Customer Reviews

X-Files Revelations

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I haven't seen the extras on here yet, so how can I rate it? In part, because several of these 8 episodes are among my favorites of the series. Included are:

*Pilot (Mulder & Scully meet, his abducted sister story, Cancer Man, aliens & abductees)
*Beyond the Sea (killer on death row, and the death of Scully's father)
*The Host (the Flukeman in the sewer, first call from X)
*Clyde Bruckman's Final Repose (great episode with Peter Boyle as psychic insurance salesman with predictions about the deaths of Mulder & Scully)
*Memento Mori (great complicated sad episode involving the cancer of Scully and others and the folks trying to save them)
*Post-modern Prometheus (great, funny, surreal, touching all describe this B&W version of the Frankenstein story)
*Bad Blood (another funny one as Mulder & Scully give their competing versions of what happened in a Texas town of vampires)
*Milagro (Interesting if not completely successful exploration of writing, love, and loneliness with a Scully obsessed writer)

Each episode is introduced by creator Chris Carter and producer Frank Spotnitz, explaining why they were chosen and how they relate to the new upcoming X-Files movie. Also included are the trailer for that movie, and over 30 minutes of Carter, Spotnitz, Duchovny, and Anderson at a panel discussion which took place in February.

Finally, you get an $8.50 ticket to see the new movie, which effectively cuts the price of this in half. It might be hard to go wrong buying this, even if like me, you already own the complete series.

One thing that The X-Files was known for besides it's long winding alien conspiracy arc were the one-shot episodes that featured a "monster of the week" or something of that ilk. X-Files: Revelations compiles eight of these episodes, including the show's classic pilot episode that first introduced us to Mulder (David Duchovny) and Scully (Gillian Anderson). Also featured here is the classic "Beyond the Sea", with Scully coming face to face with an imprisoned killer (Brad Dourif) after the death of her father; "The Host" where Mulder comes face to face with a murderous sewer mutant; the humerous and touching masterpiece that is "Clyde Bruckman's Final Response" with Peter Boyle; the Frankenstein-esque "Post-Modern Prometheus"; and the hilarious "Bad Blood" that features a pre-fame Luke Wilson. Also featured here are "Milagro" and "Memento Mori"; which are two episodes I myself aren't as fond of compared to the rest featured here, but for the ultra-casual fan of the series, this compilation is a worthy pick-up to get you excited for the new, and long overdue, X-Files movie sequel. If you're a die hard fan and already own all nine seasons on DVD, there really isn't much reason to pick this up, but as said before, if you're only a casual fan of the series, this is worth getting.

I have to say, I'm a bit disappointed in this set. The description
made it sound like these were the episodes to see to go along with the
movie, and the intros were about how the episodes related to the
movie. And that's not the case *at all*. The intros are simply CC &
FS talking about them like on a commentary with no mention of the
movie, and in the very last one CC mentions that these are the
episodes you should see before the movie *if you've never watched the
series*. Of course the last intro is the best simply because GA is
standing behind CC with her chin on his shoulder and plays peanut
gallery to everything he says, but there's no more info about the
movie. The preview is the one from WonderCon, and the series
"trailer" is the one used to sell the DVDs, both of which are all over
YouTube. I haven't watched the WonderCon panel yet, I think most of it
is up on YouTube so it's not that appealing.
And the movie pass is not good at AMC theaters, which of course is most of what we have around here.

This video is not supposed to be released until tomorrow but that does not stop the Blockbuster employee from breaking street date. I bought this DVD this weekend on the strength of 2 things: 1) Free movie ticket up to $8.50 and 2) the Comicon panel that Chris Carter, Gillian Anderson, David Duchovny and Frank Spotnitz did at the WonderCon. I own all nine seasons and the movie so the episodes were nothing new. I paid $16 dollars so minus the 8.50 for the movie ticket- I paid 8 dollars to have a concise best of collection. I thought that the episode selection was excellent up to Milagro. I did not think that it fit with the other episodes but it is all supposed to lead to the film. If you buy it make sure that you get the movie money.

A few reviewers mentioned the extras and answered a lot of questions so suffice it to say I will just offer an opinion on this box set. Just like the previous "Mythology" DVD sets for The X-Files Mythology, Vol. 2 - Black Oil The X-Files Mythology, Vol. 3 - Colonization The X-Files Mythology, Vol. 1 - Abduction and The X-Files Mythology, Vol. 4 - Super Soldiers that were put out several years ago, this offers a lot and nothing at the same time. Actually, the mythology DVD's
were probably better because you were introduced to certain themes of the show through all those episodes in a row and it served some purpose of showing the casual or new viewer what they were getting into and what the show was about. Not to say that this doesn't do that, but I don't care for the "The Essential Guide to the X-Files Movie" stamp on the front because this doesn't do that at all. I found no real extras that set up anything that we already didn't know and couldn't find out and while many of the episodes chosen here, particularly:

Pilot
Milagro
Bad Blood
Clyde Bruckman's Final Repose
Beyond the Sea

Are excellent in their own right, other than the Pilot, I don't see how these episodes set you up for the movie, or let you know what the heck happened during the show, at the end of the show or even the central theme of the show. This is really a (sort of) "best of" collection and I use that loosely since it's really not that at all either. If you wanted to intro your friend to the show, or showcase some of the best acting or writing of the show, I'd certainly use "Beyond the Sea", "Clyde Bruckman..." and "Milagro" and that just may be enough to pull them in. Sadly, this is still for hard core fans of the show and hard core fans don't need it--they already have all the eps on DVD.

HOWEVER, in this DVD's defense I will say that these episodes are poignant for Mulder and Scully's RELATIONSHIP which says much for what the movie is centered on, which is just fine by me. The episodes picked nail the growing, sexy, complicated, sexually tension filled relationship, partnership and friendship of two of the most complex characters on TV and for that this set succeeds.

Still, if this were a true "Guide to the X-Files Movie" they would have somehow gotten ahold of those "Secrets of the X-Files" shows shown a couple of times during the series with a brand new one created to include seasons 6-9 to update us on everything we need to know going into the movie. I'm a rabid fan and have followed everything but I'd still buy that. A montage of clips of Mulder and Scully with an overview of the series? Sign me up!

If you must own everything X-Files, go right ahead and buy, but fans should not look for anything new, and newbies should just expect good episodes that will entertain, intrigue, (probably confuse because they're out of order) and (hopefully) make you want more. If that's worth it too you, pick it up.

I must agree with other reviewers of this item when they say that there are much better episodes to immerse yourself into the world of The X-Files.

This DVD set is being advertised on the premise that it is preparing you for the upcoming movie "The X-Files: I Want To Believe", but I am sensing a slightly different motive. Looking at the selection of episodes that have been chosen for this release, it appears that each one covers a totally different genre. We have the "Pilot", which covers aliens. "Beyond The Sea", covering ESP. "The Host", covering a monster-of-the-week story. "Clyde Bruckman" and "Bad Blood" covering comedic and narrative episodes. "Memento Mori" covering drama...

The point I am making is that this is almost a 2-DVD advertisement to non-watchers of the show saying "Hey, look at all the stuff we can do, go out and buy the whole series!"
From the episodes chosen, it certainly does not work as a lead up to a movie. The stories are too varied and would confuse a new viewer as to what The X-Files is trying to be.

In my opinion, this set works for an avid fan to be able to purchase a new piece of X-Files merchandise in 2008 and to place on their shelves next to the Season 9 boxset they bought a few years back.

My advice to new viewers who are intregued by the upcoming movie is to either buy the whole set and start watching now, or to just go see the movie with an open mind.

I'm sure the new movie alone will be a perfect advertisement to new viewers to go and buy the series, without this set ever needing to be released.
This 2-DVD set is not a thorough initiation into the X-Files world. It merely skims over the surface of one of the most in-depth and intelligent television shows of our generation.

PS: It gets 5 stars because I am one of those people who will probably be sucked into buying this so I can place it next to MY copy of the Season 9 boxset.

No offense to CC nor Franz, but I wish the camera could have focus and concentrate on DD n GA only during the Panel...thats all I have to say:p

Wow, When I received this and popped it my DVD player, I had forgotten how Awesome this series was when they were at the Top of Their Game!! In all honesty, I preferred the "One Off" episodes to the "Legacy - Conspiracy - Cover up" episodes only because the Legacy episodes started off interesting and then all seemed to follow a similar pattern & didn't ever seem to develop or change, in my eyes. They intrigued somewhat, but nothing was resolved and they became interchangeable in my eyes. This 2 Disc collection successfully demonstrates the wide diversity of the series in terms of type of episodes, as well as style.
ALL 8 Stories are excellent here EXCEPT for the last one (Milagro), which I don't think really deserved to be included with these other strong episodes, but I believe was included to show of Gillian Anderson's "acting chops" and was a favorite of the writer.
The Pilot got things off to an exciting start and the story kept me riveting the entire time. It was great to see Scully & Mulder's first assignment together. "Beyond the Sea" was next and featured an excellent performance by Brad Dourif, who portrays a Death Row inmate who may or may not have psychic abilities that can lead the FBI agents to rescue a couple kidnap victims whose time is running out. The scene of his final walk is quite creepy. And interestingly, Fox & Dana switch up in this episode with her as the "Hopeful believer" and Mulder as the skeptic.
"The Host" is one of the cool "Monster or Alien" type ep isodes involving a Giant Fluke-Man. Talk about Creepy, One look at this thing is enough to freak you out. Great Scary fun! Peter Boyle's performance in "Clyde Bruckman's Final Repose" is just so Awesome, He steals every scene he is in. He portays aman who is able to see how people will die, including himself, and how this "gift" has become as much a curse to him.
This episode has suspense, some Dark humor and some Tears as well. A Great episode!! For Disc 2, They start out with a Legacy episode (Memento Mori)involving Scully's dealing with her terminal cancer condition caused by a mysterious implant found in her body. This Legacy episode is quite strong and holds up well on it's own, even without the background and support of the other episodes. Gillian once again shows her excellent range as an actress here.
"Post Modern Prometheus" is a modern day Frankenstein meets Elephant Man type episode, once again with a Lot of wicked and off beat Humor. And this one DID have me Tearing Up. Cher was supposed to guest star in this episode, and didn't make it, BUT her character did and was just the cherry on top of a Perfect Sundae/episode! Off the Wall Humor is back again in the Superb "Bad Blood" which gives a different spin on the Vampire Legend and teaches us a few new things about the Children of the Night! I won't give away the surprises but there is some Hilarious stuff here. Did I mention this episode is also told from both Scully and Mulder's opposing viewpoints? Their different viewpoints on the Sheriff, and there is a reason for this, are hysterical. But it isn't all funny business, It has it's share of Chills as well. Lastly, "Milagro" is done in a different style, narrated froma writers viewpoint. Although it had some interesting moments, I thought it bogged down and was fairly boring. Not that it didn't have twists, etc..
This group of 8 episodes reminded me just how much I did Love this show in it's original run! The chemistry between Scully & Mulder is the obvious strength of the show, But don't forget the important chemistry with Mitch Pileggi as well,
who is very believable as the FBI Boss. There are a couple other favorites of mine that I would have swapped out with or added to these discs, but on the whole, YOU CAN"T GO WRONG WITH THIS 2 DISC SET! Chills, Mysteries, Suspense, Dark Humor, Superb Acting, Well Written stories, Stylish set design and a previously unmentioned atmospheric soundtrack make this series one of the Best, when it was at it's peak! And this set didn't even get much into some of the other cool characters in the series like the Smoking Man, Deep Throat, Mr. X, Krycek and those 3 Super Geek dudes (The Lone Gunman?) that were always helping Mulder out! And don't forget that Creepy Alien Bounty Hunter! Damn, This set worked, Now I want to go back and get the entire series...Well, before they started losing their principle actors/actresses anyway! Get It, 5 of 5!!

At only $13, X-FILES REVELATIONS is a superbly affordable 8-episode introduction to the world of the (criminally) almost-forgotten X-Files. Now if only FOX and Chris Carter are willing to release ANOTHER 4 Volumes of Revelations (at the same price point) highlighting the best stand-alone episodes from all nine seasons. Combined with the 4 existing Mythology Volumes and Revelations I, we will then have the ultimate Greatest Hits X-Files Collection For The More Casual Customer who wouldn't invest in the more expensive season/complete sets (or thought only half the entire series was any good)....

Just a thought....

This dvd is not really " essential" in understanding the movie but is a good sampling of the show for those who have never seen it or the fan who wants a few of the most memorable episodes but doesn't want to purchase all nine seasons of the series. Included in this set are :

1. The Pilot- basically set's up the whole series.
2. Beyond the Sea- A "psychic" episode that showcases Scully.
3. The Host- one of the most popular "monster of the week" episodes
4. Clyde Bruckman's Final Repose- Another "psychic" episode as well as a comedy episode.
5. Memento Mori- a "conspiracy" episode that deals with Scully's cancer.
6. Post Modern Prometheus- a comic retelling of Frankenstein.
7. Bad Blood- a comic vampire story. Voted by fans as favorite episode.
8. Milagro- Another episode showcasing the Scully character about a writer who can bring can literally kill with the written word.

Each episode is introduced by the creators and there is also a panel discussion of the movie with the stars and creators included as special features.

Overall, this is a good value for the money ($10 at Walmart)with some quality episodes. My only gripe and the reason that I gave the dvd 4 stars instead of 5 is that the dvd is too Scully focused. One episode focusing on the Mulder character should have been included. Perhaps "Paper Hearts" from season 4, an excellent episode that showcases the dramatic talents of David Duchovny, in a story that deals with the abduction of his sister. I'm not really sure why "Milagro" was included on this set and the "Paper Hearts" episode or another season 6 episode would have made the dvd perfect. IMHO

Still, I would recommend this dvd to anyone who wanted to find out what the show was about or the casual fan who doesn't have alot of bucks to spend on sets.