MXC: Most Extreme Elimination Challenge – Season One

 

Picture: C     Sound: C     Extras: C-     Episodes: C

 

 

The idea of dubbing shows in English, especially when the dubbing does not match is a very old idea.  Woody Allen did it in 1966 with What’s Up Tiger Lily?  Later, the Martial Arts imports and even Spaghetti Westerns had dubbing that almost offered the same effect, even when they were trying to be accurate.  Recently, The Iron Chef series has had the same effect and gained a cult for the same dubbing reasons.  Now, MXC: Most Extreme Elimination Challenge has arrived and it is like a game show that resembles the sports series American Gladiator, but with no bodybuilders, guys dressed like Samurais and goofy competitions.

 

The dubbers have gone the Woody Allen route, but unlike a single feature film, they have to dub 13 shows and this is just Season One.  Though this may have some fans, this wears thin quickly and unless you see it as the dumbest of dumb fun, you will feel the same way.  To someone who has not seen similar programming, this might be a riot and stay that way if they really get an initial kick out of it, but the “Americanization” offers nothing new and the lack of wit is the ultimate missed opportunity.

 

The 1.33 X 1 image is second generation color analog video, either PAL or NTSC and the show almost celebrates this much like Mystery Science Theater 3000 celebrates bad film prints.  The Dolby Digital 2.0 sound is often harsh, form the original audio to the English-language voiceovers.  The combination can be annoying, unless you find it funny, but it will still eventually get on your nerves.  Extras include audio commentary on some shows, Kenny Blankenship’s most painful moments featured, 11/01 MXC sales presentation and an original Takeshi’s Castle episode.  After a few of these shows, only the strong and amused will bother.

 

 

-   Nicholas Sheffo