Underworld: Rise of the Lycans 4K UHD Screenshots (Patreon)

Video

Although a 2K finish, the visible resolution is substantial. While much is hidden by shadows, detail in wide shots and exteriors (even those filled in with CG elements) look wonderfully bold. Mud and stone texture flourishes, and then when the camera pulls in close, things improve further. Skin, armor, and costumes produce substantial fidelity, better than an upscale usually presents.

Rise of the Lycans remains flush in blues, keeping the franchise aesthetic intact. Everything is blue short of flames and pale flesh tones (if the term flesh tones even applies). Colorful this is not. Oppressive? That it is.

While still punishingly dark by design, crush is less of an issue in this prequel than the two prior Underworlds. Black levels sustain incredible density throughout, if delicate enough to keep details visible until hitting pure black. HDR brings the limited contrast to life, accentuating moonlit reflections to an extreme, certainly brighter than any nighttime reflections should be, if still attractive in utilizing the format. Flames from candles also provide a break from the dark.

Audio

Another subwoofer killer, bass pounds in the soundtrack, then grows stronger when action spins up. Arrows pierce flesh with a meaty bump. Punches connect, rattling the room. Absurd range requires a decent setup to truly appreciate, but it's worth it as to feel each blow.

Remixed into Atmos, the change isn't dramatic, if mostly due to how fantastic the original track was. Overhead channels do matter though as werewolves leap above victims, and at one point, pounce on a horse drawn carriage, stomping on the roof. Sword clashes and arrows sweep around the soundstage, impeccably placed. Every bit of motion is flawless. Outside of action, ambiance when in slave camps keeps chains clanking in the rears. It's consistent. The only misgiving is the score - that prefers to hug the right side, and it's far too obvious.