Review of X Men

Introduction

Hmm, Comic -> big screen. This usually fills me with a combination of expectation and dread. Expectation, because I`m a huge fan and dread because they tend to make poor films (Judge Dread, anything except the first Batman etc)

THis time I was really hoping for something good, partially because I`ve been an avid X-men fan for years, partly because Bryan Singer is a great director and nowadays special effects can make comic superheroes look real!

The plot revolves around two groups of mutated humans, the `good guys` lead by Professor Xavier (Perfectly represented by Patrick Stewart) and the `bad guys` lead by `Magneto` (Ian McKellan) and how they believe they should live with `normal` humans.

Video

Stonking!

The THX certified transfer is presented at 2.35:1 and anamorphic - as one would hope for a year 2000 film. I couldn`t find a fault with it anywhere.

The special effects are practically flawless and blend in well with the action sequences easily making the comic-inspired reality look believable.

The DVD menu is animated and nicely presented without being too obstructive.

Audio

The audio, just as with the video, is THX certified and uses all 5.1 channels of dolby digital to their max. If I had to complain about something I`d have to mention the lack of DTS - but that`s a teeny nitpick.

There`s some thunderous bass from the LFE channel and the rear channels are used sensibly to give that feeling of presence normally reserved for the cinema. Dialogue is never muddled and always clear.

Features

Pretty good! The nicely animated menu is clean and simple to use and there are some hidden easter eggs to find......

The unhidden stuff includes 10 minutes of cut scenes (rumoured to be included in a special directors cut at a later date but they don`t add much to the film) Then theres an interview with the director (but no commentary) and Hugh Jackman`s screen test....!

They also added some trailers, a stills gallery and some rather interesting animated storyboards which look rather like a Playstation game.

Not bursting with features, but there`s enought to keep you busy whilst the kettle boils. What this region 1 version does have that the region 2 lacks is a THX optimode set-up area which helps you set your home theatre (or tv and dvd combo ;) up perfectly.

Conclusion

Great fun, lots of special effects, some serious attempts at characterization and a plot. Better that most by a long way.

Die hard fans of the comics might be disappointed that their favourite character is misrepresented, or even missing and the film is ovbviously designed to spawn a few sequels but it`s enjoyable nonsense and an excellent way to test/set-up/brag about your new AV system!

Liable to join films like The Matrix in the list of DVD must-haves.