Disc Reviews
X-Men Days Of Future Past: The Rogue Cut Review
So the future is once again bleak and devoid of hope for humanity – Well the mutant side of humanity anyway, as they have all but been hunted down. Having said that – how this future has worked out for the “Normal humans” doesn’t say much as it’s a vast wasteland out there covered in smog and filth. So quite where anyone is living it up (even the bad guys) is anyone’s guess.
But a plan is hatched to send the Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) back in time to the early 70’s where he can convince the younger versions of Professor X (James McEvoy) and Magneto (Michael Fassbender) to team up and stop a certain incident happening in the past that has catastrophic consequences on the future. This largely involves the antics of Mystique (Jennifer Lawrence).
Throw in the original cast to cover the future, and key members of the cast of the First class movie and you finally bring everything together and eventually full circle.
The device to send Wolverine back works out perfectly and seems destined to have happened thanks to the trajectory of the films (In the original story comic line it was Ellen Page’s character that was sent back – but as she’s too young they opted for the eternally youthful Wolverine).
DOFP is simply put a great lark. The Time Travel doesn’t get in the way of the enjoyment of the film, the action is superb and the acting chops are put to good use from everyone.
This is the second release for X-Men: DOFP – and the slightly elongated awaited new cut of the film that reincorporates actress Anna Paquin (Not that she was missing from the original version – she did though only appear in one shot). This instead reintroduces her as part of the plot in the film. But the new footage isn’t limited to just here. There are odd snippets along the way, and some nice dramatic scenes reinstated (Nicholas Hoult’s Beast get’s a bit more meat to chew on, not to mention locking lips with Mystique)
The new and alternate scenes are good for sure. And it may well make people wonder which is the preferable cut. Some editing of new material and older scenes together actually come out fairly strong compared to the original film, but there may be some of the original film that others may prefer (Not to spoil anything, there are a few key differences and the future itself has a slightly alternate look thanks to the introduction of the Rogue material).
A quick note on picture quality – Oddly there are a few scenes (or shots to be precise) that appear to be zoomed in on and cropped. We are guessing this due to the quality of these shots being slightly more grainy and noisy compared to other shots within the same scenes. It isn’t too much of an issue. But Blu-ray Hi-Def enthusiasts might get picky about this. So fair warning.
Extras include two commentary tracks. Both featuring director Bryan Singer. Once with his editor/Composer John Ottman, and the other with writer/producer Simon Kinberg.
There is a lengthy making of feature as well on the second disc that lasts an hour going through the development, production and release of the film – including the decision to cut certain scenes from the original cut. There is also a half hour sit down with the majority of the cast with the writer and director to chat about the franchise and the culmination of this movie. Pretty much everything that everyone wanted of the first release on disc.
But anyone who has waited for this cut to appear will also be happy to know that you also get the Original Version of the film as well. So this pretty much marks this as the definitive version to have.
We loved it last year, we loved it again on disc, and now we are loving it yet again. Well worth investing/ re-investing in.
Steven Hurst