Underbelly: The Trilogy

The fascinating television import "Underbelly" finally gets a U.S. distribution, and it's about time! I first became aware of "Underbelly" when I read that it was Australia's answer to "The Sopranos." Since that first comparison, I've heard the same point made countless times. To be frank, other than the fact that they are two adult series set in the criminal underworld, I don't think that generalized statement is very apt or has much bearing on whether or not you'll enjoy this show. If you are expecting a rich "Sopranos" type narrative and continuing storyline, this isn't quite going to fulfill your expectations. But that doesn't make it any less intriguing. The general tone of "Underbelly" is a bit more lurid. The show itself has much more of a docudrama feel, recreating significant true events in Australia's criminal history complete with plenty of gratuitous nudity and violence. With edgy camera work, quick cut editing, and a propulsive soundtrack--this is a show that aims at getting in your face. And for the most part, it succeeds. One of my favorite elements of the show is that each season is its own unique entity with new characters and charting a new story. Heck, it's become somewhat of a franchise with four complete 13 episode seasons and a series of TV movies.

As with any program with many tales to tell, some are definitely more effective than others. While I may not personally think that every season of "Underbelly" merits a five star rating, I think that in scope and ambition--this set is a must see proposition and I'll gladly give it the highest rating for that reason. "Underbelly: The Trilogy" does present the first three seasons complete and uncut. Each season is, as I said, thirteen episodes with each program approximately 50 minutes in length. Each season has its own DVD case with four DVDs and the three cases are then housed in a slipcover with the graphic from "A Tale of Two Cities." As for Bonus Material, it's not much to speak of with a couple of behind-the-scenes featurettes.

Here's what's included:

A Tale of Two Cities (2009) 4 1/2 Stars: This series picked up Australian Film Institute awards for Best Lead Actor (Roy Billing) and Best Screenplay for a dramatic program. Although this set intimates this to be Season One, it is actually chronologically Season Two--but without a continuing story, the order is less important although I like to see how something progresses. This tells the story of the Griffith drug trade in the late seventies and early eighties and focuses specifically on two figures who ruled the roost--Aussie Bob Trimbole (Billing) and Kiwi Terry Clark (Matthew Newton). While the series covers a lot of ground during a pivotal period of history, the characters are not always as developed as you might like. Gripping and entertaining, it does lack some emotional impact for this reason. Even without this sometimes personal connection, though, the time period is inherently fascinating and disturbing.

The Golden Mile (2010) 4 stars: This series covers the notorious Kings Cross section of Sydney circa 1989. As corrupt cops and Lebanese gangsters vie for control of the area, it becomes a breeding ground for remarkable violence, drugs, gambling, and prostitution. But through the years, the grip of underworld activities is undermined as efforts are made to clean up the area. This is a pretty comprehensive story that takes place over the course of ten years and features notable personality Kim Hollingsworth (played by Emma Booth), whose real life journey from stripper to the police force makes a right good tale. Again, with so much material covered, the characters are not as intimately drawn as they might have been. But it's good stuff nevetheless.

War on the Streets (2008) 5 stars: This series picked up Australian Film Institute awards for Best Television Drama, Best Director, Best Lead Actor (Gyton Grantley), and Best Lead Actress (Kat Stewart). This story arc concerns the rise and fall of Carl Williams, an ambitious hood who rose to great heights within Melbourne's criminal underworld. Grantley is captivating as Williams who is seduced further and further to the darkside and becomes embroiled in a gangland war lasting ten years between 1995 and 2004. Stewart plays the Bonnie to his Clyde and it's a partnership your not likely to forget. It's not perfect by any means, the task force is a bit too inept for my taste, but Grantley and Stewart light up the screen. They are fantastic!

I would easily and readily recommend any individual season of "Underbelly." They all have their strengths and a few weaknesses as well. But put together, it is one of the more ambitious endeavors that you're likely to encounter. Season Four (which just aired) is set in the 1920's and promises something new. I only wish it was included. But hopefully, with this mainstream DVD release, awareness of "Underbelly" will spread to those that might not have ordinarily had a chance to sample the program. KGHarris, 12/11.

Word of warning: this dvd only plays on region 1 dvd players (no luck for europeans and australians among others) despite the product description that says it is all regions!!!

the product was brand new and it is one of the best shows I have seen in years. It took three days for me to watch a whole season

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 8 reviews  3.9 out of 5 stars