Promotional consideration provided by Sony Pictures
October is upon us, and maybe you're thinking about diving into a seasonal series to suit the occasion. One thing's for sure — there are options. Slashers? Sure, those are good, but oh so predictable. The classics? Also great, but Dracula's been done to death. May we suggest something rooted in classic fare, but with a modern take? Something epic? If that sounds good, then the Underworld series is for you.
But unless you're a fan, maybe you've only seen the first one. Or maybe you've caught some later instalments, and that can keep you a bit … in the dark. We're here to hit reset, and give you a (spoiler-free) rundown of every film to lay the groundwork.
But make no mistake — the Underworld series is storied and deep, with a unique take on vampires vs. werewolves. It's worth a binge, and Sony has now released all the films together in the Underworld: Limited Edition 5 Movie Collection. The series has been given the full 4K / Ultra HD treatment, and comes with loads of added features, plus both theatrical and extended movie editions. Ahead of getting into that good stuff later, here's a lesson in Underworld.
Underworld (2003)
First off, you need to know what a Death Dealer is. That's the term for a vampire warrior, bred to combat the growing spread of the lycans. What's a lycan, you ask? Well, that's the Underworld term for werewolf. You nerdier types probably know it's short for lycanthrope.
Our protagonist is Selene, and she's a Death Dealer who's been screaming for vengeance, ever since the lycans (allegedly) killed her family. Oh, and vampires and lycans exist not because they are supernatural. They came from a Plague mutation. You know, Black Death? The bubonic one? That plague.
So Selene, on her werewolf killing-spree, discovers the lycans are pursuing a human named Michael Corvin for experimentation. She takes it upon herself to capture him before they can, and that's when she finds out what the lycans are up to. But wait! She also discovers a mutinous plot to overthrow the vampire Elders. From there, we learn of the first vampire and lycan lines, and the hidden key to creating a 'hybrid'.
Underworld: Evolution (2006)
In the next instalment, Selene takes Michael Corvin to a vampire safe house. It's here where we become aware of Markus, the auspicious 'last vampire Elder'. Her plan is to awaken him, but what's this? He's already been awakened, and it turns out he's the first vampire! Not only that, but Selena and Michael then discover Markus plans to free his imprisoned brother William. And, William is the first werewolf. Of course, being the first one, he's a crazy, mutant, super-werewolf. Vampire and werewolf fights ensue.
Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009)
While this is the third film made in the series, it's chronologically the first. It really gets into origins of characters, and events that put the whole vampire-lycan war in motion. We learn the original werewolves uncontrollable and ferocious, and unable to revert back to human form once bitten. BUT. There was a single werewolf who gave birth to a human-ish child. This werewolf, known as Lucian, was the first to carry a mutation of the pathogen that allowed him to change from human to lycan. Lucian is referred to as "the first of the lycans." Being the lycan leader, he spearheads a revolt against the vampires, who were, at that time, the oppressors.
Underworld: Awakening (2012)
Selene is back — and she's dealing with a lot of stuff. First, she's been imprisoned. That's never much fun. While imprisoned, she finds out she has a hybrid daughter, who holds the ability to see though her parents' eyes. She knows this because Selene can see though the child's eyes, and they harness that ability to locate each other. When Selene escapes imprisonment, she discovers a world where humans are aware of the vampire and lycan clans. As humans do, they declare an all-out war to eradicate both immortal species.
Underworld: Blood Wars (2016)
The lycans have the vampires on the run. However, both species are on a mad hunt for Selene, fuelled by their own motivations. The vampires wish to avenge the death of an Elder, and the lycans want her blood. which holds the key to building a hybrid army. But the vampires have limited options. They end up agreeing to a council pardon for Selene's help, because she does, after all, kick serious ass. They need her to train some neophyte Death Dealers. The lycans are closing in, and through a 'sacred world' ritual, Selene's powers are enhanced. Who will emerge victorious?
There you have it, some Underworld 101. But it doesn't stop there — if you are a superfan, you'll be chuffed to see all the features that come with this Limited Edition 5 Movie Collection. We got a sneak peek, and here's what you can expect …
UNDERWORLD BONUS FEATURES
4K Ultra HD:
4K Ultra HD:
4K Ultra HD:
4K Ultra HD:
4K Ultra HD:
4K Ultra HD: All films presented in 2160p Ultra High Definition with HDR 10 and Dolby Atmos immersive audio + DTS-HD MA 5.1 original theatrical audio tracks (DTS-HD MA 7.1 for UNDERWORLD: AWAKENING); aspect ratios vary
Blu-Ray: All films presented at 1080p High Definition resolution; aspect ratios and audio configurations vary
Ratings:
October is upon us, and maybe you're thinking about diving into a seasonal series to suit the occasion. One thing's for sure — there are options. Slashers? Sure, those are good, but oh so predictable. The classics? Also great, but Dracula's been done to death. May we suggest something rooted in classic fare, but with a modern take? Something epic? If that sounds good, then the Underworld series is for you.
But unless you're a fan, maybe you've only seen the first one. Or maybe you've caught some later instalments, and that can keep you a bit … in the dark. We're here to hit reset, and give you a (spoiler-free) rundown of every film to lay the groundwork.
But make no mistake — the Underworld series is storied and deep, with a unique take on vampires vs. werewolves. It's worth a binge, and Sony has now released all the films together in the Underworld: Limited Edition 5 Movie Collection. The series has been given the full 4K / Ultra HD treatment, and comes with loads of added features, plus both theatrical and extended movie editions. Ahead of getting into that good stuff later, here's a lesson in Underworld.
Underworld (2003)
First off, you need to know what a Death Dealer is. That's the term for a vampire warrior, bred to combat the growing spread of the lycans. What's a lycan, you ask? Well, that's the Underworld term for werewolf. You nerdier types probably know it's short for lycanthrope.
Our protagonist is Selene, and she's a Death Dealer who's been screaming for vengeance, ever since the lycans (allegedly) killed her family. Oh, and vampires and lycans exist not because they are supernatural. They came from a Plague mutation. You know, Black Death? The bubonic one? That plague.
So Selene, on her werewolf killing-spree, discovers the lycans are pursuing a human named Michael Corvin for experimentation. She takes it upon herself to capture him before they can, and that's when she finds out what the lycans are up to. But wait! She also discovers a mutinous plot to overthrow the vampire Elders. From there, we learn of the first vampire and lycan lines, and the hidden key to creating a 'hybrid'.
Underworld: Evolution (2006)
In the next instalment, Selene takes Michael Corvin to a vampire safe house. It's here where we become aware of Markus, the auspicious 'last vampire Elder'. Her plan is to awaken him, but what's this? He's already been awakened, and it turns out he's the first vampire! Not only that, but Selena and Michael then discover Markus plans to free his imprisoned brother William. And, William is the first werewolf. Of course, being the first one, he's a crazy, mutant, super-werewolf. Vampire and werewolf fights ensue.
Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009)
While this is the third film made in the series, it's chronologically the first. It really gets into origins of characters, and events that put the whole vampire-lycan war in motion. We learn the original werewolves uncontrollable and ferocious, and unable to revert back to human form once bitten. BUT. There was a single werewolf who gave birth to a human-ish child. This werewolf, known as Lucian, was the first to carry a mutation of the pathogen that allowed him to change from human to lycan. Lucian is referred to as "the first of the lycans." Being the lycan leader, he spearheads a revolt against the vampires, who were, at that time, the oppressors.
Underworld: Awakening (2012)
Selene is back — and she's dealing with a lot of stuff. First, she's been imprisoned. That's never much fun. While imprisoned, she finds out she has a hybrid daughter, who holds the ability to see though her parents' eyes. She knows this because Selene can see though the child's eyes, and they harness that ability to locate each other. When Selene escapes imprisonment, she discovers a world where humans are aware of the vampire and lycan clans. As humans do, they declare an all-out war to eradicate both immortal species.
Underworld: Blood Wars (2016)
The lycans have the vampires on the run. However, both species are on a mad hunt for Selene, fuelled by their own motivations. The vampires wish to avenge the death of an Elder, and the lycans want her blood. which holds the key to building a hybrid army. But the vampires have limited options. They end up agreeing to a council pardon for Selene's help, because she does, after all, kick serious ass. They need her to train some neophyte Death Dealers. The lycans are closing in, and through a 'sacred world' ritual, Selene's powers are enhanced. Who will emerge victorious?
There you have it, some Underworld 101. But it doesn't stop there — if you are a superfan, you'll be chuffed to see all the features that come with this Limited Edition 5 Movie Collection. We got a sneak peek, and here's what you can expect …
UNDERWORLD BONUS FEATURES
4K Ultra HD:
- Theatrical & Extended Versions of the Film (both 4K HDR and Dolby Atmos)
- Alternate Flashbacks (4K HDR)
- Theatrical Trailer
- Extended Version of the Film
- Director & Cast Commentary
- Fang vs. Fiction Documentary
- 7 Featurettes
- Outtakes
- Storyboard Comparisons
- Music Video: "Worms of the Earth" by Finch
4K Ultra HD:
- Theatrical Trailer
- Director & Filmmakers' Commentary
- The Hybrid Theory
- The War Rages On
- Bloodlines: From Script to Screen
- Making Monsters Roar
- Building a Saga
- Music and Mayhem
- Music Video: "Her Portrait in Black" by Atreyu
4K Ultra HD:
- Rise of the Lycans: Inside the Castle Walls
- Theatrical Trailers
- Behind the Castle Walls: Picture-in-Picture Experience
- Filmmaker Commentary
- 3 Featurettes
- Music Video: "Deathclub (Wes Borland / Renholder Remix)" by William Control feat. Matt Skiba
- and More
4K Ultra HD:
- Underworld: Endless War 3-Part Animated Series (with stereo DTS-HD MA English audio)
- Theatrical Trailers
- Cracking the Underworld: Picture-in-Picture Experience
- Filmmakers' Commentary
- 5 Featurettes
- Blooper Reel
- And More
4K Ultra HD:
- Franchise Recap
- Theatrical Trailers
- Underworld: Blood Wars – The Official Movie Graphic Novel
- The Evolution of Selene
- Building a Blood War
- Old & New Blood
- The Evil Evolved
4K Ultra HD: All films presented in 2160p Ultra High Definition with HDR 10 and Dolby Atmos immersive audio + DTS-HD MA 5.1 original theatrical audio tracks (DTS-HD MA 7.1 for UNDERWORLD: AWAKENING); aspect ratios vary
Blu-Ray: All films presented at 1080p High Definition resolution; aspect ratios and audio configurations vary
Ratings:
- Underworld: Theatrical Cut: 18A; Extended Cut: Unrated
- Underworld: Evolution: 18A
- Underworld: Rise of the Lycans: 18A
- Underworld: Awakening: 18A
- Underworld: Blood Wars: 18A