Underworld makes that jump, great FX work, but also gives you characters you really care about, ones that you really love to hate. A strong plot line designed to hook you and keep you, just does that. With the emotional involvement, there is a greater impact, a movie that will demand repeat viewing. Instant Cult Status.

The movie grabs you from the opening and never lets up with the pace. Firm direction and with a driving score, the movie reaches for perfection. You have a 1000-year-old war between Lycons and Vampires, and it's all coming to a head. It's a well thought out and executed premise and Kate Beckinsale shines! She is an amazing talent. I first adored her work in Cold Comfort Farm as Robert Post's child Flora. When you compare that gentle, deft bit of humor with this kick a*** vampire hunter, it proves what an overlooked talent she is. With Van Helsing out now (and I am sure this movie led to her landing the role), she is finally getting a spotlight she so well deserves.

A gloomy, atmospheric ambiance to the whole movie is maintained all the way through, adding a strong foundation for the otherworld premise. I am sure some will nitpick things, as all vampire film faces, but kudos for the vibrant energy and sheer edgy feel to the film.

It leaves you hanging, clearly open for a sequel...one can but hope it maintains this high quality.

Kate rocks...you don't need to know anymore!


Details   January 10, 2006
 18 out of 20 found this review helpful

I was confused how this was different than the other DVD's and now that I have it in my hands I wanted to post what it is.

The two disc unrated extended cut version. Inside were two booklets. One is a 49 page comic book but the standard DVD enclosure size and paper. The other is a 16 page sketch book same standard DVD insert size.

Attached to the outside of the package in a cardboard sleeve is a bonus disc. I haven't watched it yet but the sleeve says it contains a sneak peak featurette of the movie Underworld Evolution and a sneak peek at the Underworld Comic Book.


Social Commentary Packaged in Action Packed Tale   December 26, 2004
 17 out of 19 found this review helpful

Underworld is by far the slickest and most creative Vampire movie ever. The movie begins with Selene (Kate Beckinsale), a 'death dealer' who kills Lycans (Werewolves) as she recounts the tale of the six-century blood feud involving the Vampires and Lycans. Selene among other death dealers catches sight of Lycans and pursue into the subway. A gunfight follows as the Lycans draw first blood. In the melee a newly invented Ultra Violet bullet kills one of the death dealers. She pursues the Lycans into the tunnels where she discovers a den of Lycans - all ready and willing to attack. Selene returns to the Vampire abode to inform, Kraven (Shane Brolly), that something is afoot and that specifically she should investigate it. Kraven scoffs at the idea but sends someone in her stead. Trapped in the mansion Selene examines post operation photos and discovers that the target was a human.

Michael Corvin (Scott Speedman) is the target of this 'man-hunt.' In defiance of Kraven's orders Selene sets out to and finds Corvin. Corvin is subsequently bitten by Lucian (Michael Sheen) - the Lycan leader (who is purported to have been slayed by Kraven) - for a sample of his blood. Corvin, it is discovered, is a descendant of gene pool that extend back to Corvinus - who, it is reputed, was able to take the Lycan, and Vampire combination without dying - a true hybrid. This brings up an interesting angle in the movie... the movie has a sub-plot playing a genetic angle that will play itself out later in the story. For now, suffice it to know that there is a strong sense of 'Us' vs. 'Them' with the Lycans seen as soiling the pure genetic line of the Vampires. The plot thickens when Selene gets wind of Kraven's duplicity and tries to find solace in Victor (Bill Nighy), earlier than was scheduled in her quest to stop Kraven. Underworld is a remarkable movie not just for the mis-en-scene, the stunning visuals, and the creative makeup of the Werewolves as well as the stellar performance of Kate Beckinsale as Selene - but because of the social commentary that underlies the movie. The notion of the preservation of the bloodline comes to presence early and everyone is good and everyone is bad - no either/or here - its all about both/and. The skillful plot turnaround with Selene, Victor and Lucian is indicative of very creative writing. Be cognizant that in order for Selene to effect the Corvin transformation he had to have been bitten by Lucian first. I am hopeful that a sequel is in the works. The movie moves on a myriad of levels and the supporting characters that help move the story along - characters like Erika (Sophia Myles) help the story along. Underworld brings together drama, social commentary, and action in one space of consideration.

As I rushed out to get this DVD, I was really impressed by the many extras that are explored in the same. One gets a real sense of the complexity of the sets, the costumes and writing by checking out the extra features. Despite the many cliches, the movie is new, fresh, and yet deliciously dark. I wait with much anticipation, as mentioned previously, for a sequel - wishing both to see what happens to Selene and to learn more about the Vampire and Lycan past - and who knows, maybe even a future.

Miguel Llora