Underworld: Awakening Blu-ray Review
Score: 74
from 3 reviewers
Review Date:
Fun, well-made with top-notch video and sound, Underworld: Awakening satisfies fans with its dedicated action and slick production.
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Disc Release Date
DTS-HD MA
Video: 83
The US 2D-only release of 'Underworld: Awakening' offers an exceptional 1080p video presentation with stunning clarity, deep black levels, and exquisite detail, maintaining the series' blue-centric, cold aesthetic. However, the UK 3D/2D combo pack's blue-tinged blacks may frustrate fans preferring a more faithful visual experience.
Audio: 83
The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track of 'Underworld: Awakening' offers an aggressive, immersive, and perfectly balanced soundtrack that elevates the modern cinema audio experience. From clear dialogue to explosive effects, it envelops viewers in a seamless soundscape, embodying reference quality throughout.
Extra: 71
"Underworld: Awakening's Blu-ray extras provide a comprehensive package, including a Picture-in-Picture track exclusive to the 2D release, an engaging filmmakers' commentary, a series of informative featurettes on action sequences and visual effects, a blooper reel, and a music video, ensuring fans are fully immersed and satisfied."
Movie: 64
Underworld: Awakening offers a sleek, action-packed continuation of the franchise, now integrating humans as formidable adversaries against vampires and Lycans. The Blu-ray release excels with top-tier video and audio quality, although the story remains familiar and echoes previous installments. Shot on RED EPIC 3D, the film delivers stunning visuals, despite mixed critical reception.
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Video: 83
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.
Audio: 83
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.
Extra: 71
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.
Movie: 64
"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.
Total: 74
"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.
avforums review by Casimir HarlowRead review here
Video: 90
It's difficult to know why there are two different versions of the movie, and one can only assume that it's a side-effect of the 'lightening' done to make the 3D picture more effective, as it makes little...
Audio: 90
Effects range from the subtle crackle of sub-zero stasis chambers and the chambering of bullets and reloading of clips, through to more striking punches, like the Jurassic Park-like tremble of attackers...
Extras: 90
Casting the Future of Underworld further expands on this by spending 13 minutes looking at the new actors brought into the mix, and the promise that this has for the future of the saga, with a broader...
Movie: 60
Although the differences between the video presentation across the releases might basically come down to just how much blue you want in your movie, fans who have no imminent intentions to go 3D should...
Total: 80
Blu-ray.com review by Martin LiebmanRead review here
Video: 100
The image is actually quite shiny, with light reflecting off of wet pavement and Selene's glossy black leathery outfit, which sort of adds a bright offset to the blue and black scheme....
Audio: 100
Whether mood- and location-critical light ambience, the pressurized sensation of underwater sound effects, music playing harmoniously with the rear channels, or high-powered action, the track proves to...
Extras: 70
Filmmakers' Commentary: Producers Richard Wright and Gary Lucchesi, Directors M�ns M�rlind and Bj�rn Stein, and Executive Producer and Visual Effects Supervisor James McQuaide speak on editing the film...
Movie: 60
Awakening takes the series forward in a logical progression; the idea of bringing the fight to the surface adds much potential for heightened action, increased tension, and all sorts of new and innovative...
Total: 80
It's entertaining and quite watchable, an achievement for a fourth-in-the-series film, and that these things are still going strong in theaters and not being dumped directly to video is a testament to...
Why So Blu?Read review here
Video: 100
Selene’s bright blue eyes, although I can’t usually take my eyes off her um…, are the most vibrant part of the presentation throughout its runtime....
Audio: 100
It will definitely have you looking for the remote with its over the top, aggressive nature....
Extras: 60
You have to love the sound of that!Resuming the Action (HD, 8:52) – All things stunt work and 3D can be found here....
Movie: 60
Many naysayers of this fourth entry have complained about the involvement of the humans, but quite honestly, I love how they have shaken things up here....
Total: 80
Fans of the original trilogy shouldn’t hesitate in picking this up, but newcomers may want to give the first three a quick watch so they know what they are getting themselves into, an @$$ kicking good...
Director: Måns Mårlind, Björn Stein
Actors: Kate Beckinsale, Michael Ealy, India Eisley
PlotAfter being captured and placed in a comatose state for twelve years, Selene wakes up in a world where humans have discovered the existence of both Vampire and Lycan clans, sparking a fierce and brutal campaign to eradicate both immortal species. As she navigates this new reality, Selene discovers that during her imprisonment, scientists have taken her daughter, Eve, born from her union with Michael Corvin, integrating both Vampire and Lycan genes. Eve possesses unique and powerful abilities, making her a target for those seeking to exploit the immortals. Selene must now fight to protect her daughter and unravel the conspiracy against their kind.
As Selene battles both humans and Lycans, she uncovers a plot by the Lycans to create a new strain of super Lycans, immune to the traditional weaknesses of their race. With the help of David, a Vampire ally, and Detective Sebastian, a sympathetic human, she confronts the challenges posed by the new Lycan leader. Amidst this turmoil, Selene's primary objective remains the safety of her daughter, who is pivotal to the future of Vampires and Lycans alike.
Writers: Len Wiseman, John Hlavin, J. Michael Straczynski
Release Date: 20 Jan 2012
Runtime: 88 min
Rating: R
Country: United States, Canada
Language: English, Russian