Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Movie

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DVD details

Actor: John Brady (VIII), Kevin Murphy (II), Michael J. Nelson, Trace Beaulieu
Primary Contributor: Trace Beaulieu
Primary Contributor: Michael J. Nelson
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Original Language), PCM Stereo
Format: Color, DVD, Letterboxed, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.85:1
Running Time: 73 minutes
DVD Release Date: 1998-05-27
Audience Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Image Entertainment

DVD Reviews of Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Movie

DVD Review: A missed opportunity.
Summary: 3 Stars

I grew up watching MST3K and loved it! So when my dad saw that they had a movie when we were at blockbuster (back when people rented VHS), we rented it. I really liked it, but missed all of the inside jokes that Mike and the bots typically use. Don't get me wrong, there were parts that were hysterical, but the host segments were mediocre at best, and the movie that they were subjected to wasn't that bad. I also hoped that since it was on DVD there might have been some special features, but nothing; just a subtitles option. That is why I gave it the 3 star rating. If you watch it, you'll laugh, just don't expect it to be impressed.

DVD Review: Terrific
Summary: 4 Stars

Terrific movie. Great old film that makes no sense to the more logical youth of today who appreciate old movies that are complete obscure sci fi.

DVD Review: Spare, but first-rate
Summary: 5 Stars

MiSTies rejoice! For the days of seeking out absurdly expensive copies of the long-OOP VHS and DVD editions of this neglected and ignored theatrical adaptation of the cult TV phenomenon are over! At long last, Universal has seen fit to finally make some profit from the thoroughly bootlegged MST3K feature film. At least they did it right.

It's still an unusual experience to watch host segments shot on film, and in-theater riffing performed in theatrical 1.85:1 aspect ratio. Besides providing a suitable format for the targeted classic schlock "This Island Earth" (first presented in weirdo 2:1), it affords us a view of more in-theater seats! That's about all. Unlike any of the Rhino discs of the TV series that I've watched, this DVD also includes very good English subtitles and a French dubbed audio track! The former render the dialogue of the movie in italicized text, specify who's saying what in the audience and are surprisingly easy to read. Both the movie and riffing dialogue of the French dub are also impressive; the voice actors really nailed the unique irreverence and personalities of Mike, Servo and Crow. Universal has made a big deal of this edition's remastered picture, and for good reason: it really does look great, as good as anyone could expect on DVD. It sounds fine in either language, too.

As nice as this is, it really can't compare to the fan-made special and 10th Anniversary Hamdinger editions, the special features of which included the film's original ending, deleted host segment, theatrical trailer, TV spots and various homemade featurettes. The overall quality is higher, but it's odd that Universal couldn't be bothered to include the cut and promotional footage. Even though it's unnecessary, this disc doesn't even feature a scene selection menu.

The MST3K movie is a good example of how ham-fisted execs can limit the potential of what could have been a more successful project. As an amusing host segment and quite a lot of the riffed movie were cut at the behest of Gramercy Pictures, the resulting film runs a scant 74 minutes - about fifteen minutes less than that of the usual MST3K episode. Poorly and carelessly promoted, the film barely grossed $1M and was in and out of theaters in less than a week. Nonetheless, it's quite good; Best Brains worked well with a larger budget and the riffing is every bit as funny as that of the best episodes. Naturally, this belongs in the collection of any MiSTie, but it's as good an introduction for the uninitiated as any of the first-season episodes.

DVD Review: Extremely Funny!!!
Summary: 5 Stars

After hearing Mike Nelson's hilarious commentaries on 'Night of the Living Dead' and 'Carnival of Souls' I wanted more. Mike, Crow, and Tom are stuck in space on a ship and forced by Dr. Clayton Forrester to watch bad movies from the 50's. This time, they must watch This Island Earth. They come up with witty and wacky comments as they spoof the movie. This Island Earth is about a doctor named Cal Meacham who is asked for help from an alien named Exeter. Exeter and his group are from the planet, Metaluna. Cal and his ex-girlfriend try to help defend their planet in a war against the evil Zagons. If you love making fun of old movies, you'll love MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000: THE MOVIE!!!

DVD Review: Well worth the wait!
Summary: 5 Stars

Glad to see that this finally came back on DVD. Excellent quality, fun movie, great price. I highly recommend it.

Description of Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Movie

Have you ever seen a movie so bad that you had to shout back at the screen? So have the ingenious creators of "Mystery Science Theater 3000." The award-winning series is now a major motion picture, complete with all the hip wisecracks and explosively funny barbs that fans have come to expect. Your movie today: 1955's "This Island Earth."

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

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