Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #6407 in DVD
• Released on: 2004-02-16
• Rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
• Aspect ratio: 1.77:1
• Number of discs: 2
• Format: PAL
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 121 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
Underworld is a hybrid thriller that rewrites the rulebook on werewolves and vampires--imagine Blade meets The Crow and The Matrix. It's a "cuisinart" movie (blend a lot of familiar ideas and hope something interesting happens) in which immortal vampire "death dealers" wage an ancient war against "Lycans" (werewolves), who've got centuries of revenge--and some rather ambitious genetic experiments--on their lycanthropic agenda. Given his preoccupation with gloomy architecture (mostly filmed in Budapest, Hungary), frenetic mayhem and Gothic costuming, it's no surprise that first-time director Len Wiseman gained experience in TV commercials and the art departments of Godzilla, Men in Black and Independence Day. His work is all surface, no substance, filled with derivative, grand-scale action as conflicted vampire Selene (Kate Beckinsale, who later became engaged to Wiseman) struggles to rescue an ill-fated human (Scott Speedman) from Lycan transformation. It's great looking all the way, and a guaranteed treat for horror buffs, who will eagerly dissect its many strengths and weaknesses. --Jeff Shannon

DVD Description
For centuries, two races have evolved. Hidden deeply within human culture – the aristocratic, sophisticated Vampires and the brutal, feral Lycans (werewolves). To humanity, their existence is no more than a whisper of a myth. But to each other, they are the lifelong mortal rivals, sworn to wage a secret war until only one race is left standing. In the midst of this ongoing struggle, a Vampire warrior, Selene (Kate Beckinsale), discovers a Lycan plot, a secret that has terrifying repercussions for both tribes – a plot to awaken a new invincible species of predator that combines the strengths of both creatures and the weaknesses of neither.

Special Features
Disc One:

• Director, writers and technical audio commentaries

Disc Two:

• The Making of Underworld
  
• Creature effects
  
• Stunts
  
• Sights and sounds
  
• Storyboard comparison
  
• Music video - Finch's Worms of the Earth
  
• TV spot

DVD Technical Information:

• Running Time: 121 mins
  
• Region Code: 2

Customer Reviews

Gore, Goths & Guns
I'm a bit of an old-style Vampire fan myself, and I really haven't seen much of the neo-gothic vampire world in terms of graphic novels or films. However I was really glad I bought this DVD, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

The premise of "Underworld" is an age-old war between the Lycanthropes and Vampire species, or "Great Covens" as they are known, living amongst us secretly in the modern world. A plot is being hatched by the Lycans to combine the bloodlines of both Covens to create a super-creature, and the race is on to thwart it. However, as the story unfolds, the politics and motivations of the senior elders in both Covens become more complicated and their agendas more suspect, and one of the Vampires takes it upon herself to find out the truth about what is really going on.

I loved the style given to the vampires, that of 18th Century opulence within a modern world, even including their transport using steam train. The Vampires only briefly flashed their fangs, and displayed the more traditionally vampiric wall-crawling. Those responsible for hunting the Lycans preferred to wield liquid silver-firing guns and wear the swirling leather trenchcoats of the Equilibrium/Matrix era. The Lycans however were much more traditional werevolves, their transmuting reminiscent of "An American Werewolf in Paris". I was slightly disappointed by the hybrid however; I'll echo another reviewer in saying that he really struck me as resembling a thinner version of "The Incredible Hulk".

In summary, an engrossing, well-produced film with some lovely opulent sets and beautiful actors and costume, exciting action sequences and an interesting plot and storyboard. I'm looking forward to seeing the sequel.

Kate rocks!! Say no more, say no more...
Blade was interesting, but to me it failed emotionally. You just do not connect with the film on the personal level. The effects were super, but that was the main impact..."wow what amazing effects". You feel like breaking out in a chorus of Peggy Lee's Is That All There Is. Special effects alone cannot make a movie great.

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 humour 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!

just watch it
With an interesting blend of elements from both "Blade" and "The Matrix" this fast-paced, modern-day tale of deadly action, ruthless intrigue, and forbidden love, is set against the backdrop of an ancient feud between two tribes in a timeless Gothic metropolis. The story reimagines Vampires as a secretive clan of modern, sophistcates whose mortal enemies are the Lycans - werewolves - a shrewed gang of street thugs who prowl the city's underbelly. The balance of power is upset when a beautiful young vampire and a nascent Lycan - deadly rivals for centuries - fall in love. A tough, fast, and gory addition to the horror-fantasy genre, with impressive special effects and a captivating performance by Beckinsale ("Pearl Harbor", "A Beautiful Mind") in the role of the lead vamp.