Published: January 13, 2009 11:24 am      

Underworld DVD set satisfies fans of vampire/werewolf tales

This Tuesday (Jan. 13) Sony re-releases Underworld and Underworld Evolution as a double feature set timed with the theatrical release of the third of the franchise, Underworld: Rise of the Lycans.

This franchise is more than just a horror series, it’s an adventure, a romance and a rewritting and interweaving of the lycanthrope (werewolf) and vampire stories told throughout the centuries — as far back as early Greece according to “Fangs vs. Fiction” one of the special features with the first release, Underworld. This is an action/adventure film that happens to feature vampires and werewolves. But still, it grew on me — I liked it.

Both movies are filled with gore. Previous films about vampires were relatively restrained — masterpieces of mood, subdued terror, repressed sexuality and restrained gore. With this franchise, instead of a trickle of blood on the neck, we now have vats of it splattering all over the place.

It’s good that these first two were re-released. The plots were so convoluted and the characters so intense, viewers tend to forget the nuances of the characters and their reactions to one another. And of course, it is extremely fortuitous that the release is a week before the nationwide opening of the new movie.

For the viewers that buy the double feature set, “Underworld/Underworld: Evolution double feature” there is an e-Movie Cash for the film’s Jan. 23, 2009 theatrical release coupon that the purchasers may redeem online for up to $10.50 until March 7.

These two movies are worth watching more than once. The first time, just focus on the action. By the second or third viewing, the movie is definitely appreciated, and the storyline begins to make more sense, and some of the more subtle comments begin to be caught.

These two releases are fast paced, stylish, sexy, well directed and photographed. They both have atmosphere, plenty of violence and even more gore. These aren’t films to be taken seriously or understood on anything other than a superficial comic-book level.

Hey, it’s about warfare between vampires and werewolves — it’s entirely the product of someone’s imagination. Vampires and werewolves are not subscribers to Emily Post’s Rules of Etiquette. Enjoy it for what it is.

The special features on these two discs are phenominal. The special features are worth the purchase price, even without the movies.

Cast: Kate Beckinsale, Scott Speedman

“Underworld/Underworld: Evolution double feature”

Rating (*** 1/2 out of *****)

(Courtesy of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment) Get ready for double the action and double the thrills as the UNDERWORLD / UNDERWORLD: EVOLUTION DOUBLE FEATURE arrives on DVD this Jan. 13, 2009, from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. Timed with the theatrical release of Underworld: Rise of the Lycans, the latest chapter in the hit Underworld saga, this DVD set includes Underworld 2-Disc Unrated Extended Edition and Underworld: Evolution Special Edition, both starring Kate Beckinsale (Vacancy, Click) and Scott Speedman (The Strangers). Sure to entice fans old and new, the UNDERWORLD / UNDERWORLD: EVOLUTION DOUBLE FEATURE includes an exclusive sneak peek of Underworld: Rise of the Lycans.

In UNDERWORLD, Vampires are a secret clan of modern aristocratic sophisticates whose mortal enemies are the Lycans, a shrewd gang of street thugs who prowl the city's underbelly. No one knows the origin of their bitter blood feud, but the balance of power between them turns even bloodier when a beautiful young Vampire warrior and a newly-turned Lycan with a mysterious past fall in love. Kate Beckinsale (Vacancy, Click) and Scott Speedman (The Strangers, My Life Without Me) star in this modern-day, action-packed tale of ruthless intrigue and forbidden passion; all set against the dazzling backdrop of a timeless, Gothic metropolis. Directed by Len Wiseman (Live Free or Die Hard), UNDERWORLD is rated R for strong violence/gore and some language. It has a run time of 121 minutes.

Special features

UNDERWORLD 2-Disc Unrated Extended Edition Bonus Material

• Commentary with Director Len Wiseman and Actors Kate Beckinsale and Scott Speedman

• Outtakes

• “Fang vs. Fiction” Featurette

• “The Making of Underworld” Featurette

• “The Visual Effects of Underworld” Featurette

• “Creature Effects” Featurette

• “Stunts” Featurette

• “Designing Underworld” Featurette

• “The Look of Underworld” Featurette

• “Sights and Sounds of Underworld” Featurette

• Storyboard Comparison

• Music Video by Finch - “Worms of the Earth”

UNDERWORLD: EVOLUTION Synopsis

Kate Beckinsale is back as vampire heroine Selene in this highly anticipated sequel, which continues the saga of the war between the aristocratic Death Dealers and the barbaric Lycans. The film traces the beginnings of the ancient feud between the two tribes as Selene (Beckinsale), the vampire heroine, and her love Michael (Speedman), the Lycan hybrid, try to unlock the secrets of their bloodlines. This tale of action, intrigue and forbidden love takes them into the battle to end all wars as the immortals must finally face their retribution. Directed by Len Wiseman, UNDERWORLD: EVOLUTION is rated R for pervasive strong violence and gore, some sexuality/nudity and language. It has a run time of 106 minutes.

Special features

UNDERWORLD: EVOLUTION Special Edition Bonus Material

• “Bloodlines: From Script To Screen” Featurette

• “Building A Saga” Featurette

• “The Hybrid Theory” Featurette

• “Making Monsters Roar” Featurette

• “The War Rages On” Featurette

• “Music and Mayhem” Featurette

• Valid for one admission (up to $10.50) at participating theaters, expires 3/7/09.