TVSquad

I think I'm getting spoiled by special DVD sets. I have a lot of "complete series" sets and anniversary sets, and many of them are these massive, well put together sets that seem to be really complete and perfect. I'm thinking of sets that I own for such shows as The Twilight Zone, The West Wing, Friends, and The Dick Van Dyke Show, as well as season sets in shows like The X-Files and The Simpsons.

I say we're spoiled because I think that even die hard fans of Mystery Science Theater 3000 might be a little disappointed by the packaging for their new 20th Anniversary DVD set (there's two actually - a limited edition tin box and a regular set; this review is for the limited edition box in the pic above). Not for the content, but for the way it is put together.

Packaging: The tin is actually nice. I especially like the fact that the top doesn't come off completely, it's attached with hinges so it opens like a door or a book. But the box inside that houses the DVDs is too big for the tin! It took me about 15 minutes just to get it out of the tin. It's really tight. I fear I'm going to eventually rip the box if I keep taking it in and out. I might just keep the DVDs in the tin by themselves. As for the Crow T. Robot figurine that comes in the special set, that's at the bottom of the tin and it's hard to get out too so I haven't really attempted it yet.

The Movies/Audio/Video: Audio and video are fine (beyond the usual limitations of the prints of the old movies, of course). There are four movies in the set, including Laserblast, Werewolf, First Spaceship on Venus, and Future War, and they're a good representation of what MST3K was all about (though you'll want to get the other sets too). For the record, there are three Mike Nelson episodes and one Joel. How you feel about this I guess depends if you're a Mike person or a Joel person.

Extras/Features: Besides the very cool Crow robot (perfect for your desk or shelf), there are four lobby cards for the movies made specially for this set. They're on thin paper so you'll want to handle them carefully. The set also comes with a great history of the show, from the Minnesota beginnings to the big screen movie to the cult status the show has had ever since the last episode. There's also footage of the reunion panel held at this year's Comic-Con and all six versions of the theme song.

Overall a great set. It's not the all-encompassing, epic set you usually get in an anniversary set, but it's a fine addition to the other sets you should have and a not bad intro to the show if you want to buy your first set.