Under the Mountain Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.5
Audio		5.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

Under the Mountain Blu-ray Movie Review

Under the Mountain is an enormously entertaining fantasy-adventure. Based on the acclaimed novel by Maurice Gee. Starring Sam Neill, Tom Cameron, Sophie McBride, and Oliver Driver.

Twins Rachel and Theo Metheson are teenagers who discover the strange Wilberforces – shape-shifting creatures. There is a lot at stake with the creepy house next door to them and a strange story about the volcanoes nearby in Auckland. Mr. Jones, a mysterious fellow, helps them out. There is a ancient evil and only the twins can stop it. Can the world be saved from the Wilberforces?

The performances are well done. The actors portraying the twins did excellent work in the production. Tom Cameron is great as Theo and Sophie McBride is terrific as Rachel. The actors play well off of one another and are great on screen. Sam Neill delivers a strong performance and adds a lot to the film. Engaging and entertaining performances from the entire cast make it a better and more well-rounded film.

Composed by Victoria Kelly (Black Sheep, Fracture), Under the Mountain is an entertaining and engaging score. The music plays a wonderful role in the filmmaking. The score is a perfect backdrop to the action and adventure.

The cinematography by Richard Bluck (Black Sheep) is well-done throughout. The cinematography is visually stunning. Under the Mountain is a gorgeous looking film and the cinematographer has an impeccable eye for visuals.

Edited by Chris Plummer (Black Sheep, Boy), Under the Mountain is a well-paced and well-edited film. The flow of the film is exceptional. The editing capably showcases the tension of the action-adventure fantasy elements.

The production designs by Ralph Davies (Young Hercules) and Kim Sinclair (Black Sheep) are well done and add to the filmmaking, too. The designs are certainly engaging and feel well thought out for the fantasy landscape. The efforts are top-notch.

The costume designs by Kiri Rainey (Love Has No Language, A War Story) are effective for the cast of characters. The costume designs feel well thought out for each of the leading characters. A solid and memorable costume design effort by Rainey.

Directed by Jonathan King (Black Sheep), who penned the script alongside Matthew Grainger (The Tattooist), Under the Mountain is an entertaining and exhilarating fantasy-adventure that should entertain the entire family. Under the Mountain is an effective work of fantasy-adventure and it certainly is a nice showcase for director King and his knack for storytelling and high adventure. Under the Mountain is an underrated gem and one that deserves more accolades as a fun fantasy film with engaging characters and exciting storytelling.

Under the Mountain Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Released on Blu-ray by Umbrella Entertainment, Under the Mountain is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1 widescreen. The high-definition transfer looks exceptional. The clarity and detail of the presentation is top- notch. The cinematography shines throughout the presentation. Colors pop and the level of immersion is fantastic. A beautiful encode of the film.

Under the Mountain Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented in English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. The lossless surround sound presentation is exceptional and sounds incredible throughout the entire film presentation. Dialogue is crisp, clear, and easy to understand. The score and sound effects are well utilized throughout the surround soundstage. A first-rate lossless audio presentation.

Under the Mountain Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Audio Commentary with Director Jonathan King and Writer Matt Grainger

Interview with Director Jonathan King (HD, 24:51)

The Making Of "Under the Mountain" (SD, 48:37)

Cast & Crew Interviews (SD, 45:36)

Stills Gallery (HD, 5:01)

Behind the Scenes Gallery (HD, 5:02)

Concept Art Gallery (HD, 4:17)

Trailer (SD, 1:48)

Under the Mountain Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Under the Mountain is an enormously charming and entertaining fantasy-adventure. The filmmaking is top-notch and the storytelling is highly engaging. Director Jonathan King (Black Sheep) is an enormous talent. The Blu-ray release features superb high-definition video, lossless audio, and a nice selection of bonus features. Highly recommended.