Vol. XXV Review

Posted by Sampo, on November 26th, 2012

Our pal Bruce Westbrook is out with his review of Vol. XXV — due out a week from tomorrow!

Chris

62 Replies to “Vol. XXV Review”

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Crow T. Robert says:

November 28, 2012 at 5:36 pm

Now THERE’S a discussion thread! What turn out to be your pet peeves with the show? We all have them – maybe it’s the repeated choice of a kind of movie they selected, or you hate Gypsy’s new voice. And while I suggest this in the spirit of agreeing with Rowsdower up there, I also say it knowing how ugly things got back in the flame war days (I have a favorite and a rationale for my favorite, but I don’t dare say). So I think we should make that a thread sometime, but really, not until we’re all grown-up enough to handle it.

OR, how’s about this?

As a guideline, you have to balance a peeve from the Joel years with one from the Mike years. For instance, I got sick of repitition real quick in episodes from start to finish. “Hikeeba/Gymkata” is one from the Joel Years, and to be fair, the “I thought you were Dale,” gag failed too. The only place I thought you were Dale works for me is in Dr. Z, because you actually HAVE a moment that looks like the moment from the Grape Nuts ad. But did they throw in one there? Actually, I don’t remember – I’ll get back to you all on that.

4 likes

Richard the Lion-Footed says:

November 28, 2012 at 11:22 pm

I have to agree with Mr. B(ob) in post 14. This is not so much a “review” as a disgruntled tirade. I have seldom heard strong objections to the show change when it went to Sci-fi. Sure there were complaints, but I have heard complaints over Joel changing his jumpsuit colors. People like some things and not others. But the show stayed popular and the fans stayed true. Bruce makes it sound like Gettysburg was about to be re-fought.

It seem less a review and ore the author inserting himself into the story. I am mildly surprised he did not quote “unnamed sources.” Another way authors insert themselves.

I plan on getting this set (already on my Amazon wishlist) and enjoyed every one of these episodes. The extras sound good and I always like more information.
So keep the reviews coming, but try not to have such a big chip on your shoulder.
You are talking to the home crowed most of the time.

0 likes

pondoscp says:

November 29, 2012 at 1:24 am

Gettysburg was refought, on Mike’s eyelashes

2 likes

Matt D says:

November 29, 2012 at 2:56 am

Richard at #52, I disagree, Bruce’s review doesn’t seem like a tirade at all. He talks about aspects of the extras and “reviews” them. And of course a reviewer is going to insert themselves into their story. They have every right to do this as the reviewer of the product. At least Bruce takes the time to give examples of why he feels the way that he does about the Sci-fi years. A lesser reviewer might not even go that far.

5 likes

hellokittee says:

November 29, 2012 at 2:58 am

@49 I also thought Josh was the funniest the last time I saw CT live last year.

I am looking forward to the DVD feature, but I also agree that the reviewer is entitled to his opinions just like we all are on here. So he didn’t really like it, big deal, maybe the rest of us will love it.

I am most excited about “Kitten With a Whip”. I have only ever been able to see this one (that I can remember) on YouTube, so I am excited to own a copy. I really consider this to be one of the more “watchable” films out of all the MST3K eps, in spite of how irritatingly stupid the main character is.

1 likes

Richard the Lion-Footed says:

November 29, 2012 at 4:48 am

Matt @ 54,
I agree that the review was not totally bad. It was a worthy review if you can get through the personal observations on the show and fans, which do not have a lot to do with the item being reviewed. It is like Bruce was reviewing the collection he WANTED to see, not the one they sent him.
His excuse, that he has countless years in the “industry” seems a little dismissive. That is not really a message board he is on. It was not like he reviewed it here, for example.

His credentials are a two edge sword. Yes, they give him a boost of creditably I do not have, but by the same token, he is also to be held at a higher standard. A standard some of felt he did not live up to this time.

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MutinyMan says:

November 29, 2012 at 2:09 pm

I think every episode has its moments..this set has 2 of my all time faves..Robot Holocaust and Revenge of The Creature..plus 2 ive heard of but have never seen before..honestly not a huge sci-fi channel era fan..did it have some classic episodes?..ofcourse it did..but i disagree that season 8 Was the best..i say Seasons 3,4,and probably 6 are the best..also Season 2 was great..5 had some classics as well..but i have yet to be displeased with the box sets..and Shout Factory always releases great MST3000 episodes..cant wait to see whats to come in 2013.:)

1 likes