Movie:
This X-Men Animated Series DVD is a collection of five animated episodes from the X-Men TV show from the early nineties. The episodes included are Parts 1 & 2 of Reunion, Parts 1 & 2 of Out of the Past and No Mutant is an Island.

"Reunion"
In the Savage Land, Professor Xavier and Magneto, both powerless, are captured by Mr. Sinister's henchmen, known as the Mutates. Sinister, meanwhile, has captured Jean Grey and brings her back to the citadel in the Savage Land. He uses Sauron's mutant power to force Professor X to lure the X-Men to him. When they arrive, they're quickly captured by the Nasty Boys, for the exception of Wolverine, who manages to escape. With the help of Kazar, Wolverine must find a way to save his fellow X-Men before Sinister takes their powers.

"Out of the Past"
Yuriko, one of Wolverine's ex-loves, has reappeared, this time with adamantium improvements, and now calls herself Lady Deathstrike. Part of the Reavers, she invades the Morlock tunnels looking for Leech, who has stolen some technology from her. In the tunnels, she discovers an alien spaceship. Wanting to make the alien technology her own, she lures Wolverine to the tunnel and forces him to help her open it. But when they do, they unlock something that threatens them all, unless they can find a way to stop it.

"No Mutant is an Island"
After losing Jean, Scott Summers (Cyclops) leaves the X-Men to visit the orphanage he grew up in. Upon his arrival, he uncovers the fiendish plot of Mr. Killgrave, a local politician who plans on using the children with mutant powers to satisfy his own evil ambitions.

I loved the X-Men series as a kid and seeing the Phoenix Saga on DVD last year really brought back some memories. However, some of the episodes do seem slightly corny now, and Professor X seems to have one girly scream per episode. I did also have a problem with the choice of episodes – Reunion is actually proceeded by either an episode or two that explains how Xavier and Magneto got to the Savage Land and why there were there. But they aren't present on this or the other DVD. I did think it was neat that Out of the Past proceeds and sets up the Phoenix Saga. The box art, while actually featuring two characters from the episodes included (Magneto and one of the Mutates locked in combat), is incredibly cheesy looking.

Picture:
The X-Men episodes are presented in 1.33:1 full frame, as it appeared on TV. The animation is quite good for a mid-nineties American cartoon with vibrant colors and solid blacks. The picture does have a few specks, some grain, and some visible edge enhancement, but it looks terrific compared to what I remember seeing on TV.

Sound:
The X-Men episodes are presented in Dolby 2.0 Stereo Surround in English. Dialogue is crisp and clear throughout the five episodes with active surrounds as well. Optional English Captions and French or Spanish subtitles are also available.

Extras:
No extras.

Summary:
Both this and the other X-Men Animated Series DVD come recommended for fans of the X-Men comics and especially for fans of the series, though the price tag is a bit steep for what you actually get. Recommended.