Director Bryan Singer’s latest cinematic exploration of Marvel Comics complex mutant universe arrives on ultra high-definition disc to dazzle home theater fans in X-Men: Apocalypse (20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, rated PG-13, 144 minutes, 2.40:1, $39.99).
This definitive movie origin of the creation of the X-Men team follows up on the fantastic 2014 film “X-Men: Days of Future Past” and continues to overload the screen with legendary mutants.
This time out, adapted from multiple sequential art storylines, a resurrected mutant with god-like powers named Apocalypse (Oscar Isaac) rises from the depths of Egypt to reshape the world, band mutants together and eliminate those pesky humans who have lost their way.
The main cast features returning “First Class” and “Days of Future Past” stalwarts Charles Xavier (James McAvoy), Magneto (Michael Fassbender), Mystique (Jennifer Lawrence), Beast (Nicholas Hoult) and Quicksilver (Evan Peters) alongside younger versions of classic X-Men characters including Cyclops (Tye Sheridan), Jean Grey (Sophie Turner) and Nightcrawler (Kodi Smit-McPhee) fighting enemies such as Psylocke (Olivia Munn), Angel (Ben Hardy), Storm (Alexandra Shipp) and Jubilee (Lana Condor).
As an X-Men comic book admirer, its hard not to appreciate seeing many heroes and villains onscreen, eventually all in one glorious battle, but the complexity of the conflict never reaches the emotional level seen in “Captain America: Civil War.”
However, the major highlight of the film finds a certain feral mutant causing mass chaos at Col. William Stryker’s research facility with impressive moments looking plucked from comic book creator Barry Windsor-Smith’s epic Weapon-X storyline.
SEE ALSO: ‘Star Trek Beyond’ review (4K UHD)
4K UHD in action: A fantastic rescue showcases the splendid resolution upgrade from 1080p to a whopping 2160p.
During a pivotal moment in the movie, the X-Mansion explodes and viewers watch in slowed-down time a meticulous Quicksilver running into and out of the crumbling structure to save everyone from sure death.
The stunning detail of fire colors, water globules and the accompanying chaos are meticulously rendered, as is the hero’s penchant for even liberating a Goldfish flopping around in midflight.
That scene alone is a poster child for why home theaters owners should consider diving into the 4K UHD realm.
Also, the Dolby Atmos sound mix (offering the best in surround sound potential) will shake the rafters especially during the destruction of major cities at the hands of Magneto and Apocalypse.
SEE ALSO: ‘Ghostbusters: Extended Edition’ review (4K UHD)
Best extras: An all-important optional commentary track features X-Men film architect Mr. Singer and writer-producer Simon Kinberg.
The enthusiastic pair, led by Mr. Singer, never stop chatting and deliver to fans a wealth of information on the individual X-Men, the actors, locations, effects, trivia tied to the other X-Men films and comic books, personal anecdotes and fun nuggets from the set.
Odd information includes pointing out the appearance of 1980s icon Ally Sheedy as a teacher and noting that the actor who played the Blob (Gustav Claude Ouimet) officially has the largest hands in the world, according to Guinness records.
Next, and equally important, an hour-long, six-part overview of the production focuses on the cinematic introduction and evolution of many of the X-Men, including Angel, Storm, Psylocke, Nightcrawler, Magneto, Cyclops, Apocalypse and Jean Grey.
Each comic book legend is discussed via the actors playing them and by visual effects legend John Dykstra, Mr. Singer and key production personnel such as the make-up artists and costume designer.
Other topics touched on the overview include some of the complex sets built (ranging from the X-Mansion to the innards of an ancient Egypt pyramids and German mutant fight club); the practical effects and stunts; the lighting used with Psylocke’s psionic whip; and, most important, Mr. McAvoy getting his head shaved (with Patrick Stewart watching via Facetime).
However, comic book fans will be greatly disappointed with none of the segments never deeply exploring the Apocalypse mythos highlighted in Marvel sequential art since 1986.
Extras round out with an unfunny gag reel and a dozen extended or deleted scenes (almost 30 minutes) with optional introductions from Mr. Singer.
• Joseph Szadkowski can be reached at jszadkowski@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.