Servo3000: Live on the Web

I watched the RiffTrax tonight for the Star Wars Holiday Special and HOLY SHIT I cannot believe the Holiday Special ever aired on tv.  It is so bad that it borders on Dali-esque surrealism, and this is the best way I can summarize it:  some Wookies stand around and periodically interrupted by musical numbers from the likes of Jefferson Starship and Bea Arthur.  It must be seen to be believed.

The Holiday Special isn’t commercially available, but I was able to download a copy off Google Video and sync the RiffTrax mp3 with it in iMovie.  Since it was aired on broadcast television, you get the bonus of some late 70’s commercials.

I watched the RiffTrax version of Road House over the weekend and OH MY GOD it is funny.  It was just Mike Nelson riffing by himself, so I wasn’t sure how it would pan out.  I’m sorry for doubting you Mike.  Here’s a simple, with a 3-D Mike:

I caught the RiffTrax for Willy Wonka the other day, and it is yet another great riffing. Mike Nelson does this one with Neil Patrick Harris (Doogie himself!) who keeps up surprisingly well. The original Willy Wonka is one of those revered, nostalgic movies for me but it really is ripe for the RiffTrax treatment. The highlight is Mike’s song about a ham sandwich and tube socks. Check out the clip for their take on the boat scene.

This is the funniest RiffTrax that I have watched to date.

 I am rapidly becoming hooked on RiffTrax, which I mentioned earlier.  I watched Star Wars Episode I – The Phantom Menace tonight.  I hadn’t seen the actual movie since it hit theaters and yikes, is it ever perfect for the RiffTrax treatment.  This was also an interesting test because I didn’t have the DVD, instead I just synced it up with a version I TiVoed off HBO.  Worked great.

I watched the Matrix last night with the RiffTrax commentary on mp3.  RiffTrax is Mike Nelson (of Mystery Science Theater 3000 fame) and his pals making fun of movies via running commentary that you sync up with a DVD.  If you’re an old MST3K fan, be sure to check this out.  There is even a riff for Willy Wonka featuring Neil Patrick Harris.