As with MST before it, you won't watch Cinematic Titanic for great (or even good) filmmaking, but rather to enjoy the hundreds of quick-fire jokes generated by these jesters as celluloid mistakes unspool on-screen. In DANGER ON TIKI ISLAND (originally released as BRIDES OF BLOOD), the satiric targets include a Vincent Price-wannabe scientist (Kent Taylor), his comically horny wife (Beverly Hills, I kid you not), and their beach blanket Peace Corps sidekick (John Ashley).  A field study of atomic radiation effects on a remote Polynesian island quickly turns into a monotonously-paced walk for survival though mutated jungles.  The trio seek refuge in the manor of a wealthy islander who just happens to be the virgin-ripping monster terrorizing the local villagers.  The film meanders through vicious attacks by man-eating butterflies, tentacled trees and cockroaches that mutate horribly off-camera to save on the budget.

The subpar acting prompts the Titans to comment about Taylor being "more chiseled than Mount Rushmore," while Ashley's coiffed appearance spawns a running gag about his resemblance to crooner Chris Isaak that gains laughs with each callback.  The numerous lags in action and drama leave plenty of opportunities for the crew to riff in dozens of pop culture references from Lucille Ball and Ernest Borgnine to Lady Gaga and even MST's own Tom Servo.  The talented Titans enjoy working many inappropriate song references into the film too, ranging from Blue Swede's Hooked on a Feeling to Jefferson Airplane's White Rabbit and even Gilligan's Island music cues.

Film-inspired punchlines maintain some edge in line with the PG-13 tone of the film and satire, exemplified by an early shot of Beverly Hills disembarking on the island, prompting the question, "I wonder if this is her first gangplanking?"  While there's mild nudity in the film itself and the Titans drop a few S-bombs in their jokes, generally the Live show remains tame in adult humor — aimed perfectly at MST's typical late-teen/college/Baby Boomer demographic.  Otherwise the Titans hold nothing back ripping on the film's laughable production value, noting in between film cuts of a scene, "Oh good, the weather in this reverse shot is much better!"  A good dose of puns ensue as well: when the islanders toss the dismembered body bits from their latest sacrifice into the sea, Frank proclaims, "Here come the sharks, so long, chum!" Good natured groans and laughs follow, proving that this rapid-fire barrage of one-liners and zingers feed a broad range of comedy tastes, something to please everyone watching.

The film quality of DANGER ON TIKI ISLAND itself is as good as can be expected given its low production values and age, but the slightly muffled sound and cheesy special effects only add fuel to the comedic fire. How poorly such films hold up is also part of their retrograde charm, making them such enjoyable targets for Cinematic Titanic's barbs. The DVD presents the full-frame film with the Titans bordering the movie on both sides, filling out the widescreen 1.85:1 aspect ratio of the disc presentation. While the silhouette-voiceover DVDs are equally funny, it's great to see the Titans deliver their jokes as well, more so when the cast crack up each other.  Sound levels of the Dolby Digital 2.0 audio track deftly mix the Titans' one-liners with the movie audio. The audience responses are mixed down to avoid overwhelming your own viewing experience, simulating the live theater experience you would get seeing Cinematic Titanic live for yourself (which I hope to be doing this summer).

The minimalist DVD menu offers Chapter choices and a nice 18-minute featurette Between the Riffs, going backstage with the Titans and out to the lobby where the cast greet fans for autograph signing.  Both groups are genuinely happy and enthused to meet each other, proving the spirit which launched the Satellite of Love continues in orbit around them decades later. These interviews also prove that Joel, Trace, Mary Jo, Frank and Josh are damned funny people on or off stage, which is why FilmEdge expects Cinematic Titanic to sail merrily along for many years to come.

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