Underworld: Awakening Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Underworld: Awakening" on Blu-ray is undeniably a visual feast that will captivate any fan. Shot digitally, the 2D-only US release sets a high benchmark with its exceptional 1080p MPEG-4 AVC transfer. The cinematic style aligns with previous installments, boasting a cold, blue-dominated palette. Kate Beckinsale’s strikingly blue eyes and the glossy sheen of her iconic black outfit are among the film's visual highlights. Fine object detail is meticulously rendered, from the textures of clothing to the intricate nuances in laboratory settings. The black levels are impressively rich and deep, seamlessly blending into the screen’s black bars, providing a visually clean and immersive experience without distracting artifacts.

Comparative analyses between the US and UK 3D/2D combo packs reveal intriguing differences. While both releases maintain high levels of detail, the overall color grading diverges significantly. The UK version exhibits a pronounced blue tint that permeates the black areas, affecting the aesthetic integrity of the presentation. The US version maintains more authentic black levels, ensuring a naturally darker and more engaging visual experience. This disparity seems to stem from adjustments made to enhance 3D viewing, resulting in markedly different stylistic choices. Despite these differences, both versions retain substantial detail and clarity, with even minor elements like the texture of ribbed hoses and the minute scuffs on firearms standing out remarkably. However, for those who prefer traditional black levels rather than an overwhelming blue tint, the US release is unequivocally the superior choice.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track of "Underworld: Awakening" on Blu-ray delivers an immersive and high-caliber auditory experience that stands out as a top-tier example of modern cinema audio. The mix is expertly prioritized over the center and front channels, ensuring dialogue remains crystal-clear and coherent. The sound design features a wide range of effects, from the subtle crackle of sub-zero stasis chambers to the thunderous roar of a myriad of firearms. The track captures the fierce attacks of lycan beasts with visceral precision and brings the spatial depth of battle scenes into the viewer's living room with bullets ricocheting convincingly around the listening environment. Whether it's the tremble of attackers approaching or more delicate ambient noises, every sound element is meticulously balanced, making for a compelling auditory experience.

The auditory presentation excels in its capacity to define environments and convey atmosphere with impressive detail. From the pressurized underwater effects to the vivid ambiance of a seaside port complete with seagulls and boat horns, every scene benefits from the track's immersive qualities. The score, while not iconic, integrates seamlessly with the surround channels, adding to the overall depth without overshadowing other elements. Gunfire and explosions erupt from all corners, encapsulating the listener within the action while maintaining perfect balance with clear and focused dialogue. The overall soundscape is aggressive and dynamically rich yet retains a lifelike quality, making it both engaging and free from any auditory fatigue. This soundtrack exemplifies what DTS-HD MA 7.1 can achieve, offering a relentless, immersive experience that makes "Underworld: Awakening" a standout for audio demonstration.

The Blu-ray extras for "Underworld: Awakening" provide a comprehensive and engaging deep dive into the film's production. Highlights include an insightful filmmakers' commentary that covers the storytelling, visual effects, 3D techniques, and the editing process. The Picture-in-Picture track, exclusive to the 2D version, offers an immersive in-movie experience with behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and effects comparisons. Several featurettes focus on various aspects of the production: from Kate Beckinsale’s return to the intricacies of action sequences and werewolf visuals. Additional extras include a blooper reel, a music video, and previews. Overall, this is a substantial set of extras that enhances the viewing experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Filmmakers’ Commentary: In-depth discussion by producers, directors, and visual effects supervisor.
• Selene Rises: Kate Beckinsale's return and character evolution.
• Casting the Future of Underworld: Introduction of new actors and future plans.
• Resuming the Action: Stunts and 3D technology challenges.
• Building a Better Lycan: Enhancing werewolf visuals.
• Awakening a Franchise, Building a Better World: Focus on 3D effects and filming in Vancouver.
• Blooper Reel: Light-hearted on-set errors.
• Music Video: "Heavy Prey" by Lacey Sturm featuring Geno Lenardo.
• Cracking the Underworld: Picture-in-Picture experience.

"Underworld: Awakening" continues the franchise's signature blend of stylish action and gothic horror, this time pushing the boundaries with its visually striking use of RED EPIC digital cameras in 3D. Set six months after the events of "Underworld: Evolution," we are catapulted into a dystopian future where the secret war between vampires and werewolves, or Lycans, has spilled onto the streets, drawing the attention and ire of humans. Kate Beckinsale reprises her role as Selene, a ruthless vampire warrior "awakened" from cryosleep into a world nearly devoid of her kind, thanks to humanity's aggressive eradication campaign. The plot is fueled by Selene’s quest for vengeance and survival, complicated by her vision-link to her vampire-Lycan hybrid lover, Michael Corvin, and her newfound protector role towards a young girl, Eve.

Directed by Mårlind and Stein, the film sticks closely to the series' well-known aesthetic: high-contrast visuals dominated by blue hues and rapid-fire action sequences. Fans will find comfort in the familiar rhythm of dual-wielding pistols, slick combat choreography, and heavy doses of gore—traits that defined the first two films. However, while these elements are masterfully executed and nitpicked to perfection, they also highlight the recurrent criticism: the film feels more like an extension than an evolution. New characters struggle to leave a memorable impact, and innovative action set-pieces are sparse. Where its predecessors hinted at grander conflicts, "Awakening" offers a tightly focused and somewhat insular narrative.

Despite its shortcomings, "Underworld: Awakening" succeeds in delivering a viscerally thrilling experience that meets, if not exceeds, fan expectations for sheer entertainment. It’s a visually engaging continuation that stays true to its roots while hinting at potential for larger-scale mayhem in future installments. While critics may point to thematic thinness or repetition, the high-octane action and Beckinsale’s magnetic presence ensure this entry is another worthy chapter in an enduring franchise.

"Underworld: Awakening" might be the fourth installment in its series, but it still offers a visually dynamic and engaging experience that fans have come to expect. Directed with a keen eye for slick, high-impact action sequences, the film strikes a balance between advancing the established narrative and providing the adrenaline-fueled scenes that the franchise is known for. Kate Beckinsale once again impresses as Selene, her presence bolstered by a plot that, while not groundbreaking, remains compelling and helps drive the film through its brisk runtime. It's a testament to the film's robust production values that it continues to enthrall audiences and maintain its box office presence rather than falling into direct-to-video obscurity.

From a technical standpoint, Sony has excelled with the Blu-ray release of "Underworld: Awakening." The visual presentation is immaculate, with pristine picture quality that showcases the film’s dark, gothic aesthetic in stunning detail. The included lossless soundtrack is equally exemplary, providing an immersive audio environment that highlights every gunshot and supernatural snarl with crystal clarity. Beyond the primary content, the Blu-ray comes packed with a range of extras, offering behind-the-scenes insights and additional content that enrich the viewing experience for dedicated fans.

In conclusion, "Underworld: Awakening" on Blu-ray is an excellent package that delivers both in terms of entertainment and technical merit. Its blend of high-quality visuals, top-tier audio, and compelling additional content makes it a must-have for long-time fans of the series. Even though the story may polarize some viewers, its consistent delivery of action and atmosphere ensures widespread enjoyment. Highly recommended.