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Blu-Ray : Highly Recommended
Ranking:
Sale Price: $267.11 Last Price: $299.99 Buy now! 3rd Party 267.11 In Stock
Release Date: December 8th, 2015 Movie Release Year: 1993

The X Files: The Collector's Set

Overview -

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. (The set contains full seasons 1 - 9).

OVERALL:
Highly Recommended
Rating Breakdown
STORY
VIDEO
AUDIO
SPECIAL FEATURES
Tech Specs & Release Details
Technical Specs:
TBA
Video Resolution/Codec:
1080p/TBA
Length:
9153
Aspect Ratio(s):
1.78:1
Audio Formats:
English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
Subtitles/Captions:
English SDH, French, Spanish
Special Features:
“THE X-FILES” THE COLLECTOR’S SET features more than 23 hours of content across all nine seasons – including behind-the-scenes featurettes, and commentaries by executive producer Chris Carter (“Millennium,” “Harsh Realm”), R.W. Goodwin, Rob Bowman, Kim Manners, Frank Spotnitz, Robert Patrick and Rod Hardy.
Release Date:
December 8th, 2015

Storyline: Our Reviewer's Take

Ranking:

"…the answers are there, you just have to know where to look."

"That's why they put the "I" in F.B.I."

When you consider the vast number of television shows that come down the pilot pipeline each and every year, it's a virtual miracle that anything gets ordered to series. Then, when you consider that the number of shows that do make it to the airwaves only to get canceled almost immediately, it becomes a rarer event for a series to get a second season order, let alone a third, fourth, or in the case of Chris Carter's seminal 1993 series 'X-Files' a grand total of nine seasons. How or why a show clicks with an audience and draws in millions of viewers willing to give up an hour of their time each and every week is a mystery - but something about 'The X-Files' connected with people. 

As a fan of the show from the very beginning, I loved the its blend of science fiction, government conspiracy theories, and horror. It was around this time that I had discovered movies like 'Blade Runner,' 'All The President's Men,' and 'The Texas Chain Saw Massacre', so this wild blend of genres fit right into my bandwagon. As the ever true believer, Agent Mulder (David Duchovny) and the always skeptical Agent Scully (Gillian Anderson) would handle a case involving the big government conspiracy to hide the existence of extraterrestrial life, there would be a wonderful dip into a "Monster of the Week" to keep things fun, exciting, and at times more than a bit creepy - or in the case of one particularly notorious episode from season four, downright disturbing! But I loved 'The X-Files' and I kept tuning in week after week… for awhile. with any good show, the demand for more episodes from the broadcasting network started to put a strain on the creative team. Season five concluded with a hell of a cliffhanger ending in May of 1998 and served as the perfect segue to the series leap to the big screen that June with 'The X-Files: Fight The Future.' As great as the movie was and how perfectly it tied the events of Season 5 and Season 6 together, it also marked the beginning of the show's downfall. The original intention of Chris Carter was to end the show at season five and then continue the exploits of Agents Mulder and Scully on the big screen. The network thought otherwise and required more episodes of the show as a condition for getting the film financed. 

 Fans of 'The X-Files' are well aware of the show's precipitous drop off as the series was stretched thinner and thinner. As the mythology episodes moved from Black Oil to Alien Colonization to Super Soldiers, to Lizard People and back again, the credibility of the show wained - as did the patience of the audience. For a show about two people on the quest for the truth and answers to big mysteries and riddles, the show started offering up fewer and fewer solutions to stories and left entirely too many threads dangling. That isn't to say that by the time Agent Doggett (Robert Patrick) and Agent Reyes (Annabeth Gish) appeared on the scene the show had become "bad," it's just that a number of the show's tropes had become routine and tedious. Even as Anderson's Scully moved from being a skeptic to a believer - there are just so many times that Scully could "not see" the big awe-inspiring moment. 

Through all of the highs and lows of the series, there was a constant that made the show worth tuning into - the relationship between Mulder and Scully and their real life counterparts David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson. While the pair absolutely had on-screen chemistry, it wasn't ever forced into the realm of unnecessary romanticism or sexualized. The two viewed each other as equals and never once trivialized their respective genders. Both were strong-willed unique individuals with their own beliefs and biases, but they were also human and capable of irrational emotional outbursts - just like the rest of us. 

When taking a look at 'The X-Files: The Collector's Set' it's easy to understand why this set wouldn't be for everyone - namely because of the show's slide in quality over the final three seasons. However, if you are a massive fan of the series, this set is an attractive and sturdy way to display one of the best shows to come to television. That said, if you're not game for every season, 20th Century Fox was wise enough to release each season individually:

Season One (4/5)

X-Files

This first season has a couple of clunky episodes in there, but that's to be expected with any series. It's a show that is still finding its legs, but through it all the show delivered hours of great entertainment. 

Favorite Episodes:

Ep 3 'Squeeze' and Ep 21 'Tooms' - I have fond memories of watching these two episodes on separate weekends with my best friend at the time. I remember us being totally freaked out by 'Squeeze' and then totally losing it when 'Tooms' started up and we realized it was a sequel episode! These two still stand among my all time favorite episodes. 

Season Two (4.5/5)

The X-Files

This second season is much stronger, the mythology of government involvement in suppressing the evidence of extraterrestrials was coming together, the relationships of certain players were coming together, and the "monsters-of-the-week" were getting pretty intense. 

Favorite Episodes:

Ep 2 'The Host' and Ep 5 'Duane Barry' and Ep 6 'Ascension'  - 'The Host' stands as my second favorite "monster-of-the-week" episode while 'Duane Barry and Ascension prove just how big and important the mythology episodes can get with the abduction of Scully! 

Season Three (4.5/5)

The X-Files

While the "monster-of-the-week" episodes were still the highlights of the show, this is the season where it felt like the mythology episodes started to carry a lot more weight and importance. 

Favorite Episodes:

Ep 3 'D.P.O.' and Ep 15 Piper Maru & Ep 16 'Apocrypha' - 'D.P.O'.' was a real kick of an episode featuring guest appearances by Jack Black and Giovanni Ribisi. 'Piper Maru' and 'Apocrypha' gives us a glimpse of the mysterious "black oil" and this pair of episodes was just darn creepy.

Season Four (5/5)

X-Files

This is a season where just about every single episode clicked and was just a great piece of entertainment. Even the "bad" episodes were only bad because they didn't quite live up to the other great episodes this season had to offer. 

Favorite Episodes:

Ep 2 'Home' and Ep 7 'Musings of a Cigarette Smoking Man - 'Home' is perhaps the most notorious episode ever produced for the show and given its disturbing content, it's easy to see why. It stands as my favorite "monster" episode of the entire series. 'Musings of a Cigarette Smoking Man' stands as a pseudo-mythology episode as were given an abundance of information about "Cancer Man" and his involvement in any number of conspiracies dating all the way back to JFK's assassination. 

Season Five (5/5)  

X-Files

Momentum was working for the show at this point. The series was building towards the June 1998 release of the movie and all of the episodes were working in such a way as to allow people who hadn't yet seen the show to get caught up while featuring some good and creepy monsters. 

Favorite Episodes:

Ep 3 'Unusual Suspects' and Ep 14 'The Red and the Black,' Ep 15 'Travelers,' and Ep 20 'The End' -  'Unusual Suspects' is just pure fun - the meeting of The Lone Gunmen. 'The Red and the Black,' 'Travelers,' and 'The End' offers up some of the best mythology episodes regarding the conspirators, black oil, and the alien colonization plot. 

Season Six (4.5/5)

The X-Files

Fresh off the movie, the series picks up strong but isn't able to hold the momentum very long. part of the issue is it doesn't "look" or "feel" the same, as production had moved from Vancouver to L.A. - but it was still pretty good and was providing some solid entertainment value. 

Favorite Episodes:

Ep 2 'Drive'  and Ep 20 'Three of a Kind''Drive' features guest Bryon Cranston in a hell of an intense episode while 'Three of a Kind' offers up some more Lone Gunmen fun with a follow-up to S05Ep3 'Unusual Suspects.'

Season Seven (3.5/5)

The X-Files

The show was still pretty good, but the stretching and altering mythology episodes started to wear thin. Thankfully the "monsters" episodes were pretty great and made this season worth watching.

Favorite Episodes:

Ep 3 'Hungry' and Ep 4 'Millennium' - Something about a guy being addicted to eating human brains made 'Hungry' a fun episode while 'Millennium' was a great crossover episode featuring Lance Henriksen as Frank Black. 'Millennium' also shows where Chris Carter's attentions truly were at this point. 

Season Eight (3/5)

The X-Files

While still a decent show, you can feel the creative team being stretched thin by the lack of Mulder and the need to introduce Robert Patrick as Agent Doggett. I always felt like this season was similar to the final season of 'Northern Exposure' where they were doing anything they could to find a reason to keep going. 

Favorite Episodes:

Ep 6' Redrum' and Ep 12 'Medusa' - These two episodes, in my opinion, show that the show still had a lot of creative juice in the tank at this point, but didn't know how to focus it. As the mythology episodes became more and more redundant, the "monsters" became the real highlight and reason to keep tuning in.

Season Nine (3.5/5)

The X-Files

It's difficult to know where to go with this season. The series at this point had clearly run out of juice, but still needed to come to a close. Thankfully there were a couple of good one-off episodes and a big conclusion brought the show home in grand order. 

Favorite Episodes:

Ep 15 'Jump the Shark' and Ep 16 'William', Ep 19/20 'The Truth: Parts 1 & 2' - Any Lone Gunmen episode is a good one and 'Jump the Shark' saw them team up with Michael McKean's Morris Fletcher from Season 6. 'William' and 'The Truth: Parts 1&2' bring the series to a fitting and exciting conclusion. It may have been a very bumpy road to get to this point, but it was a satisfying end. 

After a second less-than-amazing follow-up film, 'The X-Files' appeared closed - that is until late last year when it was announced that the series and lead stars would be returning for a limited 6-episode run. It's nice knowing that interest in the series has stayed strong and the fan demand for more Mulder and Scully wasn't simply regulated to a series of comic book spin-off adventures. It's even more impressive when you stack it up against the other great shows that will be making their return in 2016 and 2017 with the likes of 'Twin Peaks' coming back and now after an incredibly successful Kickstarter campaign, 'Mystery Science Theater 3000.' I for one can't wait to be sucked back in by that familiar 'X-Files' theme song by composer Mark Snow. Hopefully, the wait for these new six episodes will be worth it! 

The Blu-ray: Vital Disc Stats

20th Century Fox has brought 'The X-Files: Collector's Set' together in fine form. Collectively, the set features each individual season housed in their respective hard Blu-ray cases held in a rectangular box with slipcover that is roughly 3.5 inches wide by 7 inches high by 13 inches long. For a comparison, this box is roughly the same size and dimensions as the 1966 'Batman The Complete Television Series' box set. I really love the packaging of this set by keeping the respective seasons in their own hard cases so you don't have to worry about the discs getting scratched or crushed if they were housed in a big sleeve book. This box also includes a slot for the eventual Blu-ray release of the upcoming revival series. The totality of the series is pressed onto 55 Region A Locked BD50 discs. Each disc opens directly to their respective main menus with traditional navigation options. Thankfully they saw fit to include a "play all" option for each disc making binge viewing a lot easier. 

Video Review

Ranking:

Without any hesitation, I will state upfront that 'The X-Files' looks damn beautiful with each 1.78:1 1080p transfer. Now, given how the first four seasons were presented in 1.33:1, a conversion to 1.78:1 may worry some people, but it really shouldn't. While some information is lost on the top and the bottom, the show always had a cinematic feel to it and if series cinematographer John Bartley is to believed, each episode was shot with a widescreen view in mind - so it could be argued that the reframing for the first four seasons has brought those episodes to their intended look. While this may rankle some folks who believe it should have been left alone - and I counted myself among that group until I saw these transfers - the series as a whole now maintains a complete uniform visual experience.

That said, there are some notable side effects of this reframing effort that should be addressed that are unique to the first four seasons. Because of the reframing, the opening title sequence just looks a little awkward. On top of that, any special effects sequence stands out because the shots weren't mastered for HD so they tend to look a bit softer and insome shots the visible grain information can look a little noisy in some places. It would also appear that a little bit of edge enhancement was used to sharpen some of these scenes. Also, some shots weren't available to properly remaster for HD and had to be upconverted from the SD elements. For that reason, I would rate Season One, Two, Three, and Four as a uniform 4/5 where I would grade the rest of the series as 4.5/5.

All around, 'The X-Files' looks amazing offering spectacular detail levels, impressive color reproduction, with deep inky blacks. Even having viewed these masters via streaming, I was still taken aback at the clarity and detail levels present throughout these Blu-ray sets. Because of the strong detail levels and blacks, the image maintains a strong sense of three-dimensional pop with only minimal crush instances. Flesh tones look healthy and accurate while primaries look splendid. Fans of the show should be incredibly happy with the look of the show, even if the first four seasons don't appear broadcast accurate. 

Audio Review

Ranking:

As impressive as the video quality, the English DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio mixes for each episode are no slouch either. Dialogue is crystal clear and never at odds with the score or sound effects. What really stood out me to me with these mixes is the sense of dimensionality and atmosphere. Each scene feels full with background ambient noises as well as signature effects to give each moment a lot of life and presence. Imaging is also very impressive as there is a lot of channel movement - especially during the action bits to keep the audio tracks active and engaging. No anomalies or hiss of any kind to report either. All around each track sounds fantastic and supports all of the suspense and tension 'The X-Files' has to offer. 

Special Features

Ranking:

Each season of the series is given a large number of extra features, totaling over 23 hours combined. A lot of this material appears to be old archival extra features sourced from the old DVD sets and the gigantic Complete Series DVD box set from several years back. Still a very good amount of information and the select episode commentaries offer a lot of worthwhile information. Because of the incredible volume of bonus features in this set, my analysis will be a little more brief than usual. 

The X-Files

Season One: Disc One

Deep Throat Audio Commentary: Series Chris Carter provides a lot of insight into the episode, and the early stages of the series at that point, the production, cinematography, casting of regular characters and so forth. 

Introduction to Pilot by Christ Carter and Frank Spotnitz: (SD 1:01)  

Series Introduction by Frank Spotnitz: (SD 0:36)

Chris Carter Talks about Season 1: (SD 14:12) This is a series of clips for various episodes on the disc where Carter talks about the intricacies of writing the plot, shooting, and other relevant information. These are very brief clips, but still informative. 

Deleted Scenes: (SD 2:54) 

Pilot International Clips: These are a collection of various scenes from the first episode that were dubbed in German, Japanese, Spanish, and Italian. 

Season One: Disc Two

Chris Carter Talks about Season 1: (SD 2:05)

'The Jersey Devil' International Clips: (SD) A collection of different scenes in German, Japanese, and Spanish.

'Ice' International Clips: (SD) A collection of clips of different scenes in Japanese, Spanish, and Italian

Season One: Disc Three

Chris Carter Talks about Season 1: (SD 6:11)

Special Effects Sequence from 'Fallen Angel': (SD 0:33) A very quick look at what went into creating the effects sequence. 

'Space' International Clips: (SD) Clips in German and Japanese.

'Fire' International Clips: (SD) Clips in Spanish, Italian, and Japanese.

Season One: Disc Four

Introduction to 'Beyond the Sea' by Chris Carter and Frank Spotnitz: (SD 1:38) 

Chris Carter Talks about Season 1: (SD 3:16)

'Beyond the Sea' International Clips: (SD) Clips in Italian, German, Spanish, and Japanese. 

Season One: Disc Five

Chris Carter Talks about Season 1: (SD 4:27)

'E.B.E.' International Clips: (SD) Clips in German, Italian, Japanese and Spanish

Season One: Disc Six

'The Erienmeyer Flask' Audio Commentary: Episode director R.W. Goodwin takes a look at and offers insight to the season finale episode. 

Chris Carter Talks about Season 1: (SD 4:27)

'Tooms' International Clips: (SD) Clips are in German, Spanish, Italian, and Japanese

'The Erienmeyer Flask' International Clips: (SD Clips are in German and Japanese

Documentary: The Truth About Season 1: (SD 11:05) A nice piece of behind the scenes content, brief, but thankfully not just the basics, covers a lot of the production and season relative information. 

FX: Behind the Truth: (SD 12:37) A very basic EPK style bit of behind the scenes look at the different materials that were created for the series' rerun turn on the FX network. 

Television Spots: (SD 14:04) Your basic episode bumpers to get you pumped for next week's episode. 

The X-Files

Season Two: Disc One

Introduction to 'The Host' by Chris Carter and Frank Spotnitz: (SD 1:33) A quick but fun look at this excellent episode.

Chris Carter Talks about Season 2: (SD 7:39)

Deleted Scene: (SD 1:20)

Season Two: Disc Two

'Duane Barry' Audio Commentary: Chris Carter offers a lot of insight into this fantastic episode. 

Chris Carter Talks about Season 2: (SD 4:28)

Deleted Scene: (SD 0:30)

'Duane Barry' International Clips: (SD) Clips are in German, Spanish, Japanese, and Italian.

Season Two: Disc Three

Chris Carter Talks about Season 2: (SD 3:10)

'One Breath' International Clips: (SD) Clips are in Italian, German, Japanese, and Spanish.

Season Two: Disc Four

Chris Carter Talks about Season 2: (SD 4:15)

'Irresistible' International Clips: (SD) Clips are in German, Spanish, Italian, and Japanese

Season Two: Disc Five

'End Games' Audio Commentary: Frank Spotnitz provides the commentary for this one and proves to be an engaging and insightful contributor. 

Behind The Scenes Clip: (SD 0:37) A quick EPK extra feature. 

Chris Carter Talks about Season 2: (SD 4:41)

Season Two: Disc Six

Deleted Scene: (SD 1:09)

Chris Carter Talks about Season 2: (SD 2:19)

Behind The Scenes Clip: (SD 1:05) This is a very quick and brief EPK style extra feature. 

'Humbug' International Clips: (SD) Clips are in Spanish, German, Japanese, and Italian.

Season Two: Disc Seven

'Anasazi' Audio Commentary: Director R. W. Goodwin offers insights into this episode.

Deleted Scene: (SD 0:40)

Chris Carter Talks about Season 2: (SD 1:53)

Behind the Scenes Clip: (SD 0:31)

Documentary: The Truth About Season 2: (SD 14:32) Similar to the Season 1 version, cast and crew interviews and look at particular episodes. 

FX: Behind the Truth: (SD 9:20)

Television Spots: (SD 13:13) 

The X-Files

Season Three: Disc One

Introduction to 'Clyde Bruckman's Final Repose' By Chris Carter and Frank Spotnitz: (SD 1:43)

Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary by Chris Carter: (SD 5:54) These are your typical extended, deleted scenes, but it's still interesting to hear why they were deleted.

Special Effects Sequence with Commentary by Mat Beck: (SD 4:04) A very interesting look at what goes into creating the effects sequences and Mat Beck provides a good amount of insight in a short amount of time. 

Chris Carter Talks about Season 3: (SD 5:58)

'Paper Clip' International Clips: (SD) Clips are in Italian, German, Japanese, and Spanish. 

Season Three: Disc Two

Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary by Chris Carter: (SD 3:09)

Special Effects Sequence with Commentary by Mat Beck: (SD 1:31)

'The Walk' International Clips: Clips are in German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish

Season Three: Disc Three

Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary by Chris Carter: (SD 2:19)

Special Effects Sequence with Commentary by Mat Beck: (SD 0:57)

Chris Carter Talks about Season 3: (SD 5:51)

'War of the Coprophages International Clips: (SD) Clips are in German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish.

Season Three: Disc Four

'Apocrypha' Audio Commentary: Kim Manners and Chris Carter talk about the episode. It's nice to hear a back and forth between two people here as the pair offer up a lot of information and detail. 

Special Effects Sequence with Commentary by Mat Beck: (SD 1:48)

Chris Carter Talks about Season 3: (SD 2:56)

Piper Maru International Clips: (SD) Clips are in German, Spanish, Japanese, and Italian.

Season Three: Disc Five

'Jose Chung's From Outer Space' Audio Commentary: Rob Bowman and Darin Morgan sit down to talk about this great episode. 

Special Effects Sequence with Optional Commentary by Mat Beck: (SD 4:04)

Chris Carter Talks about Season 3: (SD 2:40)

'Pusher' International Clips: (SD) Clips are in German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish.

Season Three: Disc Six

'Talitha Cumi' Audio Commentary: Director R.W. Good does a fine job going over the details that went into making this particular episode. 

Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary by Chris Carter: (SD 2:39)

Deleted Scene: (1:26)

Special Effects Sequence with Commentary by Mat Beck: (SD 0:54)

Threads of Mythology: Abduction: (SD 27:29) A look at some of the themes covered within the series. 

Documentary: The Truth About Season 3: (SD 21:18)

FX: Behind the Truth: (SD 17:33)

Television Spots: (SD 12:52)

The X-Files

Season Four: Disc One

Deleted Scenes: (SD 1:30)

Special Effects Sequence with Commentary by Paul Rabwin: (SD 2:08)

'Herrenvolk' Interview With Frank Spotnitz: (SD 1:47) 

'Home' Interview with James Wong: (SD 2:20)

'Unruhe' Interview with Vince Gilligan: (SD 2:16) 

Alternate Audio for 'Home' Teaser: This is actually pretty cool, it's clear they had to tone it down going into this episode. 

'Home' International Clips: (SD) Clips are in German, Japanese, and Spanish and are still creepy as hell. 

Season Four: Disc Two

Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary by Chris Carter: (SD 3:20)

Deleted Scene: (SD 2:32)

'Tungunska' Interview with Chris Carter: (SD 3:19)

'Tungunska' International Clips: (SD) Clips are in German, Japanese, and Spanish.

Season Four: Disc Three

Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary by Chris Carter: (SD 1:42)

Special Effects Sequence with Commentary by Paul Rabwin: (SD 2:34)

'Paper Hearts' Interview with Vince Gilligan: (SD 1:38)

'Paper Hearts' International Clips: (SD) Clips are in German, Japanese, and Spanish.

Season Four: Disc Four

'Memento Mori' Audio Commentary: Frank Spotnitz provides commentary for this episode that is insightful and interesting. 

'Memento Mori' Audio Commentary: Rob Bowman gives his commentary and it's pretty cool to get his views of the episode.

Introduction to 'Memento Mori' by Chris Carter and Frank Spotnitz: (SD 2:37)

Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary by Chris Carter: (SD 6:10)

Special Effects Sequence with Commentary by Paul Rabwin: (SD 4:09)

'Memento Mori' International Clips: (SD) Clips are in German, Japanese, and Spanish.

Season Four: Disc Five

'Max' Audio Commentary: Kim Manners provides a lot of info and tidbits for this episode.

'Small Potatoes' Audio Commentary: Vince Gilligan provides a solo commentary for this episode. 

Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary by Chris Carter: (SD 1:42)

Special Effects Sequence with Commentary by Paul Rabwin: (SD 1:58)

'Tempus Fugit' International Clips: (SD) Clips are in German, Spanish, and Japanese. 

Season Four: Disc Six

'Gethsemane' International Clips: (SD) Clips are in German, Spanish, and Japanese. 

Documentary: The Truth About Season 4: (SD 23:55)

FX: Behind the Truth: (SD 13:41)

Television Spots: (SD 12:53)

The X-Files

Season Five: Disc One

'Redux International Clips: (SD) Clips are in German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish.

Season Five: Disc Two

'The Post-Modern Prometheus' Audio Commentary: Chris Carter flies solo for this commentary track.

Introduction to 'The Post-Modern Prometheus' by Chris Carter and Frank Spotnitz: (SD 1:45)

Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary by Chris Carter: (SD 4:52)

Special Effects Sequence with Commentary by Paul Rabwin: (SD 1:03)

'Christmas Carol' International Clips: (SD) Clips are in German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish.

Season Five: Disc Three

Special Effects Sequence with Optional Commentary by Paul Rabwin: (SD 2:31)

'Kill Switch' International Clips: (SD) Clips are in German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish.

Season Five: Disc Four

'Patient X' Audio Commentary: Kim Manners provides an insightful commentary for this episode.

'The Red and the Black' Audio Commentary: Chris Carter flies solo for this commentary track.

Introduction to 'Bad Blood' by Chris Carter and Frank Spotnitz: (SD 1:51)

Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary by Chris Carter: (SD 1:48)

Special Effects Sequence with Commentary by Paul Rabwin: (SD 5:42)

'Patient X' International Clips: (SD) Clips are in German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish.

Season Five: Disc Five

Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary by Chris Carter: (SD 3:27)

Special Effects Sequence with Commentary by Paul Rabwin: (SD 3:12)

Season Five: Disc Six

'The Pine Bluff Variant Audio Commentary: John Shiban provides a pretty decent and informative audio commentary for this episode. 

Special Effects Sequence with Commentary by Paul Rabwin: (SD 1:56)

Threads of Mythology: Black Oil: (SD 31:40) This is another cool documentary that covers the genesis of the black oil and how it works as a link through a number of the episodes.

Inside the X-Files: (SD 45:29) Another solid behinds the scenes look at the show. A lot of it may feel a bit redundant, but it still offers up some good material.

'The End' International Clips: (SD) Clips are in German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish.

Documentary: The Truth About Season 5: (SD 19:23)

FX: Behind the Truth: (SD 11:31)

FX Featurette: (SD 1:54)

Television Spots: (SD 10:41)

The X-Files

Season Six: Disc One

'Triangle' Audio Commentary: Chris Carter on his own again, it's a great episode so this commentary is a nice addition.

Special Effects Sequence with Commentary by Paul Rabwin: (SD 3:16)

'The Beginning' International Clips: (SD) Clips are in German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish.

Season Six: Disc Two

Special Effects Sequence with Commentary by Paul Rabwin: (SD 9:44)

'Dreamland II' International Clips: (SD) Clips are in German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish.

Season Six: Disc Three

'Two Fathers' Audio Commentary: Kim Manners does the commentary for this one. 

'One Son' Audio Commentary: Frank Spotnitz provides the commentary for this episode, it's nice to hear his thoughts since he hasn't done too many of these. 

Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary by Frank Spotnitz: (SD 13:30) This was the season where Frank started taking more creative control and it's interesting to hear his thoughts of the scenes and why they were cut.

Special Effects Sequence with Commentary by Paul Rabwin: (SD 0:14)

'Two Fathers' International Clips: (SD) Clips are in German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish.

Season Six: Disc Four

Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary by Frank Spotnitz: (SD 3:53)

'Arcadia' International Clips: (SD) Clips are in German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish.

Season Six: Disc Five

'Milagro' Audio Commentary: Kim Manners does a solo commentary for this episode. 

Introduction to 'Milagro' by Chris Carter and Frank Spotnitz: (SD 1:51)

Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary by Frank Spotnitz: (SD 9:26)

Special Effects Sequence with Commentary by Paul Rabwin: (SD 2:12)

Season Six: Disc Six

Deleted Scene with Optional Commentary by Frank Spotnitz: (SD 2:11)

'Biogenesis' International Clips: (SD) Clips are in German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish.

'Three of a Kind' International Clips: (SD) Clips are in German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish.

Documentary: The Truth About Season 6: (SD 20:58)

Behind the Scenes Featurette: (SD 2:01)

X-Files Profiles: Cigarette Smoking Man: (SD 6:07) It's short, but it's a fun look at a great character.

Television Spots: (11:46)

The X-Files

Season Seven: Disc One

Deleted Scene with Optional Commentary by Chris Carter: (SD 1:33)

Special Effects Sequence with Commentary by Paul Rabwin: (SD 3:58)

'The Sixth Extinction II: Amor Fati' International Clips: (SD) Clips are in German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish.

Season Seven: Disc Two

Deleted Scene with Optional Commentary by Chris Carter: (SD 1:12)

Special Effects Sequence with Commentary by Paul Rabwin: (SD 4:58)

'The Amazing Maleeni' International Clips: (SD) Clips are in German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish.

Season Seven: Disc Three

'Closure' Commentary: Kim Manners provides a solo commentary track for this episode. 

Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary by Chris Carter: (SD 3:13)

Special Effects Sequence with Commentary by Paul Rabwin: (SD 2:33)

'Closure' International Clips: (SD) Clips are in German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish.

Season Seven: Disc Four

'First Person Shooter' Audio Commentary: Chris Carter once again delivers a solid commentary track. 

Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary by Chris Carter: (SD 8:21)

Special Effects Sequence with Commentary by Paul Rabwin: (SD 1:49)

'En Ami' International Clips: (SD) Clips are in German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish.

Season Seven: Disc Five

'All Things' Audio Commentary: Gillian Anderson gives the commentary for this episode, It's cool to hear her thoughts as an actress as well as a writer and director of this episode. 

Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary by Chris Carter: (SD 2:36)

'Hollywood A.D.' International Clips: (SD) Clips are in German, Japanese, and Spanish

Season Seven: Disc Six

'Je Souhaite' Audio Commentary: Vince Gilligan provides a solid commentary for this episode.

Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary by Chris Carter: (SD 4:00)

Documentary: The Truth About Season 7: (SD 19:57)

X-Files Profiles A.D. Skinner: (SD 6:15) A look at Mich Pileggi's character.

X-Files Profiles Samantha Mulder: (SD 5:12) A brief but good look at the character.

Television Spots: (SD 12:15)

The X-Files

Season Eight: Disc One

'Within' Audio Commentary: Kim Manners and Robert Patrick provide a great commentary for this episode. Fun to hear Robert Patrick's thoughts on the show and this episode.

Special Effects Sequence by Mat Beck with Commentary by Paul Rabwin: (SD 1:14)

'Within' International Clips: (SD) Clips are in German, Italian, and Japanese.

Season Eight: Disc Two

Deleted Scene with Optional Commentary by Frank Spotnitz and John Shiban: (SD 1:14) It's such a short scene it's hard to get a sense of both men's thoughts. 

'Via Negativa' International Clips: (SD) Clips are in German, Italian, and Japanese.

Season Eight: Disc Three

Deleted Scene with Optional Commentary by Frank Spotnitz and John Shiban: (SD 1:21)

Special Effects Sequence by Mat Beck with Commentary by Paul Rabwin: (SD 0:58)

'The Gift' International Clips: (SD) Clips are in German, Italian, and Japanese.

Season Eight: Disc Four

'Deadalive' Audio Commentary: Frank Spotnitz delivers this commentary solo. 

Deleted Scene with Optional Commentary by Frank Spotnitz and John Shiban: (SD 1:45)

Special Effects Sequence by Mat Beck with Commentary by Paul Rabwin: (SD 3:54)

Season Eight: Disc Five

'Vienen' Audio Commentary: Episode Director Ron Hardy provides the commentary for this rather decent episode. 

Deleted Scene with Optional Commentary by Frank Spotnitz and John Shiban: (SD 1:15)

Special Effects Sequence by Mat Beck with Commentary by Paul Rabwin: (SD 5:25)

'Three Words' International Clips: (SD) Clips are in German, Italian, and Japanese.

Season Eight: Disc Six

'Alone' Audio Commentary: Frank Spotnitz provides a solo commentary for this episode. 

'Existence' Audio Commentary: Kim Manners provides a solo commentary for this episode. 

Deleted Scene with Optional Commentary by Frank Spotnitz and John Shiban: (SD 5:26)

Special Effects Sequence by Mat Beck with Commentary by Paul Rabwin: (SD 3:43)

Documentary: The Truth About Season 8: (SD 23:12)

Threads of Mythology: Colonization: (SD 27:15)

X-Files Profiles Gibson Praise: (SD 6:02)

X-Files Profiles John Dogget: (SD 6:22)

X-Files Profiles Alex Krycek: (SD 6:23)

'Essence' International Clips: (SD) Clips are in German, Italian, and Japanese.

'Existence' International Clips: (SD) Clips are in German, Italian, and Japanese.

Television Spots: (SD 11:12)

The X-Files

Season Nine: Disc One

Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary by Chris Carter and Frank Spotnitz: (SD 11:44)

Special Effects Sequence by Mat Beck with Commentary by Paul Rabwin: (SD 0:41)

'Nothing Important Happened Today II' International Clips: (SD) Clips are in German, Italian, and Japanese.

Season Nine: Disc Two

Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary by Chris Carter and Frank Spotnitz: (SD 2:08)

Special Effects Sequence by Mat Beck with Commentary by Paul Rabwin: (SD 2:07)

'Trust No 1' International Clips: (SD) Clips are in German, Italian, and Japanese.

Season Nine: Disc Three

Deleted Scene with Optional Commentary by Chris Carter and Frank Spotnitz: (SD 1:29)

Special Effects Sequence by Mat Beck with Commentary by Paul Rabwin: (SD 2:16)

'Provenance' International Clips: (SD) Clips are in German, Italian, and Japanese.

Season Nine: Disc Four

'Improbably' Audio Commentary: Chris Carter does a solo commentary track for this episode.

'Jump the Shark' Audio Commentary: Frank Spotnitz, Vince Gilligan, and John Shiban provide a solid commentary for this fun episode.

Deleted Scene with Optional Commentary by Chris Carter and Frank Spotnitz: (SD 1:40)

Special Effects Sequence by Mat Beck with Commentary by Paul Rabwin: (SD 1:29)

'William' International Clips: (SD) Clips are in German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish.

Season Nine: Disc Five

'The Truth' Audio Commentary: Kim Manners provides a solo commentary for this episode.

Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary by Chris Carter and Frank Spotnitz: (SD 4:18)

Special Effects Sequences by Mat Beck with Commentary by Paul Rabwin: (SD 1:49)

Reflections on 'The Truth' Featurette: (SD 13:12) This is a brief but pretty cool cast and crew look back at this episode. 

Season Nine: Disc Six

2008 WonderCon Panel: (SD 26:48) This is a pretty good panel look at the show as well as the second movie which was just about to premier when this discussion happened. 

The Making of 'The Truth': (SD 1:07:45) This is a great look at what went into making the final episodes.

Secrets of 'The X-Files': (SD 42: 58) A fun look at the show.

More Secrets of 'The X-Files': (SD 45:05)

Reflections on 'The X-Files': (SD 17:42)

Documentary: The Truth About Season 9: (SD 20:44)

Threads of Mythology: Super Soldiers: (SD 26:59) An interesting look at the reason why the show lasted a lot longer than it should have. 

X-Files Profiles Monic Reyes: (SD 6:46)

X-Files Profiles Brad Follmer: (SD 7:46)

Television Spots: (SD 11:02)

Final Thoughts

To put it simply, 'The X-Files' is an experience show. Everyone that got hooked by it remembers when they first fell in love with it, and given how the later episodes turned out, when they probably fell out of love with it. While the entire run may not have been able to maintain consistency, it still stands as one of the most creative and entertaining shows to ever reach broadcast airwaves. 'The X-Files: The Collector's Set' bundles together all nine original seasons. While every season may not be on everyone's list, the single season sets may be a bit more attractive to some. That said, given all of the content that is here, with the impressive A/V presentation, and the incredible amount of extra features to sift through, 'The X-Files: The Collector's Set' is very highly recommended on Blu-ray.