Mystery Science Theater 3000, Vol. XIV (Mad Monster / Manhunt in Space / Soultaker / Final Justice)

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Aside from reminding audiences just how unique and hilarious Mystery Science Theater 3000 was, the comedy series' 20th anniversary in 2008 also kicked off a new round of DVD releases, the latest of which is compiled in Volume XIV. Longtime fans of the Peabody Award-winning show should be pleased to see that the set's four episodes are split evenly between original host and creator Joel Hodgson and his replacement, head writer Mike Nelson. Joel rides herd on one of the earliest MST3K episodes, Season 1's B&W chiller The Mad Monster, which also features writer J. Elvis Weinstein as both the voice of Tom Servo and Dr. Lawrence Erlich, assistant to Trace Beaulieu's Dr. Forrester. It's an enjoyable episode for hardcore fans and collectors, but nowhere near as polished as the work done by the original core lineup--Hodgson, Beaulieu as Crow and Kevin Murphy as Servo--in Season 4's Manhunt in Space, a grisly mash-up of episodes from the '50s TV sci-fi series Rocky Jones, Space Ranger. It's by no means a classic from the Hodgson era, but definitely contains its shares of laughs and even some quirky host segments (the movie prompts an amusing debate on the use of the word "space" as a modifier). The Mike Nelson episodes, produced after the show shifted over to The Sci-Fi Channel, are equally solid efforts. Soultaker undergoes a punishing barrage of riffs from Mike and the 'bots, and even features brief cameos from Hodgson and Frank Coniff as the much-loved TV's Frank. Final Justice puts Joe Don Baker--star of the MST3K favorite Mitchell--in the line of fire again for a mostly funny show that focuses largely on the star's beefy physique. Though none of the shows are high water marks for the series, you're likely to find more laughs and creativity here than on most of the sitcoms plaguing the airwaves, and as such, are worthwhile investments for veteran MiSTies and first time viewers alike. The four DVD set includes all four complete episodes, as well as several extras – a slightly smaller batch than the 20th Anniversary Edition set, and less historically important, but entertaining all the same. Soultaker star Joe Estevez and Final Justice director Greydon Clark (Black Shampoo) show what good sports they are about being drubbed by the show in brief interviews, while Mike and the 'bots reunite for an all-too-brief session of zingers on a 2005 excerpt from ESPN's Cheap Seats Without Ron Parker. A trailer for Mad Monster rounds out the set. -- Paul Gaita