MST3K: Volume XVII announced

Ugh. Hey. What’s up? Yeah, I’m still here. Had a hell of a time these past few months (which I’ll spare you the details of) but I’m hoping to slowly get back in the habit of updating Deep Ape. Needless to say, hopefully you’ve been reading Satellite News for all your MST3K needs in the interim. There’s certainly a good amount of news that I’ve missed while I was away.

One such piece of news is the announcement of yet another volume of MST3K DVDs. Man, Shout Factory is really pumping these out, aren’t they? Good on them.  This 17th(!) set is pretty darn decent, with a reasonable selection of episodes and a surprisingly excellent load of extra content. Here’s the rundown of the set’s contents, as listed in the press release:

EPISODES

• 0101 The Crawling Eye
• The Beatniks
• The Final Sacrifice
• The Blood Waters of Dr. Z

BONUS CONTENT

• special Crawling Eye introduction with Joel Hodgson
• Mystery Science Theater Hour wrap segments for The Beatniks
• The Main Event: Crow vs. Crow at Dragon*Con ’09 (with Trace and Bill)
• an interview with Final Sacrifice‘s Bruce J. Mitchell (Rowsdower!)
• Blood Waters of Dr. Z photo gallery
• original theatrical trailers
• And, allegedly, “more.”

Now, that’s a nice selection of extras. And we finally get both the first (non-KTMA) episode of the series and fan favorite Final Sacrifice officially released on DVD. The set is scheduled for release on March 16th, 2010, and can be pre-ordered here.

MST3K: Vol. XVI is out now

Hey, guess what came out today? Mystery Science Theater came out today. Specifically, the sixteenth volume of four-DVD box sets, released by Shout Factory. The set includes episodes Night of the Blood Beast, The Corpse Vanishes, Santa Claus, and Warrior of the Lost World. There are also a few substantial movie-related extras included and, if you act fast, a small Tom Servo figurine to accompany Shout Factory’s previous Crow figurine. All in all, a pretty solid set.

Once again, if you plan on picking this up from Amazon, I would ask that you use this link to help support this site, or more to the point, support me. One of the reasons for my absence has been a slew of ridiculous health problems. Currently, I’m barely functional and on painkillers, though I should hopefully be up and running before Christmas. So, if you prefer Amazon for your Christmas shopping, please head there via this link, if you’d be so kind. Thank you.

Woot has Shout Factory’s MST3K DVDs cheap, today only

I just wanted to throw up a quick post to let you know that Woot.com has Shout Factory’s first three MST3K DVD box sets for sale today (and today only) as a set of three — for only $50 total. That’s right. Twelve episodes for the retail price of four! Billy Mays himself (God rest his soul) couldn’t give you a better deal.

Make sure you pick them up quickly. Woot operates on a first-come, first-serve basis, offering up a great deal on a different product every day. Once they sell out, the sale is over and, either way, these DVDs will definitely be gone by midnight tonight, at the latest. So if you’re going to buy, buy now!

Another monotonous post, plus MST3K XV reminder

The announcement of my return may have been a little premature. Anyway, I’m going to try to keep up with things as much as I can. Which is probably not very much, but I’ll at least finally fire off that Cinematic Titanic Live report from last month. I may try to focus less on news and more on reviews and articles, now. As you probably know, Satellite News is always your best bet for the latest in MST3K-related news.

Also, just a quick reminder that the absolutely fantastic new MST3K DVD set, Volume XV, was released recently. It contains three of the series’ most amazing episodes (The Girl in Lover’s Lane, Zombie Nightmare, and Racket Girls — plus season one’s weak The Robot vs. The Aztec Mummy) as well as some good extras. If you’d be kind enough to pick it up via this link, my (almost literally) penniless self would appreciate it. Thanks.

MST3K Volume 15 now up for pre-order

Shout Factory’s next DVD set is up for pre-order on Amazon. It’s out on July 7th.

Yep. I really don’t have anything else to say about that. Other than, please do me a favor and use the above link, if you’re interested in using Amazon. It will give me a dollar, with which I will go buy an ice cream cone and be happy.

25th Anniversary DVD set picks up Saturn nomination

Every year, The Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films hosts the Saturn Awards, honoring the year’s best in movies, TV, and home video releases. For this year’s 35th edition, Shout Factory’s first Mystery Science Theater 3000 DVD set has made their list of nominees, specifically in the category of Best DVD Collection.

While the set certainly had some high-quality episodes, as well as some nice extras, it faces some stiff competition from the likes of Planet of the Apes, The Godfather (WHA?!), and Dirty Harry (THE HELL?!). Not sure what definition of “science fiction, fantasy, and horror” they’re using there, but I wish Shout Factory the best of luck.

The 35th annual Saturn Awards will be held on June 24th in Burbank, CA.

The MSTie’s 2008 Holiday Shopping Guide

Hi, guys! Remember me? There hasn’t been a whole lot to report of late, but I wanted to stop in and recap all the MST3K-related merchandise available for the MSTie on your holiday shopping list. Of course, as usual with me, it’s coming a little late, what with 9 days until Christmas. Still, if you’re in need of some last-minute shopping, give this humble guide a look, after the cut.

And yeah, if you wouldn’t mind clicking on my links for your Amazon shopping, I’d appreciate it. I only blatantly whore myself out once or twice a year, so bear with me. It will help put food in the mouths of all those children I don’t have. That said, I still encourage you to shop around and not take “too expensive” for an answer.

Shout Factory’s “MST3K XIV” extras unveiled

Satellite News recently caught wind of the list of extras, from Shout Factory’s forthcoming Mystery Science Theater set. There appear to be three extras and, while none of them are as exciting as volume thirteen’s, they’re pretty substantial and sound quite fun. Here’s the list:

• A new interview With “Soultaker” star and MST3K favorite Joe Estevez.
• Mike, Tom and Crow’s appearance on ESPN Classic’s “Cheap Seats Without Ron Parker.”
• A new interview with “Final Justice” writer/director Greydon Clark.

Joe Estevez? That alone is worth the price of admission. But the infamous Greydon Clark, as well? Sold. I’m also, admittedly, not that familiar with the Cheap Seats appearance, but it’s a fairly well-known appearance among MSTies, so that’s likely a good thing, too. Should be an entertaining set. Now, if Shout Factory can score an interview with Joe Don Baker, then they will have truly bested Rhino.

Satellite News also mentions that there is apparently a false list of extras being circulated around the interwebs. The above list comes straight from the mouth of Shout Factory, so trust no one else.

Shout Factory announces “MST3K XIV” set

Hot on the heels of the sexy 13th MST3K DVD set, the first released by Shout Factory, a 14th DVD set has already been announced by the new DVD rights-holders. You can see the basic but tasteful cover art above, but one can safely assume that the discs’ individual cases will look a little more unique and interesting, as was the case with volume 13. If the image isn’t clue enough, the included episodes are:

#0103 Mad Monster
#0413 Manhunt in Space
#1001 Soultaker
#1008 Final Justice

So, now all of you Joe Don Baker fans can own his complete MST3K collection on proper DVDs. Not a stellar selection of episodes, in my opinion. Still, it’s one step closer to getting the full series on DVD. The set is scheduled to fall to earth on February 3rd, 2009, provided that Barack Obama’s inauguration doesn’t cause the universe to implode, as many suggest.

Pardon the large image, but what can you do?

Reminder: Shout Factory’s MST3K set is out now

Yeah, I know I just posted about it a few days ago, and I realize you probably already know about it, but this is big stuff! A new MST3K set! Not made by Rhino! That doesn’t suck! So, you should buy it. Right now. Yes, quickly, go. (And I’m still broke, so enjoy it extra, for me.) This new release also means that MST’s getting some publicity.

With this publicity, comes a fair amount of, as we say on the Internet, “lulz.” I would particularly like to point and laugh at Wired.com. One of their articles touts “MST3K Vets Talk[ing] Fan Faves From New DVD Set,” suggesting an interview in which the cast discusses the contents of the set, right? I believe one answer comes close to vaguely addressing one of the movies. They also think KTMA counts as season one.

I laugh at them.

Meanwhile, Ain’t It Cool News took a break from spoiling things to interview Joel. Entertainment Weekly dug the set, even if they’re nuts for not even mentioning Laserblast. The LA Times had a nice little article on the set/series. And lastly, Satellite News spotted a random few articles. As for McClatchy Newspapers, well…

If only they knew.

MST3K.com bets you’ll pay extra for DVD sets with “Gypsy”‘s autograph inside

It what seems like an odd decision, MST3K.com has opted to try digging their money hooks into the collector’s market, offering special special editions of Shout Factory’s upcoming DVD set. These special special sets will come with, uh, an object that has been signed by Jim Mallon and “Gypsy.”

Now, Jim’s autograph probably isn’t as desirable as, say, Joel’s or Mike’s… or Bill’s, or Trace’s, or Frank’s, or… well, you get the idea. But hey, it’s still a nice thing to have, right? Here’s the catch: They expect you to pay $15-25 dollars more for this “Gypsy edition.” Yep, you’ll have to fork over $65 here. Is anyone going to bite at this?

Of course, for my money, you’d totally be better off buying it right here, where $48.99 sure feels a whole lot less offensive to one’s bank account. Or, you know, other places that are charging much less.

Shout Factory’s MST3K DVDs arriving Tuesday; not-so-special edition coming in November

It’s coooooooming!

MSTies are starting to receive notifications that their orders of Shout Factory’s upcoming 20th Anniversary Edition box sets of MST3K DVDs have shipped. It’s here, folks. You can finally enjoy high-quality Natalie Burke, in the comfort of your own home! These tin-box sets include the bonuses you see above: A small Crow T. Robot bust and a set of exclusive MST3K-oriented lobby cards for each of the set’s episodes. Interviews and Comic-Con reunion footage also abound.

One word of warning, though: Apparently, this edition is decidedly limited. Once they’re gone, they’re gone, reports Satellite News. This means no more Crow bust, lobby cards, or tin box, once supplies run out. The good news, though, is that a standard, discs-only edition will be hitting stores on November 18th, so you’ll only be missing out on the trimmings, if you choose to wait.

Sadly, the presumably-cheaper standard edition is what I’ll likely be stuck with, as I can’t quite justify shelling out $50 right now, even for this gorgeous package. Which one will you be getting?

SDCC: Film School Rejects interviews Jim and Joel

As you can see, I’ve been away for a while. Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve been in the process of moving to a new house, and Comic-Con couldn’t have come at a worse time. So, pardon me if I post a late Comic-Con article or two. (Though, fortunately, Queen Shadowrama was kind enough to do a little bit of the heavy lifting with her two excellent posts.)

Film School Rejects found time to sit down with Joel Hodgson and Jim Mallon during the con. It’s a pleasant little interview, and there’s no visible Midwestern rage or awkwardness between the two papa Brains. That is, no awkwardness apart from the awkwardness you get when you interview two quiet, unassuming Midwestern gentlemen. And Joel has some comforting words for us, re: a reunion show.

SDCC: Comic-Con Rocks, But You Knew That Already

To those who were unable to attend Comic-Con 2008 this year (Hugh included), I have been asked to report the goings-on to your eagerly awaiting computer screens.

By now, you all know that the DVDs for the 20th Anniversary Box Set are Laserblast, Werewolf, Future War, and First Spaceship on Venus, but did you know that Dr. Forrester has a third lightening bolt streak…in his pants? Yeah, I didn’t think so. Kudos to Trace for sharing that deeply intimate detail! Unfortunately, it made Mike and Kevin try to rip out their own eyeballs.

Anyway, the 20th Anniversary panel was a roaring success, and everyone on the panel seemed to be having a great time. No tension at all, just fun. At the beginning, the lights were dimmed and we were treated to our favorite opening theme song, mishmashed so that all the eras were blended into a single song. Joel’s voice flowed into Mike’s and each of the Bots were given a double Robot Roll Call to cover the cast changes for each one. (Click for more, after the cut.)

SDCC: Final details on Shout Factory DVDs announced

As expected, the MST3K reunion panel at Comic-Con provided the answers to all our questions about the first Shout Factory box set. Though the details are relatively bare-bones, here they are.

First off, there are the extras that you’ve already heard about: A series retrospective, coupled with some new interviews with the cast, and also a recording of the reunion festivities. What you probably don’t know, however, is that there will also be a Crow T. Robot figurine and “collector’s cards.” Sweet! Now, the most important information: The episodes. The set will include:

• 0211 First Spaceship on Venus
• 0706 Laserblast
• 0904 Werewolf
• 1004 Future War

So, two solid episodes and two middle-of-the-road episodes. Sounds good to me. (And Werewolf! Natalie! SQUEE!) There should be more info on the way, as well as pictures. Queen Shadowrama was on-hand, so hopefully she’ll be able to share some of her fangirl wonderment.