X-Men: Days of Future Past Blu-ray Review
The Rogue Cut
Score: 78
from 4 reviewers
Review Date:
A thrilling blend of old and new, 'X-Men: Days of Future Past' shines with outstanding video/audio, compelling new scenes, and robust supplements, despite missing 3D/Atmos.
Disc Release Date
DTS-HD MA
Video: 76
The Rogue Cut of 'X-Men: Days of Future Past' retains the 1080p, AVC-encoded High Definition video presentation's stunning clarity and depth with strong black levels, alternating color palettes for different time periods, and excellent detail in both theatrical and new scenes, although it disappointingly lacks a 3D version.
Audio: 81
The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track on 'X-Men: Days of Future Past' is meticulously designed, delivering a dynamic, immersive, and bombastic audio experience with pristine dialogue clarity, omnipresent LFE, and natural imaging; however, the absence of Dolby Atmos is a minor missed opportunity for future-proofing.
Extra: 76
This Blu-ray release of 'X-Men: Days of Future Past' compensates for the previous lack of extras with two insightful commentaries, an extensive 9-part documentary, and additional engaging content, all presented in high definition and Dolby Digital 2.0 audio, although it excludes content from the prior release.
Movie: 76
While 'X-Men: Days of Future Past - The Rogue Cut' offers intriguing new scenes and added character depth, the modifications are subtle and often extraneous, with the main narrative arc largely unaffected. The Blu-ray's technical presentation is excellent, but the theatrical cut remains the definitive version for most viewers.
Video: 76
"X-Men: Days of Future Past (The Rogue Cut)" retains the distinguished visual fidelity of its Theatrical Cut counterpart, providing a captivating experience in 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encoded format. This Blu-ray release boasts a 2.40:1 aspect ratio and maintains the technical excellence expected from a digitally-shot feature primarily using Arri Alexa cameras. The image quality is impressive, demonstrating fine detail with excellent clarity across various scenes, even in sequences with substantial color grading. The detailed textures, evident in close-ups showing Wolverine's whiskers, alongside minimal artifacts such as occasional grain-like noise in select scenes, affirm the high standards of video presentation.
In addition, the film’s contrast levels excel, balancing deep blacks and bright whites without clipping, thus preserving shadow delineation effectively throughout darker sequences, enhancing the overall viewing experience. The aggressive color grading shifts between somber blues and greys in the future post-apocalyptic timeline to vibrant hues in the 1970s sequences, showcasing a visually dynamic and period-accurate palette. While CGI elements may sometimes appear marginally soft, particularly in scenes involving portals and other visual effects-intensive moments, the visuals remain robust and immersive.
Regarding the 3D aspect, disappointment stems from the absence of a 3D version for "The Rogue Cut," despite being shot natively in 3D. This omission leaves enthusiasts of the format yearning for a more comprehensive package. Nonetheless, the standard 2D presentation delivers an impressive sense of depth and dimension through creative cinematographic techniques, such as slow-motion sequences and strategic use of depth of field. The meticulously preserved black levels and vibrant color reproduction collectively contribute to making this Blu-ray release a visually arresting addition to any collection, though it lacks the bonus of a 3D viewing experience.
Audio: 81
The audio presentation of "X-Men: Days of Future Past" on Blu-ray is nothing short of exemplary, featuring a DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track that effectively immerses the viewer from the opening scenes to the end credits. The mix seamlessly incorporates new footage and material, ensuring that the enhanced and extended edition retains its original impact. The choice of a DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 system, while not utilizing Dolby Atmos, does not detract from the superb sound quality but would have been a forward-looking addition.
This mix is a powerhouse of sound design, offering a wide dynamic range and crystal-clear dialogue despite the frenetic and complex action sequences. The audio landscape is vibrant and authentic, with nuanced foley effects complementing the more aggressive elements such as roaring high-speed trains, explosive mutant powers, and intense battle scenes. The LFE channel is particularly noteworthy, providing a robust low-frequency extension that gives extra punch during action-packed moments.
The surround sound presentation is expertly balanced, with ambient effects and sci-fi sounds creating a lifelike soundstage that draws you into the movie's world. Whether it’s Quicksilver’s rapid movements or Professor X’s psychic interventions, the directional audio is handled deftly, ensuring every element finds its place in the mix without becoming overwhelming. Overall, this DTS-HD MA 7.1 track offers an expansive, detailed auditory experience that enhances the film’s narrative and visual prowess, making it a prime example of high-quality audio presentation in modern cinema.
Extras: 76
The Blu-ray extras for "X-Men: Days of Future Past - Rogue Cut" provide a wealth of engaging and technically rich content that more than compensates for the previous releases' shortcomings. With two commentaries—one featuring Director Bryan Singer and Composer/Editor John Ottman for the Rogue Cut, and another with Singer and Writer Simon Kinberg for the Theatrical Cut—viewers gain deep insights into both the creative and technical aspects of the film. The second disc is packed with extensive features, including a comprehensive, 9-part documentary, "Mutant vs. Machine," that delves into various production elements from script development to visual effects. The roundtable session "X-Men: Unguarded" offers a candid conversation with the cast and director. Additional galleries provide further exploration into storyboards, costumes, and concept art.
Extras included in this disc:
- Audio Commentary with Bryan Singer and John Ottman: Discusses the Rogue Cut with insights into editing and music composition.
- Audio Commentary with Bryan Singer and Simon Kinberg: Focused on story structuring and production trivia.
- Mutant vs. Machine: A 9-part documentary covering all aspects of production.
- X-Men: Unguarded: Roundtable discussion with the cast and director.
- Gallery: Includes Storyboards, Costumes, and Concept Art.
- Fantastic Four Sneak Peek: Brief look behind the scenes of another upcoming film.
Movie: 76
“X-Men: Days of Future Past – The Rogue Cut” presents a fascinating alternate version of the original narrative, enhancing the plot with 17 minutes of previously deleted scenes. This extended cut adds subtle yet impactful moments, primarily focusing on narrative enrichment rather than drastic change. Initial modifications mainly include minor dialogues and brief sequences, such as an added internet joke in the 70s or Nixon's f-bomb, which at times feel unnecessary. However, a more significant plot development occurs when Iceman, Professor X, and Magneto embark on a mission to rescue Rogue, creating a dynamic and tense action sequence that reverberates through the film.
The film skillfully bridges the gap between the original “X-Men” films and the newer “First Class” series. The restored scenes reintroduce characters and elements like Beast and Mystique's romance, and even feature additional screen time for new characters like Bishop and Blink. While the additions offer more depth to relationships and character development—such as McAvoy’s Xavier’s quest for redemption or Fassbender's expertly portrayed Magneto—the primary appeal is seeing fan-favorites like Rogue and the veteran mutants partake in the future action scenes.
Technically, these new scenes don’t majorly alter the main storyline but add richness to an already complex narrative. The Blu-ray release ensures a seamless viewing experience by maintaining high visual and audio standards. Although some new sequences don’t significantly enhance the plot, they deliver engaging content for diehard fans. For aficionados of the franchise, this Rogue Cut provides a deeper dive into the saga’s intricate universe, despite some minor pacing issues in the extended scenes.
Total: 78
"X-Men: Days of Future Past (The Rogue Cut)", offers a stellar amalgamation of intense action and intricate time-travel storytelling, merging both past and future elements of the X-Men franchise seamlessly. This edition continues the film's legacy with a blend of new scenes and character moments that, although minor, enrich the narrative for devoted fans. Technologically, this Blu-ray impresses with its superior video transfer and audio mix, ensuring an immersive viewing experience. Enhanced by two new insightful commentaries and a host of supplemental material spilling onto a second disc, this is a comprehensive package with notable additions.
Although devoid of a 3D presentation and Dolby Atmos support, the "Rogue Cut" compensates with substantial extras, making it an enticing option for completists and new viewers alike. The release includes a making-of documentary and retains the high quality intrinsic to the original theatrical release. Despite some minor pacing concerns with the extended cut, fans will appreciate the added depth and nuance. Comparing favorably to other editions, including Zavvi's less visually impressive steelbook offer, this version stands out for its content rather than its packaging.
A stunning blend of past and future events, fusing together old and new franchises, “X-Men: Days of Future Past” defied all expectations. Zavvi might have missed the mark with their steelbook artwork, but the incredible video and audio quality coupled with an array of extras make this edition hard to overlook. While not perfect, it is a significant upgrade for those who seek to delve deeper into this intricate X-Men universe.
avforums review by Casimir HarlowRead review here
Video: 90
Normally you could argue the cost of converting the additional footage, but Days of Future Past was the first X-Men film to be shot in native 3D and so that argument doesn't fly....
Audio: 90
But for a few flourishes during the final act where the score is shifted / adapted to the new material, the new Rogue Cut is still impressively put together, aurally – perhaps it was fully scored before...
Extras: 90
The second disc sports a feature-length 9-part Documentary, Mutant vs. Machine which is utterly comprehensive, covering the production from start of finish, and including plenty of interview snippets with...
Movie: 80
Overall, despite the benefits of the Rogue Cut, with more Paquin, and a decent subplot to offer background into this character’s appearance, at the end of the day it still feels like little more than a...
Total: 90
Indeed you might wonder why the makers of Terminator: Genisys didn’t pay a bit more attention to this superior example of how to make a tense, thrilling and palpably adult franchise reboot, utilising a...
Blu-ray.com review by Jeffrey KauffmanRead review here
Video: 90
As with previous X-Men entries, there's quite a bit of aggressive color grading on display, from the slate grays and cool blues of the "contemporary" sequences to more of a honey golden ambience in the...
Audio: 100
There's omnipresent LFE courtesy of not just the battle moments but more nuanced foley effects and general sound effects like a roaring high speed train or the thrust of the Sentinels' propulsion systems....
Extras: 80
X-Men: Unguarded (1080p; 30:11) is a fun and casual conversation between members of the cast and crew....
Movie: 80
In his new commentary released as part of X-Men: Days of Future Past (The Rogue Cut), Bryan Singer goes on record as stating he has something akin to a genetic disposition not to indulge in so-called Director's...
Total: 80
All of that said, at least this new version sweetens the deal with some appealing new supplements, including two excellent commentaries and a whole second disc of new material....
High-Def DigestRead review here
Video: 80
While the majority of the presentation is free from any pesky digital artifacts, I did notice some very minor banding/compression in dark portions of the screen during the movie's opening scenes....
Audio: 80
The film's various action set pieces end up being the most impressive aspects of the audio, and the Sentinels and various mutant powers lead to some really cool sound design choices....
Extras: 60
With that said, outside of the second screen app (and truncated clips provided in it), none of the special features from the last release are included here....
Movie: 80
While the remainder of the movie can't quite measure up to the kinetic fun of this scene, the rest of the runtime is filled with solid action as well, with some cool and brutal fight scenes set in the...
Total: 80
Still, with both cus of the film and a great making of doc, this is definietly the best 2D release to buy -- and it even serves as a solid double dip for fans who already own the last disc....
Why So Blu? review by Aaron NeuwirthRead review here
Video: 90
While this Blu-ray does not feature the 3D cut of the film, you can still get a kick out of the way we watch the depth of field be played with by means of the slow motion sequences and the use of portals,...
Audio: 100
Low Frequency Extension: The LFE Channel gets an amazing workout, given how extensive the action sequences and soundtrack is, when it comes to delivering oomph for the viewer....
Extras: 80
While this Blu-ray lacks all of the extras seen on the previous release, it provides more than enough new material for fans, including both cuts of the film....
Movie: 70
Total: 80
I still may not be as enamored with Days of Future past as many others were, but no doubt if you were a fan that this is the Blu-ray to own....
Director: Bryan Singer
Actors: Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Hugh Jackman
PlotIn a dystopian future, mutants and their human allies are on the brink of extinction, hunted by formidable robots known as Sentinels. These machines are able to adapt and counteract mutant powers, making them nearly impossible to defeat. The bleak world is the result of a historical assassination, which inflamed mankind's fear and hatred towards mutants, accelerating the Sentinel program. In a desperate bid to prevent this dark future, the remaining X-Men hatch a plan to alter the past. They decide to send Wolverine's consciousness back in time to his younger body in the 1970s. His mission is to unite a fragmented and disillusioned group of mutants to avert the pivotal event that sets off the chain reaction leading to the dystopia.
Upon arriving in the past, Wolverine seeks out the younger versions of Professor X and Magneto, who are estranged and dealing with personal demons. Convincing them of the grim future, Wolverine works to bring them and other key mutants together. They must overcome their deep-seated conflicts, personal rivalries, and vastly different ideologies to change the course of history. This task is made more complicated by the Sentinels' origins, governmental distrust of mutants, and the shaping forces of history that resist change. The tenuous group must navigate these hurdles while confronting their own internal battles and the realization of what their futures may hold.
Writers: Simon Kinberg, Jane Goldman, Matthew Vaughn
Release Date: 23 May 2014
Runtime: 132 min
Rating: PG-13
Country: United Kingdom, United States
Language: English, Vietnamese, French