X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST – The Rogue Cut Review

Calling this version the Rogue Cut is honestly my biggest gripe with it.  While Rogue plays a pivotal role in this version, she only has about five minutes of screen time. Her story actually gives Bobby Drake cooler (get it) and better on screen moments.  The extended version is 17 minutes longer than the theatrical version and aside from Rogue’s scenes has only has one other additional sequence that is completely missing from the original theatrical version. This sequence involves Hank McCoy and Mystique and references their relationship from First Class, while adding greater depth to their characters internal struggles and motivation within this film.

 

The remaining changes/additions are small moments here and there, mainly in the future scenes which are noticeably extended, though there are a few in the 1970’s as well.  In the end the viewing experience for this movie is not vastly improved by this cut, though it is not worsened either. It is very easy to see why the film was trimmed down by 17 minutes for theaters to help the pace of the film.

I didn’t purchase the initial Blu Ray of Days of Future Past as I knew this version was scheduled for release.  One very cool element of this disc is that it includes both versions of the film.  Having both versions I see myself watching the extended version predominantly as I really enjoyed the film and would gladly spend the extra time with these characters, even if it does not result in anything significantly more substantial.