Underworld (DVD 2004)

an excellent film, very fascinating!!!!!! i love movies with vampires and thats one of my favourites. great actors !!! if you like action films with vampires them be sure you are going to love that one!!!!!!!!!!!

Directed by Len Wiseman, starring Kate Beckinsdale and Scott Speedman and largely filmed in Budapest, "Underworld" hit the big screen in 2003. It's a very stylish `monster' movie, though - a little unusually - humans are neither the heroes nor the victims. (The film doesn't stop for 'lunch').

Beckinsdale plays Selene, our 'heroine' and the 'good' vampire. She's a Death Dealer - a vampire soldier - in a war against werewolves that has lasted for around a thousand years. As time has passed, the weapons used by both races have been updated - there are no stakes or crossbows in sight, while the traditional silver bullet has been modified. The current battles are being waged with throwing stars, guns and grenades - all enhanced to target the specific weaknesses of the intended victim. However, tradition hasn't been entirely sacrificed - vampires are still stylish and pale, while the vampire clan still lives in an old-fashioned, classy mansion. (Like the weapons, however, it does incorporate some 'modern' aspects). Selene very much looks to Viktor for guidance - Viktor is one of the vampires' three elders and something of a father figure to Selene. However, as the film opens, he is in hibernation and the day-to-day running of the vampires' affairs are in Kraven's hands. Kraven, somewhat power-hungry, also has designs on Selene - however, she ins't even remotely interested - she regularly disobeys his instructions and doesn't believe a great deal of what he has to say.

Werewolves have officially been on the defensive for around 600 years, since Kraven killed their greatest leader, Lucien. However, they have never been fully defeated and, from early in the film, it seems the vampires have been lulled into a false sense of security. As well as the updated weapons, werewolves - or lycans, as they're known throughout the film - can now transform at will and no longer have to wait on the full moon. They appear to be in full control of their actions and can also heal more quickly while in wolf form. Where the vampires are pale and stylish, the werewolves are more animal-like and live underground. However, this hasn't stopped them performing 'medical research', with a particular interest in a family called Corvin. As the film opens, a couple of werewolves are stalking Speedman's character, a doctor called Michael Corvin. Selene, who's been on patrol and sees what's happening, is puzzled by this - it's clear the werewolves aren't just hunting for food. Her interest develops much further as the film progresses to the point of romance. This brings her a great deal of trouble when it becomes apparent the werewolves have 'turned' Michael. (It's also brought the comparisons with 'Romeo and Juliet' - a romance between two warring houses). As a result of the romance, she learns a great deal more about the origins of war and the night she was sired by Viktor.

This is a very enjoyable and stylish film, with some very impressive special effects. Although technically, I suppose, it's a 'supernatural' movie, there's a strong thriller element to it, with plenty of gunfights, political intruige, treachery, twists and turns...and if that's not enough, it's also got Kate Beckinsdale !! Absolutely recommended for those who love vampire movies. However, despite the comparisons with 'Romeo and Juliet', I can't really see it convincing your Shakespeare-loving aunt to start watching the Hammer films.

Unseen to mankind a desperate war is raging on Earth, a war that has been fought for thousands of years, a war between Vampire and Lycan (Werewolves). These two mystical races are vying for dominance of the night and attempting to wipe each other out, using any means possible. Selene (Kate Beckinsale) is a Vampire Death Dealer, trained for the sole purpose of killing Lycan, who discovers a plot to bridge the gap between the two races and kill off the Vampires. The key to this is a human called Michael, who is being targeted by the Lycan, Selene rescues him but must now find out the truth behind why he's so important to their plan. A TRUE CLASSIC IN THE MAKING FANTASTICK A******

Purchased this one on Blu Ray. Ecxellent viewing. More twists than a packet of Pasta. Michael Caine - Brilliant as usual. Great story, well made. Worth seeing again.

what a film!!! a must see for any vampire fan!! one of those films you find in shops and would'nt think of buying!! keeps you on your seat all the way though,very violent and bloody!! not for the faint hearted!!

This movie was SLAMMED by the so called profession critics. Take no notice and judge for yourself. This is one of the great vampire movies, well filmed, brilliant special effects AND Kate Beckensale. Enjoy.

This is a great film. Lots of action- good special effects - and a storyline that doesn't tax the brain. It gives a different angle on the werewolves and vampyres history. I bought it because I got hold of Underworld 2 and wanted to see the first one first !!?? I enjoyed it so much I shall be watching it again soon..

I was toying with the idea of a 3 for this...in fact I still am. The plot and acting are only OK; apart from Bill Nighy doing his bit as the head vampire. The plot has been seen hundreds of times before in different forms. What makes this film worth watching are the visual effects which, though not ground breaking, are spectacular and stylish. Matrix-esque. I would give any film with vampires and werewolves a 3 regardless but purely because of the visuals I rate this film as a 4.

I watched this film and though it was absolutely spectacular. I then decided to buy it as it was so good. With a great cast including Kate Beckinsale this is probably the best vampire film ever.

i think its a great film full of action, romance and a great story.
the actors are great and give good performances.
it makes you want to see more and the next two are just as good.

Brilliant horror, great story. Fast moving, a must see movie. Dark, clever, jumpy, Kate Beckensale is great.

i like the film very good film but not as good as the second one but was still a very good film my son really love it and is telling all his mates about it

good film really enjoyed it was interesting from start to finish and would recommend to any body that likes vampirefilms. Have seen all the underworld films and they all have excellent story lines

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a great film for all vampire & wearwolve fans i have now got the second film and can not wait for the third one to come out next month great story line about the battle between the two groups fantastic well worth watching.

I was not too keen to watch this movie, as the Vampire/Werewolf thing has been made to death over the years however, the Underworlds changed my mind.

Len Wiseman covers this movie with a matrix feel, as both clans, the vampires and the lycans fight amongst themselves for the top spot.

Just what the Doctor ordered for all us men is a good dose of Seline, played by Kate Beckingsale jumping around, biting people necks and dressed head to foot in black leather.....yum!

For all the fems is a very handsome Scott Speedman whom plays the hybrid of the Corvinous family, Michael.

Jam packed with top class acting, special effects and a excellent believable story line.
This is a movie not to be missed and I couldn't wait to see Underworld Evolution.

Three other actors whom deserve recognition in this movie for their excellent acting and convincing roles is my Wife's favourite, Lucian, played by our UK's Michael Sheen, as the leader of the Lycans.

Bill Nighy is also one of our fav actors whom plays the vampire elder Viktor whom is awaken from his sleep a century before time for his help by Seline however, they must all be aware that there is one other threat to both Lycans and Vampires and all must fear him and dread the time he awakes and thats one of the Sons of Alexandra Corvinous whom still slumbers and thats half vampire, half bat, Marcus played by Tony Curran.

A must see movie that I would have paid any amount of money for.

i found the film with the easy listing system. Put a bid in and sat back and waited. Then Ebay told me i was the lucky one.I paid and got the reciept...........to my amaisment the seller then E-mailed me to say he hoped i would enjoy the film and he had just posted it.A great experiance.

I had seen Underworld 2 so decided to buy this dvd to see if it was as goos as the second one , i know i got it the wrong way around lol, any way this dvd was bloody (no pun inteded)Brilliant , now i cant wait to see number 3

Very sleek, suave vampires face off against unruly werewolf beasties! What's not to love? XD Cool combat scenes and the ending is super gross (somehow also funny), never been through so many emotions at once...great ending leads on to the sequel well. Highly recommended by me and a good film to watch when you're ill. I personally prefer this to the second and third and think it makes a good film on it's own. Definitely more to my taste than Buffy and somewhat more...realistic? (if that can be said about a film with werewolves and vampires). Sometimes the scriptwriters get their numbers jumbled, even for me it was noticeable at times and I'm normally not observant, but it doesn't take anything away from the film for me.
Young children or the squeamish should be a little careful when watching this although the violence is not very gory, the age rating is there for a reason!

A good film, action packed and ultimatly indeering. The costume, make up and special effects are extremly effective, creating a life like image of those classic supernatural creatures and dastardly creatures that is hard to not tremble at. You will enjoy it, guarenteed. No doubt you will go on to buy the others in the series.
officially recommended.
xxx

One of the sexiest vampire films ever! One of Beckinsale's better roles, it must be said! The cinematics of this film are oustanding! And a much closer depiction of various literary and stereotypical clan of demonic creatures!

Not a bad film to add to your collection. Keeps you interested all the way through. This is a cheap enough film to buy, so why not have a watch? xx

I loved the story line in this film , characters were fantastic,great effects.Costumes were to die for.