Underworld (Unrated) (Blu-ray)

Underworld (Unrated)Genre: action_&_adventureLabel: Screen GemsDescription: In the Underworld Vampires are a secret clan of modern aristocratic sophisticates whose mortal enemies are the Lycans (werewolves) a shrewd gang of street thugs who prowl the city's underbelly. No one knows the origin of their bitter blood feud but the balance of power between them turns even bloodier when a beautiful young Vampire warrior and a newly-turned Lycan with a mysterious past fall in love. Kate Beckinsale and Scott Speedman star in this modern-day action-packed tale of ruthless intrigue and forbidden passion ­ all set against the dazzling backdrop of a timeless Gothic metropolis. Blade meets The Crow and The Matrix in Underworld a hybrid thriller that rewrites the rulebook on werewolves and vampires. It's a cuisinart movie (blend a lot of familiar ideas and hope something interesting happens) in which immortal vampire death dealers wage an ancient war against Lycans (werewolves) who've got centuries of revenge--and some rather ambitious genetic experiments--on their lycanthropic agenda. Given his preoccupation with gloomy architecture (mostly filmed in Budapest Hungary) frenetic mayhem and gothic costuming it's no surprise that first-time director Len Wiseman gained experience in TV commercials and the art departments of Godzilla Men in Black and Independence Day. His work is all surface no substance filled with derivative grand-scale action as conflicted vampire Selene (Kate Beckinsale who later became engaged to Wiseman) struggles to rescue an ill-fated human (Scott Speedman) from Lycan transformation. It's great looking all the way and a guaranteed treat for horror buffs who will eagerly dissect its many strengths and weaknesses. --Jeff Shannon