COLUMBIA TRISTAR has gone all out for its dvd release of “XXX.  Anticipating it will be a huge hit, as it was in theaters, the studio has elected to release separate dvds of it in either Full-frame, or Letterboxed format.  We’re not sure why they haven’t offered both options on the same disc, but it’s possibly due to the abundance of extras that are included. 

While this reviewer didn’t hate the film, it was annoying.  There used to be a joke in Hollywood that went something like, “If there’s a g-d, how come Steve Guttenberg is still getting acting jobs.”  Guttenberg is like Olivier compared to Diesel.  Why does this guy get any job?   He’s entirely unconvincing in every performance he’s been in, and he actually makes a dumb film like “XXX” seem even dumber than it is. 

Diesel plays Xander Cage, a “extreme-thrill” seeker, somehow linked up with rebellious outcasts mad at big government, and presumably having some causes.  The idiots he hangs out with seem oblivious to the fact that he’s too dumb to have any positions on anything, let alone their causes.  Still, due to his daredevil antics, the government decides to seek his help in combating a bunch of wealthy, well-equipped lowlifes, seeking to take over the planet.  

The script is just horrible, filled with ridiculous dialogue, intended to provide Diesel with presumably memorable lines. Fortunately, we can’t recall any of the lines.  Worse than the dialogue, is the narrative!  Nothing about the plot is realistic.  Special agents decide to test Xander’s abilities by inserting him right in the middle of a latin American drug lord’s lair.  The scene is really only an excuse to have explosions, motorcycle stunts, and other special effects to give the film an “action” atmosphere.       

COLUMBIA TRISTAR has provided a letterboxed(2.35:1) and Full-frame(cropped) version for the film, available as separate releases.  For this review, we’ve only considered the “Full-frame” version. Unfortunately, the letterboxed version was not available, before press-time. 

As the film was shot with the Super35 format, Director Rob Cohen has presumably more leeway in providing the (full-frame) look he wants for each composition.  The image is extremely grainy in spots, but colors are rich and vibrant in every instance.  Contrast is extremely impressive, with deep, deep, blacks and grays, making the detail to the image even better. 

Although the film is only mediocre at best, COLUMBIA TRISTAR has provided a stellar soundtrack.  The 5.1 soundmix is of demonstration quality!  There is an abundance of surround and directional effects, in almost every scene of the film.  The LFE effects are frequent, and certain to provide a real workout for your subwoofer.

COLUMBIA TRISTAR has provided a ton of extras on this dvd. To begin with, there’s a running commentary with the director. While the more astute film lover, with higher education, may consider it patronizing at times, younger, aspiring filmmaker-teens, will love it!

A “FILMMAKER’S DIARY” is presented in 1.78:1 aspect ratio, with 16:9 enhancement!  This well produced documentary examines the film’s “pre-production” and “post-production.”  It’s a bit self-indulgent at times, but entertaining all the same! 

“BUILDING SPEED” is a brief overview of the vehicles from the film.  “DESIGNING THE WORLD OF XXX” visits the exotic and dynamic locations of the film.  “DIESEL POWERED” offers plenty of kiss-assing from the cast and crew.  “THE GTO IS BACK” is a very quick homage to the main vehicle in the film. 

“VISUAL EFFECTS HOW-TO’S” is a series of montage sequences, examining some of the biggest stunts in the film.

There is a “deleted scenes” section with ten deleted scenes.  All are presented in their correct aspect ratio and 16:9 enhancement, but only in Dolby 2.0 Stereo.  The quality isn’t up to the rest of the film, suffering from diminished clarity.  Worse, the time-codes are still present.  None of these scenes add enough to justify their inclusion. 

A music video for “ADRENALINE” is included, as well as the original theatrical trailer, and trailers for two upcoming films.