DVD RACK: X-MEN SPECIAL

To marke the release of 'X-Men: First Class', marvel at this weeks 'DVD Rack', it's an 'X-Men' special.

X-MEN: The original which started this academy of great superhero films off. With great special-effects, action and entertainment this really was an enjoyable epic. Bringing the comic-books and children's wildest imaginations to life this movie made the most of everything. Hugh Jackman's career took off, Halle Berry's one was given the movie it always needed, the legacy of legend Sir Ian McKellen continued and Patrick Stewart finally escaped the Captain Picard typecast. Simply great all-round.

X2: Sequels are usually nothing on the original, unless they continue the story along and this is exactly what this film does. 'X2' really did multiply the life of these mutants, making classics out of the characters and attracting more action and a unique set of special effects. As well as the stars cast-members like Famke Janssen and James Marsden increased their popularity. As the White House got involved (fictionally) this top superhero franchise got presidential beating the other Summer blockbuster candidates. It got cold as Winter for the competition as this franchise heated up.

X-MEN-THE LAST STAND: The third part of the trilogy completed things nicely but in reality and things to come it wasn't really 'The Last Stand'. Still as the war between the good and bad mutants reached breaking point we saw darker shades of Jean Grey and an increased vibrancy in the action. This made for some hot, thrilling bridge burning scenes in San Francisco (there's not many other movies that have torn up the Golden Gate better-and a lot have tried-it seems to be a staple for Hollywood destruction (but why? It's so nice)). Also with the additions of unique actors Kelsey Grammer and Vinnie Jones this movie really was different. As the plot of this movie looked for a mutant cure, fans where left not wanting immunity from this franchise. Years later they'd be in luck.

X-MEN ORIGINS-WOLVERINE: When franchises have run out of sequels, it's time for the prequels and going back to the 'Origins' of X-Men really was something to 'Marvel' at. With all the characters to choose from it was clear that Hugh Jackman's most-popular 'Wolverine' character would sharpen this series. Darker, bigger, more exciting and epic, Hugh was joined by some new friends who now deserve 'Origin' movies of their own. From Liev Schreiber's villain, to versatile superhero Ryan Reynolds and super-cool Will.I.am. this might just be the best X-Men yet.

X-MEN-FIRST CLASS: Or you could just go to the cinema, as released this week this would be the best of all the 'X' blockbusters if it wasn't for 'Wolverine' -but he does make an incredible, unforgettable cameo. Europe's finest exports James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender channel Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen's respective Xavier and Magneto with dignity and excellence. These students really learnt the ways of this franchises academy with skills, fight and heart. Plus with a great alumni of Kevin Bacon, Rose Byrne, January Jones and Zoe Kravitz this class of it's own brought a new school of X-Men actors to the series already impressive register. TIM DAVID HARVEY.