The Matrix Trilogy arrives on 4K UHD Blu-ray in stunning new transfers. Highly Recommended, even for those without 4K UHD.
The Production: 4/5
Much has been written and discussed about the three Matrix films by The Wachowskis, and they have been released numerous times on virtually every home video format available. When The Matrix first hit movie screens in 1999, it was an instant success, despite very minimal marketing by its studio, Warner Bros. Audiences had never experienced anything quite like it before, going back again and again, to both relive the visuals but also to try and figure out what the heck the film was about. With that kind of success, the studio, Warner Bros., was anxious for a sequel, and the Wachowski’s delivered what was essentially a two-part sequel with The Matrix Reloaded released in May of 2003 and The Matrix Revolutions six months later, even though the first film was developed with no intentions of a sequel. Reloaded had the largest box office haul of the three films, while Revolutions completed its theatrical run with the lowest box office of the three, possibly from fans’ outrage to the rather abrupt cliffhanger ending of the second film, but most likely due to the somewhat disappointing conclusion to the trilogy and religious undertones of the two sequels that never quite paid off.
Video: 5/5
3D Rating: NA
Wow. The films have never looked better than they have here on the 4K UHD Blu-ray releases (available as a Trilogy boxed set and individually). Warner has created new 4K scans of the completed films (the exception being the freeway chase sequence from Reloaded, in which that sequence alone was completed as a 2K digital intermediate), and they are presented on these 4K UHD Blu-ray discs in HEVC-encoded 2160p transfers with both Dolby Vision and HDR-10 high dynamic range, retaining the original 2.40:1 theatrical aspect ratio, all under the supervision of Director of Photography Bill Pope. Viewing these films on HDR-10 capable equipment, many of the complaints of the overuse of green tinting in the data realm on previous video releases are addressed more carefully, with the green hue more subdued and colors appearing more natural. Detail and overall sharpness is off the charts, with creases in the black leather outfits more noticeable than ever, including the pock marks in Laurence Fishburne’s face. Contrast is also exceptional, with deep inky black levels and strong shadow detail. Film grain is evident and natural, never obtrusive. These are how catalog titles should look in 4K. For those who have not upgraded their system to 4K UHD, the included Blu-ray editions are from the same 4K masters, and as of this writing are not available as separate Blu-ray only releases.
Audio: 5/5
Wow again. All three films have been remixed in Dolby Atmos (except Warner has apparently gone back to their old ways, as Atmos is not the default track on either the 4K UHD or the standard Blu-ray discs, and instead defaults to a lossy 640kbps Dolby Digital 5.1 track – Why, Warner, why?). The Matrix Trilogy has always been considered great demo material for any home theater enthusiast who wanted to show off their sound system, going as far back as the 2007 DVD releases. The new Atmos mixes open up the soundstage 360 degrees (even in a 5.1.2 configuration) by placing sounds more precisely than was possible before, yet there are no “new” discrete sounds added. LFE is much tighter, too, as is the case with most Atmos mixes. Dialogue is clear and understandable throughout without getting lost in the overall mix.
Special Features: 4.5/5
With the exception of the original commentary tracks, all of the special features are included on their own Blu-ray Special Features disc (but in standard definition). These are all the same features that were included on the original DVD releases in 2007.
The following special features can be found on the feature film discs:
Written Introduction by The Wachowskis: A text essay by the films’ writer/directors explaining why they did not provide their own commentary track and instead suggested the tracks included here.
Philosopher Commentary by Dr. Cornell West and Ken Wilber
Critics Commentary by Todd McCarthy, John Powers and David Thomson
Cast & Crew Commentary by Carrie-Anne Moss, Zach Staenberg and John Gaeta Zach Staenberg (The Matrix only)
Composer Commentary by Don Davis with Music-Only Track (The Matrix only)
In-Movie Experience (Blu-ray feature-film discs only)
The Matrix Special Features:
“The Matrix” Revisited (480i; 122:50)
Behind “The Matrix” (480i; 43:06)
Follow the White Rabbit (480i; 22:51)
Take the Red Pill (480i; 17:42)
The Music Revisited (1080p; 194:51): Jukebox selection of 41 music tracks from the film.
Rock is Dead Music Video by Marilyn Manson (480i; 3:20)
The Matrix Teaser Trailer (480i; 1:01)
The Matrix Theatrical Trailer (480i; 2:33)
TV Spots (480i; 3:54)
The Matrix Reloaded Special Features:
Behind “The Matrix” (Part 2) (480i; 45:57)
Car Chase (480i; 146:07)
Teahouse Fight (480i; 7:04)
Unplugged (480i; 40:26)
I’ll Handle Them (480i; 17:10)
The Exiles (480i; 17:53)
“Enter the Matrix:” The Game (480i; 28:17)
Enter the Matrix (480i; 42:31)
Sleeping Awake Music Video by P.O.D. (480i; 3:43)
The Matrix Revolutions Special Features:
Behind “The Matrix” (Part 3) (480i; 90:05)
Crew (480i; 25:01)
Hel (480i; 27:36)
Super Burly Brawl (480i; 16:53)
New Blue World (480i; 26:07)
Siege (480i; 40:09)
Aftermath (480i; 39:49)
Digital Copy: An insert contains a code to redeem a digital copy of The Matrix Trilogy on Movies Anywhere. Unfortunately, I redeemed my code on Vudu, which only provided HDX copies on all Movies Anywhere retail partners. Warner is aware of this (as, according to the studio, the code should have redeemed as UHD across all retailers) and, as of this writing, is looking into the issue.
Overall: 4.5/5
The Matrix Trilogy arrives on 4K UHD Blu-ray looking and sounding better than ever, with most of the special features ported over. This set is highly recommended for both UHD adopters and those who have not upgraded to UHD, as the included Blu-ray editions of the movies are struck from the same master as the UHD version, and are not currently available as separate Blu-ray releases.
Todd Erwin has been a reviewer at Home Theater Forum since 2008. His love of movies began as a young child, first showing Super 8 movies in his backyard during the summer to friends and neighbors at age 10. He also received his first movie camera that year, a hand-crank Wollensak 8mm with three fixed lenses. In 1980, he graduated to "talkies" with his award-winning short The Ape-Man, followed by the cult favorite The Adventures of Terrific Man two years later. Other films include Myth or Fact: The Talbert Terror and Warren's Revenge (which is currently being restored). In addition to movie reviews, Todd has written many articles for Home Theater Forum centering mostly on streaming as well as an occasional hardware review, is the host of his own video podcast Streaming News & Views on YouTube and is a frequent guest on the Home Theater United podcast.
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