Mystery Science Theater 3000: Volume I (DVD), Shout Factory, Comedy

This four-disc set, bundled together in an appropriately cheesy but charming package that sports pop-up-book-styled artwork, compiles four episodes of the Peabody Award-winning comedy series. The "experiments" in question (Bloodlust, Catalina Caper, The Creeping Terror, and The Skydivers) aren't necessarily MST3K's finest hours-they don't hold a candle to the show's takes on The Magic Sword, The Atomic Brain, and The Brain That Wouldn't Die. But the barrage of verbal zingers and pop-culture references slung by hosts Joel Hodgson and Mike Nelson and their puppet pals Crow and Tom Servo are still quite funny, and should please both longtime fans and science fiction aficionados who don't take too much umbrage at having their beloved movies heckled. The Collection is decidedly Mike-centric, with The Creeping Terror, Bloodlust, and The Skydivers all culled from his reign during the sixth season. Series creator Joel Hodgson's participation is relegated to season 2's Catalina Caper, a fan favorite that at one time was pulled from circulation over rights issues. As with most of Rhino's MST3K DVDs, each disc is dual-sided, with one side devoted to the original, uncut version of each film, and the other given over to the "MSTied" version. Theatrical trailers for each movie round out the remainder of the supplemental features. Given the size of this presentation, it might have been interesting to include some interviews with the show's writers and performers (Comedy Central once ran a passable special about the series), but fans will still appreciate having these four episodes together, each providing a wealth of laugh-out-loud moments. From the Back Cover: It's Mystery Science Theater 3000, America's only show that makes fun of really bad B movies from the comfort of a spaceship floating above Earth. Joel Hodgson and Mike Nelson, along with their mechanical companions, wisecracking Crow and well-read chick magnet Tom Servo, make suffering through Hollywood's worst films a breeze. Adding their own dialogue, barrage of witty remarks, and an occasional colorful skit, the next hour and a half will fly by like it were only 90 minutes. There's no ushers with flashlights, crying babies, or women with big hair to spoil the fun! Included in Volume 1: Bloodlust-Pirates, cannibals, and "Mr. Brady"... oh my! Starring Robert Reed, Wilton Graff, and Lylyan Chauvin; Show #607. Catalina Caper-Bikini-clad nymphs swing their hips while Little Richard flaps his lips. Starring Tommy Kirk, Del Moore, Peter Duryea, and Robert Donner; Show #204. The Creeping Terror-An alien is eating couples in mid-bliss. Starring Vic Savage, Shannon O'Neil, and William Thourlby; show #606. The Skydivers-a skydiving film without the skydivers. Starring Kevin Casey, Eric Tomlin, Tony Cardoza, and Marcia Knight; show #109.

• MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000: I
• Comedy
• Shout Factory
• R