Underworld Evolution 4K UHD Screenshots (Patreon)

Video

Stating Underworld Evolution is blue is equivalent to noting water is wet. All of the Underworld films embrace the blues, although this sequel veers even further than most. Few other colors (aside from flames) break free. Oppressive becomes an understatement, and therefore, all HDR's deep color can do is add minor density. Flesh tones do no exist in this world, even when the palette steers warmer in spots.

On the plus side, this looks far better than Underworld. The scan, although locked to a 2K finish, looks fresher. A limited grain layer leaves no negative impression on the end result. Encoding keeps Underworld Evolution clean, maintaining a clean film look, even when smokey. Certain CG effects will introduce artifacts, but that's not fault in the encode. As a result, detail makes a considerably better impression in this follow-up, the texture precise and organic. Edges avoid ringing as well.

Crush remains a considerable problem, if less so, and still inherent to the original cinematography. If nothing else, shadows look impeccable and deep, producing the densest possible black. Utilizing frequent fluorescent lighting, brightness in the highlights tends to wane. However, things like chandeliers or a fire hit a capable brightness.

Audio

Another loud, stellar Atmos mix, if still preserving a design that prefers going totally overboard. It's a battle between thumping music and sound effects. Depending on the scene, either might win out. Underworld Evolution piles on the bass, hitting the low-end aggressively. Rooms will rattle at this disc's command. If not music, than it's gunfire, explosions, or even body blows. Werewolves and vampires both exhibit super strength in this world, and create equal force in the low-end.

Wild overhead use makes explicit calls to the heights, taking the obvious route with thunder claps and helicopters, but also exaggerating gunfire. Accuracy isn't the focus so much as ensuring each channel finds clear, defined use. They do. It's wild and showy to a fault, if no less enjoyable when birds begin encircling a forest directly above.