Underworld 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		5.0
Overall		3.5

Underworld 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Jeffrey Kauffman September 24, 2026

Underworld is one of the latest examples of a certain kind of partnership Arrow Video's UK branch has entered into with Kino Lorber, where Kino Lorber's Region A releases are often duplicated by Arrow for Region B. This is another such instance, and in this case this release also features a bonus (1080) Blu-ray disc offering the alternate extended video version of the film entitled Transmutations. Arrow's insert booklet verbiage (reprinted below) doesn't mention any new restoration work done by the label, which has at least on occasion been the case. Arrow is offering some new (produced in 2024) supplementary content (also detailed below).

Maybe a little surprisingly, it doesn't look like this 1985 version of Underworld has had a prior release on 1080 disc, but our Underworld 4K Blu-ray review of Kino Lorber's 2023 release provides plot information, a list of supplements and a discussion of the technical presentation.

Underworld 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Note: This release does not include a 1080 Blu-ray of the Underworld cut, so these screenshots are taken directly from the 4K UHD disc and downscaled to 1080 and SDR. Color space in particular is therefore not accurate, and I recommend those interested to look at some of the screenshots the above link to the Kino Lorber version for a probably better representation of the palette. The 1080 score above pertains to Transmutations.

Underworld is presented in 4K UHD courtesy of Arrow Video with an HEVC / H.265 encoded 2160p transfer in 1.85:1. Arrow's insert booklet contains the following information on the presentation(s):

Underworld is presented in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio with stereo audio. The film is presented in 4K resolution in HDR10 and Dolby Vision.

The 4K restored master was produced and supplied by Kino Lorber.

The film was originally released on home video in North America with the title changed to Transmutations and featuring 11 minutes of additional footage. The film elements for the title card and extra scenes could not be located and are believed to be lost, so inserts from a standard definition video source have been upscaled to high definition for he bonus presentation of the Transmutations cut.

Kino Lorber's release evidently offered both Underworld and Transmutations in 1080 in addition to the 4K version of Underworld, and the only real "comparison" here is between the 4K presentation of Underworld and the 1080 presentation of Transmutations, for whatever that's worth. This is another 4K presentation that is almost overrun with heavy grain at times, kind of interestingly more so toward the beginning of the film (which includes an optically printed and rather long credits sequence). Grain tends to resolve somewhat tighter later in the presentation, though it can still spike dramatically, not always completely dependent on lighting regimens. The omnipresent darkness of the film may preclude really convincing shadow definition at times, even given the blandishments of the HDR / Dolby Vision grades in the 4K version. The palette can be skewed a bit toward gray perhaps due to the aforementioned heavy grain field, but there are very commendable pops of color on the cooler ends of the spectrum in particular. Some of the special makeup effects are quite gruesome looking, especially with the added emphasis on detail (at least in brighter lighting) the 4K version offers.

Underworld 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Underworld features a "very eighties" LPCM 2.0 track that prominently features the synth laden work of Freur. The score is very much of its time, but adds a bit of propulsive energy throughout the film. Effects and dialogue are rendered effortlessly. Dynamic range is relatively wide. Optional English subtitles are available.

Underworld 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Disc One (4K UHD)

• Commentary by George Pavlou and Stephen Thrower


• Wild Recrimination (HD; 26:12) is a 2024 interview with director of photography Syd Mccartney.


• Becoming 'Darling' (HD; 12:18) is a 2024 interview with Brian Croucher.


• No Limits (HD; 16:52) is a 2024 interview with Clive Barker collaborator Nicholas Vince.


• Makeup Tests and Designs (HD) is an image gallery.


• Storyboards (HD; 3:38)


• US Trailer (HD; 1:41)


• Artwork and Stills (HD)


• Image Gallery (HD)

Disc Two (1080)

• Transmutations (HD; 1:43:04) is the alternate extended version of the film, presented here in what Arrow calls a "composite form" with some material culled from a lower quality LaserDisc (remember when those were "hi def"?).

Arrow's insert booklet has an essay by Daniel Burnett with the cheeky title A Waste of Good Suffering (he may or may not be referring to viewers). The keepcase sleeve is reversible and packaging also features a slipcover.

Underworld 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Daniel Burnett's essay in Arrow's insert booklet compares Underworld to The Island of Dr. Moreau mixed with Streets of Fire, but I'd also suggest the late and probably little remembered television version of Beauty and the Beast as well. The film is kind of a mess, frankly, but technical merits are solid and the supplements very appealing, for anyone who may be considering making a purchase.