X-Men: First Class (2011) | Blu-ray Review
By thisguyoverhere | September 9, 2011
Cast: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence
Directed by: Matthew Vaughn
Written by: Ashley Miller & Zack Stentz and Jane Goldman & Matthew Vaughn
Genre: Action/Adventure, Science Fiction
Rating:
Video:
Audio:
Extras:
Value:
Review:
Video:
Upon first glance, the picture quality here seems to be inconsistent. However, it should be noted that the definition preserved here is precisely what the camera filmed. In a number of scenes the edges of the frame appear to be blurred, but this is due to Matthew Vaughn’s use of wide angle lenses that distort the edges of the frame, and not a transfer issue. Overall, the picture quality is clean and it has wonderful contrast (especially with the darkness of the blacks). There seems to be a layer of grain in a lot of scenes, (save for the action sequences), and definition is a little on the softer side, which may be there to help develop the tone of the sixties in which it is set. But because of this, textures aren’t as tactile as they could be. Overall, though, the image does justice to the amazing production and costume design.
Presented in 2.40:1
Michael Fassbender in X-Men: First Class (2011)
Audio:
Fox presents a stupendous audio mix here that captures the nuance of performance within the sometimes intense exposition scenes, the excitement of the sound design in the big action sequences, and the vivacious score by Henry Jackman. At no point is anything lost or drowned out. The effects used on Mystique’s morphing abilities, or Xavier’s telepathy make great use of surround, while dialogue cleanly preserved. The audio might be the best aspect of this disc.
HD Master Audio 5.1 Dolby Digital
Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital
French 5.1 Dolby Digital
Special Features:
It’s hard not to seem ungrateful when wanting for more. Initially I’m a little taken aback by the lack of audio commentary, especially with a film filled with talented young actors, and a hip director with a lot of potential explanation and anecdotes. That being said, the supplements that are available here are quite expansive. We are provided with an awesome PIP feature that displays interviews while the movie plays, as well as a lengthy documentary that covers every aspect of filmmaking. What’s more, there isn’t a lot of redundant or repetitious information provided when going through the different features. There is a lot here to love.
Digital Copy
10 Free X-Men Marvel Digital Comics
X-Marks the Spot (HD, 19:55)
Offered as a special movie mode, or to view on their own, this series of featurettes span the process of getting the film off of the ground, the technical and special effects, editing, special cameos, and pre-visualization and title sequences. These refrain from delving too in-depth, but remain entertaining and enlightening.
Isolated Score in 5.1 Dolby Surround
Watch the film with the music-only track, which highlights the exuberant score by Henry Jackman.
Cerebrus Mutant Tracker (HD)
An interactive version of the famous telepathy machine used in the film(s). This feature provides brief profiles for the important and integral characters throughout the X-Men franchise, which are made all the more interesting by clips from all five movies, and a nifty “character connections” section. Track all of the mutants to unlock even more content on BD Live. This feature is interesting, though a little bit slow, and as of this writing, the only extra features to unlock are even more mutant profiles, and a short featurette.
Children of the Atom (HD, 01:09:49)
This lengthy documentary is segmented into numerous parts which cover all aspects of the filmmaking process. It intertwines interviews with the cast, director, producers, and crew to give a unique insight into the immense amount of work that goes into getting an X-Men film off of the ground. (For any comic book purist who has griped about the movies not following the comics, that is also addressed.)
Deleted Scenes (HD, 14:07)
As far as a collection of deleted and extended scenes go, these are top notch. Presented here are a number of entertaining snippets that did not make the final cut, as well as a few comedic moments that found their way to the cutting room floor. A great example of scenes that work, but are frivolous and deservedly cut.
Value:
For X-Men fans, not only would most agree that First Class is probably the best of the series, but that this is the best disc release any of the five films have received. With plenty of special features, and for a limited time, a digital copy and ten free comics, it’s hard to refute the gloriousness of this release. Fans have over two hours of special features to watch, and the audio/visual presentation will make future viewings highly enjoyable.
Will There Be A Double Dip?
With franchise releases double-dips are inevitable. It’s likely to a paired down version for a future boxed set, as well as a potential two-disc rendition if another First Class film is made. However, I think it’s safe to assume that this release will stand as the quintessential version for the next few years.
2 Comments
Marco on October 2, 2011 at 4:56 am.
Great review, thanks a lot. I already pre-ordered the blu-ray (in Germany its released on October 14) but I was still searching for a review about the specials, information about running times included. Can’t wait to see the Making-Of. It’s weird that Vaughn didn’t record an audio commentary, though. Anyway, this looks like an awesome blu-ray package, just like Kick-Ass was. Thanks!
thisguyoverhere on October 2, 2011 at 9:38 am.
Marco,
It is a little disappointing that there is no audio commentary, however the X-Marks The Spot feature allows you to watch the film with a sort of visual commentary. But the Chilren of the Atom documentary makes this release definitely worth the money. If you enjoyed the film, you’ll be pleased with the Blu-ray.