Len Wiseman, who directed the first two supernatural shockers in the Underworld series, cedes the director’s chair to Patrick Tatopoulos, who designed the monsters for all three movies.

The result is thrilling for audiences following the ongoing battle between the vile aristocratic vampires and ravening lycanthropes (or werewolves).

Rise of the Lycans illustrates, in gory detail, the origins of the bloody feud

between vampires and werewolves, centred on lycanthrope Lucian, entertainingly played by Michael Sheen, and his falling out with the ruthless vampire leader Victor, over-played by Bill Nighy.

Action is the name of the game and Tatopoulus provides plenty right from the start, decorating the exciting combat sequences with effective special effects.

Horror buffs and series completists should not be disappointed.