Bloodthirsty vengeance is measured out in buckets, not spoonfuls for this hard-hitting vampire movie sequel. The story picks up right where the first UNDERWORLD left off, in the midst of a war between Lycans (werewolves) and vampires, with the gorgeous death-dealer, Selene (Kate Beckinsale), on the run with her vamp-wolf hybrid lover, Michael (Scott Speedman). This go-'round, there are flashbacks to three centuries earlier and the separation of two ultra-bad brothers, one vampire and one Lycan. The Lycan gets locked in a hidden tomb/prison and the feud begins. In the present, the winged vamp brother Marcus (Tony Curran) is determined to find his Lycan sibling and free him, which would wreak unimaginable havoc on the world. Selene's got to stop it, and the result is mayhem, with great gun battles, bashings and hackings, mysterious artifacts, orgies, and sneaking around in the dripping wet crypts and catacombs. Beckinsale looks great with her jet-black hair, skintight leather bodysuit, red lips, and glowing blue eyes. Director Len Wiseman obviously has a great love for this alternate universe; he keeps the action humming, the blood running, and the cast well-stocked with seasoned British actors like Sir Derek Jacobi, Bill Nighy, and Steven Mackintosh. The sex and violence may still be a bit intense for youngsters, but for the vampire crowd, it's a moveable feast of generous, still-twitching proportions.
Theatrical Release: January 20, 2006
UMD Features:
Keep Case
Anamorphic Widescreen - 1.78
Audio:
Dolby Digital Surround Sound 2.0 - English
Subtitles - English, French - Optional
Director of Photography
Simon Duggan: Australian DOP
Production Designer
Patrick Tatopoulos: Creature Designer, SILENT HILL (2006)
Costume Designer
Wendy Partridge: Costume Designer, ANATOMY OF A HATE CRIME (2001)
Review 1:
"The picture is appropriately dark and the color palette is filled with greys and greens."
Source: Widescreen Review
p.68 06/01/2006
Review 2:
4 stars out of 5 -- "Despite the sound and fury, it's ROMEO AND JULIET with vampires and werewolves..."
Source: Ultimate DVD
p.82 07/01/2006