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 Sanctuary, Parts 1 & 2 of Proteus, and Weapon X, Lies & Videotape.

"Sanctuary"
Magneto has built a peaceful haven for mutants – an asteroid in space, titled Asteroid M – and has decided to relocate any and every mutant willing to go. His plan is entirely peaceful, but the governments of the world see only hostile intent when they learn that Magneto has 250 missiles at his disposal, something he claims is only for defense. Professor X, Gambit, and Beast all volunteer to accompany Magneto to Asteroid M in order to prove his peaceful intentions to the world. But one of Magneto's followers, Fabien Cortez, has a different plan, a plan of destroying humankind with the missiles, and unless the X-Men can stop him, the world will declare war on Asteroid M.

"Proteus"
Moira MacTaggert's son Kevin is Proteus, a fact that she's hid very well from Professor X. Her ex-husband left both Moira and Kevin when he was born to avoid the stigma of having a mutant for a son. Kevin has lived in isolation from the world for 17 years, and when he busts out, he wants nothing more than to find his father, and discover why he was abandoned. His father, who is now running for political re-election, wants nothing to do with Kevin. The X-Men are contacted and brought in to find and capture Proteus before anyone is hurt, but in the process, can Professor X help Kevin overcome his rage and anger, before it consumes him?

"Weapon X, Lies & Videotape"
Wolverine, who is suffering from painful memories of his past, sets off to the Weapon X lab in Canada to try and uncover the truth behind them. Upon his arrival, he is greeted by his other Weapon X companions – Silver Fox, Maverick, and Sabretooth – and the four of them discover that some of their memories are false. In their quest for the truth, they activate Tallos, a failsafe program whose mission is their destruction.

I loved the X-Men series as a kid and seeing the Phoenix Saga on DVD last year really brought back some memories. I really enjoyed seeing Weapon X, Lies and Videotape again; it's a great episode that is partly based on Wolverine #50 and X-Men #'s 4&5 (all great comics too!). The box art, however, has nothing to do with any of the episodes included, as it has a picture of the Hulk fighting the Juggernaut. Why it was chosen, and why it looks so cheesy is anyone's guess.

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.