Mysterious Scientific Theatrical Controversy

After much witnessing angst in the space of a few days over what might happen to the anime industry, for some strange reason it almost feels like "cleansing the palate" to dig into some controversy over the continuing release on DVD of Mystery Science Theater 3000. (Before I leave anime-related angst behind for the moment, though, it was interesting to see an interview on the Publisher's Weekly site with someone discussing that market and making some of the same points made on a "mere" fan-focused site.)

A while back, I was commenting on some of the episodes from the "tenth collection" of Mystery Science Theater 3000, and mentioned that preordering that set for the discount had been a lucky thing to do, as it was almost immediately pulled from the market after release. Apparently, securing the "underlying rights" for Godzilla vs. Megalon from "Krypton International Films, Inc." hadn't worked out so well as had been expected... Now, though, I hear that Rhino Home Video is going to rerelease the set in slightly altered form, replacing Godzilla vs. Megalon with The Giant Gila Monster... and now it seems that everyone else who was also lucky enough to have preordered the tenth collection is complaining that they have to "rebuy three episodes to get one!" Of course, I can see the point of that... but maybe some of the complaints are nasty enough that I can also feel sympathetic for those who weren't as lucky, and even contemplate that I have a "rare DVD." I do have a weakness for "double-dipping" when it comes to DVDs, and the ability to just shrug off the money I'm spending as I give one disc or the othe away... on the other hand, I'm at least able to contradict myself far enough to refrain from buying some anime releases that offer "less content for more price." (And there, perhaps, I'm right back to anime-related angst.)

Some Imports Don't Take

Just a few days over a year ago now, I posted about a "maid cafe" that had opened in my area, and reflected on how that idea seemed to be big in Japan. While I never went anywhere near it, I was interested to hear a piece about it on the morning radio show I listen to on my way to work... but it seems the idea didn't last forever; I've just heard about the place closing. Such is life; however, those who critique this particular small touch of Japanese culture just may find relief in the news.