4.0 out of 5 based on 22 reviews. – Customer review on 25/08/2008

Graphic, but good. Can't believe this actually happened in Australia :( Definitely not for everyone though.

4.0 out of 5 based on 22 reviews. – Customer review on 30/08/2009

"Underbelly" is based on the so-called "gangland war" that erupted between 1999-2005 in Melbourne, which resulted in the murders of over 30 crime figures, and the convictions of others. It is in essence a docudrama, with elements of a police procedural crime series. It is beautifully shot, and well acted, with Kat Stewart and Gyton Grantley in particular deserving the accolades for their performances as Roberta and Carl Williams.

There are some heavily fictionalised elements: the cop characters, for example are fictional - the extensive Purana taskforce for the purposes of the series is reduced to a handful of police all working out of one office, with the same two coppers happening to investigate each murder over the course of almost a decade - as are some events. There are a few strange inaccuracies, although these may only be obvious to those who live in Melbourne: eg. why would Zarah Garde-Wilson be defending Lewis Caine's routine DUI matter in the *Supreme* Court, which is reserved for homicide cases and appeals, as well as major fraud, drugs and sex offence trials, instead of the Magistrates'? Also the police logo depicted in the series describes them as "State Police" which is incorrect (although perhaps Victoria Police didn't give them permission to use the real one). It is actually the fictionalised parts of the series that are less compelling; I found the cop characters to be quite clichéd, particularly Rodger Corser's portrayal of the cocky and irritating Steve Owen, and the superfluous and tedious subplot involving his romance with the vacuous Susie Money could have been cut without the series suffering one bit - after all, we don't see the love lives of any of the other police being depicted. The writers are on much stronger ground depicting the likes of the Morans, Mick Gatto, Mario Condello, the Williamses and "Benji" Veniamin, etc. Some of the characters are deliberately not named, as the result of injunctions taken out because trials of a number of those portrayed were still pending, but most people who followed the saga when it was unfolding will be able to recognise them.

As other reviewers have noted, the uncut DVD edition contains a number of scenes that are borderline pornographic - the series is not colloquially known as "Underboobies" for nothing - as well as scenes of strong violence, so anyone offended by such content should be wary of it.

As for this edition, disappointingly, there are no extras or even episode commentaries. I would have been interested in some "Making of" featurettes, and a featurette explaining the background to the whole saga would be useful for interstate and overseas viewers.

Overall though, an excellent and gripping series, with a terrific cast and great musical score.

3.0 out of 5 based on 22 reviews. – Customer review on 18/02/2009

If I had realised it was only four discs (containing 13 episodes) I wouldve hired the dvds rather than purchase them as I dont think I'll watch them again. Sure the storyline is very catching at times and the photography and music score is amongst the best of Australian films Ive seen, but Im amazed that it isnt rated R. Of course I expected drug use and violence but it contains several sex scenes that border on soft porn. Trust the good old Aussies to sell it with sex.

5.0 out of 5 based on 22 reviews. – Customer review on 10/02/2009

Did you miss episodes of this when it was screened on Tv? Did you miss it altogether? Remedy that now, this is a series not to be missed. Full of suspense from start to finish. True to life look alike cast, take a look at the real Carl Williams or the real Benjie, these actors really look like the people they portray which makes the watching the series feel as if you are actually there. With the cheapest price on the market right here purchase it now before they raise the price. I might add the delivery is speedy too so you wont have long to wait before you can enjoy your bargain purchase.

5.0 out of 5 based on 22 reviews. – Customer review on 15/10/2009

the first underbelly was fantastic really enjoyed it, so had really high expectations for 2nd one
it took a couple of episodes to get to know the characters and plot, soon got up to speed and had a marathon day of watching it enjoying it very much

5.0 out of 5 based on 22 reviews. – Customer review on 27/08/2009

Best thing ever to be screened on television... EVER!!

5.0 out of 5 based on 22 reviews. – Customer review on 22/07/2009

Absolutely top class! I don't like Australian T.V.productions as they are usually copies of American shows but with Australian accents. These "Underbelly' shows were all-Australian and the subject matter made them very exciting, but apart from that the use of music was brilliant, the subtle humour very appealing and very Australian and the acting top class. I am a great fan of British productions but these "Underbelly" productions were easily as good as the best of British and, in many cases, better.

4.0 out of 5 based on 22 reviews. – Customer review on 17/02/2009

Very convoluted relationships and I had to remind myself that this story is based on fact. If it is being watched for entertainment only, it is a fast moving story of the slighty comedic antics of a group of people who dont give a damn about others and simply wipe them out (kill them) when they get in the way. Some of our better actors involved and certainly of a high standard as far as acting continuity etc etc. The part I have trouble with is, how exact is it? Is it meant as a rough outside look at a band of loonies who let lose during the murder spree of the underwold hiearchy of known criminals of which most of the population would have been aware of as it happened. Or is it an accurate portrayal of what actually happened. I am worried that if I take it as a correct history of events, taken perhaps from court transcript, police files etc, then it would be well worth while as a story worth studying. The sort of story perhaps that the senior pupils of secondary schools would be better watching/reading and understanding than perhaps one of Shakespear's many stories. Dont get me wrong, of course there is value in that. But as portion of Victoria's early 21st century history, it would be a good read/watch for that purpose. A bit of real blood and guts instead of guys in pansy outfits falling around the stage, dying with a sword stuck under their arm for effect. For what it is worth, that is my opinion. By the way, I enjoyed it though I dont normally like blood and guts films.

RT february 09

5.0 out of 5 based on 22 reviews. – Customer review on 11/01/2009

Fantastic! To watch the story unfold within this Melbourne drug ring between 1995 and 2004 was fascinating. Watched the series on the tv and had to purchase this. Can get raunchy in places and extreme high content of swearing so wouldnt watch it with your fourteen year old if you have one. Great adult viewing. High recommended it.

4.0 out of 5 based on 22 reviews. – Customer review on 01/12/2008

Excellent series and full of my favourite Aussie actors, would heartily recomend this DVD.