X-Men: Apocalypse Blu-ray Review
Summary: X-Men: Apocalypse on Blu-ray is another superhero spectacular!
4.0
Mutant fun!
The superhero genre is still booming and after the somewhat disastrous Batman v Superman which was created by Warner, it’s good to see other companies are still kicking goals and X-Men: Apocalypse is no exception to that rule. Directed by Bryan Singer, also no stranger to the world of superheroes, he once again reunites James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender and Jennifer Lawrence in X-Men: Apocalypse that is a sequel to the smash hits X-Men: First Class and X-Men: Days of Future Past.
For the uninitiated, the X-Men is part of Marvel Comics diverse comicbook universe which feature heroes such as Captain America, Ironman and The Hulk, however due to some wheeling and dealing, Fox ended up the X-Men characters. As a result, the current onslaught of Disney Marvel movies that include The Avengers, Doctor Strange and Captain America are not connected to the X-Men films and take place in their own universe.
Given that, there is a slight disconnect and whereas the Disney Marvel films are slightly lighter in tone, the X-Men films are a little darker but thankfully not as dark as the disappointing Batman v Superman which was created by Warner. Still confused, checkout this cool infograph from the Geek Twins!
Moving on from X-Men Days of Future Past, this current blockbuster film, X-Men Apolcalypse further explores this universe as we’re re-introduced to characters such as Professor Charles Xavier (James McAvoy), Erik Lehnsherr or as the world knows him, Magneto (Michael Fassbender), Raven/Mystique (Jennifer Lawrence) and Beast (Nicholas Hoult), mutants with superhuman powers with this story further exploring their stories.
There’s also an element of world building used by the director which has mankind extremely wary of these mutants with powers beyond those of mortal man. As a result and from the events of the previous film, the world is on edge. Although labelled as outcasts, there is one safe haven for mutants and that’s Professor Xavier’s school for mutants where the good professor and his teachers attempt to support these young mutants in controlling their powers and being a force for good.
However when the world’s first mutant is unleashed from his ancient slumber En Sabah Nur or Apocalypse (Oscar Isaac), he recruits a group of mutants who have been tainted by the world’s dislike of them that includes Angel (Ben Hardy), Storm (Alexandra Shipp) and Psylocke (Olivia Munn) to his cause in order to rebuild the world in his image. It doesn’t help that Magneto’s family is killed by a group of soldiers that helps him choose the side of Apocalypse.
With the evil influence of Apocalypse, he orders his followers to take out the other mutants in the world if they don’t join his cause which causes Professor Xavier’s college to get attacked in a spectacular fashion. Thankfully the majority are saved by Quicksilver (Peter Evans) and those other ‘good’ mutants are who captured by Colonel William Stryker (Josh Helman) are also freed in order to battle Apocalypse and his minions which ends of the film with a blockbuster battle of superheroes and villains and thankfully for the force of good, they are led by Mystique.
X-Men Apocalypse boasts some great special effects which takes this film to a whole new level and really helps in immerging you into the storyline. The story is fun, although clichéd at times and the character development works well, although there is some double-ups from the last story which sees a mixed Magneto once again convinced to do what’s right.
My two favourite actors in the film are James McAvoy who really brings some emotion to his character of Professor Xavier to the very amusing Evan Peter as the humour speedster known as Quicksilver. Newcomers like Sophie Turner as Jean Grey adds to the mythology but the villains are unfortunately a little lackluster but nonetheless, it does help with the world building of the X-Men universe. All in all, X-Men Apocalypse is a fun superhero film and really adds to further exploring this franchise.
Video, Audio & Special Features
Beautifully presented on Blu-ray with exceptional video and audio quality (Dolby Digital 7.1 DTS HD), this release borders on reference quality with extremely sharp images plus undistorted and clear audio. It also screams of Hollywood blockbuster and looks amazing on Blu-ray. Add in some interesting special features that include commentary by the director plus deleted scenes, including a very amusing gag reel and this gives the viewer an additional insight into its creation and history, not to mention seeing the actors have a great time on set.
Special Features:
Deleted/Extended Scenes with Optional Introductions Bryan Singer
Gag Reel
Wrap Party Video X-Men: Apocalypse Unearthed
Audio Commentary by Bryan Singer and Simon Kinberg
Image Gallery
Easter Egg
Final Thoughts?
X-Men: Apocalypse is an action centric superhero film that expands the universe of these mutant humans who have a villain that is thousands upon thousands of years old and threats the very world. There’s some great action scenes, a very cool cameo plus great dialogue. The actors and director should be commended on another fun and over the top adventure that is a tad forgettable but ultimately enjoyable at the same time!
X-Men Apocalypse is out now on 3D, Blu-ray, DVD & Digital
Blu-ray Details
Director – Bryan Singer
Actors – James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Oscar Isaac, Nicholas Hoult, Rose Byrne, Tye Sheridan, Sophie Turner, Olivia Munn, Evan Peters
Film Genre – Action
Label – 20th Century Fox
Audio – English (Dolby Digital 7.1 DTS HD)
Subtitles – English/English for the hearing impaired/French (parisian)/French Canadian/Latin Spanish
Running Time – 143
Aspect Ratio – 2.40:1
Region Coding – B (Blu-Ray)
TV Standard – PAL
Rating – M
Consumer Advice Line – Frequent action violence and coarse language
Year of Release – 2016
Primary Format – Movies/TV – Blu-Ray
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