Underworld: Evolution Blu-ray Review

Sony's Blu-ray release of "Underworld: Evolution" offers a compelling visual experience, presented in a 1080p transfer that retains the film's intended dark, atmospheric aesthetic without compromising on detail. While initial concerns may arise from the appearance of banding in the very beginning, the remainder of the film showcases a remarkably sharp image quality. The dark conditions, a critical aspect of the film's visual palette, are handled with exceptional proficiency, maintaining deep, inky black levels that provide a perfect backdrop for the intricate details of characters' armor and the distinctive makeup effects. Particularly, the portrayal of Marcus stands out, with each element rendered with clarity. Despite a few softer shots, especially in scenes featuring pale vampire faces, the level of detail is consistently high across both foreground and background elements, including the textures and nuances of clothing and environments. This level of detail is achieved without artificial enhancements or distractions, and film grain, while present, does not detract from the viewing experience.

However, the transfer is not without its challenges. Some may find the overall presentation too dark, which occasionally affects the visibility of fine details in shadowy scenes. This issue is somewhat exacerbated by the film's limited color palette, predominantly deep blues and purples, though the transfer manages these hues well, avoiding noise and smearing. Additionally, the presence of film grain, potentially confused with video noise, becomes more noticeable in darker sequences. These minor drawbacks notwithstanding, "Underworld: Evolution" stands out as one of the more visually impressive early Blu-ray releases from Sony. The technical execution ensures that the film’s gloomy aesthetic is preserved while delivering a crisp, clear picture that fans will appreciate.

It's worth noting that external factors unrelated to the disc's inherent quality, such as the performance of specific Blu-ray players like the Samsung BD-P1000, can influence one's viewing experience. Issues with HDMI output resulting in diminished image quality have been reported, though this is largely addressable through firmware updates or using component outputs. As technology and hardware improve, ensuring optimal playback conditions will further enhance the already commendable visual presentation of "Underworld: Evolution," making it a significant release in Sony's Blu-ray catalog and a must-see for aficionados of high-definition cinema.

"Underworld: Evolution's" Blu-ray release brings to the fore an exhilarating PCM 5.1 uncompressed soundtrack that does more than just justice to the high-octane battles between Vampires and Werewolves. From the onset, the audio experience is a sonic spectacle, comparable to what one would expect from the premium sound systems of top-tier multiplexes. Each speaker comes alive with rich, dynamic effects and music scores, ensuring an immersive auditory experience. The low-frequency effects are particularly noteworthy, with the subwoofer delivering impactful sounds that accompany the visuals perfectly—from the intensity of every confrontation to the more subtle nuances like footsteps and atmospheric conditions. The surround channels are not left behind, providing an encompassing sound field that enhances the realism and depth of the movie's setting.

Technical excellence in sound design is evident, showcasing a broad dynamic range that spans from the thunderous to the faintest whispers, all without losing fidelity or clarity. The action sequences stand out for their aggressive yet precise sound mixing, utilizing all channels effectively to create a balanced and enveloping soundscape. Dialogue remains crystal clear amidst the cacophony, ensuring no narrative detail is lost. Special mention must be made of the superb imaging and directional cues, such as the lifelike movement of a helicopter which adds to the realism of the viewing experience. Despite a few instances where the bass could feel somewhat less defined, these moments are far and few between in an otherwise flawless audio presentation.

The overall impact of 'Underworld: Evolution's' audio on Blu-ray is a testament to meticulous sound engineering. With its powerful bass, detailed atmospheric sounds, and well-placed directional effects, it sets a high benchmark for home theater experiences. The evolution of audio presentation in home entertainment seems to have found a significant milestone with this release, making it a must-experience for audiophiles and cinema enthusiasts alike.

The Blu-ray edition of "Underworld: Evolution" offers a comprehensive delve into the making of this vampiric saga that fans will find thoroughly engaging. Starting with a detailed audio commentary by director Len Wiseman and key members of the production team, viewers are given genuine insights into the creative process, technical challenges, and decisions made during filming, avoiding mere recaps of the on-screen action. The six featurettes collectively run for roughly 45 minutes, delving into everything from the evolution of the story and character design to the intricacies of visual effects, stunts, and sound design, highlighted by the standout "Music and Mayhem" featurette which explores sound and music's critical role in the film's atmosphere. An easily forgettable music video rounds off the supplements, but it doesn't detract from the overall quality of the additional content, making this Blu-ray a must-have for fans and a testament to Sony's commitment to preserving the film's legacy.

Extras included in this disc:

• Feature Commentary with Director Len Wiseman and Team: In-depth discussion on the making of "Underworld: Evolution."
• Bloodlines: From Script to Screen: Exploration of story development and casting processes.
• The Hybrid Theory: Focuses on the visual effects.
• Making Monsters Roar: Behind the scenes on prosthetics and costume design.
• The War Rages On: A look into the creation of stunts.
• Building a Saga: Insight into production design and setting scale.
• Music and Mayhem: Examination of sound design and score composition by Marco Beltrami.
• Music Video - Her Portrait in Black by Atreyu: Featuring scenes from the film.

"Underworld: Evolution," though an ambitious sequel, struggles to recapture the compelling fusion of horror and action that defined its predecessor. This installment dives deeper into the lore of its universe, tracing the historical enmities and alliances between vampires and werewolves back to the year 1202 A.D. As it ventures into the murky past of notable characters like Marcus and William Corvinus, the narrative aims to enrich the saga with complexities and a richer backstory. The film's continuity is bolstered by the return of key figures from the original — notably Kate Beckinsale as Selene and Scott Speedman as Michael — whose chemistry and evolving relationship add layers to the ongoing war. Yet, despite these narrative ambitions and strong performances, "Evolution" falls short in pacing and innovation, treading familiar grounds with increased action violence but lacking the fresh allure that originally captivated audiences.

From a technical standpoint, "Underworld: Evolution" succeeds in maintaining the visually dark aesthetic integral to its gothic charm. The choice of a desaturated color palette, emphasizing blues and blacks, not only mirrors the nocturnal world of vampires but also subtly reduces the gore's intensity without diminishing its impact. This atmospheric consistency with the first film, along with enhanced action sequences and special effects, showcases director Len Wiseman's growing confidence and ability to orchestrate visually striking set pieces. However, these technical merits cannot fully compensate for the sequel’s narrative and emotional drawbacks. Despite a more dynamic storytelling approach and attempts at deepening character arcs, the movie often succumbs to genre clichés, sacrificing potential depth for spectacle.

Reflecting broader trends within the horror genre, "Underworld: Evolution" embodies the action-horror hybrid model that has become prevalent post-"Blade." It aims to blend visceral thrills with a convoluted mythology, yet this combination sometimes results in a cluttered narrative landscape. While providing continuity and visual cohesiveness, "Evolution" struggles to transcend its genre limitations, offering a mixture of action, horror, and romance that occasionally feels overstretched. The movie's dedication to expanding its mythos and character dynamics is evident, but it ultimately leaves audiences desiring a more focused and emotionally resonant experience.

"Underworld: Evolution' on Blu-ray presents an intricate dance between stylistic flair and the limitations of its narrative substance. The movie strides confidently in its visual and aural presentation, with a transfer that is simultaneously lauded for its attention to the dim and grim aesthetic that the franchise is known for. Fans of the series will undoubtedly appreciate the dedication to detail, with a picture quality described as more consistently pleasing than many other Blu-ray titles reviewed. The uncompressed soundtrack complements this visual feast, creating an immersive experience that is rarely matched by other entries in the genre.

Despite its technical prowess, 'Underworld: Evolution' stumbles in its attempt to engage the viewer beyond its superficial battles and brooding atmosphere. The narrative fails to captivate, offering little in the way of character development or plot coherence, relegating these elements to mere afterthoughts amidst the ceaseless action. This discrepancy highlights a missed opportunity to balance its robust technical achievements with a compelling story that could have elevated the film's overall impact. Nonetheless, the disc is meticulously packed with extras, maintaining the entirety of content from the standard DVD release, which provides fans a substantial volume of bonus material to explore.

In conclusion, the Blu-ray release of 'Underworld: Evolution' shines as a testament to the potential of the format, delivering an audio-visual experience that is hard to fault. While the film itself may not reach the heights of its technical presentation, enthusiasts of the franchise and Blu-ray collectors alike will find enough value in this release to merit its addition to their collection. The blend of high-quality transfer, superior sound design, and comprehensive extras makes this Blu-ray an easy recommendation for those faced with the choice between it and its standard DVD counterpart.