A couple of weeks ago
Variety posted a report titled "
Warners whips up Banana Splits," which talks about how a new version of the show has been created to debut on The Cartoon Network. The story actually says that today (Sept. 2nd) is the start-up date for that reincarnation of the show, but we couldn't find anything at the channel's website. However, the program's latter-day return in isn't what we're here to talk about!
Fans who read the story have noticed a line early in the
Variety article which says, "
Future efforts will include DVD and audio CD releases, as well as live performances." Those fans have been asking us if this sentence could possibly refer to a DVD release of the original 1968 Hanna-Barbera series? Frankly, we were pessimistic about the idea, and figured that any DVD release planned would have to be in regard to the new version of the show. Why? Because there have been rumors around the 'net for a long time now that Warner had looked into a DVD release of the classic series, and had to table that project because the source elements turned out to be in really bad shape.
Well, of course we asked Warner about it anyway, and while the response we received did not actually address the old rumors about the source materials, it does in fact clear up the question of whether we can expect the original show on DVD anytime soon. And alas, we must tell you, that answer is "no." A Warner spokesperson informs us that "
At this time we do not have a Banana Splits DVD planned. It was incorrectly included in a Consumer Products story." We hate to pass that along, but that's where the situation is at right now. If something does change in the future, though, we'll be sure to let you know! Our thanks to all the readers who took the time to write in, starting with Ed Nelson.
