X-Men 1.5

At first glance, fans might think X-Men 1.5 is yet another attempt from the studios to make an extra buck, but as soon as they hit play, they will know that this two-disc set's special features alone are worth the price tag. Not only does 1.5 offer the full movie with six deleted scenes and 17 behind-the-scenes featurettes, there's also a DTS option and director's commentary--none of which were on the original X--Men release. Disc two is where any fan of the first DVD release will want to spend the most time. It deals with everything from X to Z and beyond, from casting and screen tests to costume design. For the guys, the lovely Rebecca Romijn-Stamos explains in detail how her prosthetic body suit was more or less painted on for her character Mystique. "I don't feel naked when it's on, although I guess I look fairly naked," she says with a laugh. "It feels like I'm wearing wet clothes." The physical aspects of each character are broken down in remarkable detail, covering everything from prosthetics to colored contacts, and special-makeup-effects artist Gordon Smith takes viewers through each glued prosthetic and airbrushed body. Special effects are also covered, which special regard given to the green-- and blue-screened sets as well as the various claws actor Hugh Jackman's Wolverine had to don in different scenes. Jackman also offered some insight into playing the larger-than-life hero. "As an actor, I always said playing someone who's alive and famous would be the hardest task because everyone recognizes them and if that person is still around you have this huge responsibility," he says. "But playing Wolverine is equal if not more responsibility, because he's a hero to people. ... I've heard of people who have tattoos of Wolverine!" Also included are storyboard-to-film comparisons and exclusive footage from the Ellis Island premiere. X hits the final spot with a lively sneak peak at X--Men 2, which is set to open theatrically this summer. --Jamie Clark