Update: 'The X-Files' Complete Series Box Set Details Revealed
Update: Additional information on the set, including a full list of bonus features, a new picture of the packaging, and an official pre-order site, has arrived online.
The upcoming revival of The X-Files is an actual thing and not a figment of our collective imaginations. Yes, there is actually new X-Files material set to air on televisions that don't exist entirely inside our minds. We know this because there are photos from the set and trailers online. However, we also know this because Fox is releasing a new Blu-ray box set collecting the entire original series and the collection's box art has officially been revealed. It's like they wanted to capitalize on our excitement and get us to purchase an expensive and grandiose object to celebrate our obsession!
Yep, they've got us. Check out the art for the X-Files box set and other details after the jump.
Although Fox has yet to send out a proper press release announcing the full details of the set, details have begun to trickle out online and TV Shows On DVD has got you covered. First of all, here's the official box art:
That thing really does check all of the right boxes, huh? David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson look primed, well-dressed, and ready to solve some supernatural mysteries. There's a creepy forest, presumably full of monsters. There's a skyline populated by government helicopters and Unidentified Flying Objects. The only think missing is a cameo from the Flukeman. Remember the Flukeman? Ack. Screw the Flukeman and each and every nightmare he inspired.
So yes, the X-Files box set does certainly look like something that every self-respecting fan will want to have on their shelf. After all, mathematics proves that cool stuff > Netflix in just about any situation. If you haven't had the chance to experience one of the most entertaining and influential shows in TV history, this will probably be your best chance.
And while we wait on an official press release, a barebones description of the set itself has surfaced online. If the collection contains any special features or cool bonus content, it has not yet been revealed:
Now for the first time, all nine exhilarating, groundbreaking seasons of The X-Files, along with special features, can be yours to own on Blu-ray! Although they began as reluctant partners, FBI special agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully (Golden Globe winners David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson) ultimately form a powerful bond as they struggle to unravel deadly conspiracies and solve paranormal mysteries. Blu-ray Collector's Boxset contains full seasons 1 – 9.
The emphasis on the set including all nine seasons seemingly implies that this collection will not include the two spin-off films. While we can certainly live without the subpar The X-Files: I Want to Believe, the series really isn't complete without The X-Files: Fight the Future, which bridges the gap between seasons five and six. To not include it in a "complete" collection is a bummer.
Still, 202 episodes of frequently stellar science fiction and horror television is still one helluva collection, even for the suggested retail price of $299.99. Start saving now. The set is due to arrive on December 8, 2015, giving you 1,152 hours to rewatch all 159 hours and 8 minutes of the original series before the new episodes arrive on January 24, 2016.
Update: The full list of bonus content a better look at the set's packaging have arrived online. First, here is everything that comes in the box, broken down by season:Season OneSeries Intro by Frank SpotnitzChris Carter Talks About Season 1Deleted ScenesInternational ClipsDeep Throat: Audio Commentary by Chris CarterErlenmeyer Flask: Audio Commentary by R.W. GoodwinSpecial Effects Clip From Fallen AngelDocumentary: "The Truth About Season 1"Season TwoDeleted ScenesChris Carter Talks About Season 2HumbugDocumentary: "The Truth About Season Two"Duane Barry: Audio Commentary by Chris CarterEnd Games: Audio Commentary by Frank SpotnitzAnasazi: Audio Commentary by R.W. GoodwinSeason ThreeDeleted Scenes (w/optional commentary by Chris Carter)Chris Carter Talks About Season 3International ClipsSpecial Effects with Commentary by Mat BeckDocumentary: "The Truth About Season Three"Threads of Mythology: AbductionTalitha Cuma: Audio Commentary by R.W. GoodwinSeason FourDeleted ScenesExtended ScenesSpecial Effects with Commentary by Paul RabwinDeleted Scenes (w/optional commentary by Chris Carter)Tunguska – Interview With Chris CarterPaper Hearts – Interview with Vince GilliganMemento Mori: Audio Commentary by Rob BowmanIntroduction to Memento Mori by Chris Carter and Frank SpotnitzMax: Audio Commentary by Kim MannersDocumentary: "The Truth About Season Four"Season FiveInternational ClipsDeleted Scenes (w/optional commentary by Chris Carter)Special Effects with Commentary by Paul RabwinDocumentary: "The Truth About Season Five"Threads of Mythology: Black OilFX FeaturetteIntroduction to The Post-Modern Prometheus by Chris Carter and Frank SpotnitzPatient X: Audio Commentary by Kim MannersThe Red and the Black: Audio Commentary by Chris CarterThe Post Modern Prometheus: Audio Commentary by Chris CarterThe Pine Bluff Variant: Audio Commentary by John ShibanSeason SixSpecial Effects with Commentary by Paul RabwinDeleted Scenes (w/optional commentary by Frank Spotnitz)International ClipsTwo Fathers: Audio Commentary by Kim MannersOne Son: Audio Commentary by Frank SpotnitzTriangle: Audio Commentary by Chris CarterIntroduction to Milagro by Chris Carter and Frank SpotnitzX-Files Profiles: Cigarette-Smoking ManFeaturette on Season SixDocumentary: "The Truth About Season Six"Season SevenDeleted scenes (w/optional commentary by Chris Carter)Special effects sequences with commentary by Paul RabwinInternational ClipsDocumentary: "The Truth About Season Seven" Behind-the-Scenes featuretteX-Files Profiles: A.D. Skinner and Samantha MulderClosure: Audio Commentary by Kim MannersDocumentary: "The Truth About Season Seven"Season EightSpecial Effects by Mat Beck with Commentary by Paul RabwinInternational ClipsDeleted scenes (w/optional commentary by Frank Spotnitz and John Shiban)Documentary: "The Truth About Season Eight"Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary by Chris CarterThreads of Mythology: ColonizationX-Files ProfilesWithin: Commentary by Kim Manners and Robert PatrickDeadalive: Commentary by Frank SpotnitzVienen: Commentary by Rod HardySeason NineDeleted scenes (w/optional commentary by Frank Spotnitz)Special Effects by Mat Beck with Commentary by Paul RabwinInternational ClipsAudio Commentary by Chris Carter, Vince Gilligan, John Shiban, Frank Spotnitz, Kim MannersDocumentary: "The Truth About Season Nine""The Making of 'The Truth'""Secrets of The X-Files""Tribute to The X-Files"Threads of Mythology: Super SoldiersX-Files ProfilesReflections on the Truth FeaturetteWonder Con Panel
So that $299.99 price tag is buying you a lot more than just the episodes. Each season has episode commentaries, deleted scenes, a documentary chronicling the making of that particular season. There appear to be plenty of additional featurettes as well, with the later seasons collecting more special features than the early ones.
You can check out the new look at the packaging below. Each season looks like it comes packaged in its own Blu-ray case, which going to do wonders for this thing's durability. If you're sold, you can pre-order the collection right now.