This feature version of the irreverent TV series about a man on a spaceship who's forced to watch bad movies with his robot pals skewers the would-be 1950s classic THIS ISLAND EARTH. While admiring the film's content (or lack thereof), the earthling and his robot-puppet pals make various funny comments throughout.

This film follows the same premise of the cable TV series it's based on: a man named Mike Nelson, along with two witty robots, is held captive in outer space by mad scientist Dr. Clayton Forrester. As an experiment, Forrester subjects them to a barrage of horrible, "cheesy movies". Nelson and the bots proceed to make fun and crack wise at virtually everything that happens in the film, from the opening to closing credits.
In this big-screen version, the film lampooned by the gang is 1955's "This Island Earth", a campy, no-budget film about earthlings who are kidnapped by aliens.
But will Mike and his metallic buddies ever find a way to escape from the demented Forrester?

Released theatrically in the USA April 19, 1996.

A Best Brains production.

Color by Deluxe; in Stereo Surround Sound.

Additional cast: John Brady (Benkitnorf).

Additional credits: Jef Maynard (production design); Blakesley Clapp (set decoration); Linda Froiland (costume design); Thomas A. Naunas (sound); Marie Domingo (assistant director).

See the record for "This Island Earth" for more information on that film.

The television show "Mystery Science Theater 3000" was created in Minneapolis in 1988 by its original star, Joel Hodgson. The low-budget show was later picked up by neophyte cable network Comedy Central, where it developed a strong cult following, called "Misties". At the height of its popularity, Hodgson left the show, and was replaced by Michael Nelson, a writer and sometime actor on the series. A few years later, however, viewership declined, and the show became less and less prominent on Comedy Central. Weeks before the film version opened, the channel cancelled "MST 3K". However, it was later picked up for a new season of shows by the Sci-Fi Channel.

Copyright 1996 Universal City Studios, Inc.

DVD Features:

Region 1
Snap Case
Anamorphic Widescreen - 1.85
Full Frame - 1.33
Audio:
Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo - French
Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround - English
Subtitles - English (SDH) - Optional
Additional Release Material:
Trailers: Theatrical Trailer

Michael J. Nelson: Host/Writer of "Mystery Science Theater 3000"
Trace Beaulieu: Screenwriter/"Mst 3000"
Kevin Murphy: Screenwriter/"Mst 3000"
Jim Mallon: Director/Prod./Screenwriter, MST3K

Jim Mallon: Director/Prod./Screenwriter, MST3K

Jim Mallon: Director/Prod./Screenwriter, MST3K

Michael J. Nelson: Host/Writer of "Mystery Science Theater 3000"
Trace Beaulieu: Screenwriter/"Mst 3000"
Jim Mallon: Director/Prod./Screenwriter, MST3K
Kevin Murphy: Screenwriter/"Mst 3000"
Mary Jo Pehl: SCREENWRITER\"MST 3000"
Paul Chaplin: SCREENWRITER\"MST 3000"
Bridget Jones: SCREENWRITER\"MST 3000"

Billy Barber: SCORE COMPOSER

Bill Johnson: Editor, film and television

"...Infectiously funny....Lotsa laughs....An atmosphere of mild lunacy..."
"...Insults, witticisms and observational humor ranging from sophomoric to sophisticated....Hilariously perfect aim..." -- 3 out of 4 stars
"...More than its share of gonzo laughs..." -- Rating: B+