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The X-Files: The Complete Fifth Season

Season 5 of the highly popular "X-Files" television show was one of the series' most difficult to swallow, given that much of this go-around was scripted around the already-scripted feature film, "Fight the Future," which would tie in with the season finale. Again, we are taken on a journey into the unknown with special agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully, as they search for clues to unlock the secrets of extraterrestrial existence. Along the way, they encounter vampires in "Bad Blood," Lili Taylor in "Mind's Eye," and the writing of Stephen King in "Chinga." Throw in some better, glossier effects, more top-notch guest appearances, and you basically have the normal round of alien encounters that have pleased fans since the show's inception in 1993.

Good news, fellow X-Filers! Season Five is completely presented in 1.78:1 widescreen format, providing us a unique viewing experience like never before. As with the previous seasons, the images for this season's episodes exhibit very dark images, which boast solid blacks and terrific shadow delineation. Colors are sharp and flesh tones are accurate without being overly saturated, and the widescreen format is slick and gives things a terrific sheen. ****

The sound, like all previous sets, is mastered in Dolby 2.0 Surround, which is pleasing enough to wet one's appetite for the hopefully upcoming 5.1 mixes. There is a nice balance between the elements of dialogue, effects and music.

Like previous season releases, this season includes "The Truth about Season 5," a 20-minute featurette on the making of this season, which goes into cast and crew interviews in a discussion of things like the scripting process, the last shoots in Vancouver, and more. Most fans will likely be thrilled about the inclusion of "Inside the X-Files," the Fox TV special that aired in 1998, and goes behind the scenes with extensive interviews (including those with Duchovny and Anderson), which talk about the then-upcoming movie release, the future of the series, and other interesting facts and info. The six deleted scenes from various episodes, as well as the visual effects vignettes, are fun add-ons, while the sets of TV spots should serve as a pleasant time-waster. DVD-ROMers should find some pleasure in the interactive game "Earthbound," while a weblink takes you to sites for more downloadable goodies.