Van Helsing - 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital

Best Movie Ever.

VAN HELSING [2004 / 2017] [Blu-ray + Digital HD] One Of The Most Visually Movies Ever Made! Adventure Lives Forever!The director of ‘The Mummy’ and ‘The Mummy Returns’ brings three of Universal’s classic monsters back to life like never before in the action-packed ‘VAN HELSING’ film!Legendary monster hunter Van Helsing [Hugh Jackman] must rely on the help of the beautiful and mysterious Anna Valeris [Kate Beckinsale] as he engages in an epic battle with the ultimate forces of darkness – Dracula, the Wolf Man and Frankenstein’s Monster!Get ready for non-stop action and spectacular adventure in this pulse-pounding thrill ride loaded with eye-popping visual effects and exciting bonus features!Cast: Hugh Jackman, Kate Beckinsale, Richard Roxburgh, David Wenham, Shuler Hensley, Elena Anaya, Will Kemp, Kevin J. O'Connor, Alun Armstrong, Silvia Colloca, Josie Maran, Tom Fisher, Samuel West, Robbie Coltrane, Stephen H. Fisher, Dana Morávková, Zuzana Durdinová, Jaroslav Vízner, Marek Vasut, Samantha Sommers, Dorel Mois, Marianna Mois, Laurence Racine, Patrice Wojciechowski, Kacie Borrowman (uncredited), Ryan James (uncredited), Martin Klebba (uncredited) and Allison Queal (uncredited)Director: Stephen SommersProducers: Artist W. Robinson, Bob Ducsay, David Minkowski, Matthew Stillman, Sam Mercer and Stephen SommersScreenplay: Stephen SommersComposer: Alan SilvestriCinematography: Allen Daviau, A.S.C.Video Resolution: 1080p [Technicolor]Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1Audio: English: 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, Spanish: 5.1 DTS-HD Surround, French: 5.1 DTS-HD Surround and English: 2.0 Dolby Digital StereoSubtitles: English SDH, French and SpanishRunning Time: 131 minutesRegion: All RegionsNumber of discs: 1Studio: Universal PicturesAndrew’s Blu-ray Review: ‘VAN HELSING’ [2004] is a belt and braces fun film that shows proper reverence to the classic monster film genre is thrown into a cauldron for good measure. But when it comes to classic monsters as big budget entertainment, Director Stephen Sommers proves yet again that he knows how to please his audience and fans alike, where he shows us Van Helsing that in the past he has seen nearly as many incarnations as Dracula, but this time he is not just hunting evil vampires, he has also undergone into being a tool of the Church of Rome, who is their get up and go medieval version of James Bond complete with requisite gadget man played by David Wenham as his mousey side kick friar named Carl.After a brilliant black-and-white opening, in which the Universal logo dissolves into flame and villagers hunt down Frankenstein with burning torches, we switch to Van Helsing on an assignment in London, there he tracks down Mr. Hyde, whom he is supposed to capture and of course things don’t quite go to plan, as Van Helsing is thwarted because Mr. Hyde falls to the ground and is killed outright and changes back to his original form. So Van Helsing is whisked back to the Vatican in Rome where he is assigned to Transylvania and to also thwart the evil plots of Count Dracula, and at the same time meets up with a gawkily humorous young monk named Carl who is assigned to accompany Van Helsing on a vital vampire-destroying mission to Transylvania. Carl the young monk is a bit like a version of 'Q' from the James Bond films, where he equips Van Helsing with a variety of state-of-the-art, as well as stake-of-the-heart gear from his laboratory, including a semi-automatic crossbow, where we get to experience monster mash on steroids.The ‘VAN HELSING’ film takes Universal’s hallowed horror cycle to a new levels, where we get an onslaught of special effects that takes over as Van Helsing is joined in his fight against Dracula and his flying harpies by the gypsy princess aristocratic Anna Valerious [Kate Beckinsale] where her family has been challenging Count Dracula for four centuries and unfortunately her brother Will Kemp who is Velkan [aka the Wolfman] and despite not being in the film that much, puts in an excellent performance, especially when viewing the brilliant CGI effects when he turns into a wolfman. Anna Valerious [Kate Beckinsale], who represents the last in nine generations of family sworn to defeat and kill Count Dracula. If she fails, then none of her family will ever make it out of purgatory. Time is running out and Dracula’s tasty brides are after her blood. Anna Valerious’s suspicion eventually turns to trust and the two team up to eliminate Count Dracula and his evil nasty vampire bride creations. On top of all that, there are some truly exciting moments, especially the carriage chase while Van Helsing and Anna Valerious are attempting to transport Frankenstein's sweet-natured monster back to Rome for his safety, but turn of events does not allow Van Helsing and Anna Valerious to pursue this endeavour.The ‘VAN HELSING’ film proves that $160 million still cannot buy your box office receipts. Still with the opening scenes in stunning black-and-white, is a really amazing touch, especially when we see Dr. Frankenstein bringing his monster [Shuler Hensley] to life. However, the mob with pitchforks and torches shows up to ruin the celebration, as Count Dracula [Richard Roxburgh] points out. The creature is thought destroyed, and we cut to Paris 1888. Van Helsing [Hugh Jackman] is chasing after Mr. Hyde [Robbie Coltrane] with a ton of CGI computer imaging. The battle ends with a dead Dr. Jeckyl and the revelation that Van Helsing's efforts are not liked nor appreciated and so returns to the Vatican, where we find an underground base for the Knights of the Holy Rose, an organization consisting of all of the world's religions.This is one vampire horror film with a really nice bite. It's a deliciously entertaining thrill ride that pleasurably tweaks new thrills from old stories. Thankfully, little time is wasted on exposition and explanations. The ‘VAN HELSING’ film is pretty much non-stop action, more thrill ride or video game than story, which is fine with me. The production design is fabulously entertaining and imaginative. The monsters are all re-imagined with a great deal of flair, particularly Frankenstein's creation, one of the best of his many screen portrayals. The CGI effects are exceptionally well done, subtle details add a great deal of depth and atmosphere, and there are many intricate contraptions and a lot of slimy dripping gloop.You have some really good dialogue that is delivered with a lot of panache. The horror film does not takes itself too seriously enough to have us care about the outcome but has enough of a sense of humour to provide Van Helsing with a cheery sidekick with a knack for weapons technology. Hugh Jackman has all that it takes to be both leading man and action hero. Kate Beckinsale is fine as Anna, the last in the line of her family, which for generations has been dedicated to wiping out the vampires. Upon his arrival in Transylvania, Van Helsing quickly joins forces with Anna [Kate Beckinsale], the Gypsy Princess. Anna comes from a long line of Vampire hunters who have all sworn to kill Dracula. To complicate matters, Anna's brother Velkan [Will Kemp] is bitten by a werewolf and comes under Dracula's power and really puts in a good performance. The rest of the story involves Van Helsing and Anna's quest to defeat the Count and his brides. But in a horror film of this calibre, what matters most of course is the bad guys, and especially Richard Roxburgh is just right as Dracula, sinuous and seductive, and at times can be a little effete, a little theatrical, and at the same time deliciously bloodthirsty.Hugh Jackman looks totally perfect as Van Helsing, with his terse manner, dark flowing clothing and fearlessness. David Wenham is terrific as Carl, the nervous and frantic friar Van Helsing takes along to assist him. Aside from supplying Van Helsing with a lot of neat gadgets, Carl provides a huge dose of needed comic relief. Kevin J O’Connor is also memorable as Igor, alternating between being just plain weird to very funny. As for Frankenstein’s monster, Shuler Hensley is outstanding, giving the creature the right amount of pathos, intellect, and loneliness.The ‘VAN HELSING’ film is outlandish, and is a terrific load of fun to watch and is the perfect way to start viewing a fun filled 132 minutes film that should just put logic on hold, where you sit back, and enjoy director Stephen Sommers ode and homage to the classic Universal horror film genre. On top of all that, the effects are superbly rendered, delivering the thrills and shocks the intended audience will pay to see. Same is true of Allan Cameron’s spectacularly dark production design, Allen Daviau’s superbly judged shadowy cinematography, which is a shame the whole film was not filmed in black-and-white like at the start of the film which was brilliant, plus the coolly inventive Italian costume designer Gabriella Pescucci and the innumerable spectacular visual, special makeup effects by a team so large the end credits take 10 minutes to finish and of course composer Alan Silvestri hits every music cue with an amazing fortissimo, which rounds up all that is good about this very exciting Dracula film, that I feel will have you on the edge of your seat throughout the film and is also a brilliant ending giving us the impression in the hope that there was to be a follow up of a ‘VAN HELSING 2’ film.Blu-ray Video Quality – Universal Pictures has finally brought out the ultimate and solid 1080p encoded image transfer of this film since being originally released in 2004. Arguably the best looking part of this film is the stunning black-and-white opening scene with the Universal logo spectacularly catches fire and then morphing into Dracula in Frankenstein's laboratory. The black images are at optimum levels and the lighter white colours on screen contrast perfectly. The Transylvania scenes are given a wonderful bluish hue, which most represents the overall feeling of the very eerie town setting. Also with the bluish tinge is contrasted perfectly when bright red blood is introduced. Textures and the faces of the actors are visually maxed out in great detail. So overall it is a totally brilliant looking transfer and the best you will ever see with this 2017 re-mastered Blu-ray disc upgrade, and I am so glad I waited for this release.Blu-ray Audio Quality – Universal Pictures brings us an excellent 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, that is certainly loud and certainly has the wow factor, and is packed tightly with rich, deep bass and aggressive surrounds. Much like the film itself, especially the sound mix for every action sequence is flooded with Alan Silvestri's bombastic film music score, which really gives the film the panache excellence it deserves. What is also excellent is the sounds are constantly moving throughout all the channels, and the wheels are turning and creaking, wind howling, and lightning striking all are just some of the clear sound effects that pepper throughout the audio track. What I also liked is hearing the demon wings swoosh by in keenly implemented pans with the thunderous sounds ripple outward in rolling waves throughout the speakers, and hearing the crowd of surrounding villagers seething with monster-hating animosity to great effect. So all in all this is a totally awesome brilliant audio effort.Blu-ray Special Features and Extras:Feature 2004 DVD Audio Commentary with Director Stephen Sommers and Editor/Producer Bob Ducsay: As the Universal logo turns into black-and-white and explodes before our eyes Director/Writer/Producer Stephen Sommers introduces himself and says that sitting next to him is Bob Ducsay who informs us that he is the Editor/Producer for the film ‘VAN HELSING,’ who informs us that it is very bad to have two jobs when working on a film, especially this one. Stephen Sommers informs us that he originally wanted to use the old black-and-white Universal logo, but felt in the end that people would assume they were about to watch an old original Universal Dracula film, so realised this was not a good idea in the end. They both give great praise to the Cinematographer Allen Daviau in giving the ultimate filming experience at the start of the film to be in black-and-white, which they comment you do not always get a chance to use fantastic black-and-white images in a film these days. They both talk in great praise about the actor Hugh Jackman and the reason they hired him to appear in the film, because someone saw him on the London stage in the musical “Oklahoma” and felt he would be so ideal for the vampire hunter Van Helsing. When we first meet Kate Beckinsale, we are informed that her previous film was ‘Underworld’ and they were not sure if Kate would be keen or even interested to appear in this ‘VAN HELSING’ film because of the storyline of the film to do with vampires, but it seems Kate was more than keen to appear in the film and they really praise Kate in doing a wonderful job in the film. Both of the commentators keep mentioning Kate’s different hair styles throughout the film, especially the creepy scene in the house where her werewolf brother appears. What really irritated me about this audio commentary is that both commentators kept going on about the scenes where everyone is flying about, especially the extras, and kept going on about how it was all done with wires, especially with the camera, well talk about stating the obvious and really got on my nerves and was certainly the most boring aspect of this audio commentary and I just wished at times they would have just shut up and let us the audience work this out for ourselves and treating us like idiots. On top of all that, what also really annoyed me and got on my nerves is that three quarters of the time the two commentators throughout the audio commentary would talk about totally vacuous technical information that is not of any interest to me in just going on about all aspects of the film that would only be of interest to people who were personally involved with the film industry in general. When you see Hugh Jackman near the end of the film when he changes from the werewolf back to his human form and realises Kate Beckinsale is dead, when they did the first preview screening people could see Hugh Jackman was 100% naked and people in the audience, especially the women, would comment on seeing his naked backside, so when the film went on general release they felt they had to CGI some small shorts on him, because the men in the audience felt uncomfortable seeing his naked backside, so they felt they had to do a compromise on what you viewed. So ends this 2004 DVD audio commentary and both commentators thanks us for joining then in viewing the film ‘VAN HELSIN’ with them and hoping you enjoyed their comments, well to me that is debatable.Feature 2004 DVD Audio Commentary with Richard Roxburgh, Shuler Henley and Will Kemp: Here we are introduced to Richard Roxburgh who informs us that he played Count Dracula, next up is Will Kemp who informs us that he played Velkan [aka the Wolfman] and finally Shuler Henley introduces himself and informs us that he played Frankenstein’s monster, and all three inform us that this is the first time they have viewed this film and seeing the Universal logo catch fire is very cool to them, as well as watching the black-and-white sequences of the film, and in fact wished the whole film was in black-and-white. Shuler Henley informs us that his face alone took four and half hours make-up time before arriving on the film set. They talk extensively about Hugh Jackman who used to get up at 4:00am to do a long workout in the gym and also use to just eat celery and nuts to keep his body well muscular. They also inform us that Kate Beckinsale also had a mad diet regime, whereas the three commentators said they ate anything that was available. One thing that really annoyed me about this particular audio commentary is that the three of them keep going on about that they don’t remember that scene being filmed, keep going on about great wire work, keep saying that oh doesn’t that look great, and so in the end it just ends up with total verbal garbage and total vacuous nonsense and totally boring, to the point I kept dropping off to sleep, if they cannot say anything interesting, then as far as I am concerned they should shut up and be quiet, as they just point out stuff that is stating the obvious. So from then on we get lots of gaps and when they do say something it is not very interesting and one wonders why they were asked to do this particular audio commentary. So all in all I can only give this audio commentary a two star rating, which is an effort in itself and if you like hearing actors rambling, then this one is for you.Special Feature: My Scenes: The My Scene feature is only available while the film is playing. At any time during the film, press the green button on your remote control, and the bookmark will be added to your favourite list of scenes from the film.Special Feature: VAN HELSING: The Story, The Life, The Legend [2004] [480i] [1.37:1] [58:00] Here you have a selection of five in-depth individual features, which consist of Frankenstein’s Monster; Dracula; The Werewolves; The Women of Van Helsing; Anna and Dracula’s Brides and The Legend of Van Helsing. It also reveals the actors discussing pf their characters in legendary film and as they have appeared in horror films over the decades, including this one. We also get with this extensive feature covers a lot of the making-of information, and also provides some intriguing info about the monsters in the film. We also get a selection of film clips which include ‘The Bride of Frankenstein’ [1935], ‘Frankenstein’ [1931], ‘Dracula’ [1931], Son of Dracula’ [1943], ‘House of Frankenstein’ [1944], ‘Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man’ [1943], ‘The Wolf Man’ [1941], ‘Werewolf of London’ [1935] and ‘Dracula’s Daughter’ [1936]. We also get to see some rare behind-the-scenes filming of the film ‘VAN HESLING.’ Contributors include: Shuler Hensley [Author of “Frankenstein’s Monster”], Stephen Sommers [Writer/Director], Chelsea Quinn Yarbro [Vampire Novelist], Hugh Jackman [Van Helsing], Crash McCreery [Creature Concept Artist], Greg Cannon [Make-Up Effects Artist], Joseph Grossberg [Associate Visual Effects Producer], Samuel West [Victor Frankenstein], Kate Beckinsale [Anna], Patrick Tatopoulos [Creature Concept Artist], Elizabeth Miller [Professor of English], Richard Roxburgh [Dracula], Stephanie Moss [Professor of Literature of The Occult], Kevin J. O’Connor [Igor], Silvia Colloca [Verona], R.A. Rondell [Stunt Coordinator], Gabriella Pescucci [Italian Costume Designer], Ben Snow [Visual Effects Supervisor], Carlos Huante [Costume Character Art Director], Bob Ducsay [Producer/Editor], David Van Becker [Professor of English at San Jose University], Will Kemp [Velkan], Scott Squires [Visual Effects Supervisor]. Industrial Light + Magic [San Rafael, California], Christian Alzmann [Visual Effects Art Director], Andrew Cawrse [Co-Model Supervisor], Elena Anaya [Aleera], Josie Maran [Marishka], Sam Mercer [Executive Producer] and David Wenham [Carl]. As usual you can either view each feature separately or Play All.Special Feature: Track The Adventure [2004] [480i] [1.37:1] [34:36] Here you can choose the actual location you see in the film and also get an in-depth look at the film's sets and where the film was actually shot and especially reveal the behind-the-scenes secrets behind each fantastic film set. What you also get to view is five separate features, which consist of the following: Dracula’s Castle; Frankenstein’s Lab; The Burning Windmill; The Village and The Vatican Armory. We also get a selection of film clips from the film ‘Frankenstein’ [1931]. Contributors include: Allan Cameron [Production Designer], Stephen Sommers [Writer/Director], Christian Alzmann [Visual Effects Art Director], Bob Ducsay [Producer/Editor], Salvatore Belleci [Model Maker], Grant Imahara [Model Maker], Samuel West [Victor Frankenstein], Shuler Hensley [Author of “Frankenstein’s Monster”], Cindy Carr [Set Decorator], Richard Roxburgh [Dracula], Ben Snow [Visual Effects Supervisor], Michael Lynch [Model Shop Supervisor], Martin Rosenberg [Director of Photography at Industrial Light + Magic], Bob Ducsay [Producer/Editor], Hugh Jackman [Van Helsing], Rpin Suwannath [Previsualization Supervisor], Joseph Grossberg [Associate Visual Effects Producer], Jim Mat [Visual Effects Ediror], Allen Daviau [Director of Photography], Syd Dutton [Matte Painting Supervisor], Scott Squires [Visual Effects Supervisor], Kelvin McIlwain [CGI Visual Effects Artist], David Wenham [Carl], Steve B. Melton [Prop Master] and Anna Pinnock [Set Decorator]. As usual you can either view each feature separately or Play All.Special Feature: Bringing the Monsters to Life [2004] [480i] [1.37:1] [10:02] Here we get a step-by-step on how the CGI computer animated parts of the ‘VAN HELSING’ film were created. We also get a quick look at the processes that were undertaken to make some of the CGI creatures come to life. From pencil sketches to complete digital composition, the experts at Industrial Light + Magic show how the ‘VAN HELSING’ monsters were brought to life. We also get to view the many different stages of the CGI animation process, from the background plates, to the wire-frame models and the finished fully textured shots. Contributors include: Stephen Sommers [Writer/Director], Ben Snow [Visual Effects Supervisor], Sam Mercer [Executive Producer], Bob Ducsay [Producer/Editor], Scott Squires [Visual Effects Supervisor], Rpin Suwannath [Previsualization Supervisor], Daniel Jeannette [Animation Director], Joseph Grossberg [Associate Visual Effects Producer], Douglas Griffin [Motion Capture Engineer] and Raul Essig [Technical Director].Special Feature: You Are in the Movie! [2004] [480i] [1.37:1] [4:29] What you will experience is a unique perspective on the film set of ‘VAN HELSING’ and with the filmmakers permission, yet unbeknown to the cast and crew, the behind-the-scene camera operators mounted miniature cameras onto the actual film cameras, as well as various locations around the film set. Now step inside this feature, which the narrator likes to call, “You are in the Movie!” Scenes that you get to witness are “Anna Finds Velkan;” “Van Helsing Sneaks Into Dracula’s Lab;” “Van Helsing and Dracula Meet” and “The Final Battle.”Special Feature: The Music of Van Helsing [2004] [480i] [1.37:1] [9:41] Here we get to see music film composer Alan Silvestri, composer for the film ‘VAN HELSING,’ and shares his insights into what it was like to compose the film music score, and what it took to create some of the atmospheric music for the film. We also get to view the massive orchestra, as well as an amazing 60 sing choir on the Sony Music Stage in Los Angeles in full flow with Alan Silvestri conducting everyone. We also get to see a selection of certain scenes from the film ‘VAN HELSING’ that was related to the music the orchestra was playing. Alan Silvestri also informs us that he really loves doing the more dramatic scenes in the film, and he also feels the film is a great homage to all those old black-and-white Universal horror films. This special feature is a great insight into how a film composer works to get the best out of the music film score he composes for a particular film and also says that he had a great blast composing and working on the film ‘VAN HELSING.’ Contributors include: Alan Silvestri [Composer], Stephen Sommers [Writer/Director] and Bob Ducsay [Producer/Editor].Special Feature: Bloopers [2004] [480i] [1.37:1] [5:39] Here we get to view the usual run of the mill deleted scenes from the film ‘VAN HELSING.’ But in my opinion it really shows you nothing unique or different to especially laugh at, especially when the actors seem to think the mistakes they make are a hilarious hoot, well it is not.Special Feature: Dracula's Lair is Transformed [2004] [480i] [1.37:1] [2:41] For 30 days they hid a camera in the lighting grid of the Soundstage in Playa Vista, California. The camera rolled for five seconds every hour to give you a time-lapse of the building and de-construction of two ‘VAN HELSING’ sets and we get Allan Cameron [Production Designer] explains in great detail what we are witnessing. We get interspersed titled sequences, which consist of the following: “Transforming A Working Set 30 days in 2 minutes;” “Disassembling The Coffin Room Day 1;” “Assembling Dracula’s Lab Day 6, Day 9, Day 15, Day 17, Day 24 and Day 30” and “The Final Battle Day 28.”Special Feature: The Masquerade Ball Scene "Unmasked" [2004] [480i] [1.37:1] [25:29] Here we get an exclusive behind-the-scene of what it was like creating Dracula’s Masquerade Ball Scene. We hear how they hired 100 local Prague dancers and 17 local Prague circus artists to create the amazing and totally spectacular scene we get to witness in progress. Director Stephen Sommers was in his usual giddy self, and especially in explaining how it all came to pass. Contributors include: Stephen Sommers [Writer/Director], Hugh Jackman [Van Helsing], Debra Brown [Choreographer], Alan Sivestri [Composer], Kate Beckinsale [Anna], Same Mercer [Executive Producer], David Wenham [Carl], Allan Cameron [Production Designer], Allen Daviau [Director of Photography], Richard Roxburgh [Dracula], Bob Ducsay [Producer/Editor], Tony Reading [Art Director], Giles Masters [Art Director], Gabriella Pescucci [Italian Costume Designer], Scott Squires [Visual Effects Supervisor], Grady Cofer [lead Sabre Artists], Doug Smythe [Computer Graphics Supervisor] and Sony Music Stage, Los Angeles.Special Feature: The Art of ‘VAN HELSING’ [2004] [1080p] [1.78:1] [5:10] Here get to view seven separate stunning features, which consist of black-and-white and colour HD images of Dracula; Frankenstein; Velkan Werewolf; The Brides; Van Helsing Wolf; Bats and Mr. Hyde. What you also get while viewing the images is the composed film music score by Alan Silvestri in the background. As usual you can either view each feature separately of Play All.Special Feature: Monster Eggs [2004] [480i] [1.37:1] [1:53] here you get to view three separate features, which consist of Hugh Touchdown; Shuler in ice and Shuler in Training. With this particular feature it is basically a combination of Bloopers and behind-the-scenes outtakes that personally should have been added to the proper Bloopers special feature. How does one even attempt to explain this special feature or why it is called Monster Eggs? I still do not know why, or what the aim for this particular feature is meant to be, but I have already spent too much time writing about this feature than it than it takes to watch this extremely very short blip of a feature, which is a totally pointless extra and a complete waste of time and effort. As usual you can either watch them separately or Play All.Special Feature: U-Control: Picture in Picture: With just one click, you can access interactive cast and crew interviews and behind-the-scenes footage. Here you can control a PiP option within the movie to control whether or not you want to see interviews or behind-the-scenes footage while the movie is playing.Special Feature: BD-Live Center: Here you get exclusive content, and the latest trailers and much more via your internet connection that you can share with your movie buddies.Finally, ‘VAN HELSING’ [2004] is definitely packed full of exciting and thrilling action film. ‘VAN HELSING’ could be in my mind classed as classic horror cinema, but more could also be concluded perfect popcorn Dracula film genre and ideal for the viewing in the ghoulish or Halloween holiday season or whenever the mood takes you. You should just turn off your mind, as it will definitely give you some silly, if perplexing, fun. The ‘VAN HELSING’ film is a non-stop spectacle roller coaster ride that will be enough to satisfy anyone who really enjoys this horror cinema genre and especially the many fans of this film. That said, the film does boast of some really handsome audio/visual package with this excellent Blu-ray discs. The Blu-ray Disc release is a complete reference material all the way, so why not show off your home cinema theatre system to your friends and family and I can assuredly say this is a brilliant 2016 Blu-ray upgrade release without a doubt. Highly Recommended!Andrew C. Miller – Your Ultimate No.1 Film AficionadoLe Cinema ParadisoUnited Kingdom

In 1999 director Steven Sommers presented the hit movie THE MUMMY to movie audiences (which opened to an amazing weekend take of $43 million May 7th). With so much success a sequel THE MUMMY RETURNS (2001) was inevitable.Sommers, a big fan of the classic Universal monster/horror movies made the movie as a homage to the earlier Universal movies and in 2004 he paid tribute to the other staples of the genre -Wolfman, Dracula and Frankenstein's monster - all in one movie. The movie VAN HELSING even had Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde in a cameo role at the outset of the movie fighting famed monster hunter Van Helsing - portrayed by Hollywood star Hugh Jackman.Ignore what you may have read or heard about the movie, it's a thrill ride of a rollercoaster of a movie that owes more than a tip of the hat to both the Indiana Jones and James Bond franchises. The movie never lets up, traveling along at breakneck speed right to its tumultuous, suspenseful, wrist-clenching climax.The movie opens in 1887 and follows legendary vampire hunter Gabriel Van Helsing as he travels to the mysterious land of Transylvannia - home to his most famed opponent Count Dracula and a land that has been overrun by werewolves and vampires.Prior to his departure we have a scene unabashedly influenced by the Q-scenes from the James Bond series. Equipped with such `futuristic' weaponry and gadgets as an automatic `machine gun' style crossbow, Van Helsing, with comic relief Carl (played by David Wenham) as his bumbling assistant in tow, heads to investigate the reports coming out of eastern Europe.Upon arrival Van Helsing meets Anna Valerious (played by the impossibly gorgeous Kate Beckinsale). Valerious is the last member of a family that is under a curse that can only be broken by the death of Dracula. After some initial mistrust Valerious realizes that Van Helsing shares her goal of defeating the evil count and the two enter into an alliance.I admit that my initial interest in the movie was sparked by the involvement of Beckinsale. A fan of the British actress since I noticed her alongside Clare Danes in BROKEDOWN PALACE, I have enjoyed a number of her movies (SEREDIPITY and UNDERWORLD) and had to endure some terrible movies (PEARL HARBOR and TIPTOES). Thankfully VAN HELSING falls squarely in the positive column and ranks unquestionably as my favorite Beckinsale movie to date. She gives an excellent and stirring performance as a determined fighter of the monsters that inhabit her land.Opposing Van Helsing, Carl and Valerious is one of the all-time best screen portrayals of Dracula in Richard Roxburgh. Roxburgh is simply superb and steals every scene he is in with his deliciously evil rockstar take on the character. Aiding Dracula are his three vampire brides (Josie Maran, Silvia Colloca and Elena Anaya) who fly around the country doing his bidding - the interplay between the three I found to be constantly entertaining. Also under the spell of the count is Wolf man (Will Kemp), a character Van Helsing has sworn to kill, but one which causes some emotional drama for Valerious and an interesting subplot for the movie.With a budget of $148 million, Universal really threw a lot of effort into this movie and it shows. A total of 980 special effects accompanies some well honed action scenes, amazing stunts and sumptious costume design in a movie that really delivers the goods. It's an incredible trip that will leave you breathless until the end credits roll.This movie was criticized widely for its improbable script. Yes, it's a B-movie script but then it is supposed to be. It's a homage to the black and white Universal classics. That's what you go expecting to see, only with updated special effects and a larger budget. In those respects this movie is a triumph. Sit back and enjoy and remember those wonderful Lon chaney and Bela Lugosi movies of yesteryear. This movie isn't one that works if you try to overthink it. It's fun and played to be fun.Delivering possibly two of their best performances is Jackman and Beckinsale and I really felt a chemistry between the stars, easily more so than Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz in the two MUMMY movies. Sommers sets his story against a spectacular scenic backdrop that worked for me as far more breathtaking than the desert vistas of Sommers most famous earlier work.VAN HELSING is an achievement and my favorite movie of 2004. I am eagerly awaiting the release of the widescreen anamorphic DVD on Oct. 19 in a release that Universal has understandably seen fit to shower with special features. Including two audio commentaries, a 360-degree tour of Dracula's castle, You are in the Movie, the tantalizingly titled `The Legend of Van Helsing' and (perhaps most enticing) some deleted scenes, October cannot come soon enough.I'm hoping for a VAN HELSING 2, but even if one doesn't get made at least I will have this immensely entertaining movie to enjoy.Well recommended.Be aware that the studio will also be releasing an Ultimate Edition DVD on the same day. This three-disc set will also include the classic horror movies DRACULA (1931), FRANKENSTEIN (1931) and THE WOLF MAN (1941).Other special features included on the Ultimate Edition are: 'VAN HELSING, THE STORY, THE LIFE THE LEGEND'; 'TRACK THE ADVENTURE: VAN HELSING'S MAP'; 'THE MUSIC OF VAN HELSING' and 'DARKNESS FALLS: DRACULA'S LAIR IS TTRANSFORMED.'Which ever version you pick up, the regular edition or the Ultimate Edition be assured that you will be well pleased with the movie itself - a must-own!

Satisfied