Plot: What’s it about?
After all the strange things they’ve witnessed together, it seems as though agents Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) and Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) are about to be pulled apart. The X-Files have been closed down and after a terrorist attack on a building, the two were questioned and then the news was delivered that their partnership was over. Mulder had his doubts about the bombing after he was told four bodies were found inside, when he knew the building was clear, save for the man who was disarming the device. But since no one ever listens to him, Mulder decides to toss back some shots that night, which is when a strange man (Martin Landau) informs him that the bodies found inside the building…were already dead before the explosion. So he races over to Scully’s place and tells her all about his theories, which of course, she has a hard time believing. Now these two have to work together once more, outside the system for the most part, to try to uncover the truth about what is happening.
As a fan of the television series and this movie, I was pleased when Fox announced it would issuing a new disc for this title. The original release was a good one, but this one adds a new anamorphic transfer and a DTS track, which more than warrant the repurchase. So if you’re unsure whether or not to upgrade, this is a sound investment and more than worth the trouble. The movie is a very fun ride and if you’re a fan of the television show, then you know what to expect here. The same tone and characters are present here, which means it offers a lot to fans, but the film is also on a level where newcomers won’t be too lost. It will help of course if you’re into the show, because more small details will make sense, but you don’t have to be a fan to like this movie. As usual, our two beloved agents find themselves inside a massive conspiracy, in which they must delve deeper than ever to uncover the truth. This movie has a solid storyline, great acting, a very smooth pace, and some terrific action sequences. The special effects and atmosphere also up to task, which is good, since this material thrives on those elements. This disc and film are highly recommended, so whether you own the first disc or not, it’s time to add this new version to your collection.
This is a movie based within The X-Files, so of course, Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny are present and accounted for. The two port their characters onto the big screen rather well, with no real complaints to be lodged with their performances. I know some folks dislike Duchovny (Kalifornia, Playing God) and his approach to acting, but he is so natural inside this role and his usual deadpan manner work to perfection here. I think the real star here is Anderson (Princess Mononoke, Playing By Heart) though, especially in the early scenes. I do wish she was given more time to work here, as the focus seems to be more on Duchovny, but Anderson does well with her allotted time in the end. The supporting cast is also solid and includes Martin Landau (Ready To Rumble, Ed Wood), John Neville (Sunshine, Urban Legend), Blythe Danner (The Prince of Tides, Meet The Parents), Armin Mueller-Stahl (Mission To Mars, The Game), and William B. Davis (The Dead Zone). The director of The X-Files is Rob Bowman, who also handled many episodes of television shows such as The X-Files, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Quantum Leap, and Parker Lewis Can’t Lose.
Video: How does it look?
The X-Files is presented in a 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer. This is a much needed improvement over the previous edition, which was not anamorphic and had some problems. This one looks much smoother and sharper, as the frequent compression issues have been resolved and this is one superb visual presentation. The colors look bright and effective, with no signs of bleeds and flesh tones come off as warm and natural also. The contrast is razor sharp as well, no black level issues and detail level is very high. This is a welcome and very improved new transfer, kudos to Fox for going back to do this one right.
Audio: How does it sound?
This new release also includes dual 5.1 surround tracks in Dolby Digital and DTS forms, which means the audio also gets a nice boost in quality. I found no problems with either track here, both make excellent use of the surrounds and show no problems, very impressive in the end. I think the explosion toward the opening sounds awesome in both mixes, but the DTS proves here and a couple other scenes that it holds the slight advantage. But whichever track you decide on, you won’t be let down by the mixes, both are very active and effective. This disc also contains English and French 2.0 surround mixes, as well as English and Spanish subtitles.
Supplements: What are the extras?
Ok, so the audio is better and the video is better, but what about the extras, right? Well, this edition brings back all the supplements from the previous release, though nothing new is added. No complaints though, as this is a nice array of bonus materials in the end. The disc includes an insightful audio commentary from director Rob Bowman and series creator Chris Carter, although Bowman has little to chime in on. This is a real treat for X-Files fans, as Carter discusses all sorts of behind the scenes stories and such, a very cool commentary track. You can also watch a very interested half hour documentary on the film and check out three theatrical trailers.
