X-tra Feature Overview
Bryan Singer's X2 opened worldwide in more theatres than any other film in history. Grossing nearly 215 million dollars, there is little question of the merit of the film's accomplishments. Singer understands translating comics to film; it is practically undisputed amongst geeks. But how does the DVD release compare?

My initial response to the DVD was pretty negative. The menus are unattractive if not over-polished. There isn't anything on this DVD you haven't seen before. Behind the scenes docs, director commentary and deleted scenes are the norm. In fact, one behind the scene documentary is actually a leftover from the first X-Men film. This is not the innovative DVD release you might hope it to be.

X-asperating "Cut Scenes"
The biggest disappointment on the DVD is the deleted "scenes". I place "scenes" in quotes because, of the eleven "scenes", eight of them should be called "deleted shots". An extra shot of Wolverine screaming or Lady Deathstryke taking a claw to the crotch does not constitute a deleted scene.

Only a scene between Storm and Jean Grey adds anything to the depth of the characters. Singer's X-movies really excel in taking any two given characters, isolating them, and then taking their conflicting traits to their logical conclusion. This scene reveals a bit of resent between Jean and Storm and maybe should have been included.

Another cut scene featuring Professor X and Mutant 143 (Mastermind to the rest of us) is also worth noting. 143 leads the Professor to believe that he's escaping. We see 143 stand up and we get a delightful spoodging of brain-juice from 143's spinal prosthetic. Other than those two scenes; however, the cut scenes are a tremendous failure.

X-ceptional Behind-the-Scene Docs
What this DVD lacks in deleted scenes it more than makes up for in behind the scenes documentaries. Every major special effect is covered. Every principle actor except Halle Berry (shocking) appears in at least one interview. The image galleries offer concept art for Sentinels and Archangel (!!!) which, for my money, are worth the DVD cost alone.

The DVD really illustrates the amount of planning and craftsmanship that goes into the effects. The kick-ass Nightcrawler scene that opens the movie is given a multi-angle treatment so you can see the different stages of effects on the film. Some of the most engaging parts of the DVD are the stunt-crew rehearsals and mock ups. Maybe it is time for this writer to consider a career change.

X-ceptable Commentary
The Bryan Signer (director)/Newton Thomas Sigel (cinematographer) commentary is par. Neither of the two men are terribly charismatic; if you're expecting a Kevin Smith commentary, prepare to be letdown. However in his commentary Singer reveals the references in X2 to other films. The list includes A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Jaws, Silence of the Lambs and Star Trek II: The Wrath of Kahn. Excelsior!

The writer/producer commentary with Michael Dougherty, Dan Haris, David Hayter, Ralph Winter and Lauren Shuler-Donner is much more fruitful. You actually learn a good deal more about the movie from this commentary. It reveals where X-favorites like the Sentinels, Archangel, Gambit, Beast and the Danger Room would have been seen. This commentary also virtually promises a third X-movie, something Singer and the cast are reluctant to confirm.

X-Mas Worthy?
Overall, the DVD is worth owning. If nothing else, X2 is a tremendous film and belongs on everyone's movie shelf. Still, I can't shake the feeling that the producers of the DVD held something back. I imagine X2.5 will be on my Christmas list this time next year.