Underworld [DVD] [2003]

I watched “Underworld” at the cinema quite a long time ago, despite the fact that the critics had dissed it. I think that critics have a tendency to believe that every movie should give food for thought, whereas I believe that some films that only offer good entertainment should be given a chance, too. At that time, and after some gruelling exams, I was in the mood for some uncomplicated fun, and “Underworld” gave me just that.

I hadn´t heard from the director, Len Wiseman, but I must say he did an excellent job with this dark action film that features vampires and werewolves (lycans) fighting a 1000 year war against each other and amid the humans. The story is entertaining and original, something that you will appreciate even more if you have the chance of watching this dvd with the extended cut.

One of the main characters in "Underworld" is Selene (Kate Beckindale), a vampire and a Deathdealer (that is, someone who hunts and kills lycans). Selene discovers some lycans hunting a mortal, Michael (Scott Speedman), and gets curious. Why are them after him? Of course, everything the lycans want, Selene will have, so she decides to find Michael. By choosing to do so, she will discover a vast conspiracy, the truth about her past, and a forbidden love.

If you are fond of unconventional action movies, and don´t think they need to be realistic, you are likely to love this movie. If that is the case, try to watch it soon, because the sequel will be released on January 20, and from what I could see in the trailer, “Underworld: evolution” will be great. So, don´t wait, GO and buy or rent it now :)

Belen Alcat

The first thing I should say is this isn't an extended version of the film! It's a re-release of the film with more indepth extras. So if you don't already own it this is the version to buy!

The storyline if you don't already known follows the battle of vampires against the lycans (werewolves). The lycans are growing in number and the vampires become interested in why they would be searching for a human. Soon the battle commences again with the human at the centre of it.

Personally I think this is a great action film, definitely not a horror. It is up there along with he likes of The Matrix and Blade. All the films have a similar look and feel to them, partly as they all have comic book backgrounds? This is no bad thing as they are all very entertaining films. Full of action, great fight scenes, special effects, cool sound tracks, almost identical wardrobe dept (full length black leather jackets) and good storylines. This is the 1st in a trilogy that could better the other two, with Evolution on DVD soon. This does make it as a good film in it's own right, as well part of a trilogy. This is a well made film that has had a lot of thought, time and energy put in to making it. The idea of vampires having a war against werewolves is a great basis for a series of action films, I can't wait to see the last two!

The extras are all very indepth and cover all aspects of the film and are generally between 10-20 minutes each. Designing Underworld looks at the ideas for the locations, costumes, characters with some detailed concept art drawings. The vampires are very much the higher class, with the mansion, fancy cars and clothes. The Lycans are very much an underground movement with a rough, street feel. The look of Underworld covers the directors vision of how he wanted the film to look. The feel is very dark, with little colour, high contrast so the scenes are almost monochrome. Most of this is done post production digitally to get the right look. The making of Underworld covers finding the right location (Budapest), some of the stunt work, brief interviews with the main actors. There are TV spots, outtakes and a storyboard comparison for a few scenes.

The visual effects covers the make up, cgi scenes, models and weapons used in the film were done. Amazing to find out just how much is cgi you might have thought was real! The creature effects mainly covers the look of the vampires and how the werewolves look was designed and suits made. A lot of work goes in to making and moving one werewolf! The stunt feature shows Kate and the other actors training for their fight scenes, using weapons and wire work. There is also a sort of montage (sights and sounds), a music video. One of the most interesting features is a 5 part Fang Vs Fiction, which covers a lot about the history of vampires and werewolves. How the stories originated and evolved over time, a real bonus. Overall a great modern, cool action film with tons of extras!! 9/10

True there is nothing original about Underworld - it starts like a Matrix copy (long black coats and slow motion gun fights), then throws in a bit of Blade, Buffy & Romeo and Juliet (no really), and some of the acting is a bit ropey (Shane Brolly step foward). After half an hour my finger was drifting towards the off button. However, I stuck with it and I'm glad I did.

The film looks great - all black and grey and gothic, and Kate Beckinsale looks even better in skin tight PVC! It rollocks along in a predictable fashion which stops you thinking too much about the detail (would vampyres and lycans really fight with guns?) and there is actually a half decent plot though it takes a while to become apparent.

All in all an enjoyable way to spend a Friday night.