Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Movie (Widescreen)
Starring: John Brady, Kevin Murphy, Trace Beaulieu, Jim Mallon, Michael J. NelsonDirector: Jim Mallon
Studio: Universal Studios
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Format: AC-3, Dolby, Dubbed, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
DVD Release: May 6th 2008
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DVD Review
The cult television show (in which a hapless space explorer and his robot pals are forced to watch and deliver a hilarious running commentary on bad movies) makes a successful transition to the big screen as Mike and the 'bots lay waste to the '50s sci-fi yarn This Island Earth (a painfully stiff would-be epic that's actually a cut above the usual MST3K fare). While ardent fans may be a little miffed that more advantage isn't taken of the expanded theatrical venue (aside from a tad more scatological humor than usual, the content here would fit in comfortably as a regular episode of the series), the nonstop, hyper-literate salvo of comedy riffs that run the gamut from references to Tommy Chong's backyard to Yes album covers more than make up for any conceptual complacency. Be prepared to laugh till it aches. --Andrew Wright
User Reviews
GOOD NEWS FOR MST3K FANS! HOWEVER..... - Rating: 5/5
...Universal is not known for their great DVD releases. I'm sure that this reissue will be the same bare-bones, half-hearted release they gave it the last time. Anyone who went to the last MST3K convention knows that there are a bunch of deleted host segments that were way better than the ones that were finally used in the Universal release. Attention Universal: There is more to a DVD release than just the movie. Those extra host segments, even as extras, would be worth it. A trailer would be nice, too. Audio commentary from Jim Mallon and Mike Nelson, even Trace and Kevin would be a nice extra. But, Universal cares little for fans and is just out to make a quick buck the laziest and cheapest way they know how. Five stars for the movie, but the jury is still out until I see what makes this reissue any different from its original release.
The DVD. - Rating: 5/5
All I can say is, this is way overdue. It's about time this was reissued.
FINALLY - Rating: 5/5
Some of the best MST3K ever made, and one of the main reasons I've held on to my VCR for so long... I never tire of watching this, and the only copy I have is on VHS (never knew there ever WAS a previous DVD, as other reviewers have mentioned). I look forward to purchasing this, and can only hope there are some extra goodies included for the fans... but if not, I'll still be happy!
MST3K the Movie's BACK, BABY! And finally on DVD again. - Rating: 5/5
For most of you who remember, MST3K dealt with a guy, some bots, mad scientists, and the worst films ever to hit the cinematic realm. The series was hilarious because, as one critic pointed out, we all love making odd comments when watching bad films. Heck, I once did it in 'Star Wars: Episode I.' (Sorry, Lucas, blame the 'bots.)
Thus, the show was a sensation hit for several seasons, even migrating over to the Sci-Fi Channel after Comedy Central plunged them into obscurity. My favorite episodes are 'Santa Claus Conquers The Martians' (which you can finally locate in 'MST3K: The Essentials') and 'Pod People' (basically due to the fact it's kind of a messed up version of E.T. and really has nothing to do with pods whatsoever. 'Trumpy! You can do STUPID things!').
Anyway, the movie, like the series, has become a sought after classic. At the time I only have the VHS version since I didn't have a DVD, and Grammercy only made about a few copies for DVD to begin with. Some claimed the quality wasn't that good, so we're hoping Rogue Entertainment might make some improvements to this one.
But I digress, the story temporarily rehashes the plot for those new to MST3K: Dr. Forrester (Dr. F) has sent Mike helplessly into outer space, subjecting him (and the 'bots) to the worst films ever conceived. This is in hopes Dr. F can find the worst one to unleash on an unsuspecting world and have global domination.
Of course, Mike and the 'Bots go about their merry business. Today Crow decides he wants to dig an escape tunnel, until he realizes (despite Tom's warnings) you can't dig through space. Fortunately Mike manages to resolve it, just as Dr. F calls in.
The movie happens to be 'This Island Earth,' in which Mike and the 'bots make fun of in the usual fashion about a man and a woman who get involved with aliens from another world.
Though from the VHS version the theater sketches are slim (heard the original DVD version was completely uncut), they are humourous as in the series. Like Mike attempting piloting the Satellite of Love and wrecking the Hubble Telescope in the process. Another where Tom admits he has an interocetor (the movie's invention) and they attempt calling for help.
Overall, MST3K the Movie is definitely a long-awaited classic for MSTies and new fans alike, a great film coming back from a prolonged hitaus. Now if we could just do the same for the series as well.
It's back! - Rating: 5/5
This is probably the greatest news that any MST3K could hear. I have been waiting for this to come back and it finally has. The movie was fantastic and had some of the best lines that any MST fan can remember. And the best part is that if you have never seen the show this is really easy to follow...simple plot yet one of the funniest movies I have ever seen. And for 13 dollars how could you afford to pass it up?!
