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Cinematic Titanic- New MST3K Company To Riff Star Wars Holiday Special?

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For those who don't know what Mystery Science Theater 3000 (MST3K) is, it was a TV show during the 90's that riffed (made fun of) really bad, old movies while you watched them. It was a highly successful show that even spawned a movie of itself.

Anyway, they are apparently coming back in a whole new way. Read this from the official (yet crude) site (http://cinematictitanic.com/):

Greetings friends,

It’s been just amazing the last few years: what with MST3K being honored as a top 25 science fiction show and top 25 “cult” show by TV Guide, and, most notably, in September being listed as one of the “Top One Hundred TV Shows Ever” by TIME – whew! Never saw it coming. Even mo-better are the really nice people that I’ve met who’ve had, and still have, great experiences watching horrendously great movies along with me and my funny friends. Thanks for mentioning it, thanks for keeping the dream alive, and thanks for buying the DVDs. It’s all been strange and mysterious and lovely, and it makes me want to do it all over again. And now, almost 20 years later, I am. I’ve decided, in collaboration with the other bold souls who “started it all,” to do a new project that is strong enough for our diehard audience, and also gentle and easy to swallow for those that are new to movie riffing. Wait for it….wait for it…. meet Cinematic Titanic!

It’s going to be powered by the original cast of MST3K! Trace Beaulieu, J. Elvis Weinstein and yours truly, along with some friends who came along later to make the show great: the beloved Frank Conniff and the scathingly brilliant Mary Jo Pehl.

We’re very busy writing and doing preproduction right now – so the website is tiny, but the big thing right now is to sign up for the newsletter so we can keep you informed about the fine movie riffing we’ve got planned for you. We’ve licensed our first title and are working at a brisk pace to get it delivered in time for Christmas! So you can give it as a gift to one of your sly friends or a loved one. Or you yourself can watch over the holidays to fight off that strange malaise that always seems to happen. Our first release is at this time a total secret, however – I’m willing to say it makes “Manos the Hands of Fate” look like “Santa Claus Conquers the Martians” in a car wreck with “Eegah!” with notes of peach.

Also, in the news: I’ve just been interviewed by Lucasfilm online, in anticipation of Cinematic Titanic’s first live show and world premiere in San Francisco in December. We will link to that story as soon as it is released. Sorry, but this special live show is a closed event for I.L.M/Lucasfilm employees and guests only. As of this writing we are still negotiating some of the fine points, however I am pleased to mention that they’ve granted us the rights to offer this event to you, the friends of Cinematic Titanic, remotely and slightly after the fact - stay tuned.

Check in often as we intend to get the entire cast giving you their distinct takes on constructing this “lean, mean, movie-riffing machine” we call Cinematic Titanic in words, pictures and of course the moving image.

Happy Halloween,
Joel Hodgson

So what I am wondering is... why on Earth is Lucasfilm involved with this? And why are they having a special private screening (live show?)??? And they are trying to get the first one out by Christmas...

And the movie is supposed to be really horrible...

Hmm...

There seems to be a couple dots connecting here...

Could they be doing The Star Wars Holiday Special?! That would be awesome!

Or maybe even Howard The Duck, lol. But I am hoping the former. What do you guys think?
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Originally posted by: scallenger
So what I am wondering is... why on Earth is Lucasfilm involved with this? And why are they having a special private screening (live show?)??? And they are trying to get the first one out by Christmas...

And the movie is supposed to be really horrible...

Hmm...

There seems to be a couple dots connecting here...

Could they be doing The Star Wars Holiday Special?! That would be awesome!

Or maybe even Howard The Duck, lol. But I am hoping the former. What do you guys think?


Maybe Lucasfilm doesn't like how Rifftrax ripped apart the prequels and wants a competing group to steal their thunder? Its interesting to see Joel returning this type of work. I wonder what it will be like after so long.

"Now all Lucas has to do is make a cgi version of himself.  It will be better than the original and fit his original vision." - skyjedi2005

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The Holiday Special is only around in super low quality, and is not the easiest thing to get your hands on, not to mention it only exists as bootlegs. Howard the Duck at least had a real VHS release. No to mention Lucas tries to pretend that thing doesn't exist, that would make it kind of hard for them to have a legally obtained copy and permission from Lucas.

"Every time Warb sighs, an angel falls into a vat of mapel syrup." - Gaffer Tape

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Originally posted by: C3PX
The Holiday Special is only around in super low quality, and is not the easiest thing to get your hands on, not to mention it only exists as bootlegs. Howard the Duck at least had a real VHS release. No to mention Lucas tries to pretend that thing doesn't exist, that would make it kind of hard for them to have a legally obtained copy and permission from Lucas.


While I doubt it's the Holiday Special, it's not hard to get a hold of at all. Exhibitors at Sci-Fi and comic book conventions tend to have it readily available. It's also available on just about every p2p network around. The Holiday Special, for all its evilness, is the easiest thing to get a hold of these days.

If it were 10 years ago when Google didn't exist, there was no bittorrent or other main stream p2p software and the web was still in its infancy, I'd agree with you. But that's not the case anymore.
F Scale score - 3.3333333333333335

You are disciplined but tolerant; a true American.

Pissing off Rob since August 2007.
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Originally posted by: Tiptup
Maybe Lucasfilm doesn't like how Rifftrax ripped apart the prequels and wants a competing group to steal their thunder?


Wow, am I really that distrustful of George Lucas that I have to see something underhanded in everything? . . . I guess.

"Now all Lucas has to do is make a cgi version of himself.  It will be better than the original and fit his original vision." - skyjedi2005

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Originally posted by: lordjedi
Originally posted by: C3PX
The Holiday Special is only around in super low quality, and is not the easiest thing to get your hands on, not to mention it only exists as bootlegs. Howard the Duck at least had a real VHS release. No to mention Lucas tries to pretend that thing doesn't exist, that would make it kind of hard for them to have a legally obtained copy and permission from Lucas.


While I doubt it's the Holiday Special, it's not hard to get a hold of at all. Exhibitors at Sci-Fi and comic book conventions tend to have it readily available. It's also available on just about every p2p network around. The Holiday Special, for all its evilness, is the easiest thing to get a hold of these days.

If it were 10 years ago when Google didn't exist, there was no bittorrent or other main stream p2p software and the web was still in its infancy, I'd agree with you. But that's not the case anymore.



I said that it is only available in low quality and only exists as bootlegs. I guess I was wrong about it not being the easiest thing to get, but they could still never get the permission to do it.

"Every time Warb sighs, an angel falls into a vat of mapel syrup." - Gaffer Tape

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Originally posted by: C3PX
The Holiday Special is only around in super low quality, and is not the easiest thing to get your hands on, not to mention it only exists as bootlegs. Howard the Duck at least had a real VHS release. No to mention Lucas tries to pretend that thing doesn't exist, that would make it kind of hard for them to have a legally obtained copy and permission from Lucas.


Hey, maybe this is it. Maybe instead of the SWHS, its Howard the Duck. Lucas seems to at least not deny that Howard the Duck exists. I have difficulty seeing him suddenly releasing the Holiday Special when he's pretty much done everything but flat out deny it ever happened. He doesn't seem to be quite so harsh on Howard the Duck.
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I don't think he is harsh on Howard the Duck at all, for one it is not an original work by him, it was based off a comic book. Also, I believe there was a Howard cameo during the podrace scene in The Phantom Menace, more evidence that he has nothing against it. I am not sure why it is not on DVD though. Probably has to do with it sucking, but then again that didn't keep Attack of the Clones from getting a DVD release, so I don't know.

"Every time Warb sighs, an angel falls into a vat of mapel syrup." - Gaffer Tape

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Hahaha... this is rather interesting indeed! There does seem to be a bit of a hint here that this thing might be the Holiday Special, as mocked by the MST3K crew. That would be tons of fun.

Perhaps this could be the one way Lucasfilm would be willing to release the Holiday Special? I could see that happening. Though it would wind up being a OUT/GOUT-style fight for some of us who want to see it also released in unaltered form.

Regarding its availability: it's not just out there as bootlegs, folks. Lucasfilm has had at least one master copy in their archives (though I'm not sure what kind of shape that's in at this point). And there are others involved in the production who have master copies as well... so it *could* be released to DVD officially if they wanted to do it. Perhaps now they will.

--SKot

Projects:
Return Of The Ewok and Other Short Films (with OCPmovie) [COMPLETED]
Preserving the…cringe…Star Wars Holiday Special [COMPLETED]
The Star Wars TV Commercials Project [DORMANT]
Felix the Cat 1919-1930 early film shorts preservation [ONGOING]
Lights Out! (lost TV anthology shows) [ONGOING]
Iznogoud (1995 animated series) English audio preservation [ONGOING]

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Would they have any problems with the copyright licensing from the publishers of the music sections in that Star Wars Holiday Special?
They would have to clear each song I'm sure, as Lucas would only have a say on the Star Wars content right? ABC T.V. would have a say too I'm sure.

http://thumbnail.search.aolcdn.com/truveo/images/thumbnails/83/C1/83C1B66A3A572A.jpg
Marty Balin's over the top phallic lightsaber microphone had me rolling on the floor back in 78'.
But then again I was only 12 years old at the time.

FF

“First feel fear, then get angry. Then go with your life into the fight.” - Bill Mollison

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Our first release is at this time a total secret, however – I’m willing to say it makes “Manos the Hands of Fate” look like “Santa Claus Conquers the Martians” in a car wreck with “Eegah!” with notes of peach.


This is the comment that makes me think it may be the Star Wars Holiday Special. The other films he compares it too might be clues. "Manos The Hands of Fate" is supposed to be one of the worst films of all time. The SWHS could be considered one of the worst Star Wars associated things of all time (next to Jar Jar Binks). "Santa Claus Conquers the Martians" being mentioned means it should be some Christmas-related film with crazy stuff going on. And "Eegah!" was a film about cavemen, and cavemen kind of look like Wookies (in a way).... man-like, ape-like, and hairy. And of course the Wookies were the prominent characters in the SWHS.

Add the fact that they mention this being available in time for Christmas kind of puts the icing on the cake.

As for the Holiday Special only being available in really low quality... you should see some of the MST3K episodes. Most of the movies they watched weren't in the best shape. Some looked worse than the best looking copy of the SWHS floating around...

I just hope I'm right...
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Originally posted by: scallengerThe SWHS could be considered one of the worst Star Wars associated things of all time (next to Jar Jar Binks)....

As for the Holiday Special only being available in really low quality... you should see some of the MST3K episodes. Most of the movies they watched weren't in the best shape. Some looked worse than the best looking copy of the SWHS floating around...

I just hope I'm right...


I'm sorry, but I have to say that the "Star Wars Ewok Adventures - Caravan of Courage (aka The Ewok Adventure) / The Battle for Endor" are far far worse then the Star Wars Holiday Special in my book. At least the Star Wars Holiday Special had most of the original cast, the Boba Fett cartoon, an out-take from the first film, plus Han Solo committing a real deal homicide. And one more thing... Let's not forget the late great Beatrice Arthur belting out one for the boys (or whatever they are) in a kind of kewl cantina segment. The Ewok Adventures just out right SUCKED! SUCKED! SUCKED!

The print MST3K used of Godzilla vs. Megalon was pure crap, and looks far worse then my quicktime format download of the Star Wars Holiday Special. And who is to say that ABC does not have a clean print of the Star Wars Holiday Special someplace in it's vaults? I'm sure the east and west coast would have each had a print of this at the time of broadcast.

FF

“First feel fear, then get angry. Then go with your life into the fight.” - Bill Mollison

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I still think that it is more likely to be Howard the Duck than the Star Wars Holiday Special. Lucas has such a hate for the Holiday Special, I don't see him even allowing it to be shown to be given the MST3K treatment. Howard the Duck, on the other hand, is different. He seems to have a more accepting tone and can laugh at himself for its cheesyness. Maybe it is because its not really his creation, but a comic book. But I can see Joel and company having a much easier time convincing Lucasfilm to let them do Howard the Duck than the SWHS.

But I will also say that I hope that it is the SWHS. It would be cool hear what they would do with it, and maybe even a decent print out of the deal as well.
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I'm sorry, but I have to say that the "Star Wars Ewok Adventures - Caravan of Courage (aka The Ewok Adventure) / The Battle for Endor" are far far worse then the Star Wars Holiday Special in my book. At least the Star Wars Holiday Special had most of the original cast, the Boba Fett cartoon, an out-take from the first film, plus Han Solo committing a real deal homicide. And one more thing... Let's not forget the late great Beatrice Arthur belting out one for the boys (or whatever they are) in a kind of kewl cantina segment. The Ewok Adventures just out right SUCKED! SUCKED! SUCKED!


I disagree... maybe because I grew up with the Ewok Adventures as a kid... I'm rather fond of them in a nostalgic kind of way... I think "Battle For Endor" is a mostly just a silly film, and may even be comparable to the Holiday Special in silliness, but I think "Caravan of Courage" was actually a good film for what it was. Call me crazy (and I am sure you are, lol). I also like both of their quality for being simply TV movies.

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Lucas sells "Han Shot First" t-shirts and put the OOT on DVD, so I can see him acknowledging the SWHS in this manner.
I am fluent in over six million forms of procrastination.
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As unlikely as it would be for Lucas to release the Holiday Special in any form, I really get the impression from the announcement that this WILL BE the Holiday Special. And the Holiday Special would be the perfect vehicle to launch Cinematic Titanic.

Authorizing the release as a parody - and not a "serious" release - allows Lucas to save face (and still make money).

Plus, if you consider that Lucas authorized Robot Chicken and Family Guy to do Star Wars parodies (both of which are NOT family-friendly), this makes even more sense.

Of course, I won't be surprised if Lucas insists on some alterations to the Holiday Special.

You know of the rebellion against the Empire?

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You mean a Holiday Special Special Edition? [gasp/] Haven't we suffered enough? I'd bet that they release it in anamorphic widescreen.

Actually, the only reason I'm hoping it is a clean version of the Special is to get quality versions of the two Star Wars cut scenes. Other than that, I'm not really interested.
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Sorry guys, it's not the Holiday Special.
A very reliable source just shot the rumor down. He didn't reveal anything else. (See the mst3kinfo.com forums)

Although since Lucas is involved, and it's gonna be announced on starwars.com, you'd think it has to be a Star Wars (Ewok Adventure?) or at least Lucas (Howard the Duck?) movie.
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That's so weird though. I'm actually kind of disappointed now, just to be plainly honest, lol. Especially since whatever it is is going to be announced on starwars.com. That's really wierd. Who is this "reliable" source anyway?
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I don't care what movie it is. It's just great to see that all these MST3K cast members are back together again.

I wonder if the Riff Trax guys will ever get involved too.

Edit: It looks like they've updated the site with a new message. In regards to the movie, here's what Joel had to say:
The first official Cinematic Titanic feature will be available for sale the Monday following our world premiere on Friday, December 7th. That makes the street date a solid, nearly firm, December 10th or as close as we can get. It's a studio version of the live show packed with cool bonus features, so save your juice money. The name of the film we'll be riffing on is a secret, but I'll try to tempt you with some vague descriptions: it's very rare, it's very strange, and it's of questionable quality. Needless to say it's going to be perfect for our experiments. Please sign up for the mailing list if you haven’t already. We just love it when you do.


It could very well be the Holiday Special.

My Projects:
[Holiday Special Hybrid DVD v2]
[X0 Project]
[Backstroke of the West DVD]
[ROTS Theatrical DVD]

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Originally posted by: David
Sorry guys, it's not the Holiday Special.
A very reliable source just shot the rumor down. He didn't reveal anything else. (See the mst3kinfo.com forums)

Although since Lucas is involved, and it's gonna be announced on starwars.com, you'd think it has to be a Star Wars (Ewok Adventure?) or at least Lucas (Howard the Duck?) movie.


If the message on the CT website is anything to go by, it can't be either of those two, because they're both on DVD (as far as I know). I'd still bet money on the HS, if only because it's never had an official release. I mean, if its being announced on StarWars.com, what else can it be?
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If the message on the CT website is anything to go by, it can't be either of those two, because they're both on DVD (as far as I know). I'd still bet money on the HS, if only because it's never had an official release. I mean, if its being announced on StarWars.com, what else can it be?


Exactly. There are too many things pointing at it to be the Holiday Special. Even though I do love rifftrax and anything involving MST3K and its members, the fact that so many clues keep pointing to it being the Holiday Special, including the fact that news of it WILL be released on starwars.com is almost too much evidence to bear. So that's why if for whatever reason it really isn't the Holiday Special l I can't help but be let down, especially since it would be awesome to see these guys riff at it... it is begging for one.

Now before anyone starts freaking out, I'm not saying I won't like whatever else they put out and not be interested in it. But it certainly won't be greeted with as much applause (maybe even just a single clap... lol).
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Wow, If we start putting all the clues together,

" Our first release is at this time a total secret, however – I’m willing to say it makes “Manos the Hands of Fate” look like “Santa Claus Conquers the Martians” in a car wreck with “Eegah!” with notes of peach."

"Also, in the news: I’ve just been interviewed by Lucasfilm online, in anticipation of Cinematic Titanic’s first live show and world premiere in San Francisco in December. We will link to that story as soon as it is released. Sorry, but this special live show is a closed event for I.L.M/Lucasfilm employees and guests only. As of this writing we are still negotiating some of the fine points, however I am pleased to mention that they’ve granted us the rights to offer this event to you, the friends of Cinematic Titanic, remotely and slightly after the fact - stay tuned."

"The name of the film we'll be riffing on is a secret, but I'll try to tempt you with some vague descriptions: it's very rare, it's very strange, and it's of questionable quality."

It is of the standards to be complared with "Manos the Hands of Fate", "Santa Claus Conquers the Martians" and "Eegah", those are some very low standards. So whatever this film is it has to be a real dog, worse than a dog actually, it has to be a dead rotting carcass of a dog. Then Lucasfilm is involved and the event if for Lucasfilm/I.L.M. employees and their guests. They had to have negotiations with Lucasfilm inorder to get permission to release a recording of the event to us. The film very rare, very strage, and of questionable quality.

Man, that really seems to point to the HS, and the only evidence we have against it is a brand new poster who signed up just to say it is not the case because a secondary source told him (not trying to put you down man, but you know how it goes, there is really nothing to verify anything). So as far as official info, I'd say we are still at the Howard the Duck or HS place. Though Howard the Duck just sucks, it is not really Manos quality. Or really that strange in comparison to man kids films. And while it has never seen an official DVD release, it has been availible on for a long time. So yeah, my best guess now is the HS. Either that or something we have never heard of.

"Every time Warb sighs, an angel falls into a vat of mapel syrup." - Gaffer Tape

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All I can say is...


"Oh Boy! This is gonna be GOOD!"

http://www.geocities.com/gurukenn/holiday_MST3K.jpg
"Hey Joel, pass the Wookie-ookies!"
FF

“First feel fear, then get angry. Then go with your life into the fight.” - Bill Mollison

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All right. The source is the husband of Mary Jo Pehl, one of the 5 creators of the project.

He posts as RAD on the MST3Kinfo forum.

Here's the thread where he broke the news in the first place: (Dated October 30). As far as I know, this is the first mention of the project on the internet, except for cinematictitanic.com itself.
http://forrestcrow.proboards47.com/index.cgi?board=deep&action=display&thread=1193760420

And here's the thread where he had to take the HS theory out back and put it down:
http://forrestcrow.proboards47.com/index.cgi?board=deep&action=display&thread=1194406654

I would've loved if it were the Holiday Special myself.
Since it's going to be announced on starwars.com I can't see how it would be something totally non-Star Wars related. We'll have to wait and see I guess.

Just so you know, I'm a long-time lurker, but more active in MST3K/RiffTrax and all that.

(Post edited to hyperlinkize the URLs for your convenience)