Underworld Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Underworld" utilizes the AVC/MPEG-4 codec, showcasing the film in its original 2.35:1 aspect ratio with outstanding clarity and detail, which far surpasses previous DVD editions. The film’s meticulous transfer from its original print reveals no signs of deterioration—marks, scratches, or blemishes are nonexistent, ensuring viewers enjoy the dark, brooding visuals that director Len Wiseman so carefully curated. Despite some instances of noise in darker sequences, this is but a minor distraction in an otherwise flawless visual experience. The intentional desaturation and reduction to a nearly monochromatic color palette, dictated by Wiseman's creative vision, accentuates the film's gothic atmosphere without detracting from the overall quality of the image. The blues, grays, and blacks are rendered with precision, even if at times the darkest scenes swallow up finer details.

The level of detail achieved in this Blu-ray release is commendable, with textures and fine objects displayed with a clarity that approaches three-dimensionality. From the intricate designs of vampire attire to the rugged architecture of the underworld, every element is captured with exceptional sharpness. The film operates within a narrowed color spectrum—primarily using various shades of blue to set its mood—without compromising the reproduction of accurate flesh tones in the few scenes that require them. Black levels are deep and inky, although they occasionally obscure detail in favor of maintaining the film's visually oppressive ambiance. This deliberate manipulation contributes to an almost comic book-like presentation, aligning with the director’s artistic intentions.

Sony's AVC encoding technique brilliantly encapsulates 'Underworld’s' visual essence, presenting an image with stability and fidelity that rivals top-tier Blu-ray transfers. However, challenges arise from the original cinematography and extensive post-production adjustments—manifested as crushing blacks and a sometimes overly desaturated palette. Despite these artistic decisions affecting visual depth in places, this Blu-ray edition stands as a significant upgrade from earlier releases. Fine details like hair bristles, claw chips, and masonry work shine through with surreal clarity. Although occasionally hampered by directorial choices that result in loss of texture and an intrusive grain in darker scenes, this release offers a definitive high-definition experience of 'Underworld’, making it a noteworthy improvement for fans and newcomers alike.

The Blu-ray release of "Underworld" impresses with its audio presentation, offering viewers a choice between an English uncompressed PCM 5.1 soundtrack at 4.6 Mbps and a Dolby Digital 5.1 alternative at 640 kbps, alongside an Italian PCM track. The PCM option is notably superior, boasting a more robust low-frequency effects (LFE) channel that lends a thunderous quality to the film's numerous action sequences and a clarity in dialogue reproduction that is commendable. The soundstage is expansive, with precise steering and panning that places viewers at the heart of the action — shell casings and ricochets are rendered with pinpoint accuracy across the surround setup, enhancing the immersive experience. Despite its strengths, the bass can occasionally feel overwhelming, potentially detracting from the nuanced layers of the film's intricate soundscape.

From the outset, this audio mix is characterized by its loudness — a feature that underscores the dynamic range but might necessitate caution to avoid disturbing neighbors. The powerful LFE channel ensures that every scene, from the subtlest atmospheric effects to the most intense action sequences, receives a palpable depth that can physically impact the viewer. Additionally, the meticulous mix and mastering work shines through, with a balanced mid-range and smooth, natural special effects that contribute to a moody and dramatic auditory experience. The soundtrack's tonal quality complements the visual aesthetic of the film, enhancing its gloomy atmosphere without overshadowing character dialogue or critical sound cues.

Ultimately, the Blu-ray's audio presentation of "Underworld" sets a high bar for home cinema, with its uncompressed PCM track serving as a reference-quality example of auditory excellence. The mix's warmth, fidelity, and attention to detail ensure that both ambient and action-packed scenes are conveyed with an immersive depth and clarity. Even in quieter moments, the soundscape remains engaging, with a richness and complexity that rewards attentive listening. While the overpowering bass may not suit all tastes or situations, audiophiles and fans alike will find much to appreciate in this meticulously crafted audio experience.

The Blu-ray edition of "Underworld" comes packed with an extensive array of extras, making it a must-have for fans and enthusiasts of the vampire-werewolf genre. Notably, the commentary featuring Len Wiseman, Kate Beckinsale, and Scott Speedman offers an intriguing, albeit slightly disjointed, dive into the making of the film. The set boasts seven meticulously detailed featurettes covering everything from the making of the movie to its visual and creature effects, providing a comprehensive behind-the-scenes look. Additionally, the "Fang Vs. Fiction" documentary presents a fascinating yet offbeat exploration of vampire and werewolf lore, despite its tendency to veer into tangents. While some previously included features from DVD editions are missing, such as TV spots and the comic book, the Blu-ray edition makes up for these omissions with its wealth of content in standard definition. A professional and technical tone is maintained throughout, ensuring that each extra adds value to the overall package.

Extras included in this disc:

Audio Commentary: A feature-length commentary track with director Len Wiseman, actress Kate Beckinsale, and actor Scott Speedman.

Fang vs. Fiction: Documentary exploring vampire and werewolf legends.

Featurettes: Seven featurettes including Making of Underworld, Visual Effects of Underworld, Creature Effects, Stunts, Designing Underworld, The Look of Underworld, and Sights & Sounds.

Outtakes: A collection of amusing bloopers from the film’s production.

Storyboard Comparison: A comparison of selected scenes with their storyboard sketches.

Music Video – Finch: Worms of the Earth: Finch's music video related to the film.

All extras are presented in standard definition.

Underworld, as presented in its Blu-ray movie format, is a film that encapsulates a stylized, visually arresting experience combined with an impressive aural presentation, making it a joy to the senses, particularly when the volume is slightly adjusted. The narrative embarks on a modern gothic journey, echoing the timeless themes of forbidden love, betrayal, and the enduring clash between Vampires and Lycans, somewhat reminiscent of Shakespearean tragedies in its ambition. Although it might not achieve the poetic heights of Shakespeare's work, it excels in weaving these universal themes into the fabric of its storytelling, creating a compelling narrative backdrop that elevates it beyond a mere horror flick.

The casting of Kate Beckinsale as Selene, a vampire Death Dealer caught amidst a centuries-old conflict, brings a refreshing depth and charisma to a genre often dominated by one-dimensional action heroes. Her performance, alongside a well-curated ensemble including Bill Nighy and Michael Sheen, anchors the film’s ambitious narrative arcs and visually stunning gothic aesthetic. However, while Underworld is laudable for its visual flair and action sequences enriched with seamless effects, it stumbles in fully exploring its premise's potential—the much-anticipated vampire-werewolf conflict is mostly relegated to gunfights, leaving little room for showcasing their natural abilities in direct combat, which could have provided a more fulfilling spectacle for genre aficionados.

Notwithstanding its foray into action-heavy sequences at the expense of horror elements, Underworld skims the surface of deeper narrative exploration, particularly regarding the historically rich vampire-werewolf lore. The film’s attempt to delve into Lucian’s effort to create a hybrid capable of bridging the chasm between both species promises intrigue but ultimately falls short in execution. The additional footage in the Unrated Cut adds layers to character development but does little to address the core plot's unfulfilled potential. Consequently, Underworld offers an aesthetically pleasing and entertaining experience yet leaves one yearning for a more profound fulfillment of its rich thematic and narrative promises.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Underworld" has undoubtedly elevated the already intriguing experience of the film, albeit the movie's standing in the Gothic/Action/Horror genre might not be as groundbreaking as expected. Despite some criticism towards its derivative elements reminiscent of predecessors like "The Matrix," including slow-motion sequences, wire work, and at times a green-washed palette, it fails to significantly innovate within its genre. The film’s narrative depth is also called into question, with key relationships and backstories touched upon but not fully developed, leaving a gap in emotional resonance and character dynamics. However, Kate Beckinsale’s commanding performance draped in PVC remains a highlight, fueling the film's entertainment value.

Technically, the Blu-ray release shines with Sony's AVC video encoding and an uncompressed PCM 5.1 soundtrack, setting a high bar for audio-visual quality that substantially benefits viewers. This release surpasses its standard-definition predecessors by leaps and bounds in both picture clarity and sound design, making it a compelling purchase for audiophiles and cinephiles alike. The addition of extensive special features from the 2-disc Special Edition DVD only adds to the allure, ensuring that fans of the series have plenty to dive into beyond just the movie.

In conclusion, while "Underworld" may not have fully capitalized on its potential to redefine its genre, the Blu-ray presentation offers an undeniably superior viewing experience. The exceptional video and audio quality, paired with an array of special features, makes this edition a valuable addition for collectors and a worthy upgrade for fans. Whether you're drawn in by the aesthetic appeal of Beckinsale’s portrayal or the universal themes that resonate beyond the screen, this Blu-ray release merits attention for both its technical excellence and its effort to enhance the overall impact of the film.