Search - X-Men 1.5 on DVD

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Content Advisory: Mild Violence, Questionable for Children Movie Release: 2000 DVD Release: 02/11/2003 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV - Closed Captioned Edition: Dual Layered Audio Tracks: English, French, Spanish Subtitles: English, Spanish SwapaDVD Credits: 2 Number of Discs: 2 Run Time: 1 hrs 44 mins Studio: 20th Century Fox Total Copies: 16 Genres: Action, Fantasy, Superhero Film, Sci-Fi Action See Also: X-Men, X-Men [UMD for PSP], X-Men [Widescreen], X-Men [Blu-ray]

One of the most popular superhero teams in comic book history finally comes to the screen in this big-budget adaptation of the long-running Marvel Comics series. Psychic Professor Xavier (Patrick Stewart) leads a school of skilled mutants called X-Men, a peacekeeping force to safeguard the world against a race of genetically mutated humans known as Homo Sapiens Superior. However, Magneto (Ian McKellen), a mutant with a powerful magnetic charge, has also begun to organize a team to strike first against what he believes to be a threat from humanity. When he kidnaps Rogue (Anna Paquin) from the X-Men's compound, Xavier and his forces must rescue her, even as they continue to vie with Magneto for the fearsomely strong mutant battler Wolverine (Hugh Jackman). Both Xavier and Magneto also have to contend with Senator Kelly (Bruce Davison), a heartless political leader who wants a final solution against mutants on both sides. Fighting for the forces of virtue with the X-Men are Famke Janssen as Jean Grey, Halle Berry as Storm, and James Marsden as Cyclops; Rebecca Romjin-Stamos as Mystique, Ray Park as the Toad, and Tyler Mane as Sabretooth are the minions of Magneto. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

Hugh Jackman - Wolverine
Patrick Stewart - Prof. Charles Xavier
Ian McKellen - Magneto
Famke Janssen - Jean Grey
James Marsden - Cyclops

While there wasn't anything really wrong with the original DVD release of X-Men, this two-disc re-release (perfectly timed for the theatrical release of X-Men 2 of course) takes it to a new level, one that is exceptional in every way. The 2.35:1 anamorphic transfer is outstanding (the movie is on the first disc). Colors are vivid, and even with all the action and movement, there are no signs of breakdown. Detail is always strong, as are the contrast levels. Equal to the image is the sound, presented in both 5.1 Dolby Digital and DTS. This is an aggressive track, as would be expected, with liberal use of the surrounds and exceptional separation, Fortunately the clarity necessary for dialogue and distinct sound effects is never sacrificed. Needless to say, this is a perfect film to really test your home theater sound system. Granted, some of the supplements on the first release are not included, but what is offered here certainly makes up for it. While the majority of extras are on the second disc, the first still has its share. Of real importance, and not present on the first release, is a scene-specific commentary track from director Bryan Singer, hosted by Brian Peck. Reused from the first release are 17 optional making-of mini-featurettes which can be accessed during the movie, and the ability to add in six deleted scenes through branching.
As mentioned, it's the second disc that has the vast array of extra material. This is broken up into two areas, "X-Men 2" and "Evolution X." As would be guessed, "X-Men 2" is a short look at the highly anticipated sequel, with a tour of the sets, some interviews, and the trailer for the new film. "Evolution X" on the other hand is far from brief. Six different documentaries, ranging from eight to 64 minutes cover all aspects of the film, and nearly all of them employ seamless branching to delve even further behind the scenes. Consisting of everything from character development (with interviews from nearly everyone involved), in-depth discussions of the visual effects, and extensive behind-the-scenes video, these documentaries truly go deep into the process of making the film. If that weren't enough, three trailers, numerous television spots, and 12 Internet interstitials, which are very short vignettes about each of the characters, are also included. This set is a perfect example of a DVD that fans should buy over again, and those uninitiated should look into. Neither will be disappointed. ~ Trent Fordham, All Movie Guide