Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Essentials is a 2-DVD set released by Rhino Entertainment in March of 2004. The set includes two Joel episodes, apparently selected by a popularity poll. A limited offer from Rhino featured a 3-disc version if the set was purchased through a special web site. The case features artwork similar to the art on the Volume 4 set, but with imagery from the two episodes included. This set marks the second of three releases of the MST3K version of Manos: The Hands of Fate.