Review: "The X Files Revelations" DVD

Whether you are a long time fan of the X-Files series, or want to take a crash course in X-File history, "The X-Files: Revelations" DVD is an essential guide to the movie, "The X-Files: I Want to Believe" which opened in theaters July 25, 2008.

The creator of X-Files, Chris Carter, and Executive Producer Frank Spotnitz, have selected eight episodes from the nine seasons which will help movie goers "fully experience all the thrills, mysteries and nuances of the upcoming theatrical movie."

The two-DVD set includes the following eight episodes:

Pilot: Season 1, Airdate 9/10/93

This was the very first episode of the Emmy-winning show, "The X-Files." FBI agent Dana Scully, played by Gillian Anderson, is given the assignment to watch over fellow agent, Fox Mulder, played by David Duchovny. Scully's credentials as a doctor and scientist are supposed to debunk Mulder's attempts to uncover paranormal activity. But Scully soon learns that science can't explain what is happening to the group of teenagers who are dying after experiencing a possible alien abduction.

This was one of my favorite episodes. I loved the scene where Scully believes the bumps on her back are similar to those found on the victims. She runs to Mulder's room and removes her robe to show him the bumps. Mulder comforts her and assures her they are only mosquito bites. The chemistry between these two "opposites" becomes very apparent in this scene and continues throughout the series.

Beyond the Sea: Season 1, Airdate 1/7/94

This episode gives viewers insights into Scully's relationship with her father who passes away. A death row inmate claims to have psychic predictions which could save two kidnapped teenagers. He also claims to have a message for Scully from her deceased father, but will only tell her if she gets him off death row.

This was an excellent episode which shows Gillian Anderson's exceptional acting abilities. Scully has to battle her own desire to communicate with her deceased father, while her intellectual side tells her the inmate is playing games with her emotions.

The Host: Season 2, Airdate 9/23/94

The Host is one of the famous x files monster episodes. A murderous genetic mutation Flukeman is lurking in the New Jersey sewer system. Mulder must find and destroy the creature before it claims another victim.

Clyde Bruckman's Final Repose: Season 3, Airdate 10/13/95

This is one of the episodes that combines humor with horror. An insurance man, Clyde Bruckman, is able to see details of the murders which Mulder and Scully are investigating. At first Bruckman is a suspect, but later Mulder asks for his assistance in finding the killer.

I personally don't care for comedy x files episodes, so this was not one of my favorite episodes, but it was well done. My favorite scene is when the psychic asks Mulder to leave the room because of Mulder's negative energy regarding psychics.

Memento Mori: Season 4, Airdate 2/9/97

In this episode, Scully is diagnosed as having an inoperable brain tumor. In her search for answers she discovers other women abductees who have the same brain tumor. Mulder and the Lone Gunman break into a research lab to search for a cure for Scully.

The interaction between Scully and Mulder in this episode was very touching. I also enjoyed the scenes with the Lone Gunman.

Post-Modern Prometheus: Season 4, Airdate 2/9/97

This episode is like a modern day Frankenstein, filmed in Black and White with bits of comedy thrown in. Scully and Mulder investigate sightings of a monster in a rural town. Two women claim they have been impregnated by the monster.

This episode was definitely not one of my favorites. I didn't like that it was filmed in black and white, and I didn't like the touch of comedy thrown in. It may have been written well, and filmed with an artistic flair, but for me it went a little too far off the x-file track.

Bad Blood: Season 5, Airdate 2/22/98

Bad Blood was listed as one of Gillian Anderson's favorite episodes. In this episode Mulder and Scully recount their own humorous versions of what happened the night Mulder killed a teenage boy whom he thought was a vampire. Both versions of the story are completely different, and quite funny.

If this episode had been from a different series, I would have enjoyed watching how each agent described the same events differently. But to be included in the X-Files series, where we know each character intimately, I found their versions of the story to be uncharacteristic. I don't believe that Scully would accuse Mulder of babbling on and on about useless details. And I don't think Mulder would ever think Scully was moody and obsessive over other men. So while it was a well-done episode, I don't think it fit in well with the character development of Mulder and Scully.

Milagro: Season 6, Airdate 4/18/99

In this episode Scully can't help but fall for Mulder's neighbor after the neighbor confesses to being "taken" with her. The neighbor is also the prime murder suspect in the case Mulder and Scully are investigating. Each of the murder victims has had their heart removed without any signs of an incision.

I enjoyed this episode because it showed a part of Scully that hadn't been explored in other episodes. Even though her instincts told her to stay away from the man, her own desires led her to his door.

Special Features:

Special features include an introduction to each episode by Chris Carter and Frank Spotnitz. There is a twenty-seven minute WonderCon Talent Panel featuring David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, Chris Carter and Frank Spotnitz. There is also a theatrical trailer for the movie "X-Files: I Want to Believe."

Along with the 2-DVD set, there is a free movie ticket for "X-Files: I Want to Believe." Be aware that AMC will not accept the free movie ticket. There is also a coupon good for money off the purchase of any season of the X-Files television series.

Overall I am glad I purchased "The X Files Revelations" DVD. It has been more than six years since "The X-Files" ended and I had forgotten a lot of the details. Just whistling along with the x files theme song felt like old times. Even though the eight episodes weren't my favorite episodes, I still enjoyed watching them again after so many years. At a price of $14.99 minus the price of the free movie ticket, it really is worth the price.