(aka 'X-Men 2' or 'X²' or 'X-2' or 'X-Men 2: X-Men United' or 'X2: X-Men United')

directed by Bryan Singer
USA 2003

While growing up I collected comic books as voraciously as I now collect DVDs. This was long ago and at that time there was a kind of renaissance... a flailing title of Marvel Comics (those that brought us Spiderman, The Hulk, Captain America etc.) called 'The X-Men' had a 'rebirth' at issue # 94... a copy I thankfully still own (its worth exceeds $100.00). It was transformed into The NEW X-Men... and the comic book industry would never be the same again. Presently just the spin-offs of 'mutant' variations initialized by issue number 94 now exceeds the entire output of the competition; DC Comics (Superman. Batman, The Flash etc.). About 10 years ago I tried to explain the importance of The New X-Men to some non-comic fan friends. I described it as "the Shakespeare of comicdom' and detailed the subtle, but important sub-themes. I don't know if I got through to them at the time... but I did prophecy how this phenomenon would continue to expand.

The original X-Men movie was well made, but perhaps its major flaw was its foreshadowing of a sequel. It was as if it was made solely with one in mind, and that detracted from the plot. However, the 2nd film 'X2' is one of the most enjoyable films I have seen all year. It encapsulated the important themes of the original Claremont/Byrne stories much better than the recent 'Hulk', 'Daredevil' or 'Spiderman' films, all three of which were pleasant ways to pass the time. X2 is in a totally different league. This is not due to the direction or acting... but the story and its central themes.

X2 once again unites characters who are both heroic and still very human... very imperfect at times. This is their major appeal. We share human emotional experience with them. They come from a variety of cultures and backgrounds and their prevalent battle is with societies lack of tolerance to their misunderstood minority. I've heard comparisons to homosexual expression, but I think it has meaning even beyond that. The human species are represented as having an opportunity to 'unite' or 'conflict'. This is entirely based on our tolerance. What does it mean to be tolerant? It starts with respecting one another's culture, religious beliefs and manner of existence without fearing it as a threat to your own. Tolerance means acceptance towards indulgence of beliefs or practices unique to, and possibly outside, your own vision. Tolerance is the key weapon in the battle with narrow-mindedness, prejudice, dogmatism and bigotry. In X2 it is represented in the guise of wonderfully created fantasy heroes who are self-described as "MUTANTS". Their conflict is in coping with their unique capabilities and also with societies judgment of them as a group.

Only one change I would have made in the film X2; when Scott Summers (Cyclops) vows his love to Jean Grey, her reply should have been "... and I you Scott, with all my heart". Other than that this was a fantastic film. It kept its violence to a minimum and it was as action packed a film as I can remember. The plot was complex enough to allow multiple re-viewings. The whole thing was steeped in suspense, love, desire, expressed faith, unrequited passion and the power of the human spirit while maintaining its comic feel with boyhood fantasy and heroic adventure at its core. What a marvelous ride! out of

Gary W. Tooze

X2 Digital Versatile Disc is on the list of Top 100 DVDs!

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Theatrical Release: April 24th, 2003 - UK

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DVD Review: 20th Century Fox -  Region 1 - NTSC

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Distribution 20th Century Fox  Region 1 - NTSC
Runtime 2:13:36 
Video 1.33:1 Original Aspect Ratio
Average Bitrate: 7.39 mb/s
NTSC 720x480 29.97 f/s
Bitrate:

Audio English (5.1 DTS ES), English (Dolby Digital 5.1), French (Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround), Spanish (Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround)
Subtitles English, French, Spanish, None
Features Release Information:
Studio: Fox Home Entertainment
 
Aspect Ratio:
Widescreen anamorphic - 2.35:1

DVD Release Date: November 25, 2003
Keep Case
Chapters: 40

Edition Details:


 • DTS Surround Sound, Dolby, DTS Surround Sound
• Commentary by Brian Singer and Tom Sigel
• Commentary by Lauren Schuler Donner, Ralph Winter, Michael Dougherty, Dan Harris, and David Hayter
• Theatrical trailer(s)
• Documentary – "The Second Uncanny Issue of X-Men" – Making of X2
• 11 featurettes: "The Secret Origin of X-Men," "Nightcrawler Reborn," "Evolution in the Details – Designing X2," "United Colors of X," "Wolverine Deathstrike Fight Rehearsal," "Introducing the INCREDIBLE NIGHTCRAWLER!," "Nightcrawler Stunt Rehearsal," "Nightcrawler Time-lapse" (branch from Make-Up), "FX2 – Visual Effects," "Requiem for Mutants – The Score of X2," "X2 Global Webcast Highlights"
• 11 deleted scenes
• Still galleries
• Widescreen anamorphic format
• Number of discs: 2

 

Comments: If the image quality of the 20th Century Fox region 1 DVD has any flaws it might show some minor saturation at times... but that is being as picky as I can get. Due to the fantasy nature of the film it may have been planned that way. The colors, for the most part are rich and full... detail is pristine and contrast is very solid with penetratingly deep blacks. Saying that this is another strong candidate for DVD of the Year. Marvelous defined sound in both of the progressive camps; DTS and 5.1 . There are a whole second disc of Extras that I am still going through, but so far they are all superb. The commentary shows Singer and his staff really knew their stuff before starting. The real star of this is the story, and its faithful adaptation to the spirit of the comic. The DVD has like-wise been very loyal showing a worthy adherence to the film. Buy this today!  out of    

Gary W. Tooze




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Distribution 20th Century Fox  Region 1 - NTSC




 

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Gary Tooze

1775 Rowntree Court

Mississauga, Ontario,

L4W 4V3    CANADA

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