SYNOPSIS
The X-Men are back for more nonstop thrills and excitement in Volume 3 of the definitive animated series. Faithfully created from the pages of the original Marvel comic books, these classic stories are a must-have for any X-Men fan! When the all-powerful Dark Phoenix inhabits the body of Jean Grey, the X-Men go to battle in order to save one of their own. Get into the action with 15 spine-tingling episodes, including the 4-part “Dark Phoenix” saga, in this collectible 2-disc set!
CRITIQUE
Coming off the heels of Disney announcing the purchase of Marvel Comics for four billion dollars, Walt Disney Studios (coincidentally?) releases X-Men: Volume 3 on 2-disc DVD.
Volume 3 introduces some of the most famous X-Men in Iceman and Nightcrawler, and keeps the good nostalgic time coming. The 4-part Dark Phoenix saga is very good, as once-enemies (Gladiator’s team and the X-Men) put aside their differences for the good of the galaxy in stopping D’ken. The end result is a powerful ending and a lesson in sacrifice.
Fans of the film “X-Men Origins: Wolverine will enjoy the episode “Weapon X, Lies, And Video Tape” as it also goes into the origin of Wolverine and includes many of the characters from the film. “Obsession” is a pretty powerful episode which relays the message that one’s anger can destroy him and those around him.
The only episode which isn’t up to par with the others is “Orphan” in which Cyclops discovers who his real father is.
Disc 1
Savage Land, Strange Heart (Part 1)
Savage Land, Strange Heart (Part 2)
Obsession
The Dark Phoenix (Part 1)
The Dark Phoenix (Part 2)
The Dark Phoenix (Part 3)
The Dark Phoenix (Part 4)
Disc 2
Cold Comfort
Orphan’s End
The Juggernaut Returns
Nightcrawler
Weapon X, Lies, and Video Tape
One Man’s Worth (Part 1)
One Man’s Worth (Part 2)
Courage
THE VIDEO
X-Men is presented in 1.33:1 full screen. These episodes actually look pretty good. Colors are solid. Artifacts are not present, no pixilation either.
THE AUDIO
X-Men is presented in a fairly standard but good English language transfer.
THE EXTRAS
The only bonus here is Sneak Previews for other Disney releases.
FINAL THOUGHT
Volume 3 is full of entertaining episodes which fans of the series will appreciate and enjoy.
