Mystery Science Theater 3000 Volume 2

The re-release of "Mystery Science Theater 3000: Volume II" is a justified cause for celebration for MST3K fans. The long out-of-print second installment of the seminal series that spoofs bad movies features some of the best and hilarious episodes. The four-disc DVD set from Shout Factory doesn't disappoint with a handful of extras too, all carried over from the prior Rhino DVD.

"Cave Dwellers" on disc one was the premiere episode of MST3K's third season, a peak for the show where the writing and quips are quick, funny, and solid. For the life of me I cannot explain the plot of "Cave Dwellers" (originally released in 1982) but it seems to be a carbon-copy of the two silly "Conan the Barbarian" movies. This makes it the perfect fodder for sleepy-eyed Joel and his pals to make fun of the constant bare-chested male cast.

Disc two features "Pod People" from 1983, originally entitled "Extra Terrestrial Visitors." A blatant rip-off of Steven Spielberg's "E.T." has Joel and the 'bots squirming in their viewing seats, all the while spewing out jibs and jabs at the inane dialogue and plot of the low-budget film. "Pod People" has the distinction of having the same director as the much-maligned but still hysterically bad slasher film "Pieces."

Mike Nelson hosts the "Angels Revenge" episode and this female vigilante movie has "Charlie's Angels" written all over it. Somehow two "Gilligan's Island" cast members (Alan Hale Jr. and Jim Backus) appear in the film formerly known as "Angels' Brigade," and Oscar winner Jack Palance stumbles through his role as well. The appearance of all of these actors give Mike and company the chance to constantly poke fun of them.

A "Shorts Collection" complements the fourth disc and collects six silly how-to short films that were famous in the 1950s and 1960s. As a bonus extra, "Mystery Science Theater Hour Wraps" are tacked onto the "Cave Dwellers" and "Pod People" episodes.

"Mystery Science Theater 3000: Volume II"
DVD
$44.99
www.shoutfactory.com