The Film
If you were a vampire who hoped to live for eternity would you really want to turn into a mortal with more than a passing resemblance to your daughter? Wouldn't that serve as a reminder that you basically let your vampire daughter see the light of day (and not in a good way)? That's the nagging question throughout Underworld: Rise of the Lycans, a prequel to the previous two films. This film casts original Tomb Raider model Rhona Mitra in the role of vampire Sonja, daughter of the vampire master Vicktor (Bill Nighy). As was told in the original film Sonja fell in love with lycan (werewolf) Lucian (Michael Sheen), and paid the ultimate price. Lucian rose up and an eternal war between vamps and werewolves began. Sounds like good back story stuff and worthy of a flashback - not a movie, even one of only 90 minutes.
Once bitten, twice shy? So need another take on the film? Check out Joe Lozito's review of the theatrical release of Underworld: Rise of the Lycans.
The Picture
The 2.40:1 picture is good, if you can make out anything. Actually this 1080p presentation is a great test for your TV sets black levels, because nearly the entire film takes place at night, in dark shadows with characters wearing black. It is like a goth kid party on Halloween in some part of the Middle Ages that was forgotten by time! The picture is thus clear and actually about the best thing about this package.
The Sound
Despite the fact that it is set in the Dark Ages (maybe it is a bit later but the film is so damn dark we'll just go with Dark Ages), this Underworld features an abundance of action sequences with sounds zipping and zapping throughout like a modern action flick. The Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround sound track is a good one if you're not sure if you've got things set up right and want lots of effects to test it. But the sound suffers because some of the rear channel effects are just way too loud. This isn't so much about being immersed into the experience, as being completely absorbed into over-the-top audio. You'd almost think real life wouldn't have sounds this loud or intense (and you'd be right).
The Extras
The package is not without bonus material, although much of it is a rehash of stuff that was likely put together for a pay cable making of special. The filmmaker commentary offers some insight into how the film fits into the trilogy, while the featurettes offer a bit more on the back-story and what went into "recreating the Dark Ages." But except for hardcore fans of the trilogy most of this material is somewhat redundant and a bit uninspired.
Final Thoughts
Seeing Kate Beckinsale's cameo as Selenn is just proof enough that the original film offered a unique twist on the vampire saga. This extended edition of the flashback scenes (which also contradicts a few established facts) only seems to have been made because the story couldn't be brought forward. But this prequel about the vampire-lycan war just plain sucks.
Where to Buy
Product Details
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