Matrix HD May 22nd

[sinner]

http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=19508


The Matrix, the legendary, groundbreaking sci-fi film, and its visually dazzling second and third installments, The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions, were produced with future technology execution in mind. The Matrix, the first DVD to sell one million copies and to date a $1 billion worldwide franchise, will be part of two new definitive high definition collections to be released by Warner Home Video and Village Roadshow Pictures on May 22.

"The Ultimate Matrix Collection," for the hardcore Matrix fan, presents the complete adventures of machine battling truth-seekers Neo (Keanu Reeves), Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) and Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) in all three of the Wachowski brothers' post-modern epic films. This collection will contain, for the first time, all three HD DVD versions of "The Matrix" series with more than 35 hours of bonus material in 5 double sided discs. The second offering, "The Complete Matrix Trilogy," contains HD DVD versions of the three "Matrix" films in a 3-disc set, perfect for new and current "Matrix" fans who just want to see all three "Matrix" films in hi-definition.

Both "The Ultimate Matrix Collection" and "The Complete Matrix Trilogy" come with the In-Movie Experience (IME), an exclusive interactive feature that allows viewers to enjoy new ways of accessing interviews and other material while the movie is running. For these titles, the IME will let viewers experience via picture in picture the evolution of all "The Matrix's" ground breaking elements through the recollections of the cast and creative team.

"The Matrix" Series on HD DVD is the definitive and ultimate film compilation for the ultimate hi-def format. "The Ultimate Matrix Collection" will be available for $119.99 SRP and "The Complete Matrix Trilogy" available for $99.99 SRP. Blu-ray Disc versions of both collections will be released later this year.

[neomaul]

i'm going to wait till i buy a 1080p HDTV (my current one is only 720p) to get yet another matrix collection.
i'll probably get the blueray version if PS3 comes down in price by next holiday.

[matrix_ghost]

God dammit. This ghey HD crap
We all spend like tons on buyin dvd's and no we have to spend tons to replace 'em .

Fucking schlong lovers

[neomaul]

mg, have a corona and chill.

[matrix_ghost]

It's not cool man. Seriously. I'm all for better tv image quality and other crap. Heck i'd glady pay for another dvd if it got some more extra's. But this really is frekkin annoying.

We have like how many dvd's bought now ?
And all those will need to be replaced because in about 3 years time the studios will no longer come out with "normal" dvd's and instead will release the HD dvd's. Result , i can pretty much throw all my dvd's away and start FROM SCRATCH to restock my whole collection.

Ultimate matrix collection = paid 100 euros for it.
Gonna pay another 100 euros for it soon.

Constantine = paid 26 euros for it. Batman Begins = paid 30 euros for it.

ALL THREE LOTR EE editions which i bought for 75 euros EACH.

Simpsons collection. I so far have till season 8.
Each one costs around 50 euros. That's 400 euros.

And now i have to BUY all that and MORE AGAIN.

Yeah right , chill out my ass

[Smith_the_Gunslinger]

Why re buy? Only buy hi def versions of movies that you don't already have... with The Matrix set being the exception of course.

[matrix_ghost]

Right. And then i will eventually buy a cool tv screen and HD def. player which won't play the older dvd's and the tv can't play my old dvd player .
Not to mention the fact that playin old dvd's on HIGH DEF tv will also look even more ghey

[Teknorat]

35 hours of bonus material in 5 double sided discs.

What the cock is that shit? Who the FUCK wants double sided discs? What are they fucking retarded in the cunt or something?

[matrix_ghost]

http://dvd.ign.com/articles/775/775319p1.html

On May 22, 2007, Warner Home Video will release The Ultimate Matrix Collection and The Complete Matrix Trilogy on HD DVD. Both collections will contain the three films, while the Ultimate Matrix Collection will also boast 35-plus hours of extra features. While no date has been set on the Blu-ray releases, they will be coming later in the year. The Ultimate Matrix Collection will be available for the MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price) of $119.99, while the Trilogy will run for the MSRP of $99.99.

The Matrix HD DVD will feature the following bonus materials:



Side 1

In-Movie Experience

Written Introduction by The Wachowski brothers

Philosophers Commentary by Dr. Cornel West and Ken Wilber

Critics Commentary by Todd McCarthy, John Powers and David Thomson

Cast and Crew Commentary by Carrie-Anne Moss, Zach Staenberg and John Gaeta

Composer Commentary by Don Davis with Music Only Track

Behind the Matrix 7-Part Featurette: Making The Matrix, The Dance of the Master: Yuen Wo Ping's Blocking Tapes, The Bathroom Fight and Wet Wall, The Code of the Red Dress, The Old Exit: Wabash and Lake, Agent Down, and But Wait- There's More

The Music Revisited

Marilyn Manson Music Video Rock is Dead

The Matrix Teaser

The Matrix Trailer

8 The Matrix TV Spots


Side 2 (Only Available in The Ultimate Matrix Collection

The Matrix Revisited

Two-Part Take the Red Pill Featurette: What is Bullet Time? And What is the Concept?

Follow the White Rabbit Featurette: Trinity Escapes, Pod, Kung Fu, The Wall, Bathroom Fight, Government Lobby, Government Roof, Helicopter, Subway


The Matrix Reloaded HD DVD will feature the following bonus materials:


Side 1

In-Movie Experience

Written Introduction by The Wachowski brothers

Philosophers Commentary by Dr. Cornel West and Ken Wilber

Critics Commentary by Todd McCarthy, John Powers and David Thomson

Behind The Matrix Featurettes: The Matrix Unfolds, Pre-Load, Get Me an Exit, The MTV Movie Awards Reloaded

Enter the Matrix: The Game

Enter the Matrix (contains 23 scenes from the video game)

P.O.D. Music Video Sleeping Awake

Reloaded/Revolutions Teaser

The Matrix Reloaded Trailer

8 The Matrix Reloaded TV Spots


Side 2 (Only Available in The Ultimate Matrix Collection

Car Chase Featurettes: The Freeway Chase, Oakland Streets and Freeway: Unseen Material, Tour of the Merovingian's Garage, Queen of the Road, Arteries of the Mega-City: The Visual Effects of the Freeway Chase, Foresight: Pre-planning the Mayhem, Freeway Truck Crash: Anatomy of a Shot, Fate of the Freeway, Freeway Action Match

Teahouse Fight Featurettes: Two Equals Clash and Guardian of the Oracle: Collin Chou

Unplugged Featurettes: Creating the Burly Brawl, A Conversation with Master Wo Ping, Chad Stahelski: The Other Neo, Burly Brawl Action Match, Spiraling Virtual Shot: Anatomy of a Shot

I'll Handle Them Featurettes: The Great Hall, Building the Merovingian's Lair, Tiger Style: A Day in the Life of Chen Hu, Heavy Metal: Weapons of the Great Hall

The Exiles Featurettes: The Exiles and Big Brother is Watching: The Architect's Office


The Matrix Revolutions HD DVD will feature the following bonus materials:


Side 1

In-Movie Experience

Written Introduction by The Wachowski brothers

Philosophers Commentary by Dr. Cornel West and Ken Wilber

Critics Commentary by Todd McCarthy, John Powers and David Thomson

Behind The Matrix Featurettes: Revolutions Recalibrated, Neo Realism: The Evolution of Bullet Time, CG Revolution, Super Big Mini Models, Super Burly Brawl, Double Agent Smith, Mind Over Matter: The Physicality of The Matrix, Future Gamer: The Matrix Online

The Matrix Revolutions Trailer

6 The Matrix Revolutions TV Spots


Side 2 (Only Available in The Ultimate Matrix Collection

Behind The Matrix Featurettes: Before the Revolution and 3-D Evolution

Crew Featurettes: Owen's Army: The Australian Art Dept., 2nd Unit: A World of Their Own, Bill Pope: Cinematographer of The Matrix, Masters of Light and Shadow

Hel Featurettes: Coat Check, Upsidedown Under, Fast Break, Exploding Man, Gun Club, The Extras of Club Hel

Super Burly Brawl Featurettes: The Skybarn, The Crater, The Egg, Anatomy of the Superpunch, Super Burly Brawl

New Blue World Featurettes: Geography of Zion, The Ships, Tour of the Neb, Matrix TV, Logos Fight Expansion

Siege Featurettes: Dig This, The Siege Action Match, Anatomy of a Shot: Mifune's Last Stand, Building an APU, Product of Zion

Aftermath Featurettes: Revolutionary Composition, The Glue, Dane Tracks, Cause and Effects


The Animatrix & The Roots of the Matrix (as part of the Ultimate Matrix Collection) HD DVD will feature the following bonus materials:


Side 1

Voices Featurettes: The Second Renaissance Part I Commentary by Mahiro Maeda, The Second Renaissance Part II Commentary by Mahiro Maeda, Program Commentary by Yoshiaki Kawajiri, World Record Commentary by Takeshi Koike

Scrolls to Screen: The History and Culture of Anime

7-Part Execution Featurette: Making Final Flight of the Osiris, Making The Second Renaissance Parts I & II, Making Kid's Story & A Detective Story, Making Program, Making World Record, Making Beyond, Making Matriculated


Side 2

Return to Source: Philosophy & the Matrix (AKA. Brainiac's Revenge)

The Hard Problem: The Science Behind the Fiction


The Burly Man Chronicles & The Zion Archive (as part of the Ultimate Matrix Collection) HD DVD will feature the following bonus materials:


Side 1

The Burly Man Chronicles

Pre-Production

Alameda Shoot

Australia Shoot


Side 2

The Zion Archive - Photo galleries

The Rave Reel

The Matrix Online

2 Music Videos, Theatrical Trailers and TV Spots


Box art is currently unavailable for this title. But stay tuned to IGN DVD for more information about this and other upcoming releases!

seems that they are combining the first matrix dvd's with the extra's of the ultimate matrix collection.
Side 1 of m1 , m2 and m3 are the same features that were when the first dvds of m1 , m2 & m3 came out.
side 2 will have the ultimate matrix collecion extras.

[neomaul]

blue-ray version better not have double sided disks.

[Teknorat]

blue-ray version better not have double sided disks.

Exactly.

[matrix_ghost]

Why are you interested in the dvd's anyways tek ?
Are you about to create another Youtube video of burning another matrix related product

[Duck]

I believe you can download the Matrix in HD off of the Video Marketplacve on X-Box Live. I tink it costs $10 bucks.

[matrix_ghost]

Extra's are what matter to me. Not the dvd per se

[Teknorat]

Why are you interested in the dvd's anyways tek ?
Are you about to create another Youtube video of burning another matrix related product

Because I like The Matrix?

[matrix_ghost]

Why are you interested in the dvd's anyways tek ?
Are you about to create another Youtube video of burning another matrix related product

Because I like The Matrix?

Really. You're youtube vid . could've fooled me

[Smith_the_Gunslinger]

Why are you interested in the dvd's anyways tek ?
Are you about to create another Youtube video of burning another matrix related product

Because I like The Matrix?

Really. You're youtube vid . could've fooled me

Nah. He just hates The Matrix........ Online. And that applies to both its incarnations.

[matrix_ghost]

Why are you interested in the dvd's anyways tek ?
Are you about to create another Youtube video of burning another matrix related product

Because I like The Matrix?

Really. You're youtube vid . could've fooled me

Nah. He just hates The Matrix........ Online. And that applies to both its incarnations.

LOL
I went at IGN's dvd section this week. Seems there's still alot of interest for the boxsets. ÍGN seems to be a pretty big site and if that is truly the case , then that would mean ALOT of people want the box sets. WHy else would the blue ray & HD-DVD version of the ultimate matrix collection & the trilogy itself be in the top 4

Also why are they sayin that both version will be released in May 2007 while ath blue ray ultimate matrix collection will be released in Dec. of 2007

[neomaul]

Why are you interested in the dvd's anyways tek ?
Are you about to create another Youtube video of burning another matrix related product

Because I like The Matrix?

Really. You're youtube vid . could've fooled me

Nah. He just hates The Matrix........ Online. And that applies to both its incarnations.

I WANNE SEE THAT VIDEO.

[Smith_the_Gunslinger]

Why are you interested in the dvd's anyways tek ?
Are you about to create another Youtube video of burning another matrix related product

Because I like The Matrix?

Really. You're youtube vid . could've fooled me

Nah. He just hates The Matrix........ Online. And that applies to both its incarnations.

I WANNE SEE THAT VIDEO.

If you insist.

[matrix_ghost]

Why are you interested in the dvd's anyways tek ?
Are you about to create another Youtube video of burning another matrix related product

Because I like The Matrix?

Really. You're youtube vid . could've fooled me

Nah. He just hates The Matrix........ Online. And that applies to both its incarnations.

I WANNE SEE THAT VIDEO.

If you insist.

Are the Youtube videos the same as GoogleVideos [/url]

Or did he just post them at both sites

[matrix_ghost]

http://dvd.ign.com/articles/789/789701p1.html

The Ultimate Matrix Collection
We go into the rabbit-hole....For over 40 hours of Matrix maddness. Does this 5-disc collection set the standard for HD DVD?
by Chris Carle
May 18, 2007 - Whenever there is a format war, people look to the big releases to determine a "winner." The sooner this is settled, the better. As the HD DVD/ Blu-ray battle heats up, each side is bringing out their big guns. On the Blu-ray side, Pirates is set to make a statement, and on the HD DVD side, Warner Bros. is offering up the visually-rich Ultimate Matrix Collection.

Since The Matrix was a tipping point for many consumers in the original VHS/DVD square-off, recording insane sales numbers and legitimizing the DVD format to the masses, all eyes are on this HD release. Will The Matrix set the standard once again and give a much-needed shot in the arm to flagging HD DVD sales?

The answer depends on how much people are willing to buy a set merely for better transfers. Most of the extras here have been seen already on the SD version of this collection. In addition, of the five discs in the set, only three of them are HD DVD. Two are standard definition, and even the HD DVDs are standard def on the features side.

As a collection of all existing Matrix materials, the Ultimate Collection delivers. One cannot scoff at the sheer volume of extras here: 35 hours in all. But if you are a longtime fan and already have the SD version, there are only a few reasons to pick this one up: 1) Better audio and video transfers of the films, 2) A compact collection of all previous features, and 3) One new in-movie feature for each of the films in the trilogy.

For a more extensive breakdown of the set's strengths and weaknesses, peruse the specific sections of the review that follow below.



The Movies
The position of The Matrix in the pantheon of film is still in question. When the original came to theaters, the public was still trying to wash away the bitter aftertaste of Johnny Mnemonic, and confidence in Keanu Reeves' ability to open a large-scale special effects film was in question.

But The Matrix proved to be much more than anyone had bargained for. Combining an anime aesthetic with Eastern philosophy, dystopian/apocalyptic visions and a squeaky leather wardrobe, it was both a pastiche of a million ideas… and unlike anything anyone had seen. The term "instant classic" has been rendered almost meaningless with overuse, but in the case of The Matrix, there is no other way to describe it. In the last decade, no single original idea in film has so captivated the populace.

The timing was perfect. Combining the angst of a world moving headlong into rampantly evolving technology with a mythic, spiritual struck a chord with movie-goers and prompted intense excitement for the expansion of this new universe. In the early days of the millennium, when folks were still waiting for The Matrix Reloaded, it looked as if the trilogy would assume an unassailable place in film and pop culture history. The hype and attention leading up to The Matrix Reloaded rivaled that of the Star Wars, Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings films.

When Reloaded finally splashed into theaters, it polarized fans. Many found it bloated and unbalanced, with epic action sequences set against lengthy, wordy swatches of exposition.

Here is what IGN's Steven Horn said about The Matrix Reloaded at the time of its release.

Much of the general comments among critics centered on one sequence in particular: the much-maligned Zion rave. However, with a little backwards-looking perspective, Reloaded has established itself as a multi-layered and rich addition to the experience. The philosophy bandied about in the original film is further explained and each of the characters—and the mysteries each are wrapped up in—are developed meticulously.

If response to Reloaded was mixed, but ultimately positive (it boasts a 74% rating on Rotten Tomatoes), the final installment of the series, Revolutions, did not meet with as much success (it is currently earning a Rotten rating of 37% on Rotten Tomatoes).

Here is what IGN's Steven Horn said about The Matrix Revolutions at the time of its release.

In retrospect, releasing both Reloaded and Revolutions in 2003 hurt the quality of the ultimate product and the trilogy's legacy. The net result of pushing two movies in such a short time frame is that the effects for both had to be rushed, and although they briefly set a standard for excellence, they could have been much more epic with a little padding between releases.



Luckily, The Matrix's vision extends beyond the scope of three films. Several videogames have been released that explore the mythology further. In addition, the Wachowski Brothers, architects of the entire Matrix world, commissioned nine shorts from the anime community. Entitled The Animatrix, these nine films enrich and explain the original stories, and fill in gaps in the narrative. Taken individually, they are each inspiring and well-crafted, but taken as a whole, they form one of the coolest animation anthologies ever assembled.

Whatever the legacy The Matrix films ultimately enjoy, one thing is certain: they forever changed science fiction and action filmmaking. In addition, although the narrative may have stumbled in the end, the world the trilogy has created will be with us forever.

Score: 7 out of 10

Video and Presentation
When approaching a review of The Matrix trilogy, there are obvious destination points on each of the discs: the lobby fight in the original, the freeway chase in Reloaded, and the Siege in Revolutions. Seeing those breathtaking sequences in high definition is the reason many will seek this set, and these moments definitely do not disappoint.

The video across the three movie discs is 16X9 1080p widescreen with a 2.4:1 aspect ratio. All of the special features (on both front and back of the movie discs) are presented in 480i or 480p standard definition, which is likely to disappoint folks who were hoping for some HD extras love.

Judging against what has previously been released in standard definition, the HD portion of the presentation (ie, the films themselves) is a huge leap up (especially if anyone out there is still holding on to the original DVD release). The boost in quality is immediately apparent. Even simple things, like the camera push through the numbers of code in the beginning of Reloaded, show how much detail has been added to the set.



It is most apparent, as with many DVD releases, when looking at fabrics and pores, both of which are in abundance in the trilogy. Trinity's leather catsuit and Neo's flowing robes are beautiful here and the dark surfaces boast a lot of differentiation. In fact, black levels have been improved across the set. The areas of half-light, which are in abundance everywhere in this moody world, have been cleaned up. Take one look at the ships moving through the tunnels of the real world and the difference will be clear.

The increase in detail is generally good, but it has an adverse effect in some situations. During the first Burlybrawl in Reloaded, for instance, the effect of switching back and forth between real and CG Neo is even more pronounced, and makes the SFX look dated. The same is true of the Siege sequence.

Of the three, the transfer of the original Matrix seems to be the best. Perhaps this is due to the example above… The sequels boast many more effects in general, and balancing them with live action in HD. It may also have to do with the fact that this transfer has seen more iterations than any of the others. Whatever the case, the original is the biggest treat of the bunch.

As good as the video is across the board, it is not perfect. In the love scene between Trinity and Neo in Reloaded, some of the skin tones blend together into color patches, which will only frustrate the most picky of viewers. In some of the wide, live-action shots, there is minor noise present on the image. And in some of the darkest scenes in the collection (especially near the end of Revolutions), the detail drops some.

Still, it is tough to gripe about such a marked leap in quality. Do an exercise to prove the power of HD DVD: pop in whatever Matrix disc you currently have and watch the opening Trinity sequence. Then watch the HD DVD. It will confirm the awesome upgrade.

Score: 8 out of 10





Languages and Audio
One cannot ask for more from a disc than the aural experience The Ultimate Matrix Collection provides. The treatment is a fitting tribute to the sound team, who created one of the most audibly memorable series in cinema.

The trilogy is an amazing example of sound design in film—from the crawling digital tickle of the Matrix code to the bombastic, bass-bombing explosions, every sound effect and utterance is approached with care, and the total package is nothing short of legendary.

It's good to see the chilling audio experience preserved in the home format (previous owners will note the stunning audio in earlier efforts). This collection has the following audio options on the movie discs: Dolby TrueHD 5.1, Dolby Digital Plus: English 5.1, French 5.1, Spanish 2.0. The special features are in stereo only.

The 5.1 treatments all offer great mixes and directional sound. This is one of those sets you'll want to turn up loud. Audio highlights: the lobby fight and helicopter sequence in The Matrix, the slow-mo bullet rounds in the Trinity Falls segment of Reloaded, the freeway chase in Reloaded (a perfect blend of sound effects, music and dialogue), the mech fight in Revolutions' siege.

The beauty of the audio treatment is that it amps up whatever the scene is trying to showcase. If it is an over-articulated Morpheus speech, the voice is given requisite power. If it's time for a sword-fight, the shing and swing of the blade is accentuated. If there is an explosion on a battlefield, it will rumble through your toes to the pit of your belly. These films are meant to move your body as well as your mind, and the audio adds to the rollercoaster.

Score: 10 out of 10




Packaging and Extras
Before we get into the exhausting extras, the packaging must be mentioned. This five disc set is packed into four HD DVD cases (the fourth is black rather than red, since it is standard def). The four red cases hold one disc each: the movie on one side, and extra special features on the flip side. The black case holds two two-sided DVDs. All four are housed in a rather unremarkable black cardboard box with a sticker of Matrix code on the front.

It all seems like a cheaper version of the previous Ultimate Matrix box set, and although compact, doesn't bring anything interesting to the shelf. This is utilitarian packaging at its most boring, which is a shame because the set contains every piece of Matrix lore ever assembled.

Also frustrating is the decision to go with two-sided discs. Not only does this eliminate any possibility of disc art, it increases finger contact with the disc and doubles the scratchable surface area. While double-sided discs are nothing new, in this case, more discs would be welcome.

Moving on, the special features are extensive. Essentially, this collection archives all of the previously-released Matrix bonuses, including The Animatrix and The Matrix Revisited, both of which were released as their own DVDs at different points. Read on to see how the features break down:



The Matrix HD DVD features the following bonus materials:


Side 1

In-Movie Experience

Written Introduction by The Wachowski brothers

Philosophers Commentary by Dr. Cornel West and Ken Wilber

Critics Commentary by Todd McCarthy, John Powers and David Thomson

Cast and Crew Commentary by Carrie-Anne Moss, Zach Staenberg and John Gaeta

Composer Commentary by Don Davis with Music Only Track

Behind the Matrix 7-Part Featurette: Making The Matrix, The Dance of the Master: Yuen Wo Ping's Blocking Tapes, The Bathroom Fight and Wet Wall, The Code of the Red Dress, The Old Exit: Wabash and Lake, Agent Down, and But Wait- There's More

The Music Revisited

Marilyn Manson Music Video Rock is Dead

The Matrix Teaser

The Matrix Trailer

8 The Matrix TV Spots


Side 2

The Matrix Revisited

Two-Part Take the Red Pill Featurette: What is Bullet Time? And What is the Concept?

Follow the White Rabbit Featurette: Trinity Escapes, Pod, Kung Fu, The Wall, Bathroom Fight, Government Lobby, Government Roof, Helicopter, Subway





The Matrix Reloaded HD DVD features the following bonus materials:
Side 1

In-Movie Experience

Written Introduction by The Wachowski brothers

Philosophers Commentary by Dr. Cornel West and Ken Wilber

Critics Commentary by Todd McCarthy, John Powers and David Thomson

Behind The Matrix Featurettes: The Matrix Unfolds, Pre-Load, Get Me an Exit, The MTV Movie Awards Reloaded

Enter the Matrix: The Game

Enter the Matrix (contains 23 scenes from the video game)

P.O.D. Music Video Sleeping Awake

Reloaded/Revolutions Teaser

The Matrix Reloaded Trailer

8 The Matrix Reloaded TV Spots


Side 2

Car Chase Featurettes: The Freeway Chase, Oakland Streets and Freeway: Unseen Material, Tour of the Merovingian's Garage, Queen of the Road, Arteries of the Mega-City: The Visual Effects of the Freeway Chase, Foresight: Pre-planning the Mayhem, Freeway Truck Crash: Anatomy of a Shot, Fate of the Freeway, Freeway Action Match

Teahouse Fight Featurettes: Two Equals Clash and Guardian of the Oracle: Collin Chou

Unplugged Featurettes: Creating the Burly Brawl, A Conversation with Master Wo Ping, Chad Stahelski: The Other Neo, Burly Brawl Action Match, Spiraling Virtual Shot: Anatomy of a Shot

I'll Handle Them Featurettes: The Great Hall, Building the Merovingian's Lair, Tiger Style: A Day in the Life of Chen Hu, Heavy Metal: Weapons of the Great Hall

The Exiles Featurettes: The Exiles and Big Brother is Watching: The Architect's Office





The Matrix Revolutions HD DVD features the following bonus materials:
Side 1

In-Movie Experience

Written Introduction by The Wachowski brothers

Philosophers Commentary by Dr. Cornel West and Ken Wilber

Critics Commentary by Todd McCarthy, John Powers and David Thomson

Behind The Matrix Featurettes: Revolutions Recalibrated, Neo Realism: The Evolution of Bullet Time, CG Revolution, Super Big Mini Models, Super Burly Brawl, Double Agent Smith, Mind Over Matter: The Physicality of The Matrix, Future Gamer: The Matrix Online

The Matrix Revolutions Trailer

6 The Matrix Revolutions TV Spots


Side 2

Behind The Matrix Featurettes: Before the Revolution and 3-D Evolution

Crew Featurettes: Owen's Army: The Australian Art Dept., 2nd Unit: A World of Their Own, Bill Pope: Cinematographer of The Matrix, Masters of Light and Shadow

Hel Featurettes: Coat Check, Upsidedown Under, Fast Break, Exploding Man, Gun Club, The Extras of Club Hel

Super Burly Brawl Featurettes: The Skybarn, The Crater, The Egg, Anatomy of the Superpunch, Super Burly Brawl


The Animatrix & The Roots of the Matrix (as part of the Ultimate Matrix Collection) HD DVD feature the following bonus materials:

Side 1

Voices Featurettes: The Second Renaissance Part I Commentary by Mahiro Maeda, The Second Renaissance Part II Commentary by Mahiro Maeda, Program Commentary by Yoshiaki Kawajiri, World Record Commentary by Takeshi Koike

Scrolls to Screen: The History and Culture of Anime

7-Part Execution Featurette: Making Final Flight of the Osiris, Making The Second Renaissance Parts I & II, Making Kid's Story & A Detective Story, Making Program, Making World Record, Making Beyond, Making Matriculated


Side 2

Return to Source: Philosophy & the Matrix (AKA. Brainiac's Revenge)

The Hard Problem: The Science Behind the Fiction

New Blue World Featurettes: Geography of Zion, The Ships, Tour of the Neb, Matrix TV, Logos Fight Expansion

Siege Featurettes: Dig This, The Siege Action Match, Anatomy of a Shot: Mifune's Last Stand, Building an APU, Product of Zion

Aftermath Featurettes: Revolutionary Composition, The Glue, Dane Tracks, Cause and Effects




The Burly Man Chronicles & The Zion Archive (as part of the Ultimate Matrix Collection) HD DVD feature the following bonus materials:
Side 1

The Burly Man Chronicles

Pre-Production

Alameda Shoot

Australia Shoot


Side 2

The Zion Archive - Photo galleries

The Rave Reel

The Matrix Online

2 Music Videos, Theatrical Trailers and TV Spots





We have already extensively reviewed most of the special features across all of these discs. The packaging advertises 35 hours of special stuff, and as you can see from the list above, it is a mighty list, indeed Read Andy Patrizio's SD Ultimate Matrix Collection review for an in-depth look at all the goodies stuffed on these discs.

The only newly-added features are the In-Movie Experiences on each of the HD DVDs. By turning on the In-Movie Experience, viewers are treated to a running video commentary (presented picture-in-picture) on the scene that's playing. Culling material from all the special features, these HD insertions are the perfect complement to the action.

By switching between multiple perspectives and types of discussion, the information flows smoothly and quickly. At one point, Carrie-Anne Moss will be talking about being cast as Trinity. Moments later, you will see her doing wire-work as the rooftop chase plays underneath. All three of the In-Movie experiences are enriching and well-made, and serve as a good condensed view of the sprawling content slathered across the five discs.

The one disappointing thing about the special features is the lack of HD content beyond the In-Movie stuff discussed above. Viewers who purchased the original Ultimate Collection have very little to look forward to here. What's most galling is the fact that the two-disc Matrix Experience offering is not even put on an HD DVD disc. Instead, all of the features in the Databank are standard definition, which will be more than enough to keep some folks away from the set.

This of course means that the excellent Animatrix--nine anime shorts that portray different slices of Matrix back story, is not presented in HD. For a standard DVD release, the video is great, but what is the point of not transferring it to HD DVD for this set? The source material should have been easy to port, making this seem like a decision based on laziness or economy (which seems an odd complaint on a disc with so much extra content), neither of which is acceptable.

It may seem asinine that any set with 35+ hours of quality features could earn anything less than a 10. But since this is an HD DVD set, and one of the key elements of the collection is not presented in HD, coupled with the fact that the majority of the extras have appeared elsewhere, and you get less-than-perfect marks.
Score: 8 out of 10


Bottom Line
HD proponents are looking for those releases that justify their adoption of a format, and The Ultimate Matrix helps make an argument to the positive. The transfers are a big step up from the standard def, and the audio continues to be absolutely amazing.

Extras-wise, although almost everything here is recycled from previous collections (mostly the Ultimate Matrix DVD box set), this is an enormous amount of content. The flip-discs are annoying and the packaging is unimaginative, but in the end, it's what's on the discs… and what's on them is one of the most comprehensive looks at a set of films ever released. Let the battle rage.


7 The Movie
An uneven but ultimately groundbreaking and exhiliarating trilogy.
8 The Video
A serious step up from the DVD treatment.
10 The Audio
One of the most amazing examples of sound design in movies.
8 The Extras
35 + hours, but none of them in HD? Even The Animatrix? Really?
8 OVERALL
(out of 10 / not an average)

[Ecchiman]

Account deleted

[matrix_ghost]

You know, everyone is tlking about this HD hype....but what is it exactly? just a HIGHER definiton then Ultimate Matrix Collection? I mena I doubt they will just keep releasing newer and newer versions of dvds every 5 years.

I don't know how old you are Ecchiman but hopefully you're from the 80's era . If you are , then HD-DVD is the same as DVD was to VHS tapes.
They needed to release this in HD-DVD because it's a growing market and soon all movies will come out in HD-DVD.

[Ecchiman]

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[matrix_ghost]

Yes I'm from the 80's.
I'm not much of a technology freak, but does this mean old dvd's wont work on newer dvd players in the futur?
and I thought they were already releasing this "blu-ray" thing.

I think so. Sucks big time , i know big that's the way it goes
This BLue Ray thing is actually in two formats. One is called Blue Ray and the other is simply known as HD-DVD ( i think).
Blue Ray is owned by Sony and HD is owned by some other studio.

[Ecchiman]

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[poptop]

I think in 30 years time the issue about Blue Ray, HD DVD and 'packaging' will be long dead.

Super 8 - 1965
BetaMax - 1975
VHS - 1976
DVD - 1996
Blue Ray - 2004
HD DVD - 2006

. . .

???????? - 2037

[matrix_ghost]

I think in 30 years time the issue about Blue Ray, HD DVD and 'packaging' will be long dead.

Super 8 - 1965
BetaMax - 1975
VHS - 1976
DVD - 1996
Blue Ray - 2004
HD DVD - 2006

. . .

???????? - 2037

[poptop]

Yup. We'll be walking around inside the movie - Matrix style - and enjoying it. Ah, the sweet irony!

Blue Ray = road to Bluepill.