Mystery Science Theater 3000 - 20th Anniversary out now

As any MSTie* out there should already know, Shout Factory now has the rights to future MST3K DVD releases. They just put out their first release, a 4-disc set containing the episodes First Spaceship on Venus, Laserblast, Future War and one of my favorites, Wahrwilf. The set comes in a large, very shiny tin (shiny good) with a cool little Crow T. Robot statue.

The tin, in all it's glory. It's pretty huge, actually. Looking at it from the front, it's not much bigger than a normal DVD case. But, this thing is pretty deep. It's not as far back as, say, the Blind Dead Collection coffin box, but it's close. It's about 6 1/2 regular Amaray cases thick. Think Planet of the Apes Legacy Collection thick.

And here's a shot of everything else. DVDs, Lobby Cards and Crow.

Those of you interested in owning this set (like myself) might need to hurry. Shout released this statement a few days ago on their site:
News Flash...News Flash...News Flash

Due to an unexpected level of demand, all copies of the deluxe version of the Mystery Science Theater 3000 20th Anniversary Edition 4-DVD box set have shipped to retail outlets in advance of the October 28, 2008 release date.

As a result, Shout! Factory is rush-releasing the standard version of the box set, which contains all four film episodes and DVD bonus features, but not the collectible tin box, the Crow T. Robot figurine, or lobby cards that are part of the deluxe version. The standard 4-DVD box set version of Mystery Science Theater 3000 20th Anniversary Edition will arrive in stores on November 18.

Shout! Factory

It sounds like a huge deal, but it's not. Places like Amazon or even some stores like Best Buy should still have them available. And if you miss it, fear not, the set will be released without the tin on November 18th. But if you want the tin or the Crow statue, you might want to visit your nearest DVD purchasing establishment soon.

*Speaking of MSTies, you're not a true MSTie unless you're wearing my newest creation - The MSTie: Coming Soon From Phelpsco: