The Banana Splits return!!

[ChillyDown]

I never thought it would happen. The Splits are some of my all-time favorites (and I know that goes for others here, too), but I thought Warner's would be content to let them wallow in obscurity, particularly after the cancellation of the DVD set.

But they're back!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-7Oip-NIjM

www.bananasplits.com (http://www.bananasplits.com)

I for one am THRILLED that the Splits will finally be back in the spotlight again! :D:cool::daffy::speedy::sylvester:bugs2:

[Matthew Hunter]

They never thrilled me, but I guess I would've had to be a kid in the early 70's to really appreciate them. The revival looks and sounds good, though. If it winds up on CN it will be better than 90 percent of the other garbage they're showing now!

[TheBlueHombre]

I'm glad to see that they are back, too. But . . . what the heck? Is it just a website or is there going to be a new series? Also, at the end on the YouTube video, it says that the Banana Splits music is available at Amazon.com. But, when I go to Amazon's site, no music is listed.

What is this all about?

[AnthroCoon]

"Starting Tuesday, September 2, The Banana Splits can be viewed in all-new comedy shorts and music videos on Cartoon Network and Boomerang as step one of a multi-platform effort that includes a new website, DVDs, live entertainment and music CDs"

I'm having trouble posting a URL; just do a search for "banana splits back" to
see article
I'm sure the music will be posted eventually, etc.
I do remember the show from reruns in the 70s actually (not just the comedy bits but
cartoons like Adv. of Gulliver, Huck Finn). The theme song (various versions are
on YouTube) is catchy (one version out there, maybe on a "TV's Greatest Hits" album, includes an additional verse) and was covered by 80s punk band the Dickies.
Joe Barbera's bio talks about the series which was to be orig. called The Banana
Bunch but they ran into something with the same title.

The theme helped to inspire a riff in Bob Marley's "Buffalo Soldier"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2se2I70CJ0

[AnthroCoon]

Joe Barbera, in "My Life in 'toons", said they were "well into production" with "The
Banana Bunch" when they received word that a children's book written by a "dour Scotsman" existed and he
would not share the name. So they decided on Banana Splits instead.
"The only snag in this was a little matter of Kellogg's having already printed up
cereal boxes featuring 'The Banana Bunch'--one and a quarter million boxes, to be exact. What did THEY do in a situation like his? They trashed 1.25 million boxes
and reprinted every single one of them."

OK here's a link that may work.

http://animationmagazine.net/article/8760

[MarkTheShark]

Joe Barbera, in "My Life in 'toons", said they were "well into production" with "The
Banana Bunch" when they received word that a children's book written by a "dour Scotsman" existed and he
would not share the name. So they decided on Banana Splits instead.
"The only snag in this was a little matter of Kellogg's having already printed up
cereal boxes featuring 'The Banana Bunch'--one and a quarter million boxes, to be exact. What did THEY do in a situation like his? They trashed 1.25 million boxes
and reprinted every single one of them."

OK here's a link that may work.

http://animationmagazine.net/article/8760

I remember reading that there also was a UK children's TV series called The Banana Bunch around the same time, and that may have had something to do with the change too. In fact, according to a music publishing site, there is a song listed under the title "The Banana Bunch" credited to Tony Powers and Ritchie Adams. I wonder if that was an early version of "We're The Banana Splits," and if it was originally intended as the theme song.

Very interesting indeed...I haven't had the opportunity to check out any of this stuff (I'm still on dial-up) but I'll be looking for it in September.

Of course, my main hope would be for this to spark a DVD release of the original show, and maybe even a re-release of the original records on CD (though I understand there may be some kind of an issue between Universal/MCA --which originally released the album and three singles on the Decca label-- and Warner Bros., which owns the show). The single version of "The Tra La La Song" showed up on a Rhino compilation CD some years ago, with a licensing credit for MCA Records; any other time any of the songs have appeared anywhere, they have been credited to Turner Entertainment, or Cartoon Network, or something like that. (I also understand Rhino Handmade was planning to do a Banana Splits CD release, but it also got cancelled -- and I think it may have had something to do with the licensing issue I mentioned above.)

If this keeps the characters alive, I guess it can only be a good thing...I guess if they're going with this big of a blitz -- having the characters in a theme park and producing 130 of the new shorts -- then they must have some confidence in the project.

[Bugsy-Kun]

Honnestly, I never really heard of this show before joining the Boomerang website. But like the Smurfs, it's lookin they tried to celebrate a event with The Banana Splits. Teletoon Retro is gonna air the original Banana Splits shows everydays at 2pm (see Teletoon Retro fall 2008) starting september 1th but a new show?!? I wasn't current or never thrilled at this.

[David Gerstein]

Joe Barbera, in "My Life in 'toons", said they were "well into production" with "The Banana Bunch" when they received word that a children's book written by a "dour Scotsman" existed and he would not share the name.A hit comic strip called "The Banana Bunch," featuring a bunch of ne'er-do-well kids, was definitely running in the British comic BEEZER in 1968. The comic was owned and published by the Scottish publisher DC Thomson & Co., so there's the Scots connection.

[MF TOON]

I just got out bid ($450!) on eBay for the original Banana Splits publicity kit!


Can't wait for a future DVD collection, fun show and cool Super K soundtrack of 'gummy groovers!

[ChillyDown]

Of course, my main hope would be for this to spark a DVD release of the original show, and maybe even a re-release of the original records on CD (though I understand there may be some kind of an issue between Universal/MCA --which originally released the album and three singles on the Decca label-- and Warner Bros., which owns the show).

Interestingly, the DVD and CD with the new content is coming out through Universal Records.


If this keeps the characters alive, I guess it can only be a good thing...I guess if they're going with this big of a blitz -- having the characters in a theme park and producing 130 of the new shorts -- then they must have some confidence in the project.

It wasn't till the second time reading through all of this that I noticed that there's no mention of an actual series, just the shorts. But I imagine if they're successful that a half-hour version would be in the works.

I wonder why the characters are at Hard Rock in SC? I would expect them to be at one of the Six Flags parks (with all the other Warner and Hanna-Barbera properties).

[TheBlueHombre]

Of course, my main hope would be for this to spark a DVD release of the original show, and maybe even a re-release of the original records on CD (though I understand there may be some kind of an issue between Universal/MCA --which originally released the album and three singles on the Decca label-- and Warner Bros., which owns the show).
Actually, there was a CD release of the Banana Splits music and here is a link to where you can get one:

http://www.amazon.com/Were-Banana-Splits-Here-Beagles/dp/B000JMTPWS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1218999688&sr=1-1

Also, I hope this is the beginning of new Hanna-Barbera starting to show up on television and that the H-B characters will stop being ignored altogether. This is one show I will watch on Cartoon Network and show my support.

[nickramer]

Good news. Now if they only revive Yogi with a new cartoon series and not a dumb live-action movie with a realistic computer bruin and no tampered designs.

I suggest Warners should have Spike Branet and Tony Cervone to do the series since they seem to focus more on doing humorous dialogue and some action, which is basically perfect for a Yogi cartoon. I also suggest Earl Kress to write some episode since he is no stranger to these characters and he is a great writer.

Of course, this opinion is just me and I'm very open minded to alot of stuff, so I don't know if it would actually work.

[MarkTheShark]

Actually, there was a CD release of the Banana Splits music and here is a link to where you can get one:

http://www.amazon.com/Were-Banana-Splits-Here-Beagles/dp/B000JMTPWS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1218999688&sr=1-1

Also, I hope this is the beginning of new Hanna-Barbera starting to show up on television and that the H-B characters will stop being ignored altogether. This is one show I will watch on Cartoon Network and show my support.

Bootleg!

...and not even a well-done one. (I myself did a "needle-drop" off the original records at home that sounds a zillion times better! And it plays at the right speed with the songs in the correct original running order. But don't tell anyone.)

http://bananasplits.4t.com/discography.html

Watch out for fake "white label promo" knock-offs of the Decca We're The Banana Splits album too:

http://bananasplits.4t.com/bootleg.html

[MF TOON]

Here's that cool publicity kit that sold for way more than I was willing to go... wig it and dig it!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=360077246876


Was the lucky fink who outbid me a member of this forum?

[MarkTheShark]

Here's that cool publicity kit that sold for way more than I was willing to go... wig it and dig it!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=360077246876


Was the lucky fink who outbid me a member of this forum?

Yeah, I got outbid on that one too. Another hundred or so would have got it, but I'm kind of glad, since that wasn't in my budget for this month.

I actually probably have a lot of the stuff in there anyway...and this isn't from the original show, it's for syndication. But still, probably some great photos and transparencies in there...in looking at the photo, it appeared a couple of slides might have been missing...interesting how they marketed this, as if "Huck Finn," "Gulliver" and the rest were segments on the Banana Splits show just as "Danger Island" was, for instance. Some of the promotional stuff I have includes ad copy where they leave a blank for the name of a local TV station, etc. and sometimes there are references to other characters like Atom Ant and Secret Squirrel. But as I recall, Channel 32 in Chicago only promoted the Banana Splits as the stars of the show, no matter who was on that day. The same way as they would say "stay tuned for Magilla Gorilla" and then run Peter Potamus, Breezly & Sneezly and Yippie, Yappie and Yahooey.

Next time...

[TheBlueHombre]

Bootleg!

...and not even a well-done one. (I myself did a "needle-drop" off the original records at home that sounds a zillion times better! And it plays at the right speed with the songs in the correct original running order. But don't tell anyone.)

http://bananasplits.4t.com/discography.html

Watch out for fake "white label promo" knock-offs of the Decca We're The Banana Splits album too:

http://bananasplits.4t.com/bootleg.html
A bootleg on Amazon.com? Ooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, I'm dyin'.

[TheBlueHombre]

Here's a link to the news item on the Banana Splits followed by the story itself:

http://money.aol.com/news/articles/_a/update-the-banana-splits-are-back-warner/n20080815151409990026

UPDATE: The Banana Splits Are Back! Warner Bros. Consumer Products Serves Up Four Scoops of Hilarity With Relaunch
PR NEWSWIRE
Posted: 2008-08-15 15:14:25
BURBANK, Calif., Aug. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- The Banana Splits, fondly remembered by Baby Boomers for their unique combination of kid-style comedy and contemporary music -- including one of the catchiest theme songs in television history -- are back. Starting Tuesday, September 2, The Banana Splits can be viewed in all-new comedy shorts and music videos on Cartoon Network and Boomerang as step one of a multi-platform effort that includes a new website, DVDs, live entertainment and music CDs.

"Everything that made The Banana Splits hugely popular in the '60s is back, including the group's terrific humor and hit music," said Jordan Sollitto, Executive Vice President of New Business Initiatives and International Licensing, Warner Bros. Consumer Products. "We take great pride in having carefully updated the look and feel of the original show for today's kids while retaining all of the elements that made the original Banana Splits such a hit."

The Banana Splits are a costumed rock band made up of Fleegle (a dog), Drooper (a lion), Bingo (a gorilla) and Snorky (an elephant) who hang out in their Banana Pad while tinkering with their music and telling eye-rolling jokes. They came onto the scene in 1968 as hosts of "The Banana Splits Adventure Hour," a show created by Hanna-Barbera airing on NBC that featured comedy and music videos. The popular show generated loyal fans, a multitude of consumer products, numerous albums and a theme song -- The Tra La La Song -- that became one of the most covered songs by other popular bands in the history of contemporary music.

" ... the Banana Splits are here!" -- New Comedy Shorts

With interest in The Banana Splits on the upswing, a key element of the group's return will be as many as 130, 11/2-to-21/2-minute comedy shorts appearing on Cartoon Network, Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. The new shorts, filled with unique, kid-focused comedy, share the same "groovy" look of the original television series. The Banana Splits will also appear on Boomerang, beginning September 2.

"The Banana Splits is a classic that has been entertaining kids for years," said Stuart Snyder, President and COO, Turner Animation, Young Adults and Kids Media. "We're thrilled to have this new version on Cartoon Network for our kids to enjoy today."

"Go Bananas your way" -- New Music from The Banana Splits

Additionally, Universal Records will debut a CD and DVD featuring 13 new Banana Splits pop and rock songs and music videos. Intended to appeal to kids and parents, the music and music videos will be offered online and incorporated in the Cartoon Network comedy shorts.

Universal Records will make The Banana Splits music and music videos available on www.bananasplits.com, iTunes and amazon.com.

"Bananas every night, Bananas every day" -- The Banana Splits Website

In addition to comedy shorts and music, Warner Bros. Consumer Products will launch the all-new The Banana Splits website, www.bananasplits.com, where boys and girls ages 4-7 can access Banana Splits entertainment. The site will enable kids to view the comedy shorts and hear the new Banana Splits songs prior to the release of the album. Visitors will also be able to decode secret messages, join The Banana Splits Club, attend virtual meetings, hear Banana Splits jokes and play exclusive games.

"Ready to Rock?" -- Banana Splitsville at Hard Rock Park

"Go Bananas" took on a new dimension with the June announcement from Hard Rock Park, which teamed up with Warner Bros. Consumer Products to produce a live show and play-land -- Banana Splitsville -- featuring the beloved characters, Bingo, Drooper, Fleegle and Snorky. Located in the Born in the USA environ, Banana Splitsville features rides designed for children, including the popular "Sole Train" and "Dune Boogie," as well as Mount Splitsville, a sand sculpture play area.

The fast-paced kids' concert, "The Banana Splits Live," is performed multiple times per day filled with rockin' music, silly gags and nutty jokes. The Banana Splits are available to pose with guests for photos and sign autographs after each show. Hard Rock Park is based in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

The Banana Splits will also be seen in concert tours, other live appearances, and a wide range of exclusive merchandise including toys, games, books and apparel.

About Warner Bros. Consumer Products

Warner Bros. Consumer Products, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.

About Cartoon Network

Cartoon Network (CartoonNetwork.com), currently seen in 91 million U.S. homes and 160 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.'s ad-supported cable service offering the best in original, acquired and classic animated entertainment for kids and families. Overnight from 11 p.m.-6 a.m. (ET, PT), Cartoon Network shares its channel space with Adult Swim, a late-night destination showcasing original and acquired animation for young adults 18-34.

THE BANANA SPLITS and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and (C) Hanna-Barbera. (s08)

SOURCE Warner Bros. Consumer Products

Copyright © 1996-2008 PR Newswire Association LLC. All rights reserved.
08/15/2008 14:06 ET

[MF TOON]

Yeah, I got outbid on that one too. Another hundred or so would have got it, but I'm kind of glad, since that wasn't in my budget for this month.

I actually probably have a lot of the stuff in there anyway...and this isn't from the original show, it's for syndication. But still, probably some great photos and transparencies in there...in looking at the photo, it appeared a couple of slides might have been missing...interesting how they marketed this, as if "Huck Finn," "Gulliver" and the rest were segments on the Banana Splits show just as "Danger Island" was, for instance. Some of the promotional stuff I have includes ad copy where they leave a blank for the name of a local TV station, etc. and sometimes there are references to other characters like Atom Ant and Secret Squirrel. But as I recall, Channel 32 in Chicago only promoted the Banana Splits as the stars of the show, no matter who was on that day. The same way as they would say "stay tuned for Magilla Gorilla" and then run Peter Potamus, Breezly & Sneezly and Yippie, Yappie and Yahooey.

Next time...

Hey I thought of you instantly when the press kit sold! I was almost sure you'd taken it. I'm glad I opted out at $250 as even that was way out of my personal budget for this... I did recently pick up this ABC Super Saturday Club Kit from 1968 featuring the Banana Splits membership book, the 1st issue of the Gold Key comic series, a really cool felt pennant and than a bunch of stickers and pinbacks, etc. As you said, maybe next time... ;)

[MarkTheShark]

Hey I thought of you instantly when the press kit sold! I was almost sure you'd taken it. I'm glad I opted out at $250 as even that was way out of my personal budget for this... I did recently pick up this ABC Super Saturday Club Kit from 1968 featuring the Banana Splits membership book, the 1st issue of the Gold Key comic series, a really cool felt pennant and than a bunch of stickers and pinbacks, etc. As you said, maybe next time... ;)

I saw that too. What you got is actually parts of a couple different kits (the Banana Splits were on NBC). I'm not familiar with what would have been in the ABC Super Saturday Club kit (maybe you got a complete one--perhaps someone else may know more) but the Banana Splits fan club kit included a certificate, booklet, portrait drawing of the four characters, membership card, "secret code decoder," pennant, I'm not sure if there was anything else. (Stickers, I guess.) (I had this back in '68-69 but it's long gone.)

[MarkTheShark]

I'm thinking these crazy bidding wars on stuff like this indicate that there is still a strong following for the show. I hope WB takes notice of this.

(Although I don't understand how some of the cheezier stuff, like the 1970s Laramie toys, go for as much as they do sometimes. And there have to be hundreds of those King's Island figurines out there, no?)

[MF TOON]

I think The Banana Splits is one of those niche pop culture phenoms that crosses over into the sector of 60's pop 'n' schlock collectors, bubblegum geeks and nostalgic baby boomers... I'm not necessarily sure that this equates to any indication of strong demand or following today, but the internet certainly makes it easier for eccentrics like ourselves to come forth and be represented through resources like eBay and forums such as this! I myself am too young to have ever remembered the show, even in syndication, which I doubt existed on any regional cable service around Montreal in the past twenty-five years. My introduction was actually through an appreciation of Joey Levine!

[ChillyDown]

I'm thinking these crazy bidding wars on stuff like this indicate that there is still a strong following for the show. I hope WB takes notice of this.

I guess they did on some level, hence the new show (though of course I know you mean DVDs of the original show).

Still, the press release baffles me. Has there really been any "growing interest" in the Splits over the last few years?

My thought is that Warner's looked at Disney's success with made-for-TV singers and bands like Hanna Montana/Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers and looked for a TV band from their own past to drum up sales. Whether or not it will work is up in the air, though - the aforementioned Disney artists have fans who have crushes on them. Hard to have a crush on an elephant with glasses.

Whatever motivated it, though, I'm glad they're back. From what I've seen, the new stuff has a goofy humor and hyperkinetic energy that recalls the old show. Hey, the original was never Shakespeare, but it was fun, and I think kids will like this too (and maybe check out reruns on Boomerang as well).

Final thought: who's voicing Fleegle this time around? I can't find a link for the new show on IMDB, only the old one. I would have thought it would be Jim Cummings, since he took over Paul Winchell's other similarly voiced characters (Tigger, Zummi Tummi). But the voice is not quite a right match.