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Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009)

Rhona Mitra , Bill Nighy  |  R |  DVD
4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (220 customer reviews)

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Underworld: Rise of the Lycans + Underworld: Awakening (+ UltraViolet Digital Copy) + Underworld: Evolution (Widescreen Edition)
Price for all three: $27.03

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Product Details

  • Actors: Rhona Mitra, Bill Nighy, Michael Sheen, Kate Beckinsale
  • Format: AC-3, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen
  • Language: English
  • Subtitles: Chinese, English, French, Korean, Spanish
  • Dubbed: French, Spanish
  • Region: Region 1 encoding (US and Canada only)
    PLEASE NOTE:
    Some Region 1 DVDs may contain Regional Coding Enhancement (RCE). Some, but not all, of our international customers have had problems playing these enhanced discs on what are called "region-free" DVD players. For more information on RCE, click .
  • Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1
  • Number of discs: 1
  • Rated: R (Restricted)
  • Studio: Screen Gems
  • DVD Release Date: May 12, 2009
  • Run Time: 92 minutes
  • Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (220 customer reviews)
  • ASIN: B001HN697M
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,437 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)
  • Learn more about "Underworld: Rise of the Lycans" on IMDb

Special Features

Filmmaker Commentary
Underworld: Rise of the Lycans: From Script to Screen
The Origin of the Feud
Music Video: "Deathclub" By William Control

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

This prequel to Len Wiseman’s Underworld and Underworld: Evolution is distinctively different, especially minus the nimble vampire warrior star, Selene (Kate Beckinsale). Underworld: Rise of the Lycans takes its cues from the vampire/werewolf battles that occur in the other films, but director Patrick Tatopoulos focuses here on the young werewolf Lucian's (Michael Sheen) rise to leadership. Rise of the Lycans is set mostly within the walls of vampire lord Viktor’s (Bill Nighy) castle, so the film’s silver, black, and blue palette reflects a world happening under moonlight. From the outset, when Viktor brings Lucian, the first werewolf, into the world, this villainous bloodsucker’s daughter, Sonja (Rhona Mitra), is smitten with Lucian’s hairy appearance and instinctual intelligence. As years pass, Lucian grows tired of watching his race suffer slavery and imprisonment, and recruits a human named Raze (Kevin Grevioux) to assist rebellion. This archetypal plot is not so riveting, and what carries Underworld: Rise of the Lycans are the battle scenes between vampires and werewolves, which are excitingly fast-paced and brutal. The whole film adopts a medieval battlefield aesthetic that carries an otherwise clichéd story about illicit love and freedom fighting. Some characters, like the traitor vampire Tannis (Steven Mackintosh), also intrigues throughout, as one guesses who he will ally with. Underworld: Rise of the Lycans may not be the finest film in the werewolf and vampire archives independently, but its mixed monstrosity makes it unique and entertaining, especially on a big screen. --Trinie Dalton 


Stills from Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (click for larger image)

Product Description

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans delves into the origins of the centuries-old blood feud between the aristocratic vampires, known as Death Dealers, and the barbaric Lycans (werewolves). A young Lycan, Lucian (Michael Sheen), emerges as a powerful leader who rallies the werewolves to rise up against Viktor (Bill Nighy), the cruel vampire king who has persecuted them for hundreds of years. Lucian is joined by his secret lover, the beautiful vampire Sonja (Rhona Mitra), in his battle to free the Lycans from their brutal enslavement.

Customer Reviews

For all the fans that love Underworld and Vampires this will be an enjoyable movie. Pigs_Fly  |  49 reviewers made a similar statement
Plenty of Werewolf, Lycan action, a solid plot, fine acting, & all around great special effects! JAMES MCCORMICK  |  42 reviewers made a similar statement
I will purchase more items from there. Therander L. Tarleton  |  14 reviewers made a similar statement
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
41 of 43 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars A worthy addition to the Underworld Franchise March 25, 2009
Format:Blu-ray|Amazon Verified Purchase
This movie is the realized back story for the movie "Underworld". There is nothing revelational about this movie to the storyline of the franchise except for Lucian being the source of the modern day Lycans (ability to transform back into human form). This movie is basically about his development from childhood into the leader of the Lycans and also the love story between him and Sonia (Victor's daughter). The tie-ins of this movie to the other two were very well written. While viewing "Rise of the Lycans" is not necessary in order to make sense of the other two movies in the franchise, it definitely enriches them and basically adds more seasoning.

The action and battle sequences were exciting and very well done. But, while I enjoyed the movie, it lacks the plot twists and suspense of the original "Underworld". The acting is good, although I wish Victor would have had some better dialogue. Rhona Mitra was SUPERB as Sonia. Her resemblence to Kate Beckensale makes the viewer realize why Victor took Selene under his wing (instead of killing her along with her family). Selene is absent from this movie except for the final clip which happens to be the opening scene to "Underworld" (a good transition). IMHO, this movie ranks 2nd in the franchise. While "Underworld Evolution" was enoyable in its own right, the creatures of this franchise look more comfortable (and believable) in midieval times than in the modern day. If you own the other two movies on DVD/ Blu-ray, you'll definitely want to add this to your Underworld library.
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8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Blu-ray
In 2003, the action-horror film "Underworld" starring Kate Beckinsdale as the vampire Selena came out to theaters. Known for its stylish, Goth presentation and dark, brooding environment, the film would spotlight on the war between the vampires aka "Death Dealers" and the human/werewolf hybrids known as "Lycans". Directed by Len Wiseman, the film would spawn a sequel in 2006 "Underworld: Evolution".

But the creators of the film wanted to explain how the feud between the Death Dealers and the Lycans started. Although the first film briefly shown a little bit of that history, due to the rapid and shrinking budget of the first film, the creators were not able to effectively do what they wanted. And thus the third film, "Underworld: Rise of the Lycans", a prequel to the first two films, was created and released in theaters on January 2009.

Director Len Wiseman who was responsible for the first two films had come off directing the fourth "Die Hard" film "Live Free or Die Hard" and needing the time to rest, decided to contribute as a writer and producer for the "Underworld" prequel. Writing the screenplay for "Underworld: Rise of the Lycans" was Danny McBride (who played Mason in the first film), Dirk Blackman (who written "Outlander") and Howard McCain (who wrote and directed "Outlander").

The producers decided to tap into one of their own crew to direct "Rise of the Lycans" and thus Patrick Tatopoulos, known for his special effects and creature design for the previous "Underworld" films but also for blockbusters such as "Independence Day", "Godzilla", "I Am Legend", "Silent Hill" and "10,000 BC" (to name a few) was selected to direct the latest film.

The film debuted at #1 in the box office in Jan. 2009 and has grossed nearly $90 million worldwide.

VIDEO & AUDIO:

"Underworld: Rise of the Lycans" is featured in 1080p High Definition with an aspect ratio of 2:40:1. It's important to point out that "Underworld: Rise of the Lycans" is a film that is featured in primarily blues and blacks. The film showcases the darkness of that area and if there are any other colors that are utilized, those are reds and the golden and bronze colors. It is what Tatopoulos wanted and I think that the emphasis on the darker colors brings out the brooding feeling of the land, the castle, the forest, etc.

Picture quality was well done. I did not see any artifacts, scratches, dust but I did see grain. Especially in one scene that featured Sonja laying on bed, which was brief but grain/low light noise was noticeable. But other than that, I just felt that the film utilized blacks effectively. Red typically are colors that are seen during the most violent or bloodiest of scenes but the color does stand out due to everything being so blue and black.

As for audio quality, "Underworld: Rise of the Lycans" is presented in English and French Dolby TrueHD 5.1 and also in Spanish and Portuguese 5.1.

I enjoyed how the action sequences utilizes each channel in my home theater setup. For one, when hearing the Lycans and the wolves as they run, to when they howl, one thing that audiophiles will notice is the effective use of low frequency bass coming from the subwoofer. That caught my attention immediately and when my subwoofer is utilized in such a manner, it makes me happy!

But the sounds of spears flying and hitting its victim, hearing the various action sequences constant and fluid and the noise of metal upon metal, slicing and clanging, those are noises that sound crystal clear as it comes out from your front channel speakers.

Dialogue is easily understood and so does the growls of the werewolves. There's nothing to fault about the audio, audio was well done!

As for subtitles, subtitles provided are in English, English SDH, French, Spanish and Portuguese.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

"Underworld: Rise of the Lycans" includes a second disc (digital copy) while the first disc includes special features that are in High Definition for video and for audio, presented in Dolby Surround & Stereo. Spanish and Portuguese subtitles are also included. Special features included are:

* Filmmaker Commentary - Commentary features Director Patrick Tatopoulos, three producers and the visual effects supervisor. I actually found the commentary quite informative and also entertaining. The guys talk about the choices they had with this film and how they were on a really strict schedule because of talent schedules, they needed to make sure that certain shots were done in 1-2 period. The guys also talked about how they wanted to do more but they had to stay strictly around the budget they had. But one of the most important tidbits was the footage from the first "Underworld" film which utilized a blonde Sonja and then of course, with this film having a dark haired Sonja. A large majority of the decisions made were done due to lack of money in the budget and I would think that if they were to recut the first "Underworld", they can now utilize footage from this this prequel for it. A very informative commentary that "Underworld" fans will no doubt enjoy!
* Cinechat - A two minute intro to Cinechat and of course, if you have BD-Live, you can chat with a friend or other people while watching the film.
* Behind the Castle Walls: Picture-in-Picture - While watching the film, you can get a picture-in-picture screen featuring actual shooting of the footage and also interviews with the Director, cast and crew.
* Lycanthropes Around the World Interactive Map - This is a map featuring Lycanthrope sightings in North America, Europe and Asia. Personally, I don't know how much of this is factual but I did bring up one about two children who were raised by wolves and when I checked on Google to do a search for the names. The names came up for Geocities and Lycos sites dedicated to werewolves but no Wikipedia or news sites. But an interesting, dark and kind of macabre stories of people who believe they were wolves and some that killed and resorted to cannibalism.
* Underworld: Rise of the Lycans: From Script to Screen - (9:13) Interviews with the producers and the Director in regards to how the script was written in 4 weeks and pretty much these guys who worked on the previous two films knew what they wanted for this prequel. But most importantly, when the previous Director Len Wiseman was unable to direct due to his involvement with the fourth "Die Hard" film "Live Free or Die Harder", he became the writer and producer while they tapped Patrick Tatopoulos to direct. Patrick is well-known for his work in special and creature design and effects for many blockbuster films and because this film utilizes plenty of effects, creatures and knew that this film would emphasize that, how the producers felt that he was perfect to direct this film.
* The Origin of the the Feud - (19:58) This is the primary featurette in regards to "Underworld: Rise of the Lycans" with interviews with the cast and crew. The cast talk about their characters and what they wanted to bring to their own character and more.
* Recreating the Dark Ages - (13:01) Interviews with the Director and Production Designer in creating the look and feel of the set, especially the castle and also the werewolves. How their intention of utilizing blacks and blues but also the reds and bronze/gold.
* Music Video: "Deathclub" By William Control - Fans of the band Aiden, will know lead-vocalist wiL Francis's side project aka William Control and their music video for "Deathclub" is included on the special features.
* PS3 Wallpaper

One thing that I enjoy about the "Underworld" films is the sense of its dark, goth style in conjunction with its brooding storyline of the vampires and the werewolves feuding against each other. "Underworld: Rise of the Lycans" is the dark "Romeo & Juliet" storyline of two lovers from two sides that despite and hate each other.

If there is one thing that people are familiar about the "Underworld" films, there is not much time for thorough character development. These characters may have a brief time of happiness but immediately they are trying to survive or somehow ripped away from any happiness that they seek. By no means is "Underworld: Rise of the Lycans" a happy everlasting storyline. It's a tragic story about Lucian and Sonja and what intensified the feud between the vampires (Death Dealers) and the Lycans (werewolves/human hybrids).

Lucian's story of being used by Viktor against humans and against his own kind is established but much is not said about Sonja, all the writers want you to know is that aside from being Viktor's daughter, she's madly in love with Lucian. And that is all you should know.

But I enjoyed this film because it kept things simple. No convoluted or ridiculous storyline that would go astray or become incomprehensible. The storyline features characters that are quite interesting. The Lycan Lucian and his lover, the vampire Sonja and Viktor, the father who will try to deny his daughter or the Lycan baby he raised to become a man any form of pleasure.

Michael Sheen ("Frost/Nixon", "Blood Diamond", "Underworld: Evolution", etc.) did a great job as a Lycan who will not let any side tell him that being in love with a vampire is wrong. It will be interesting as the actor will be part of another popular vampire film "The Twilight Saga: New Moon". Sheen plays that passionate but tortured person effectively, especially as his character has undergone so much, but is strong because of his love for Sonja.

Rhona Mitra ("The Practice", "Boston Legal", "Nip/Tuck") as Sonja was good, I felt that she could have been used a bit more in the film. Read more ›
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars Thrown to the Wolves July 28, 2009
Format:Blu-ray
Why can't they all just get along? The Vampires and Werewolves "at each others throats" for so many generations instead of letting bygones be bygones and teaming up to feed on us mere mortals...I mean...how silly, right?

Well I guess it's a good thing for us though, no? Because without the war there would be no action-packed Underworld series. There's suspense, tons of action and a great storyline from the start of this prequel right through Evolution.

The main writers of the franchise, Len Wiseman (who also directed the first two) and Danny McBride are intact for Rise of the Lycans, and that's a key ingredient to a successful prequel or sequel. The director's chair is taken over by FX vet Pat Totoupolis. The fact that this was his first "real" directorial try made me a bit skeptical going into Rise of the Lycans. But let me tell you, Totoupolis really pulled it off.

I was also skeptical of Rhona Mitra taking Kate Benkensale's place as the leading lady. But as the movie progresses and concludes it becomes clear that Mitra was perfect for the role.

The series documents a war that has been raging between the Vampires and Lycans for years all because one of the Vampire leaders didn't want his Vampire daughter gettin' busy with a Wolfman. Rise of the Lycans kicks it all off, and even leaves room for a second prequel to Underworld and Evolution.

All in all the whole series is a very well done story that pays to watch from the beginning. Yes, they all have stand-alone potential. But if you haven't already, you'll have more fun if you rent or purchase both Underworld and Underworld Evolution too.

Definitely worth the purchase of putting the whole Underworld Trilogy (Underworld / Underworld: Evolution / Underworld: Rise of the Lycans) into your collection.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars satisfied
However, I have not sat and watched this video, but I've brought all of Underworld movie that came out since the beginning and I'm sure I won't be disappointed.
Published 14 hours ago by Rhoda Thornhill
4.0 out of 5 stars Great special effects
Who doesn't like a werewolf and vampire movie... Come on. This was a decent beginning for the underworld sequels although I was disappointed with the last one.
Published 5 days ago by Bryan R. Fisher
4.0 out of 5 stars fast shipping!
Now I know how the war started and am able to complete u collection. At least until the next edition comes out.
Published 10 days ago by Ben Johnson
5.0 out of 5 stars the intersting story
I like this movie alot. i love how it told the whole story of why Victor killed his own daugther. this is a really great story in this whole movie . Read more
Published 11 days ago by Britt123
3.0 out of 5 stars it was good.
Movie was a good prequil to the series. Very dramatic. Could have used something.... maybe a little humor. Love the actor that plays the dad vampire. Read more
Published 18 days ago by happy-ish_with_set
4.0 out of 5 stars The beasts are baying. There shall be stylized blood in this action...
The first Underworld really seemed to me to be a one-off type of a movie but its and the following sequels success has garnered a franchise. Read more
Published 24 days ago by THowerton
5.0 out of 5 stars You get the feel Love,is an emotion Wrighted!!
This movie I waited a long time to get. 'The reason Lushion and Sonia Exists'. Yes, it can be 'bloody','ghoory',and contain mindless slavery. But it is a story of love. Read more
Published 25 days ago by Eddy
5.0 out of 5 stars SO COOL!
I have to say I love the "underworld" series. It is by far one of the best vampire franchises around.
Published 1 month ago by N. coleman
5.0 out of 5 stars RHONA
Got Dam; how I love Rhona, this is a spectacular movie and an excellent cast, I do miss Kate but this is a great prequel we were all waiting for.
Published 1 month ago by Travis Johnson
5.0 out of 5 stars awesome series
This is an awesome series. I totally enjoy the series and am glad that i discovered it. Highly recommended to all.
Published 1 month ago by Kersh
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May 17, 2009 by Andrew Olewinsky |  See all 6 posts
Firmware Update Problem?
Yes, I had the same problem with 'Lycans' on my BD-P1400. I downloaded the latest firmware
(ISO_BDP1400_XAA_080614_01_WEBSITE.ISO ) as of 5/0 and tried two differernt DVD discs. Definitely does not work. This is the only DVD that I have run into so far that I cannot play on my BD-P1400
Jun 5, 2009 by Capeman228 |  See all 9 posts
REVIEWERS...This product isnt even out yet...
I read these discussions to see if technically the Blue ray disc is actualy high definition, if the picture and effects are amazing. But people reviewing the items without seeing these would mislead others. This is like food. You must taste it before you can comment. Otherwise you can talk about... Read more
May 14, 2009 by E. Ozza |  See all 10 posts
Is there an unrated and/or extended version of "Underworld: Rise of the...
I asked this quetion on another forum that's mostly DVD and Movie talk (along with video gaming) and the answer was no. At present only the original Underworld has a unrated version. We can only hope a unrated version is coming since this new movie only clocks in under 100 minutes (92 actually)... Read more
May 17, 2009 by K. A. Jones |  See all 2 posts
REVIEWERS...This product isnt even out yet... Be the first to reply
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