“XXX” was already available on dvd as a special edition from COLUMBIA TRISTAR. Now, the studio has released it as a “SUPERBIT” title, sans the extras, but with a DTS mix and improved image.

The film tries to be a James Bond for the “FAST AND FURIOUS” crowd, but it doesn’t try hard enough.  Director Rob Cohen becomes increasingly less concerned with reality as his career continues, and “XXX” is one of the dumbest adventure films ever made.  That said, it offers enough flash to delight the MTV audience it’s seeking, and this “SUPERBIT” release offers an improved look over the already terrific previous transfer.

COLUMBIA TRISTAR has preserved the film’s 2.35:1 aspect ratio, with 16:9 enhancement.  This image is even sharper than before, and there’s noticeable improvement in definition during the darker scenes.

Being a “SUPERBIT,” a DTS 5.1 mix is included along with the Dolby Digital 5.1 mix.  While the Dolby Digital 5.1 mix is aggressive and engaging, the DTS 5.1 mix is noticeably improved in terms of delineation of effects and bass control.  It’s a “bigger” mix!  Dialogue is always intelligible on both.

There are no extras for this SUPERBIT release.  While the original “special edition” was loaded with supplements, “if” one’s a fan of the film, the “SUPERBIT” is the way to go! It doesn’t have the extras, but it’s certainly the better looking and sounding of the two versions.