Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Release date: May 8th, 2012
UNDERWORLD: AWAKENING, directed by Mans Marlind and Bjorn Stein, begins twelve years after Selene (Kate Beckinsale) and Michael are captured and sedated by an ominous research facility known as Antigen. When Selene is awakened by a fellow captive, she has to adjust to a world where humankind has driven vampires into hiding and lycans nearly into extinction during a period called The Purge. Selene pairs up with a vampire named David (Theo James) to discover what happened to Michael twelve years prior and why Antigen is currently hunting Eve (India Eisley)—the young girl Selene is determined to protect.
While none of the sequels measure up the first UNDERWORLD, this one comes close. While the film may not hold any deeper meaning or heart-wrenching (emotionally, at least) character arcs, it does have the action-fueled storylines that we’ve all come to expect (and love) from the franchise. Kate Beckinsale once again brings Selene’s characteristic cool composure and fierce attitude to the screen.
Video: AWAKENING was filmed, for 3D, with the Red Epic camera system and is presented in 1080p with a ratio of 2.40:1.
Audio: Sound is presented in a 16-bit DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. There is another 16-bit DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track in French. Subtitles are available in English, English SDH, French, and Spanish.
Those who are willing to ignore a few plot holes and enjoy it for the fun battle to the death that it is won’t be disappointed. The story is entertaining, if not particularly deep or complex, and the fast-paced, stylized fight scenes are sure to hold viewers’ attention. The film’s ending leaves it open for a fifth installment in the series and the new post-Purge world would definitely serve as the perfect backdrop to continue Selene’s story.
Kristen Micek
