This week we enter the chaotic arena of 'Mortal Kombat' [1995], a production as intense as the tournament it portrays. Born from the risky idea of adapting a hyper-violent video game for mainstream audiences, the film faced script rewrites, casting shake-ups, location injuries & sicknesses, and a visual effects team trying to bring a fantastical creature to life on a very "mortal" budget. From Paul W.S. Anderson fighting to prove himself to actors training through pain and uncertainty, the road to Outworld was anything but smooth, and despite the behind-the-scenes turbulence, Mortal Kombat somehow pulled off a flawless victory in the hearts of '90s fans, and became a cult classic that fused campy charm, techno music, and unforgettable fight scenes.

After years of delays, reshoots that never happened, a release date shuffle that felt like a game of musical chairs, and a premiere that hit theaters with a thud, 'The New Mutants' became the last nail in the 20th Century Fox / X-Men universe coffin. In this episode, we break down what worked, what never stood a chance, and why this troubled production became a fittingly chaotic farewell to the Fox mutant saga. From the genre-bending horror ambitions of the director, to the last minute studio shuffle thanks to a legendary Stephen King property, we discuss just what put these mutants in more trouble than they could ever get out of onscreen.

In this special episode we’re taking a break from our obsession with doomed productions and talking about a different kind of obsession: physical media... Joining us for this “collector’s confession session” is cohost of the BETAMAX podcast, Fidel Medina, where we cover everything from blind buys to our biggest splurges, and even the ones that make us cringe with regret... Have a listen as we crack open the vaults and talk about why we just can’t stop buying movies we already own in 3 different formats, as well as the highs & lows of collecting physical media.