It’s clear within the first few minutes of the film, that Manos was an exercise in a wannabe producer’s attempt to attract a bunch of wannabe actresses using a script seemingly pieced together by the dream-stuff of ‘60s headlines and an unimaginative wannabe Hollywood mover-and-shaker—yet, it, also has its cult audience (much like Ed Woods’s collection). Thus, there’s plenty of fodder for Joel and pals to mock ... which they do with hilarious abundance—especially at the expense of poor, engorged-kneed Torgo. The cast, crew, and even premise of MST3K changed over its decade-long run, but this episode epitomizes the show in its heyday, with Joel still the resident human guinea pig (he was replaced the following season by the show’s head writer Mike Nelson) and Dr. Forrester as the main antagonist (as the show moved to the Sci-Fi Channel, the role was replaced by the character’s mother, Peal Forrester (writer Mary Jo Pehl), and the Satellite of Love still in orbit around Earth (it later became a planet-hopping spacecraft with various, new backup characters). In addition, “Manos”: The Hands of Fate has become such a noteworthy and fan-loved addition to the list of films MST3K trashed, this is definitely one of the DVDs any MST3K fan should grab. Rhino, which has previously been responsible for releasing the main episodes only, first on VHS, then on DVD, has been surpassed by Shout! Factory’s Special Editions, which comprise not only the original episodes, but a slew of bonus features in its double-disc releases. Disc One contains the MST3K episode as well as a feature titled “Group Therapy,” in which show-creator Joel Hodgson, Trace Beaulieu, Frank Conniff, and Mary Jo Pehl “relive the horror” of filming the original episode, the “MST Hour Wraps” (filmed when hour-long condensed version of the episodes where aired in the mid-‘90s), and an exclusive mini-poster insert by artist Steve Vance. Disc Two contains the original release of “Manos”: The Hands of Fate (minus the heckling from the MST3K crew), “Hotel Torgo” (a making-of film, which makes no condolences for making the “Worst Film Ever” nor for aspiring producer/writer/actor Hal Warren for whom no one involved in its production seems to have any love), some bloopers, and both parts of Hired! (the first part was seen in MST3K episode 423). In all, Shout! Factory’s Special Edition contains everything anyone would want (and plenty many would probably care not) to know about “Manos”: The Hands of Fate and its treatment by ever-classic Mystery Science Theater 3000. Shout Factory! is bound to release all the MST3K episodes, and the classic bootlegging tape-trading is still underway at various websites devoted to the franchise. There’s still a chance MST3K may return to television, perhaps with a altered cast and crew—such franchises have a way of returning from the dead. In the meantime, MST3K fans can still enjoy laughing at bad movies with the robots they’ve come to love for quite a while longer.Read full review
As a fan of MST3K this is a no brainer. One bad movie but fun to watch.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I just started collecting MST3K and bought Manos Hands of Fate to add to the collection. It honestly did not appear like it would be a good movie, just judging from the cover but it is one of my favorites now! The movie itself is funny, though it is suppose to be a 60s horror flick. When you add Servo and Crow to the movie it is hilarious all the way through. Especially because Servo is speaking the part of Torgo (who is watching the place for his master). He sounds so much like Torgo, he adds to the character.He is so funny. But overall, they add great comments all the way through the movie. You wont be disappointed. They really make it watchable over and over.
Very good shape for used Enjoyed both movie and comments I was scoping this out to see if it was worth 38 bucks for the Gamera series, it is. Si,Mucho Buenos, Calientes!
The movie that Joel has to watch is terrible. But they make so much fun of it that it is hilarious. I would definitely recommend this movie.
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