RIFFTRAX LIVE: MST3K REUNION SHOW dvd

Rifftrax and Mystery Science Theater 3000 have numerous points of overlap -- much of the same cast, the format of mocking bad movies -- so it makes sense that the hosts of the former would unite with the stars, past and future, of the latter.  Rifftrax Live: MST3K Reunion Show dvd brings them all together for an evening of a few memories and lots of shorts being riffed.

As always, Rifftrax is hosted by Michael Nelson, Kevin Murphy, and Bill Corbett.  These MST3K alums riff several shorts (including the "classic" Shake Hands with Danger) and introduce the guests.  The guests, in turn, share a few quick memories of MST3K before engaging in their own riffs.  We have Trace Beaulieu and Frank Coniff (Dr. Forrester and TV's Frank) joining forces to riff.  So do Mary Jo Pehl and Bridget Nelson.  And for nice continuity, so do MST3K's first and upcoming hosts, Joel Hodgson and Jonah Ray.  There's also a nice 10-year retrospective of Rifftrax, posted below.  And if that's not enough, there are not one but two riffs featuring everyone -- including one with George Reeves' Superman trying to get the audience to buy stamps.

As a  huge fan of both Rifftrax and MST3K, I would have enjoyed a panel discussion of these folks chatting about their experiences with making fun of terrible movies.  But that's a project for a convention panel.  This time they took on terrible shorts -- and the results were terrific.  Everyone had terrific chemistry, the riffing was very funny, and getting them all together was impressive.  If you like Rifftrax or MST3K (or terrible shorts getting their comic due), check out Rifftrax Live: MST3K Reunion Show.  (The DVD also includes the fake credits that play before the shows, plus photos from this event.)

Overall grade: A
Reviewed by James Lynch