During the recent discussion of Vol. 10.2, Travis posted a link to this fascinating, informative and exhaustive look at the rights status of every movie MST3K did, and from there postulating on how likely each is to be in some future Volume.

Nice work, Travis! I’d love to hear about how you found all this info out!

Fans of “Futurama” know that a new direct-to-DVD movie came out this week. Fans of MST3K may not have heard that there is an MST3K-related reference right at the beginning of the film:

The joke is that the morons at the “Box Network” who canceled them were fired for their stupidity, beaten and then ground up to make this product. The “Executive Powder” has multiple uses and is seen throughout the film.

Thanks to alert reader Trey for the tip and the image.

You can buy “Futurama: Bender’s Big Score” here..

We have learned that Rhino is set to re-release “The Mystery Science Theater 3000 Collection, Vol. 10.”

So, what happened? Apparently there was some sort of rights mix-up regarding the inclusion, in the original set, of episode 212- GODZILLA VS. MEGALON. In the new set, which Rhino has called “The Mystery Science Theater 3000 Collection, Vol. 10.2,” that disc has been replaced with a disc containing episode 402- THE GIANT GILA MONSTER.

Even more exciting–one of the features of the disk will be a short sketch featuring Joel Hodgson, Trace Beaulieu and J. Elvis Weinstein commenting on the SNAFU that led to the withdrawl and re-release.

The disc also includes an extra feature starring actor Don Sullivan (who stars in “The Giant Gila Monster”).

Tentative street date: Feb 5th.

As a reminder, the other three episodes in the set are episode 503- Swamp Diamonds (plus short: What to Do on a Date), episode 514- Teen-age Strangler (plus short: Is this Love?) and episode 810- The Giant Spider Invasion.

Episode 4- “Solitaire” is now available for viewing at MST3K.com.

As the site says:

The most profitable bespectacled Potter since Henry F. and Sherman T. combined, tales of Harry’s indoctrination into Satan’s dark and unholy arts have delighted dozens of children the world over. And this, the first movie of the series, ably helmed by Chris Columbus (Monkeybone, Christmas with the Kranks, Jingle All the Way, Bicentennial Man, Mrs. Doubtfire, Nine Months, Gremlins 2: The New Batch) captures all the wonder, magic and reckless child endangerment, thanks in no small part to the scene chewing of some of Britain’s hammiest actors. Starring Daniel Radcliffe, years before he gave everyone a good long look at his Nimbus 2000, Emma Watson and some kid who makes Ron Howard look swarthy, Harry Potter and the Something of Something Else is the most fun you’ll have giving J.K. Rowling yet more of your money this year!

Mike, Kevin and Bill Dumbledore their way through a Haggrid of laughs in this, the Hogwartiest of all RiffTrax! (We have no idea what any of that means!)

Get it here.

Today is popularly the day folks start doing their online holiday shopping. With that in mind, we’d like to remind you that:

• MST3K.com merchandise can be found here.

• Rifftrax.com merchandise can be found here.

• And don’t forget Satellite News merchandise, including our annual “shorts” calendar!

Happy shopping!

If, on Dec. 7 or 8, you should step outside and find yourself in the Chicagoland area, you will want to know that the Music Box Theater, 3733 N. Southport Ave. in Chicago, will be showing MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000: THE MOVIE at midnight both evenings. Call 773-871-6604 for more information.

Bodybuilding legend and some time actor Reg Park died yesterday in Johannesburg, South Africa, of skin cancer. He was 79.

MSTies will remember his performance as Hecules in episode 412 - HERCULES AND THE CAPTIVE WOMEN.

Reg Park was born in Leeds, England, named after his father, a gymnasium proprietor and owner of the Reg Park Barbell Company. Reg took up bodybuilding in 1946. He finished Mr. Universe runner-up to future film rival Steve Reeves in 1950, then won the title outright in 1951, 1958 and 1965. After marrying South African-born Mareon Isaacs in 1952, the Parks moved permanently to South Africa where Reg ran a chain of fitness studios.

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger considered Park his friend and mentor. Schwarzenegger lived and trained with him in the late ’60s. It was Reg who urged Arnold to try a movie career.

Check out his web site.
L.A. Times obit here.

Michael Blodgett, an actor best known for his role as Lance Rocke in the 1970 cult film “Beyond the Valley of the Dolls” who went on to write novels and screenplays, died Nov. 14 at his Los Angeles home of an apparent heart attack, his ex-wife Lanetta Blodgett said. He was 68.

MSTies will remember him as Bob Draper in episode 204- CATALINA CAPER.

L.A. Times obit here.

The 2008 edition is ready for purchase!

And it’s perfect for that MSTie on your holiday shopping list!