The
X-Files: The Event Series
(2015 aka Re-Opened
aka Season
10/Fox
2-Disc Blu-ray Set)
Picture:
B+ Sound: B+ Extras: B Episodes: B+
Chris
Carter's fantastic sci-fi epic TV series The
X-Files,
one of the longest running Science Fiction shows in history, returns
to television in this six episode season revival (which would count
as Season
10).
Featuring the return of key players David Duchovny as Fox Mulder (who
famously wasn't in the last season of the show and was 'replaced' by
Terminator actor Robert Patrick as a different character), the
beautiful and sharp witted Gillian Anderson as Dana Scully, and Mitch
Pileggi returning as fan favorite Agent Skinner (along with a few
other characters you may remember). Much of the original production
crew is back for this as well including Mark Snow, the fantastic
music composer from the first nine seasons.
Late
last year upon the release of this show, Fox brought us an incredible
The
X-Files
Blu-ray boxset (which we sadly didn't get to cover on this site) that
features all nine seasons and extras that compliment this release
nicely as well, despite some transfer issues on some episodes. This
new set joins that one and the two theatrical feature films to make
all of the franchise available in the format.
For
those who haven't seen the show or the two feature length films
(1998's Fight
The Future
and the lackluster 2008 follow up, I
Want To Believe),
The
X-Files
is a supernatural Sci-Fi/Horror crime drama that centers on two
cunning FBI Agents Mulder and Scully, who both know the truth about
extraterrestrials (from different perspectives at first) and work for
the government in solving crimes related to otherworldly beings and
help those who have been infected by these creatures. Each episode
is very well written and showcase some very unique top-notch alien
creatures that will satisfy any Sci-Fi fan.
What
works here is the updating of the concept of the show to 2016 and
features modern-day clips, pop culture references, and discussions
that are relative to current alien conspiracies (they even use a
segment of Jimmy Kimmel's late night show where President Obama
dodges the question bout alien life.) Seeing how tormented Mulder is
in the show also works as he is constantly battling his own demons
while at the same time embracing his passion for his research.
My
one complaint is the ending of the season finale, which I felt was
very abrupt and a cheap tease - similar to how the last season of how
The
Walking Dead
ended, where the season stops mid-scene with more questions than
answers. This is also a reassuring thing though, as it almost
guarantees that more is coming. Nevertheless, this seems to be a
recent trend with major networks in an attempt to keep fans in check.
Though
always strong in the original series, the special effects in the show
have been modernized as well with some nice looking practical and
digital effects that make the supernatural characters of the show
feel even more real. Being a believer of both the extraterrestrial
and supernatural, The
X-Files
has always struck a cord with me and I'm very happy that they went
back to do this so many years later and best of all, do it the right
way.
Episodes
on the set include My
Struggle,
Founder's Mutation
(which is directed by the now Hollywood heavyweight and original
series director James Wong), Mulder
and Scully Meet the Were-Monster,
Home
Again,
Babylon,
and My
Struggle 2
[or II].
Presented
in 1080p high definition with a widescreen aspect ratio of 1.78:1 and
an incredible, lossless, English DTS-HD MA (Master Audio) 5.1 track,
this Blu-ray release blows the original broadcast out of the water
with a sharper picture and improved sound mix. If you're a fan that
watched the show when it first aired and enjoyed it, then you
definitely owe it to yourself to check out the difference on Blu-ray
disc. Also on the disc is a Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1 mix and
multiple language tracks in classic, lossy DTS 5.1. No Digital copy.
The
content on the disc is divided up over two discs, with the first disc
containing the first four episodes with optional commentary and the
second disc featuring the last two episodes and the loads of get
supplements that include:
Special
Features:
Deleted
& Extended Scenes
Gag
Reel
The
Makings of a Struggle
Season
X: An In-Depth Behind-the-Scenes Look at ''The Event Series''
Monsters
of the Week: A Recap from the Wildest and Scariest from the Original
Series
"The
X-Files" - Green Production PSA
Short
Film - Grace by Karen Nielsen
Commentary
on "Founder's Mutation" with Chris Carter and James Wong
Commentary
on "Mulder & Scully Meet the Were-Monster" with David
Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, Kumail Nanjiani and Darin Morgan
Commentary
on "My Struggle II" with Chris Carter and Gabe Rotter
For
fans of the sci-fi series like myself, this two disc Blu-ray set
really delivers. Not only do the episodes look and sound better than
they did before but the supplements here are really in-depth and do
not disappoint. Can't wait for the next revival, which is rumored to
happen in 2017. The comeback succeeded!
-
James Lockhart
https://www.facebook.com/jamesharlandlockhartv/
