Underworld: Rise of the Lycans 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Underworld: Rise of the Lycans" provides an evolutionary improvement in video quality, though it's more of an iterative step rather than a revolutionary leap. The sheer level of textural enhancement is immediately noticeable, bringing a distinct sharpness that surpasses the previous Blu-ray edition. This improvement extends to every visual facet of the movie, from the intricately designed costumes and weapons to the meticulously detailed sets. Such enhancements in resolution render a picture that is richer and more complex, especially when it comes to facial details and textures, making the 2160p resolution a significant upgrade for home viewing.

Color grading benefits greatly from HDR, particularly with this series' signature focus on black and blue hues. The HDR boost elevates the separation and intensity of these colors, offering deeper and more nuanced blacks, vibrant blues, and a much wider spectrum of grays and whites. The vividness of red blood marks a noticeable improvement, exuding a level of detail and vivacity that the SDR grading of the Blu-ray version cannot match. Notably free from encoding or source-related issues, this release not only maintains but also enhances the movie's atmospheric darkness without sacrificing detail through crush.

Despite being mastered from a 2K digital intermediate, "Underworld: Rise of the Lycans" benefits immensely from the upscale to 4K, with substantial detail visible even in shadow-draped scenes or those rich with CG elements. Textures in wide shots are bold, and fidelity in close-ups—such as skin, armor, and costumes—surpasses typical upscale expectations. The film’s color palette remains dominantly blue, maintaining the franchise's established aesthetic while successfully navigating around potential crush issues, thanks to meticulously maintained black levels. HDR further brings to life the limited but impactful uses of contrast, particularly in moonlit scenes and fire elements, offering a visual experience that’s both oppressively dark and impressively detailed.

The Dolby Atmos soundtrack accompanying the 4K UHD Blu-Ray of "Underworld: Rise of the Lycans" carries its auditory experience with a commendable degree of prowess, making it a formidable partner to the visual upgrade present in this release. There's an electric vibrancy to the sound design, showcasing an expansive range from the thud of ancient warfare to the subtle ambiance that successfully pulls the audience into its dark, tumultuous world. Every clash of swords and each arrow shot is crafted with meticulous care, ensuring a seamless and immersive sonic experience. The bass is particularly noteworthy, delivering a robust foundation that accentuates the action without overpowering the subtleties of the track. This audio mix doesn't just play; it resonates with physicality, almost demanding a high-quality setup to truly capture its depth.

The layering of sound elements in the Atmos mix introduces an engaging dimensionality to the presentation. While some tracks often miss the mark in utilizing overhead channels, here they contribute to an enveloping atmosphere, amplifying the sensation of being amidst ancient battles or within eerie environments like slave camps, where the clinking of chains adds to a persistent, unnerving ambiance. The score's broad and dynamic range, despite its tendency to favor certain sides at times, complements the overall soundscape with surround support that envelops the listener. However, it's the accuracy and localization of effects—be it in quieter moments or amidst chaotic skirmishes—that truly showcases the audio's prowess.

Dialogue delivery remains crystal clear throughout, maintaining a firm naturalism that ensures no word is lost amidst the cacophony. The consistency in ambient effects, alongside the well-executed action sequences, demonstrates a keen attention to detail in audio mixing. Even if the Atmos remix may not revolutionize the listening experience due to the strength of the original track, it undeniably enhances it by leveraging discrete sound elements and a fullness across all channels. As the soundscape navigates through every scene, it meticulously balances intensity with clarity, creating an auditory journey that complements the visual spectacle without overwhelming it.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray extra presentation of "Underworld: Rise of the Lycans" mainly shines on the bundled Blu-ray, echoing similar features from Sony's 2009 release, but adds a new featurette exclusive to the UHD disc. This release, although limited in fresh material, meticulously compiles essential insights from the creative team through an audio commentary and a unique Picture-in-Picture experience, revealing art and interviews not found elsewhere. It strikes a balance between technical disclosures and artistic conception, particularly in the newly added "Rise of the Lycans: Inside the Castle Walls" featurette. The extras dissect production design, including sets, lighting, and costumes, alongside providing a comprehensive look at the film's conformance to the distinct Underworld aesthetic. Despite the scarcity of new extras, it's a comprehensive collection for enthusiasts, offering a deeper understanding of the franchise's lore through an interactive Lycanthrope map and detailed documentary content on the cinematic realization of this dark fantasy universe.

Extras included in this disc:

NEW! Rise of the Lycans: Inside the Castle Walls: A deep dive into the filmmaking vision, focusing on production design.

Trailers: Domestic and International trailers in high definition.

Cinechat

Audio Commentary: In-depth discussion with the film’s director, writer, and producers.

Behind the Castle Walls: Picture-in-Picture: Exclusive art and interviews paired with the film.

Lycanthropes Around the World Interactive Map: An exploration of werewolf mythology.

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans: From Script to Screen

The Origin of the Feud

Re-Creating the Dark Ages - The Look of Underworld: Rise of the Lycans

Music Video: "Deathclub (Wes Borland/Renholder Remix)" by William Control Feat. Matt Skiba.

BD-Live

Previews

Sony's 4K UHD release of "Underworld: Rise of the Lycans" marks a significant upgrade over the original 2009 disc, boasting 2160p/HDR visuals and immersive Dolby Atmos audio. This presentation breathes new life into the prequel of the 'Underworld' series, exclusively available in the five-film UHD collection boxed set. The film transports viewers to the nascent stages of the mythos, depicting a time of primal conflict between werewolves and vampires, setting the stage for an epic narrative of rebellion and romance. Enhanced by the latest in home theater technology, every detail from the dank dungeons to the dynamic landscapes is rendered with striking clarity, elevating the viewers' experience to new heights.

Kenneth Brown's concise review encapsulates the essence of "Rise of the Lycans," highlighting its exploration of origins within the 'Underworld' saga. The plot revolves around Lucian (Michael Sheen), a formidable werewolf with the unique ability to change forms, who incites a revolution against the vampiric aristocracy led by the tyrannical Viktor (Bill Nighy). Their tale is one of forbidden love, oppression, and uprising, offering a fresh perspective on the series' lore. The 4K UHD presentation accentuates the film's gothic aesthetic and action sequences, making each moment more palpable and engaging. Bill Nighy's performance as Viktor steals the show, his malevolent presence amplified by visual and auditory enhancements that make his villainy all the more visceral.

This version of "Rise of the Lycans" avoids the overt sexism present in other entries of the franchise, focusing instead on a gritty narrative steeped in medieval mythology. The absence of modern weaponry necessitates elaborate choreography in combat scenes, highlighted further by Patrick Tatopoulos’ direction and special effects expertise, especially in showcasing practical werewolf effects. The transition to 4K UHD allows these elements to shine, offering a visually compelling experience that highlights both the savagery of the film's conflicts and the nuanced performances of its cast.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Underworld: Rise of the Lycans" provides an exceptional viewing experience that undoubtedly sets a new standard for fans and newcomers alike. The video quality is remarkably sharp, elevating the visual aesthetic of the film to unprecedented levels, while the color grading shines through with intense precision, enhancing the atmospheric depth and emotional tone throughout. Furthermore, the Dolby Atmos audio track significantly boosts the immersive experience, boasting flawless dynamics and a spatial soundscape that pulls viewers into the heart of the action and drama. This release is further augmented by the inclusion of a new, comprehensive featurette focusing on the film's intricate production design, a valuable addition that was notably absent from earlier Blu-ray releases.

However, while the technical enhancements and additional content are praiseworthy, it's essential to acknowledge the film's narrative elements. "Rise of the Lycans" delves deeper into the lore of the Underworld series, focusing on themes of slavery and rebellion. While some may argue that these narrative expansions are somewhat superfluous, they undeniably provide a backdrop for some of the film's most thrilling action sequences, thereby justifying their inclusion by contributing to the overall entertainment value and depth of the series.

In conclusion, this 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Underworld: Rise of the Lycans" offers both a superior audio-visual experience and a chance to reevaluate the film's place within the franchise's mythology. The technical execution is beyond reproach, setting a benchmark for home entertainment media. Simultaneously, it invites audiences to explore the deeper narrative layers amidst its adrenaline-pumping action. This edition comes highly recommended for its unparalleled presentation quality and for offering a more profound understanding of the film's contribution to the Underworld saga.