It's just like MST3K -- sort of

[stormkeeper_lovedoris]

I was/am a huge fan of MST3K. Somehow it escaped my notice until fadingembers recently posted about it, but some of the guys from MST3K have created something new -- Rifftrax! Basically, they've created MST3K-like commentaries for movies, and you pay $2.99 to download one of your choice. You then play your own copy of the DVD simultaneously with the MP3, so you get to hear their funny commentary on more mainstream movies! They help you synch the MP3 and DVD up. If I can do it, anyone can.

The downside is that many of these Rifftrax have Mike Nelson only. My favorite was Bill Corbett. But I lucked out. Yesterday I watched their riffing on X-men, and Bill joined Mike for this one! (They tell you which of the guys will be on which movie you order. Still can't believe I was so lucky that my favorite humorist is on my favorite movie). They did pretty well with X-men. Some of the jokes were dumb (how many different 'wolverine' jokes can you make, pointing out ways in which the character does not act like the animal) and I think they missed several good joke opportunities. But they also had some laugh-out-loud hilarious ones too!

I think I'll either do Star Wars or LOTR next. Can't wait! I wish they had Serenity but no luck yet.

In other news, unfortunately I have a cold. It started with a small tingle in my throat on Monday and each day has been worse. Last night I took a Nyquil-type drug, but woke up 2 hours later with my throat absolutely on fire. It's not as bad right now, but I am waiting to hit the low point of this cold so I can start getting better. It's not really the way I wanted to spend the second-to-last week of my sabbatical, but what can you do?

Comments

[sarahetc.livejournal.com]

I just heard about Rifftrax this weekend! anglophile_rat's husband arrived at our house going, "Dig on this idea!" I am totally going to get some. It is the coolest idea. Plus, bonus sticking-it-to-the MPAA.

I'm sorry you have a cold. Can you gargle hot salt-water to help with your throat?

[stormkpr.livejournal.com]

It really is a ton of fun. I'm glad that a friend of yours mentioned it too. I've always wanted to the MST3K guys to do 'good' movies, and here they are (though whether "Phantom Menace" qualifies as 'good' is certainly subject to debate).

I'll try the gargling. It's amazing how much a cold can really drag you down and make you feel miserable. But I shouldn't complain; at least I don't have to get up and go to work with the cold.

P.S.

[stormkpr.livejournal.com]

One quick thing I should mention. I downloaded LOTR today. If you have that 4 disc special edition, then the commentary won't match up with the DVD. The commentary goes along with the version of the movie that was aired in theaters. You'll always be off if you try to match the special edition up with the Rifftrax commentary.

Just FYI.