Not Available in Victoria Australia

Shockingly addictive and voyeuristic, the controversial Australian crime series is now available "Uncut" which follows the true story of a ten year crime war between the Moran’s and the William’s family. For those unaware of the phenomenon of Underbelly, it follows the real world events of the rise of Carl Williams from gangland driver to gangland crime lord which led to a brutal string of killings that finally ended in 2004.

It also follows those linked to Williams such as Jason Moran and Tony Mockbel who has just recently been extradited to Australia from Greece. Although the Uncut edition of Underbelly is quite addictive from its strong storyline, my biggest gripe of the series is the glamorization of these real-world criminals whom almost have this primeval drive of violence, drugs and sex. With that said, the sex scenes of Underbelly Uncut are quite vivid and at times almost pornographic in nature as silicone breasts are displayed in their glory.

Putting the sex aside, the story is very well written and Carl Williams is portrayed as the loveable underdog criminal dubbed “Fat Boy” by Piranha, a group of detectives who have been ordered together to end these underworld killings.

What sets Underbelly apart from the majority of Australian drama is the high quality presentation of the series and the exceptional acting talents of all those involved, whether it’s Vince Colosimo as the “Prince” or Frankie J. Holden as the leader of Piranha, it all comes together perfectly.

Underbelly also had four directors behind the creation of this powerful Australian drama that starts quite strong, becomes a tad confusing and aloof in the middle and revitalizes itself at the time of Carl Williams capture, at the end of the series. Needless to say, we were addicted from start to finish and although the creators do take an artistic license approach to some of the stories, it nicely melds with the real-world story.

The video and audio quality of the series is presented in glorious widescreen with extremely sharp images and vibrant colours that lend themselves well to the backdrop of Melbourne. Production wise, it's definitely one of the best Australian TV series ever made.

Unfortunately Underbelly is not available in Victoria, however for those in other parts of Australia, I would highly recommended Underbelly Uncut – Limited Edition which proves that Australia can make high quality TV series as well as the Americans and the British.

Gripping from start to finish, Underbelly Uncut also boasts  a great documentary regarding the real-world fall of Carl Williams in “Carl Williams – The Day of Reckoning” and a making of featurette which nicely rounds out this spectacular Australian TV Series. Recommended!