‘X2’ on DVD delivers in all categories

X2: X-Men United

Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart

Fox, $30

This sequel to the 2000 hit “X-Men,” based on the Marvel Comics franchise, is better than the original. Filled with exciting action, a clever plot and energized performances from Jackman, Stewart, Ian McKellen, Halle Berry, Famke Janssen, Anna Paquin and Alan Cumming, “X2” is not only well-produced entertainment, it also has heart and soul.

The two-disc digital edition is a guide into the world of the X-Men. The first DVD includes a commentary track with director Bryan Singer and cinematographer Tom Sigel, and another with producer Lauren Shuler Donner, among others. The second DVD includes 11 featurettes covering everything from the origin of the “X-Men” comics to the visual effects.

*

Bruce Almighty

Jim Carrey, Jennifer Aniston

Universal, $27

After showing his serious side in “Man on the Moon” and “The Majestic” -- both films tanked at the box office -- Carrey returns to the wild and crazy personae his fans adore as Bruce, a TV reporter who is discontented with his work and life. Because he constantly complains to God, the Almighty (Morgan Freeman) gives Bruce all of his divine powers and tells him to see if he can do a better job. There are some amusing set pieces, but the film slows to a snail’s pace when it attempts to become heartwarming.

The digital edition features amusing bloopers, several deleted scenes including a wonderful bit with Carrey pretending to be Sammy Davis Jr., and commentary by director Tom Shadyac.

The West Wing -- The Complete First Season

Martin Sheen, Rob Lowe

Warner Home Video, $60

The four-disc set of NBC’s Emmy Award-winning political series’ freshman year features several “behind-the-scenes” documentaries, a collection of ho-hum bloopers, outtakes from cast and producer interviews, deleted scenes and audio commentary from creator and executive producer Aaron Sorkin and executive producer and frequent director Thomas Schlamme on five key episodes, including the pilot. Director Alex Graves also supplies additional commentary on “In Excelsis Deo” and director Chris Misiano joins the mix for “Celestial Navigation.”

*

Also this week

“The Legend of Suriyothai” takes you back to the 16th century and 20 years of a Thai queen’s rule and the sacrifices she makes for her country (Paramount: $29.99); “X-Men” collection (Fox Home Entertainment: $39.98)

Top video rentals

1. Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines

2. Finding Nemo

3. Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde

4. Dumb and Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd

5. Hulk

What’s coming

Tuesday: “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl” and “The Cuckoo”