For the devoted viewers of THE X-FILES, there can be few things more exciting than hearing the familiar notes of Mark Snow's theme song at the beginning of THE X-FILES: I WANT TO BELIEVE. This cinematic follow-up to the series picks up years after it ended, but the characters are still the same ones that audiences loved. Fans who followed the show religiously (and was there any other way to watch it?) won't be surprised to learn that Mulder (David Duchovny) is currently living in hiding, still researching the paranormal while he grows a shaggy beard. Meanwhile, Scully (Gillian Anderson) is working as a doctor at a Catholic hospital. When an F.B.I. agent goes missing, the bureau calls on the pair to return to their old work. The paranormal element of their case is found in Father Joe (Billy Connolly), a former priest who is having psychic visions and leading the team from the F.B.I. to evidence to help them solve their case. Mulder and Scully return to their roles of believer and skeptic as they join in the search.
Just as in the show, I WANT TO BELIEVE is a genre-bender that combines science fiction, horror, and thriller. In fact, the film seems like a two-part episode of the show--and that's meant as a compliment. Though six years have passed since the series' finale (and 10 since the first cinematic incarnation), the show's central elements are intact, especially the interaction between Mulder and Scully. For those who weren't fans of the show, I WANT TO BELIEVE offers chills similar to THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS and THE BONE COLLECTOR--but minus the gore. The show was always more about the unseen horrors, and the film works well as it follows its predecessor's lead.
DVD Features:
Note: This Dvd Includes both the Theatrical Version and Unrated Extended Cut of
X-FILES: I WANT TO BELIEVE
Region 1
Keep Case - Checkpoint, Sensormatic
Widescreen - 2.40
Audio:
Dolby Surround 5.1 - English
Dolby Surround - French, Spanish
Subtitles - English, Spanish - Optional
Additional Release Material:
Additional Footage - 1. Extended Cut
2. Gag Reel
Audio Commentary - Director Chris Carter and Producer Frank Spotnitz
Deleted Scenes
Featurettes - 1. "Body Parts: Special Makeup Effects"
2. "Chris Carter: Statements on Green Production"
Music Video - Music Slideshow: "Dying 2 Live" by Xzibit
Trailers - Forced Trailers: Digital Copy Trailer, THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL
Text/Photo Galleries:
Galleries - 1. Concept Art
2. Storyboards
3. Collectibles
4. Unit Photography
Distributor Notes: When a group of women are mysteriously abducted, it becomes a case right out of The X-Files. The best team for the job is ex-agents Fox Mulder and Dr. Dana Scully, who have no desire to revisit their dark past. Still, the truth of these horrific crimes is out there somewhere... and it will take Mulder and Scully to find it!
Source: 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
Executive Producer
Brent O'Connor: Exec. Producer, WE ARE MARSHALL, (2006)
Director of Photography
Bill Roe: American Cinematographer, Numerous X-FILES Episodes
Review 1:
3 stars out of 5 -- "[T]here's a familiar, pleasurable thrill to be had from icy settings, stalkings, [and] ambiguous supernatural glimpses..."
Source: Empire
p.62 10/01/2008
Review 2:
"There are thrills to be had, notably in the first half as the FBI uncover frozen, gory clues....Hardcore fans will also thrill at the revelations about Mulder and Scully's domestic relationship...'
Source: Sight and Sound
p.88 10/01/2008
Review 3:
"It plays like a solid extended episode of the often-classic TV show..." -- Grade: B
Source: Entertainment Weekly
p.56 12/12/2008