The Matrix Trilogy HD DVD Reviews...

Tim Glover · 05-16-2007, 03:52 AM

Looks like Peter Bracke of highdefdigest.com gives The Matrix HD DVDs a rare 5/5 for Image & Sound. Looks like Warner really did pull out all the stops here and give the fans something to really be proud of.

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Needless to say, Warner had its work cut out for it, but HD DVD fans will be pleased to hear that Warner has absolutely delivered the goods. In fact, this release compares favorably to anything I've seen yet on either high-def format. All three 'Matrix' films look fantastic on HD DVD, and I'd be more than happy to whip out any of them when I need a demo disc to show off my system.

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Warner has clearly gone back and remastered the trilogy, minting new high-def masters. Doing a direct compare with the original discs, the results are immediately obvious. One of the many impressive aspects of the set as a whole is its consistency -- despite the four-year gap between 'The Matrix' and its two sequels, I could scarcely tell any difference between them. Cue up any sequence of any of the flicks, and prepare to be suitably wowed.

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This is the kind of three-dimensional, picture-perfect image high-def is all about....This is really fantastic stuff -- 'The Matrix' trilogy easily earns an exemplary five-star video rating.

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Happily, the studio has opted to include full-blown Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround tracks (48kHz/16-bit) for each film, as well as optional 640kbps Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 surround mixes. I was just as impressed with the audio as I was the video -- this one absolutely rocks the house.

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Dynamics are also top-notch. Just as "bullet time" revolutionized modern special effects, the sound design here is also pioneering. In hindsight, it shouldn't have been a surprise that the original 'Matrix' swept most of the 1999 Oscars given for tech categories over 'Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace.' The use of extended low bass, and the way the mingling of natural and mechanical effects and tones to create a chilling, suspended-animation-like aural effect is fantastic.

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The Dolby TrueHD format easily handles this complex presentation, with airtight low bass extension all the way down to the lowest frequencies. Mid- and high-range is also wonderfully clear and free from irritating harshness.

Needless to say The Matrix is a rather big release for the HD DVD format. Glad to know it lives up to the hype....

RobertR · 05-16-2007, 07:07 AM

Sounds great. Now all I need to wait for is the first film sold separately, as I have no use for the sequels.

Jon Moss · 05-16-2007, 07:33 AM

Just received the Ultimate set yesterday. The only slight complaint I have (as mentioned in some of the reviews) is with the discs formats used. The main three films are on HD-DVD combo discs with regular DVD extras on the back of each, and the last two extras discs are both just regular dual layer DVD 9's.

When I heard it would be a five disc set, I figured Warner would use HD-DVD's for the three films, and put all the extras onto two HD-DVD discs.

Ah well I'm just happy to have all three in HD. I think I'm the only one who enjoyed the sequels

Jim_K · 05-16-2007, 07:56 AM

Glad to see such a positive review.

FWIW - Love the first two films, the third was a disappointing lost opportunity but I can still somewhat enjoy the spectacle.

Nick Laslett · 05-16-2007, 08:07 AM

It is a shame the Animatrix shorts haven't been upgraded to HD.

I guess that will have to wait for the next release.

I look forward to getting these discs when they are released on Blu-Ray.

The Matrix trilogy presents something of a dilema for me as I have created my own edits of Reloaded & Revolutions, putting the focus back on Neo.

I imagine it will be a long time before I have a computer capable of editing HD footage.

Despite the upgrade in image and sound I can see myself sticking with my version of these two films.

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Tim Glover · 05-16-2007, 09:41 AM

I think just the Ultimate Matrix Collection has used the Combo format, not the Complete Matrix...which I have ordered.

Robert George · 05-16-2007, 10:22 AM

My Ultimate Collection set showed up yesterday, and I took the time to sample each of the movies. While I don't particularly like numerical or "star" reviews, I agree with Bracke's assesment and this would get whatever one's maximum number of stars would be. As much of a "wow" as I have seen on either HD format.

These transfer/encodes are as close to perfection as I think may be possible from HD optical disc.

Grant H · 05-16-2007, 12:18 PM

Anyone know what the file size of the films are?

Just curious if they went for 25GB or 30 GB.

If 30, that means either the BDs will drop the TrueHD, or they might optimize for a 50 GB BD. I'd wager the former, but so far TrueHD is on the menu for 300, so you never know.

Todd H · 05-16-2007, 01:04 PM

When this comes out for Blu-ray, please God let them release each film individually. I love the first one but have no use for the other two.

Jason Harbaugh · 05-16-2007, 01:20 PM

Glad the reviews are good. Now I just hope Warner puts the same effort into the BD version and takes advantage of their specs and BD-50's.