There's one stunt scene that will be remembered as a classic, as xXx triggers an avalanche and snowboards ahead of the fall. But there's too much of the falling-out-of-planes, straddling-and-defusing-jet-propelled-germ-bombs, blasting-every-baddie-in-the-place business that makes it too familiar. Enough material for several great trailers, but next time they'll need a script. --Kim Newman

On the DVD: xXx comes loud and proud to DVD, with Dolby 5.1 sound and the kind of sharp screen transfer you'd expect for a movie of this magnitude. From beautiful scrolling menus based on the tattoo artwork to the brash music, this disc epitomises everything an extreme sports release should be: special features are offered in the "Zander Zone" and include a whole host of behind-the-scenes action and commentaries, made all the more interesting by Rob Cohen's reluctance to use CGI and Vin Diesel's willingness to be thrown in at the deep end. If there's one thing you should avoid, though, it's the Gavin Rossdale music video--unless of course you want to see a grown man's vanity on screen. --Nikki Disney

Special Features
Director's Commentary
"XXX A filmmaker's Diary" featurette
10 deleted scenes
"Diesel Powered" featurette
"Building Speed - the vehicles of XXX" featurette
"Designing the world of XXX" featurette
3 Visual effects 'how to' featurettes
"Adrenaline" music video - Gavin Rossdale
Theatrical trailer
Weblinks
Anamorphic - 1:2.40
DolbyDigital 5.1 Surround

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