Andrew’s Take:

As ex-Mystery Science Theater 3000 junkies, Dan and I took the plunge and checked out Mike Nelson’s goofily (on purpose…?) titled new audio-only venture: RiffTrax, which allows the former MST3K head writer and host the opportunity to bust on any movie he wants.

It’s incredibly easy to use. You buy the audio using PayPal or whatever, it downloads onto your computer lickety split and you can play it through iTunes, an iPod, etc. It sounds great, and they have a common sense way of helping you keep the audio synched with the movie.

Honestly, watching both The Fifth Element and Star Trek V with the RiffTrax – the Star Trek flick has a guest appearance by Kevin Murphy, the voice of MST3K bot Tom Servo – were a great time. These guys are funny, clever, and biting, and it’s a great idea to be doing this relatively modern Hollywood trash, which somehow seems far worse and more insulting than anything from the 50s, 60s, or 70s.

If you’re in the mood to give it a shot, I would argue the relentlessly shrill and irritating 5th Element is more watchable in this situation, if only because it’s actually more fun than Star Trek V, one of the most excruciating films of the last 20 years. Star Trek V had bigger laughs, though.

Anyway, here’s hoping Nelson and company keep this going. It’s a great idea skillfully executed.

Dan’s Take:

Being an MST3K aficionado, as well having followed Mike Nelson’s post-MST3K career (he’s written books, recorded DVD audio commentaries, and more), I was quite enthusiastic for RiffTrax from the get-go. The idea of Nelson riffing on any film — again, RiffTrax commentaries are audio-only, so they don’t need to get film rights for anything — was tantalizing, but I was dubious about the setup. Paying to download the commentary track, renting the DVD, then trying to sync both up? It seemed confusing and a little costly.

But, I’m happy to say, it actually turned out to be really, really easy. And I’ve found that part of the fun of the whole thing is the very underground, “we’re one of the only people doing this new thing” feel of the whole experience. In fact, it felt a lot like discovering MST3K for the first time.

And of course, Nelson is as funny as ever. These two commentary tracks — The Fifth Element and Star Trek V — easily match the bar set by MST3K. References range from Phil Collins to Kevin Federline, and hearing Mike and Kevin Murphy riffing a movie together again was pretty wonderful. The Fifth Element was an easier watch, because as bad a film as it is, it at least moves along, unlike the sophomoric, slow-as-molasses Star Trek V.

Be forewarned: if you have to take a bathroom break, or accidentally hit the pause button, re-synching can be a headache. But it’s worth it. Great idea, and great fun.

Spread the word!