Production Year: 2003 - Horror - Director: Len Wiseman, George Pavlou - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over, 18 years and over - Starring: Kate Beckinsale, Scott Speedman, Shane Brolly, Michael Sheen, Bill Nighy, Erwin Leder, Sophia Myles, Richard Cetrone, Robbie Gee, Denholm Elliott, Miranda Richardson, Art Malik more
In UNDERWORLD, a dark and Gothic monster action movie, vampires and lycans--an ancient form of werewolf--are at war. While the vampires inhabit a gigantic castle that houses their... more
Underworld [DVD] [2003]
Underworldis a hybrid thriller that rewrites the rulebook on werewolves and ... more
vampires--imagineBlademeetsThe CrowandThe Matrix. It's a "cuisinart" movie (blend a lot of familiar ideas and hope something interesting happens) in which immortal vampire "dea...
adventure yet. Ostensibly searching for the mythical hammer of the Norse god Thor, the real draw of the game is exploring the underworlds of multiple different cult...
vampires--imagineBlademeetsThe CrowandThe Matrix. It's a "cuisinart" movie (blend a lot of familiar ideas and hope something interesting happens) in which immortal vampire "dea...
Underworld [DVD] [2003]
Underworldis a hybrid thriller that rewrites the rulebook on werewolves and ... more
vampires--imagineBlademeetsThe CrowandThe Matrix. It's a "cuisinart" movie (blend a lot of familiar ideas and hope something interesting happens) in which immortal vampire "dea...
adventure yet. Ostensibly searching for the mythical hammer of the Norse god Thor, the real draw of the game is exploring the underworlds of multiple different cult...
vampires--imagineBlademeetsThe CrowandThe Matrix. It's a "cuisinart" movie--blend a lot of familiar ideas and hope something interesting happens--in which immortal vampire "dea...
reasonably satisfying sequel to 2003's surprise hitUnderworld. Looking stunning as ever in her black leather battle gear, Kate Beckinsale is every goth guy's fantasy as Selene, the vampire "death dealer" who's now fighting to stop the release of the original "Lycan" werewolf, William (Brian Steele) from the prison that's held him for centuries. As we learn from the film's action-packed prologue, William and his brother Marcus (Tony Curran) began the bloodline of vampires and werewolves, and after witnessing centuries of warfare between them, their immortal father Corvinus (Derek Jacobi) now seeks Selene and the human vampire/lycan hybrid Michael (Scott Speedman) to put an end to the war perpetuated by Victor (Bill Nighy), the vampire warrior whose betrayal of Selene turnsUnderworld: Evolutioninto an epic tale of familial revenge. This ambitious attempt at Shakespearean horror is compromised by a script (by Danny McBride and returning director Len Wiseman, Beckinsale's real-life husband) that's more confusing than it needs to be, with too many characters and not enough storytelling detail to flesh them all out. Aspiring to greatness and falling well short of that goal,Underworld: Evolutionsucceeds instead as a full-throttle action/horror thriller, with enough swordplay, gunplay, and CGI monsters to justify the continuation of theUnderworldfranchise. If you're an established fan, this is a must-see movie; if not, well... at least it's better thanVan Helsing! --Jeff Shannon
Production Year: 1979 - Horror - Director: John Carpenter - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: John Houseman, Janet Leigh, Hal Holbrook, Adrienne Barbeau, Jamie Lee Curtis, Tom Atkins, James Canning
A review by blackmagicstar4 on Underworld (DVD) February 11th, 2009
Author's product rating:
Did you enjoy it?
Loved it
Story
Good
Characters / Performances
Good
Special Effects
Good
How does it compare to similar films?
Outstanding
Advantages:
Brilliant scenery, Great action, good characters
Disadvantages:
Could have more SP/FX
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
~ An Immortal Battle for Supremacy ~
Underworld
I first saw the film when I rented it from the local video shop and thought it was brilliant. The eerie pictures and captivating cover instantly drew me toward it. I had seen adverts and trailers when it arrived at the cinema and waited until it was released as everyone knows the price of cinema tickets are quite steep so I don?t tend to go much unless I really want to see something. The plot sounded good and I love vampire movies so thought id give it a go. I have properly seen the film about four more times after renting it that first time and found I enjoyed it every time. I didn?t know any of the actors included and Len Wiseman was a new director to me. As the film as been played on television a number of times now I try to avoid seeing it too many times as it would properly get really annoying.
~ INFO ~
Director- Len Wiseman Writers- Kevin Grevioux and Len Wiseman Distributed- Screen Gems (Sony) Release date- 19 September 2003 (UK) Runtime- 121 Mins Certificate- 15
~ PLOT ~
There is an ongoing secret war between vampires and a werewolf creature known as the Lycans. Selene is a powerful, sassy vampire who is a Lycan hunter and is known for her brutal and ruthless killings for the hated species. After a usual night on the streets hunting the werewolves she comes across a human who is being attacked called Michael which she finds instantly attracted too. She helps him recover form his injuries but discovers he has a future ahead of him that she should not be apart of and she has to choose what to do. Secrets about her kind are revelled and Selene has important choices to make.
~ MAIN CHARACTERS ~
Selene- Kate Beckinsale
Selene is a young, powerful vampire who is indeed one of the best fighters. She likes to hunt alone and has a pure hatred for the Lycans. She is independent, strong and intelligent and most vampires are wary of her. Selene makes a great protagonist and attracts both the females for liking her power and skill and the men for her sassy and sexy look. Kate Beckinsale has played many parts in several successful films including Vacancy (2007) and a lead role in Pearl harbour (2001).
Michael Corvin- Scott Speedman
Michael plays a human who is dramatically introduced to the life of vampires and Lycans. He is saved by a vampire Selene who he finds a bond with and gains trust from her. He is lost in a dangerous world and needs all the help he can get. When finding his way Michael is pretty strong and is shown to be an excellent fighter. Scott Speedman has mainly been in televison which is why I hadn?t heard of him before but has appeared in several films after his role in this.
Lucian- Michael Sheen
Lucian is a Lycan Overlord who was thought to have been dead. He is dangerous, merciless and wants his revenge on the vampire species. He has had a terrible past which is to be paid for when he gets hold of the vampire lord. Michael Sheen although has done more television than films has appeared in Blood Diamond and the other Underworld films where his part grows.
Viktor- Bill Nighly
Viktor is the Lord of the vampires who is raised by Selene to help win this war. After being woken early and not being impressed with her behaviour he seeks to rule the vampires into victory. He is a strong minded leader who is hard-heartened but seems to have a soft spot for Selene. Bill Nighly is a well known actor and I didn?t know he was in it until I saw him. He has starred in films such as- Pirates of the Caribbean, Hot Fuzz and Love Actually.
~ OTHER CHARACTERS ~
Kraven- Shane Brolly Singe- Erwin Leder Erika- Sophia Myles Raze- Kevin Grevioux Dr Adam ? Wentworth Miller ~ OPINIONS ~
MISE EN SCENE
I loved the look and atmosphere in the film throughout. It is very gloomy and has a Blanc Noir affect like films such as Sin City. The dark images and dim lighting really gives it a revulsion look about it. The settings of the dark alleys and leather clothing make it a definite success in finding the right tension for the film. Everything adds to this feeling, the dark clothing, narrative, settings and the choices of dim lighting. The cast choice of Kate Beckinsale was a great choice and she adds to the dark and sinister mood. Having the film set always at night obviously as vampires can?t go out in the day created a symbolic horror film. The film has a very vivid look about it and I think Wiseman achieved the target atmosphere.
EDITING, CAMERA SHOTS and SP/FX
I loved the different shots that were evident in the film as it made it a lot more interesting and gave the action scenes a fast pace to keep the audience excited. Even though I think the special effects could have been a little better they were believable and not over the top. The fight scenes were interesting and had a lot to them. Each scene I think was shot well and it all fitted well to give it a fast, action film. The use of close ups were good especially to show the bond between Michael and Selene. The emotions are seen and you really feel for them. Also there were many establishing shots which really helped the movement of the narrative. The long shots of each scene showed where the character was without having to say it and having a lot of different locations this was easily the right way to show this. It gave nice shots of the surrounding country of Hungary. The effects of the werewolves were standard but a lot better than in other movies. They did look pretty decent and I was happy with the way they portrayed them.
OVERALL
I really enjoyed the film and thought it was a brilliant vampire film with a difference. Having a female protagonist was good especially being a strong, vampire warrior it reminded me of Blade but having a female lead. Selene?s character is great; she is sexy, sarcastic and can over power many other males. Her outfit is stunning (properly more for the male gaze) and really gives her a gothic, sassy look. Although this is a great element, I think the film?s success had a lot to do with Kate?s look and performance. This attracts both male and females to watch the film. All of the actors were well suited and did a good performance. Although I did think the character developments could have progressed a little more.
The narrative is pretty good quality. It is interesting and can potentially have a lot come out of it and it does contain a few twists which are good. It also had some interesting views on vampires and werewolves which I liked as most films include the same factors when it comes to what vampires and werewolves are and do. There are new ideas being unfolded and there are new rules and weapons like ultraviolet bullets which I thought were fab. I liked the love story between the two rival creatures like a different version of Romeo and Juliet. As well as this I liked how we found out about the history of some characters including Viktor and Lucian. Even though we know there is a war going on it is good to know the rival between certain characters and why they have such hatred toward one another. The thing I found abit confusing is with both sides being creatures of the night it was hard to see who was actually right or if you like which side was good and which was evil as you sympathise with a few characters from each side.
The action scenes were not spectacular but very well done. The gunfights were really good to watch and when they got up close and personal the martial art combat is shown slightly. The violence in the film was in proportion to the action and seeing how savage these creatures are there has to be gory deaths included or it wouldn?t be right.
REACTIONS
Underworld was received more negatively than good when it was released and I think it is a very under rated film. There are many that say the film is too much like The Matrix and Blade which I don?t think is true. Even though having the same elements of dark settings and eerie mood the movies are totally different. The narrative of underworld is one that hasn?t been done by a successful movie and the way it is filmed gives it a unique factor. I am a huge fan of both Blade and The Matrix and think all three films have their own brilliant ways about them. The film was given a rotten tomato rating of just 29% which is quite low as many said there should have been more special effects and the narrative was bad. Another criticism is that it is unrealistic which is funny seeing as the film is about vampires and werewolves which aren?t real anyways.
~ EXTRAS ~
DVD
Can be brought from play.com for £4.99. 2 disc special edition.
Special Features
? Director and writer commentary ? Technical effects ? Creature features ? Stunts featurette ? Sights and sounds of Underworld ? The making of Underworld ? Finch 'Worms Of The Earth' ? Storyboard comparison ? TV spots ? Trailers ? Interactive menus ? Scene selection
~ RECOMMEND ~
I would defiantly recommend underworld to anyone who likes these kinds of films, if you like Blade and the matrix you will like this film. It has great action, brilliant scenery and good characters to like. For a copy at £4.99 I think this is really good quality and it is worth buying a copy.
~ Thanks for reading Blackmagicstar4 ~ FEB 09~ published on Ciao and Dooyoo~
Advantages: Good clean, throat-ripping, head rollin' fun. Good no-brainer. Disadvantages: Barely functional acting, threadbare plot, drags in the middle, probably requires an acquired lack of taste to appreciate, that 'Matrix' feel again...
...gives rise to movies like Underworld - brain-on-hold entertainment in its purest form. Despite an unecessary volume of eyelid-sagging exposition around the mid-point(aka. laying the ground-work for a sequel or ten), you're left with nothing but fangs-out, gun-toting, balls-fer-ear-rings action. You'll either see it as enormous fun or brainless dross, I doubt there's too much middle ground to lay claim to here and I stand with both feet firmly planted ... ...loses something from each but Underworld still provides enough in terms of raw action and inventiveness to stand firmly enough on its own two hairy feet.
The events unfold in a monochrome world under swollen skies and rainswept city streets with pseudo-gothic imagery giving the feel of a bleak, colourless world within our world. First time director Len Wiseman goes for the style over substance approach to his initial outing and for the most part, ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: Gorgeous atmosphere and some nice battle sequences. Disadvantages: The male lead is woefully cast.
...Fighting! Sadly, somehow, astonishingly, inexplicably, Underworld manages to do just that and make what should be a terrifically fun concept be about as interesting as mowing the lawn. Because there are good bits, like the smell of freshly cut grass, for instance (well, I like it anyway), but it's not enough to save the film from being a tremendous disappointment.
The crux of this frustration is with the main thrust of the plot: the lycans and the ... ...they would be.
Ultimately, Underworld is slick and shining with some gorgeously choreographed battles, but is let down by the rather tedious central premise and the banality of Selene's romantic interest. It's not quite the film it should have been, but, if you can ignore any scene featuring Michael, there are several fabulous performances to enjoy, a decadent, dark atmosphere to admire and a decent pay-off in the plot at the end. ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: Kate In Leather, A Good No Brainer Disadvantages: Glaring mistakes, Hammy acting at times
...delight when the trailers for Underworld started running - Vampires.... fighting Werewolves.......... and Kate Beckinsale in leather! Well it looked like bliss, though after watching it I'm not sure if I could say it actually is, I'm not saying its bad just....... well read on!
** The Story-line **
Vampires and Lycans (Werewolves) have fought since before anyone can remember, and by and large the Vampires have kicked the Lycans asses, though there ... ...** Over-all **
Underworld is a good movie, and take away the hammy acting and glaring mistakes it'd be a great movie, but its definitely one I'd watch again, what I would recommend is if you buy the DVD - get the 2 disc version, where you'll find proof that Kevin Grevioux (Raze in the film)'s voice is really as deep as it sounds and a lot of extras - compared to the 1 disc version that has none at all.
So in ending, if you're a vampire-movie nut ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: Great atmosphere, Good Soundtrack, Great Tale !! Disadvantages: modern not 'classic' rules of Vampires and Were-wolves...
UNDERWORLD (2003)
Running time:1 hr 56 min Cert: 15
I do love the idea of Vampires and Were-wolves, in fact I'm just a sucker for the whole dark Gothic fantasy horror type genre be it film or book form. So of course Underworld and Underworld Evolution found their way from eBay to my house pretty easily on my last DVD hunt. Upon arrival I eagerly awaited little boy's bedtime so I could watch my "oh... silly monster films" in relative peace. Well ... ...2 : The Making of Underworld This includes: Creature Effects, Stunts, Sights and Sounds, Storyboard Comparison, Music Video- Finch's "Worms Of The Earth, TV Spots...loads of stuff !!
Features interviews with some of the actors and some 'behind the scences' looks at how they pulled off the stunts and special effects. They show you the training and effort it takes to pull off the stunts and the organising of those impressive fight scenes. The Sights ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: A good story line! Disadvantages: Severe lack of DVD features.
...of gore and guts and Underworld falls under this category superbly!
Okay so what was I expecting even before I watched this movie? Vampires, obviously.....bit of blood, check.....couple of action sequences, yep.......loads of guns, heck that is a givin......Kate Beckinsale...what? "Hey hold up a sec!" I hear you cry? Well I'm serious here people. Kate Beckinsale is in this movie, and yes she's the one who broke Ben Affleck's heart in Pearl Harbour ... ...in a vampire movie, as Underworld seemed to center more around the story. This makes it even better as it just goes to show that a good vampire movie doesn't always have to be about killing people and sucking out their blood. It is also a reflection on the actors and actresses. They managed to keep my attention and I hope they will keep yours!
I leave the decision up to you!
Happy trails kids!
Leila :) ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: Action packed story line Disadvantages: A few improvements couldof been made
...A film staring Kate Beckinsale, Tony Curran and Scott Speedman. Selene (Kate Beckinsale) a vampire that in the first of the films underworld took on the vampires who tried to kill Michael (Scott Speedman) a hybrid of vampire and lycan(werewolf). In this film, Selene tries to hunt down Marcus (Tony Curran) the king of the vampires to ensure that they no longer hunt her and Michael. However, Marcus himself has become a hybrid and knows that Selene is the key to his brother William's where abouts and will go to any lengths to get to the information. A battle ensues as Selene and Michael try to prevent Marcus for releasing his brother, the werewolf king. Selene was once part of the deathdealers when she was accepted but they never gave her any target practice as she prefers to shower the entire room with bullets instead of her opponent, she...
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Advantages: good follow-on, some great effects...good film ! Disadvantages: none really
...as promised...UNDERWORLD EVOLUTION
Running time: approx: 1 hour 42mins
Cert: 18
The film takes us back to the tale of Seline and just a few days have passed since the end of the first film (Underworld)
So Selene and a slightly bewildered Micheal (the now Were-wolf Vampire hybrid) are on the run after the murder of Victor one of the Vampire clan's Elders, as Marcus, the last of the Vampire Elders has awoken early, he is stronger than ever before and not a happy bunny. He hunts down the pair seeking revenge....
Marcus, the first Vampire, also needs to find Selene for other more pressing personal reasons. Selene is the only one who knows the location where the first Were-wolf is imprisoned...
Tried not to completely ruin the plot for you !
Well the sequel definitely has more blood and gore than the original and a couple...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Advantages: Visual effects, lots of action Disadvantages: rubbish plot, not very original
...Synopsis
"Underworld: Evolution" traces the ancient feud that began in 1202 between the immortal vampires and werewolves. Selene (Kate Beckinsale) is the beautiful vampire warrior, who joins forces with Michael (Scott Speedman), a werewolf hybrid to discover the truth about her ancient bloodline. Selene and Michael not only unite as a team, but as lovers. Selene is on the run from her vampire tribe, because she killed Viktor, the leader of the Vampire world. The original vampire, Marcus (Tony Curran), has been released from his tomb, and he is looking for revenge and his brother.
Story
The film begins telling us a little of the history relating to vampires and werewolves. Alexander Corvinus was the original immortal, he had two sons Marcus and William, legend has it that Marcus was bitten by a bat and became a vampire and William...
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Classification: 15 years and over, 18 years and over
Production Year: 2003
Running Time: 2 hours 1 minute, 1 hour 28 minutes
Franchise Name: Underworld
Video Category: Feature Film
Country Of Origin: United States of America
Plot: Two other races have existed amongst humans, their existence hidden in human myths. One is the vampires, the other the werewolves, both races are sworn enemies... Now the time has come for another, a super race which has the combined strength of both, but none of their weaknesses. A warrior vampire discovers this new threat to the status quo...
Release details
DVD Region: DVD
Studio(s): ENTERTAINMENT IN VIDEO; CINRAM LOGISTICS, PRISM LEISURE
Release date: 16/02/2004, 10/10/2005
No of Discs: 1
Catalogue No: EDV 9220, PPA 1686 R
Barcode: 5017239192203, 5050824168658
Screenwriter: Clive Barker, James Caplin
Author: Clive Barker
Creator: Clive Barker
Executive Producer: Clive Barker
Languages
Main Language: English
DVD Description
In UNDERWORLD, a dark and Gothic monster action movie, vampires and lycans--an ancient form of werewolf--are at war. While the vampires inhabit a gigantic castle that houses their ancestors' tombs, the lycans live underground in a dilapidated sewer cave. Both teams are equipped with big guns, and they are constantly innovating deadlier bullets to gain advantage over each other. On the vampire side, the leather-clad death agent Selene (Kate Beckinsale) delegates teams of vampires to attack the lycans. But when she discovers that the lycans have kidnapped a human medical student, Michael Corvin (Scott Speedman), she knows the worst is on its way. Against the orders of her superior, Kraven (Shane Brolly), who is obsessively in love with Selene, she awakens the most powerful vampire of all time, Viktor (Bill Nighy) and prepares for a massive feud against lycan leader Lucian (Michael Sheen). Director Len Wiseman offers a tough, fast, and gory addition to the horror-fantasy genre with UNDERWORLD. Impressive special effects show the lycans transforming from humans to werewolves, and the lycans' ability to squeeze silver bullets out of their skin is also rudely fascinating. Beckinsale is captivating in the role of the lead vamp, with her leather corset, pouty expressions, and double-fisted pistols perfectly communicating the glam-action mood of the film.
Technical information
Special Features: Director And Writer Commentary, Technical Commentary, The Making Of Underworld, Creature Effects, Stunts, Sights And Sounds, Storyboard Comparison, Music Video Finchs Worms Of The Earth, Trailers, TV Spots
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