Underworld Unrated DVD Review - Page 2

This extended edition is only available in 2.35:1 widescreen. The transfer here is actually worse than the previous edition. Featuring excessive grain and more noticeable compression issues, this one is a major disappointment. The movie features various shades of two different colors, red and blue. This is a nightmare for a DVD transfer and this disc is the example. It's not terrible, but the first disc was simply a lot better. The reason for this is most likely the space used to cram a nearly hour long documentary onto disc one along with some other features. It's a stupid decision that cost the viewers in the long run. (***)

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. (**)

Article Author: Matt Paprocki

Matt Paprocki is a 12-year movie and game critic. He currently freelances for Blu-ray review site DoBlu.com and video game site MultiPlayerGames.com.

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