Underworld Unrated DVD Review

Written by Matt Paprocki
Published May 26, 2004
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Likewise, the sound has taken a hit as well. Presented only in Dolby 5.1 surround, the LFE channel will no longer get the workout it did on the original release. The rears are still used extensively (and effectively), but everything sounded just a bit clearer on the previous disc. This is still a great sounding movie, but if you have the ability to compare the two, give it a shot and you'll immediately notice the difference. (***)

This new two-disc set is presented in a really nice see-through outer slipcase that houses the standard DVD case. Stuffed inside the case is a 48 page comic and a 15 page storyboard comparison. It's a struggle to get this case closed and even harder to get it out of the slip case. I fear what may eventually happen to the two DVDs inside. Anyway, disc one houses a new commentary track with Kate Beckinsale, director Len Wiseman, and Scott Speedman. While new, the first release had two separate commentary tracks. Next up is an AMC documentary entitled Fang vs. Fiction, which looks at the history of werewolves and vampires. It has interviews with many people including one guy who believes he is a werewolf! It runs 47 minutes. Also tossed on the first disc are some brief outtakes, TV spots, and trailers for other movies.

Disc two holds some basic features, none of them particularly interesting. First up is a generic making of that gives little real insight into the film during the 13 minute running time. Visual Effects of Underworld looks at, well, the visual effects. It's nothing more than simple overview of how some of the CG was composed for ten minutes. Creature Effects looks at how some of the "on set" effects were done including the design of the monster suits. This is probably the best 13 minutes you'll find on the disc. The next documentary, Stunts of Underworld, looks at how some of the more unbelievable tasks were accomplished and lasts for about 12 minutes. Designing Underworld looks at the storyboards and finished sets. You'll spend 11 minutes on this one. The Look of Underworld feature describes how they make the film look so dark, the importance of color, and the rain. This is a long one coming in at nearly 20 minutes. Finally, you have a feature called Sights and Sounds which is simply 9 minutes of behind the scenes footage and a music video. (**)

Some of the features have been carried over the first release. Five of the features on disc 2 you have probably seen already. The only real worthy feature is the AMC documentary on disc 1 and it really doesn't belong there. This is a disc hard to recommend unless you are a true die-hard fan of the movie. This is the worst kind of double dip, one that I can only hope give Columbia Tri-Star a ton of flack. They deserve it for this one.

Originally posted at Breaking Windows.

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Matt Paprocki is the former reviews editor for Digital Press. The deep game collection, which spans nearly 30 systems and 2,000 games, lines his walls for research purposes. Matt strives to bring credibility to video game journalism, and to aid the industry in becoming respected with all forms of entertainment media. He currently freelances for GameArgus.com and MultiPlayerGames.com.
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Underworld Unrated DVD Review
Published: May 26, 2004
Type:
Section: Video
Filed Under: Video: Thriller, Video: Horror, Video: Fantasy, Video: Action
Writer: Matt Paprocki
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Comments

#1 — May 26, 2004 @ 08:43AM — Eric Olsen

Thanks Matt, a very lucid and informative review, carefully distinguishing between the movie and this particular iteration of DVD.

#2 — May 26, 2004 @ 09:09AM — visualsimplicity [URL]

Thanks for the review. Here's what I want to know though. How much more Kate Beckinsale is in the extended version compared to the previous version?

#3 — May 26, 2004 @ 09:31AM — Matt Paprocki [URL]

Absolutely nothing. What I forgot to put in the review is that there is nothing either on the disc or in the case telling you exactly what the extra fotage is. I seen no extra gore no did I see anything more of Kate. I didn't remember the first edition exactly, but there was little new here that was a major addition..

#4 — May 26, 2004 @ 12:38PM — Maura [URL]

Matt, thanks for a professional and thorough review! You told me exactly what I'd want to know about the new edition.

#5 — May 26, 2004 @ 12:43PM — visualsimplicity [URL]

Darn, oh well. I was hoping for more Kate. I'll have to agree with everyone here, great information. Saves me the trouble (and the monetary funds).

#6 — May 26, 2004 @ 15:13PM — Matt Paprocki [URL]

Sadly, it didn't save me the monentary funds....donations to the "I got suckered into the crappy new Underworld DVD release" can be sent to me at anytime. =:)

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