Twenty years ago today, the gaming world saw the launch of a truly landmark title: Sonic the Hedgehog. Developed as a vehicle for a new Sega mascot, the fluid, vibrant, cheery-tuned wonderland swiftly became the company's flagship product, inspiring over the ensuing decades an increasingly convoluted universe of TV shows, comic books, and dozens of games on a variety of systems (all documented in this frighteningly comprehensive TVTropes portal). And while in recent years the series has turned out more and more mediocre 3D and RPG efforts, the original games remain crown jewels of the 16-bit era. So why not kick off this anniversary by replaying the titles that started it all for free in your browser: Sonic the Hedgehog (1991), Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (1992), Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (1994), Sonic & Knuckles (1994). Or click inside for music, remakes, and other fun stuff! [more inside]
posted by Rhaomi on Jun 23, 2011 - 71 comments

Those bearing XY chromosomes and those who love them will be thrilled to watch Manhood In The Mirror, a cautionary, educational parody about the importance of self-examination in the treatment of testicular cancer. Both text and video instructions for TSEs are available, as well as some background on the video itself. Brought to you by ZDoggMD, a medical satirist with other videos, such as Immunize!.
posted by hippybear on Apr 4, 2011 - 21 comments

Beat It, as performed by the (Chinese) Red Army Orchestra . Or maybe you would prefer 4 Minutes, or a little bit of context.
posted by haltingproblemsolved on Aug 15, 2010 - 11 comments

When a top black entertainer reaches 50, of course he's going to want to add The Moor to his repertoire... [more inside]
posted by fearfulsymmetry on Aug 30, 2008 - 14 comments

Free to Be... You and Me
posted by thirteenkiller on May 22, 2007 - 56 comments

Cause This is Thriller, Thriller Night. Michael Jackson's "Thriller" has always been a classic. Everyone's seen the original. MeFites have seen the Lego version, the Bollywood version, and from the streets of Lexington, KY. But you might have missed it at a University of Washington talent show. In a kid's closet. Or performed by a cute 2 year old. Or even from the cast of Final Fantasy. Regardless, you simply can't miss the rendition by some bored workers in an office parking lot and break room. Or my favorite, bride, groom--an entire wedding party--at the reception.
posted by kenneth on Jan 28, 2007 - 50 comments