Mystery Science Theater 3000 Turns 25 On DVD: Today In Science & Science Fiction
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Many of us were laser-focused on Doctor Who’s 50th anniversary this past weekend, and with it the accompanying special, The Day of the Doctor. But there was another noteworthy science fiction milestone being marked as well. Mystery Science Theater 3000 turned 25 this past Sunday, celebrating two and a half decades of mocking — and thus justifying the existence of — horrible, awful, truly terrible movies such as Robot Monster, King Dinosaur, and Manos, the Hands of Fate. The show lasted for 11 seasons by taking a simple joy most of us love — making fun of bad movies with our friends — and letting us watch a group of ninja-level nitpickers do their thing while we snorted Coke through our noses. (Coca-Cola, not cocaine. Not that I’m judging.)
The Mystery Science Theater 3000: 25th Anniversary Edition hits shelves today in a lovely, limited-edition collector’s tin sporting the Satellite of Love on the cover. The set includes six of the show’s best-loved episodes — Moon Zero Two, The Day The Earth Froze, The Leech Woman & Gorgo. “Plus a bonus disc with a double feature of classic episodes: Mitchell and The Brain That Wouldn’t Die!” It also packs in some featurettes and other bonus goodies:
- 3-Part Documentary, Return to Eden Prairie: 25 Years of Mystery Science Theater 3000
- Ninth Wonder of the World: The Making of Gorgo (MST3K Edition)
- Last Flight of Joel Robinson
- Life After MST3K: Mary Jo Pehl
- Interview with “Brain” performer Marilyn Neilson
- Moon Zero Two Intro by Hammer Films Historian Constantine Nasr
- MST Hour Wraps
- Leonard Maltin Explains Something
- Original Trailers
- 4 Exclusive Mini-Posters by Artist Steve Vance
Today in Television
Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (ABC, 8/7c) — “Repairs”
A secret from May’s past may be the key to saving the team from being destroyed by a mysterious force.
Black Mirror (DirecTV, 9/8c) — “The Entire History of You”
In the near future, everyone has access to a memory implant that records everything they do, see and hear — but is that a good thing?
Futurescape (Science, 10/9c) — “Cheating Time”
Age-related medical advances are examined.
Person of Interest (CBS, 10:01/9:01c) — “The Devil’s Share”
The team seeks justice for Carter’s murder, but Finch fears that one person may go too far in the battle against HR. Meanwhile, NYPD officer Patrick Simmons’ number comes up.
Today in DVD
Breaking Bad: The Final Season (Blu-Ray & DVD)
It ain’t science fiction, but it’s about a high school chemistry teacher, so I’m including it in today’s picks. Also because of the whole “one of the best TV shows of all time” thing. If you’re a fan who’s strapped for cash, make sure to put the fancy complete-series edition on your Christmas wish list.
Logan’s Run/The Omega Man/Soylent Green – Sci-Fi Triple Feature (Blu-Ray)
If you’re looking for some classic ‘70s science fiction, this cheapo Blu-ray will get you three of them for a mere $14 on Amazon.
Jobs (Blu-Ray, DVD & Digital)
Ashton Kutcher is Steve Jobs, the iconic Apple innovator and groundbreaking entrepreneur, in this epic story of how one man blazed a trail that changed technology — and the world — forever.
