Dark Depths of Urban Chaos Unraveled

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MOVIE REVIEW
Underworld A.K.A. Transmutations (4K UHD)
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Genre: Action, Horror, Sci-Fi
Year Released: 1985, 2023 Kino Cult 4K
Runtime: 1h 32m
Director(s): George Pavlou
Writer(s): Clive Barker, James Caplin
Cast: Denholm Elliott, Steven Berkoff, Ingrid Pitt, Nicola Cowper, Irina Brook, Art Malik
Where To Watch: available now here www.kinolorber.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: The fifth entry into the Kino Cult lineup is a bizarre trip through some experimental cinema of the 1980s. UNDERWORLD (aka TRANSMUTATIONS) catches the eye, not as a dazzling gem but as an intriguing, unpolished stone. Conceived partly by the renowned Clive Barker, the movie veers away from the look and feel of some of his more notable horror creations, leading us down a path lined with what-ifs and might-have-been.

In the directorial hands of George Pavlou, UNDERWORLD seeks to immerse us in a shadow-laden neo-noir world where moral lines blur and mutated beings roam. It's a world with potential, featuring characters like Nicole (Nicola Cowper) and the complex detective Roy Bain (Larry Lamb). Yet, the film's ambition seems to overreach its grasp, entangling itself in a web of clichés and surface-level character development.

Key elements emerge haphazardly throughout the film, leaving the audience adrift in confusing storylines—the script, striving for authenticity, renders some of the dialogue more functional than impactful. Lamb's portrayal of Bain is commendable but needed to inject more vitality into the film. Amidst these limitations, Denholm Elliott as Savary and Ingrid Pitt as Pepperdine managed to infuse some life into their roles, albeit constrained by the script's boundaries.

The movie does try to carve out a niche with its 1980s synth-rock soundtrack, adding an auditory layer to the experience. This sonic landscape needed to be more profound and potent to counterbalance the narrative weaknesses and the lackluster character arcs. The film teases us with the promise of an intriguing underground world of mutants, a concept that remains tantalizingly underexplored.

The makeup and costume design, crucial in crafting the film’s mutant denizens, fall short of creating a believable and immersive world. Paired with action sequences that lack the punch and thrill of the genre, the film struggles to keep the audience on the edge of their seats.

Reflecting on Barker's role in the film, it becomes clear that UNDERWORLD stands apart from his more successful cinematic ventures. While he has previously transformed his visionary ideas into gripping tales, this film fails to join the ranks of his more compelling works. It is a testament to the challenge of adapting visionary ideas to the silver screen. He likely didn’t have much creative control over the final product.

Yet, UNDERWORLD is not entirely devoid of redeeming qualities. Its initial setup and select scenes hint at a deeper, more engaging narrative lurking beneath the surface. These moments, however, are fleeting and ultimately drowned out by the film's overarching disjointedness and lack of coherence. Though the climax attempts to inject drama into the storyline, it offers only a brief respite from the overall monotony, failing to elevate the film substantially.

Despite its intriguing premise and Barker's creative backing, UNDERWORLD falls short of delivering a genuinely satisfying cinematic experience. Underdeveloped characters, a wavering storyline, and uninspired direction hindered it. While it may hold some allure for die-hard Barker enthusiasts and fans of 1980s cinema, its appeal is unlikely to extend far beyond this niche audience, leaving those searching for a tightly woven, engaging narrative wanting more. This is the first entry into the Kino Cult lineup that didn’t hit home with me somehow. I would love to see what a remake of this film would be like, potentially following Barker’s vision closer.

Product Extras
Disc 1 (4KUHD):
Brand New HDR/Dolby Vision Master – From a 4K Scan of the 35mm Original Camera Negative
NEW Audio Commentary with Director George Pavlou, Moderated by Stephen Thrower, the Author of Nightmare USA: The Untold Story of the Exploitation Independents
Triple-Layered UHD100 Disc
Optional English Subtitles

Disc 2 (BLU-RAY):
Brand New HD Master – From a 4K Scan of the 35mm Original Camera Negative
NEW Audio Commentary with Director George Pavlou, Moderated by Stephen Thrower, the Author of Nightmare USA: The Untold Story of the Exploitation Independents
Transmutations (103 Minute Alternate Cut) 1080 SDR Hybrid
Archival Behind-the-Scenes Footage (3:53)
Image Gallery of Stills, Storyboards, Make-Up Tests, and Clive Barker Designs
Dual-Layered BD50 Disc
Optional English Subtitles

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[photo courtesy of KINO CULT, KINO LORBER]

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