MST Scrapbook (Best Brains, 1995). [Category: Outtakes & Obscurities]

Msties won't want to miss this long tape of ephemera from "Mystery Science Theater 3000". The show's history is well-covered, from the pilot on Minneapolis station KTMA to the first Conventio-Con Expo-Fest-a-Rama in 1994. There's lots of stuff you won't find anywhere else, such as scenes from the KTMA pilot, home movies of the Brains building a new set just after getting the contract with the Comedy Channel, and scenes of them writing and taping the Santa Claus Conquers the Martians episode. Highlights include Trace ad-libbing about hanging himself while building the set (and Joel and an intern playing along), and Frank doing a really embarrassing dance number in a tight-fitting leotard during the Conventio-Con (and asking people backstage afterwards, "I didn't look silly, did I?"). Ephemera fans will want to check out a PSA the Brains did for the Red Cross which features them msting some brief clips from a public service newsreel called "Red Cross News". A must for all msties.

Ratings: Camp/Humor Value: ****. Weirdness: ****. Historical Interest: *****. Overall Rating: *****.