Upcoming Spy DVDs: XIII

TV Shows On DVD reports that XIII, the miniseries that aired on NBC last year, will soon be available on DVD and Blu-ray from Phase 4 Films under the title XIII: The Conspiracy.  Stephen Dorff, Val Kilmer and Casino Royale's Caterina Murino starred in the spy thriller, which was based on a very Bourne Identity-inspired French graphic novel of the same name by Jean Van Hamme.  The reason for the new subtitle, apparently, is that a full series is now in development, without a network, from an independent European producer/distributor.  (This is the same model as the one being used by the long-in-development new Saint series, so XIII fans should remain hopeful, but not hold their collective breath.)  Anyway, the product description for the miniseries reads:

The first female U.S. President is shot dead by a sniper during her Independence Day speech. Three months later, a wounded man is found hanging from a tree with no memory of his identity. The only clue is a tattoo on his neck, 'XIII'. Submerged in a far-reaching conspiracy which threatens to overthrow the entire government, XIII's identity becomes the key to unraveling a complex and dangerous truth that will shock and excite. From the first bullet, this gripping action-thriller will leave audiences gasping for breath.

Apparently, the version of XIII on Blu-ray will run 180 minutes, while the DVD only runs 136 minutes.  Both retail for $29.99.  Amazon lists a February 9 release date for both, but TV Shows On DVD hears that that might not be correct.  Their sources suggest that the February 9 date might be for rental only, with retail release following on April 6.