Q: What is RiffTrax?
A: RiffTrax are comedic MP3 tracks that you play in-sync with your favorite movies. Written and performed by the stars of the award-winning TV series Mystery Science Theater 3000, RiffTrax brings the unique humor of "Satellite of Love" partners Michael J. Nelson, Kevin Murphy and Bill Corbett to Hollywood's hit movies.
Q: What do the different formats, NTSC and PAL, mean?
A: The short answer is that NTSC files are for people in North America, including the United States and Canada. PAL files are for users in regions other than Region 1, such as the United Kingdom and Australia. The long answer has to do with technical specifications of each format. NTSC and PAL have different framerates - meaning a PAL video actually is a bit faster than its NTSC counterpart, making it somewhat shorter. It's difficult to notice unless you have two versions of the same movie (or audio file) playing side-by-side; but eventually you'll notice the PAL version being ahead of the NTSC version. Sometimes the difference is as much as a few minutes! If you find that your mp3 file is constantly out of sync with the DVD you're watching, first make sure that you've downloaded the correct format of mp3 (NTSC for Region 1, PAL for elsewhere) and then check other things, such as the DVD version (Collector's Edition, Director's Cut, etc.) is correct for that mp3 file. These details are usually found on the product page. For more information on NTSC, as well as a list of countries that use it, click here. For PAL information use this link.
Q: How do I Synchronize my RiffTrax?
A: Each RiffTrax contains verbal instructions to help you synchronize it. Alternatively, you might try using our free RiffTrax Player. PLEASE NOTE: this version of the player is currently not supported and no longer in development. We are working on a new version of the player that will include more features and better stability, as well as cross-platform compatibility (Windows and OSX). Stay tuned!
Q: Where can I receive technical support?
A: Please contact us through our Support Department or the Community Forums.
Q: How can I learn about other RiffTrax titles?
A: You can sign-up for the RiffTrax Mailing List to be notified of all new releases, upcoming events and to learn about special discounts!
Q: What do I need to know about Video on Demand?
A: When you purchase a Video-on-Demand title, you receive a single pre-synchronized video file, as opposed to an audio file that you must synchronize yourself. Video-on-Demand Shorts are provided as DRM-free DivX, .mpg and .wmv files, suitable for your portable media device. Video-on-Demand Features are provided as DRM-free DivX files.
As the old song goes, "I love a parade." However, this was undoubtedly spoken by someone under torture or extreme mental duress. Parades for most people evoke memories of the many raised welts, received at the hands of the crazed, hard candy-throwing Shriners tooling around on their infernally loud 2-cycle-powered magic carpets (man, they were sadistic!) These were almost always accompanied by Sousa, performed badly by teenagers in large fur hats (good Sousa is trying enough). And then there's the clowns. For the love of all that is good and holy, the clowns! A mind-splitting terror beyond anything cooked up by the foulest demons of Gehenna, clowns!!
Luckily, there are no clowns in Swing Parade—there are Stooges! With clowns, all is darkness and torment. With Stooges, all is goodness, bliss, and the occasional scratched cornea. And man, does this parade swing!
Mike, Kevin and Bill really bring the riffs, daddy!
*Note: this RiffTrax is significantly different than Mike's previous solo commentary.
