The X-Files - Fight the Future Blu-ray: Review By CBF

The X-Files: Fight The Future was a pleasing, epic adventure film based off of the famous TV series which hit theaters everywhere in Summer 1998. The 2 DVD releases following were somewhat displeasing. The first, dubbed the 1998 WS release, was the same as the latter, dubbed the 1999 DTS release, with only the audio track having been changed. The standard DVD presents only one special feature: the original 1998 Making-of doc*mentary, entitled, "The Truth Behind The X-Files: Fight The Future." That's nice as it reflects the special feature making-of's from the TV series' DVD seasons, i.e. "The Truth Behind Season One."

However, this new Blu-ray BD release has a slew of new special features. And although I can understand the motive for promotional values of releasing this at the same time of the sequel's DVD release, I cannot understand the more important question lingering in my rather large, intellectual mind: Why is this new edition, packed with many new, never-before-seen special features, not released as a 2-disc Special Edition DVD, and only released on Blu-ray? Is it Fox's way of milking the consumer base, that they might release the 2-disc SE DVD at a later time?

Another thing I feel I must add criticism to is the new packaging design. I can comprehend the concept, but the original design with the red color theme and the slanted "X" and the characters' faces matched the tone of the film, whereas the new design simply takes the image from the same theatrical poster and instead uses a color change of blue to match the sequel, as well as uses the standard "X" with the circle around it similar to the sequel's design. Not a popular choice. Many Philes will tell you that they liked the original layout better than this one. This film was a Mythology fim, so the slanted "X" design and the red just seemed more epic. The blue and the standard "X" seems appropriate for the Stand-Alone sequel.

Includes both the Theatrical Version and Extended Cut of the film

Audio commentary by Rob Bowman, Chris Carter, Frank Spotnitz and Daniel Sackheim

Original 1999 audio commentary by Rob Bowman and Chris Carter

Bonusview: Picture-in-picture commentary by Rob Bowman, Chris Carter, Frank Spotnitz and Daniel Sackheim

Alternate bee sting scene

"Blackwood: The Making of the X-Files: Fight the Future" 2008 featurette

Visual effects featurette

Scoring featurette

Original 1998 "The Truth Behind The X-Files: Fight The Future" featurette

BD: Enhanced for d-box motion control systems

Gag reel

Still galleries

- See? These features definitely need an alternate SE DVD release, not just Blu-Ray.