Mystery Science Theater 3000: XXIII

Although the formula for this low-rent TV series—namely, a guy and a couple of robots making caustic remarks about bad movies they're watching—practically screams short shelf life, Mystery Science Theater 3000 turned into a cult smash, with die-hard devotees exhibiting an insatiable appetite for more, hence this 23rd collection of DVDs culled from the series. This set boasts two efforts from notorious exploitation-movie producer Robert L. Lippert—1955's King Dinosaur, a hilariously cheap combination of sci-fi epic and prehistoric adventure, and 1948's Last of the Wild Horses, a low-budget, cliché-ridden western. Also included are 1969's The Castle of Fu Manchu, probably Christopher Lee's worst film, rightly described by fan Frank Conniff in his brief introduction as incoherent; and a busted TV pilot from prolific producer Quinn Martin, 1977's Code Name: Diamond Head, about a secret agent (Roy Thinnes) in Hawaii. All four entries are accompanied by the customary derisive commentary, as are the introductory shorts (including one about a farm family's visit to the state fair, and another about the dangers of reckless driving). DVD extras include featurettes on Lippert and Martin, and MST3K promos. Sure to please fans, this is recommended. (F. Swietek)