X-MEN: VOLUME 1

By
TroyAnderson
– April 20, 2009Posted in: X

 

 

THE PLOT THUS FAR

In a world that hates and fears them, several mutants (humans who are born with unique powers and abilities) have banded together to fight the hatred, and eventually fight for their very lives. Under the tutelage of Professor Xavier, the most powerful telepath on the planet, they learn to master their powers. Cyclops, the team leader, can shoot laser beams from his eyes. The rebellious and feral Wolverine can heal himself and has metal claws. Jean Grey is a telekinetic and telepath. Rogue has super-strength and the ability to fly, but can never touch another human being. The eloquent Storm can control the weather. The Cajun thief Gambit can charge any object with kinetic energy… making the smallest objects powerful bombs. The Beast has superhuman intelligence, agility, and has a body covered with blue fur. Jubilee is the new girl, a confused teenager with the ability to shoot plasma from her fingertips. Together they form the X-Men, fighting mutants like Magneto and Mystique, as well as stopping hate-mongers like Graydon Creed, Henry Gyrich, and Senator Kelley.

WHAT WE THOUGHT

In the pilot two-parter, we meet Jubilee. A foster child who is discovered to be a mutant by her foster family and is on the run from the government. The X-Men discover her as well and come to her aid but not without a cost that will have long-term effects through the entire series. We also get the first taste of The Sentinels.

There are a number of cartoons today that are simply a number of fight or action scenes strung together. While “X-Men” certainly has its share of action, there is obviously an effort taken here to develop a strong story with well-written characters that the audience can find interesting to watch.
Like the comics, many of the episodes focused on everyone’s favorite Canadian mutant, Wolverine. He has all the classic elements of the “bad boy”: rides a motorcycle, has an unconventional hairdo, prone to violence, and suffers from emotional problems. And of course the ever-ready pseudo-phallic claws. Still, there’s room for plenty Marvel mutants and other hero cameos in the mix. 
Presented in its original 1.33:1 televised aspect ratio, the transfer is only mediocre. The episodes look better than you’ll see in many of the reruns, but nothing here is all that visually stimulating. The Dolby 2.0 audio track is serviceable, presented only in English with no optional subtitles. The action scenes were never meant to dazzle, at least not on par with a feature film. There are no special features. Still, I recommend a rental.

VOLUME 1 contains the following episodes:
Disc 1
Night of the Sentinels (Part 1)
Night of the Sentinels (Part 2)
Enter Magneto
Deadly Reunions
Captive Hearts
Cold Vengeance
Slave Island
The Unstoppable Juggernaut

Disc 2
The Cure
Come The Apocalypse
Days Of Future Past (Part 1)
Days Of Future Past (Part 2)
The Final Decision
Till Death Do Us Part (Part 1)
Till Death Do Us Part (Part 2)
Whatever It Takes

 
RELEASE DATE: 04/28/09

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