krofft have joined MySpace with their ‘first’ Official site on the web! (more…)

Welcome Marshall, Wil and Holly! Sid and Marty Krofft have landed an article in Forbes in which they discuss their enthusiasm over the new “Land of the Lost” movie. (more…)