DVD Corner

The X Trilogy Blu-ray Review

With The X Trilogy, Ti West proves himself as one of the best horror filmmakers.

When it comes to horror films of the past decade, director Ti West’s X trilogy stands as some of the very best. The trilogy kicks off with 2022’s “X” which is set in 1979. The story concerns a group (that includes Maxine) in Texas filming an adult movie at a farmhouse. The farmhouse belongs to an elderly couple (Howard and Pearl). That’s something extremely off about the old couple though. To say the film crew is in danger is an understatement.

The second installment (“Pearl”) is a prequel about the old woman from “X.” The story jumps back to 1918 where a disgruntled young Pearl lives on the same farm only with her parents. Her husband Howard is away at war (WW1 to be precise). Pearl dreams of being a movie star or a chorus girl, but her unstable behavior and deteriorating mental state gets in her way.

The trilogy closes out with the 1985 set “MaXXXine” which finds Maxine from “X” now living in Los Angeles. Maxine works at a peep show but is pursuing her dream of working in the movie biz. There are dark things afoot in Maxine’s life though. A serial killer known as the Night Stalker is killing those around her, a private eye is stirring up trouble, and Maxine’s past comes back to haunt her.

The first film in the trilogy (“X”) is more of a traditional slasher albeit a well done one. It’s heavily inspired by the likes of “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” but subverts expectations by telling a unique story within that framework. Howard and Pearl are unusual villains and the unsettling psychosexual storyline makes it even freakier.

“Pearl” is the crown jewel of the trilogy. The Ti West and Mia Goth scripted tale is styled like a classic movie of a woman pursuing her dreams, but this ambitious starlet is a stark raving mad killer. “Pearl” is also much more of a character study of the titular character spiraling out of control to the point of no return. In a perfect world Mia Goth would have been nominated for an Oscar for her work here. The end credit scene alone is unforgettable.

“MaXXXine” caps off the trilogy in a largely satisfying manner. The first two-thirds of the film are downright great. The Hollywood setting, the real-life Night Stalker serial killer being used as a plot device, Maxine’s dedication to becoming an actress, and the Universal Studios backlot sequences really draw you in. The giallo inspired final act of the slasher makes sense from a story and thematic perspective, but it comes off as overblown and clumsy. Still, this third entry is a great caper to the trilogy as Maxine succeeds where Pearl did not. 

If you don’t already own the trilogy via individual releases, this A24 limited box set release way to go.

The X Trilogy is available on the A24 Shop here on Blu-ray or 4K: https://shop.a24films.com/products/x-trilogy-collectors-edition?srsltid=AfmBOorCNApSZWxHTRiAyGujCydJny8cDDFhZ3qis6UrT9JX9Y6fhdeI&variant=40776531181617

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.89:1 1080p for “X” and 2.39:1 1080p for “Pearl” and “MaXXXine”. How do the films look? All 3 films contain sharp hi-def transfers that maintain the grain. Note: This box set is also available on 4K.

Audio Track: Dolby Atmos. How do the films sound? The Atmos tracks deliver dynamic audio experiences for all 3 films.

Extras:
* 1 trailer for “X” and “Pearl” and 2 trailers for “MaXXXine.”
* Commentary on “X” and “Pearl” by cinematographer Eliot Rockett and production designer Tom Hammock.
* Commentary on “MaXXXine” by production designer Jason Kisvarday and set decorator Kelsi Ephraim.
* “Pearl Makeup Timelapse” for “X.”
* “The Farmer’s Daughters”- A 5 minute clip of the adult film footage that was shot within “X.”
* “That X Factor” features behind-the-scenes footage, cast and crew interviews, and discussions about X.”
* 64 page booklet with photos, storyboards, artwork, props, and an essay by Jon Dieringer.
* “Coming Out Of Her Shell: The Creation Of Pearl”- Mia Goth, Ti West, and others talk about Pearl’s character, the comedy, and the film in this featurette.
* “Time After Time” covers the experience of filming “X” and “Pearl” back to back.
* “The Belly Of The Beast”- A featurette on “MaXXXine,” the characters and cast, and story.
* “XXX Marks The Spot” is about the 80s look of the film.
* “Hollywood Is A Killer” is about the makeup effects.
* Q&A With Ti West and Jen Yamato.
* “Deep Dive With Composer Tyler Bates”

November 1, 2025 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | A24, horror, MaXXXine, Mia Goth, Pearl, Slasher Films, The X Trilogy Blu-ray Review, Ti West, X