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WHV Press Release: the Ultimate Matrix Collection (Blu-ray)

post #1 of 32
Thread Starter 
The Multi-Billion Dollar Franchise and the #1 Trilogy
of the Past 25 Years is Now on Blu-ray™ Hi-Def

The Ultimate Matrix Collection
Debuts on Blu-ray™ Hi-Def October 14

The Animatrix Available for the First Time in High Definition Along with Digital Copy of The Matrix
and In Movie Experience (IME)!

Burbank, Calif. (July 31, 2008) – The Ultimate Matrix Collection brings the motion pictures that fans have most requested in high definition to Blu-ray™ Hi-Def for the first time on October 14 from Warner Home Video (WHV) and Village Roadshow Pictures (VRP). This seven-disc collection contains the complete Matrix Trilogy in high definition video and lossless high definition 5.1 audio (Dolby TrueHD) — each with hours of special features including WHV’s ground-breaking In-Movie Experience. The Animatrix, the nine-part anime film, is also included for the first time in high definition. Three additional bonus discs include more than 35 hours of additional features and a digital copy of The Matrix (for use with Windows Media and iPod portable devices) that even further immerses consumers into the ultimate Matrix experience. The Ultimate Matrix Collection will be available as a collection only and will sell for $129.95 SRP. Order due date is September 9.

The Franchise and the Films

The Ultimate Matrix Collection 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 ground-breaking Wachowski brothers’ post-modern epic films.

All Matrix films were written and directed by Andy and Larry Wachowski, who spent years nurturing and refining the movie’s breakthrough concepts, and were produced by Joel Silver.

The Matrix film franchise is one of Warner Bros.’ largest and most prestigious franchises with multi-billion dollar sales generated worldwide across a variety of media formats including theatrical, home video, broadcast, video games and publishing. All three films are in the top ten best-selling sci-fi films of all time and have been nominated for and won numerous awards, including four OscarsÒ. The Matrix was the first film on DVD to hit the one million mark in sales during the launch of the format.

Disc #1 - The Matrix (1999)
The box-office sensation follows the trials of Neo (Reeves), a young computer programmer, searching to determine the deepest reality of a post-Apocalyptic world. His journey uncovers a web of deceit and massive computer-generated illusions obscuring the truth. As Morpheus (Fishburne) said to Neo, “No one can be told what the Matrix is. You have to see it for yourself.” The same is true for this mind-blowing movie.


Special Features (standard definition):
In-Movie Experience
Commentaries
Written introduction by the Wachowski brothers
Philosophers commentary by Dr. Cornel West, Ken Wilber
Critics commentary by Todd McCarthy, John Powers, David Thomson
Cast and crew commentary by Carrie-Anne Moss, Zach Staenberg and John Gaeta
Composer commentary by Don Davis with music-only track
The Matrix Revisited
Behind The Matrix
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
But Wait- There's More
Take the Red Pills
Follow the White Rabbit
Audio
The Music Revisited
Marilyn Manson Music Video Rock is Dead
Trailers
The Matrix teaser
The Matrix trailer
The Matrix TV spots

Disc #2 – The Matrix digital copy for use with Windows Media and iPod portable devices

Disc #3 - The Matrix Reloaded (2003)
In the powerful second chapter of the Matrix Trilogy, Neo (Reeves), Trinity (Moss) and Morpheus (Fishburne) lead the revolt against the Machine Army as it attacks Zion, the last human city on earth, unleashing their arsenal of extraordinary skills and weaponry against the systematic forces of repression and exploitation. In their quest to save the human race from extinction, they gain greater insight into the construct of the Matrix and Neo’s pivotal role in the fate of mankind.

What is the Matrix? The question is not yet fully answered. And it leads to another: Who created the Matrix? The answers lead to more worlds of bold possibility – and to a destiny that passes from revelations to Revolutions.

Special Features (standard definition):
In Movie Experience
Commentaries
Written introduction by the Wachowski brothers
Philosophers commentary by Dr. Cornel West, Ken Wilber
Critics commentary by Todd McCarthy, John Powers, David Thomson
Behind The Matrix
The Matrix Unfolds
o Pre-Load
o Get Me an Exit
o The MTV Movie Awards Reloaded
· Car chases
o The Freeway Chase
o Oakland Streets and Freeway: Unseen Material
o Tour of the Merovingian's Garage
o Queen of the Road
o Arteries of the Mega-City: The Visual Effects of the Freeway Chase
o Foresight: Pre-planning the Mayhem
o Freeway Truck Crash: Anatomy of a Shot
o Fate of the Freeway
o Freeway Action Match
Teahouse Fight
Unplugged
I’ll Handle Them
The Exiles
Additional footage
Enter the Matrix: The Game
Enter the Matrix
Music video – P.O.D. Music Video Sleeping Awake
Trailers

Disc # 4 - The Matrix Revolutions (2003)
In the exciting final chapter of the Matrix Trilogy, Neo (Reeves) takes another step forward in the quest for truth that began with his journey into the real world at the outset of The Matrix – but that transformation has left him drained of his power, adrift in a no-man’s land between the Matrix and the Machine World. While Trinity (Moss) holds vigil over Neo’s comatose body, Morpheus (Fishburne) grapples with the revelation that the One in which he has invested a life’s worth of faith is merely another system of control invented by the architects of the Matrix. During the stunning conclusion, the rebel’s long quest for freedom culminates in an explosive battle. As the Machine Army wages devastation on Zion, its citizens mount an aggressive defense – but can they stave off the relentless swarm of Sentinels long enough for Neo to harness the full extent of his powers and end the war?

Special Features (standard definition):

In-Movie Experience
Behind the Story
Commentaries
Written Introduction by the Wachowski Brothers - The Wachowski brothers give you an introduction to their groundbreaking film
Philosophers Commentary by Dr. Cornel West, Ken Wilber - Dr. West and Ken Wilber discuss their thoughts and opinions of the film
Critics Commentary by Todd McCarthy, John Powers, David Thomson - Film Critics Todd McCarthy, John Powers and David Thompson express their thoughts on the film
Behind The Matrix
o Revolutions Recalibrated - Explore the story before the revolution
Neo Realism: The Evolution of Bullet Time – See how the Bullet Time technique has evolved since the first film
CG Revolution – Go inside Zion and see how VFX were used in “The Siege” sequence
Super Big Mini Models – Take a look at how miniatures were used in the film
Double Agent Smith – Join the crew as they show you how they created multiple Agent Smiths for the final fight
Mind Over Matter: The Physicality of The Matrix - Going into training and learn what the actors physical demands were for the film
Future Gamer: The Matrix Online – See how the Matrix story continues in the video game
Before the Revolution - Explore the story before the revolution
3-D Evolution - Scroll through Concept Art, Storyboards and more in this interactive feature
Crew
Owen's Army: The Australian Art Dept. - Take a look at how these amazing sets were constructed
2nd Unit: A World of Their Own - Spend some time with the 2nd Unit Crew
Bill Pope: Cinematographer of The Matrix - Bill Pope offers insights to the filming of the Trilogy
Masters of Light and Shadow – Meet the folks that light up the sets
Hel
Coat Check - Take a look at how this virtually stunning fight sequence was achieved
Upside-down Under- Join the stunt coordinators as they explain in detail what had to be done for this film
Fast Break - Go behind the scenes and look at how the Special Effects for the film was created
Exploding Man - Follow Leo Henry as he shows you some of his craft
Gun Club - Enter the armory and take a look at the guns that were used
The Extras of Club Hel - Meet the extras from Club Hel
New Blue World
Geography of Zion – Take a look at all the different parts that make up Zion
The Ships - Learn how the ships got their looks
Tour of the Neb - Join Owen Paterson taking a tour of the Nebuchadnezzar
Matrix TV - Meet the crew behind all the screen graphics
Logos Fight Expansion - Take a behind the scenes look at the only fight that does not take place in the Matrix
Siege
Dig This
The Siege Action Match
Anatomy of a Shot: Mifune's Last Stand
Building an APU
Product of Zion - Sit down with the cast as they discuss their characters and how they got their roles
Aftermath
Revolutionary Composition
The Glue - Meet the editing team and see how the film comes together
Dane Tracks - Hear from Sound Designer Dane Davis as he discusses his contribution to the film
Cause and Effects - Meet the VFX team and see what it took to complete all the shots in the film

Trailers
The Matrix Revolutions Trailer --HD trailer
The Matrix Revolutions TV Spots
Give Anything
Help
Power
Future
Believe
Control

Disc #5 – The Animatrix
The Animatrix presents nine original short animated stories directed by preeminent anime directors that provide a visionary fusion of CG-Animatrion and Japanese anime. Four of the nine were written by Larry and Andy Wachowski; all of the episodes are grounded in the world of The Matrix.

Special Features (standard definition):
Behind the Story
Voices
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
Creators
Execution
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

Disc 6 & 7 The Matrix Experience Bonus Discs
Disc 6:
Side A: Roots of the Matrix
· Return to Source: Philosophy & the Matrix (AKA. Brainiac’s Revenge)
· The Hard Problem: The Science Behind the Fiction

Side B: Burly Man Chronicles
· The Burly Man Chronicles
· Pre-Production
· Alameda Shoot
· Australia Shoot

Disc 7:
Zion Archives
· The Zion Archive – Photo galleries
· The Rave Reel
· The Matrix Online
· 2 Music Videos, Theatrical Trailers and TV Spots

Note: All enhanced content listed above is subject to change.

Gear mentioned in this thread:

The Ultimate Matrix Collection [Blu-ray]
post #2 of 32

Re: WHV Press Release: the Ultimate Matrix Collection (Blu-ray)

Thanks for the post. I'm glad this is finally making it to Blu-ray. I never did pick it up on HD DVD.

A side note: how do they justify calling it the #1 trilogy of the past 25 years?
post #3 of 32

Re: WHV Press Release: the Ultimate Matrix Collection (Blu-ray)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ronald Epstein
The Multi-Billion Dollar Franchise and the #1 Trilogy
of the Past 25 Years
is Now on Blu-ray™ Hi-Def

post #4 of 32
Thread Starter 

Re: WHV Press Release: the Ultimate Matrix Collection (Blu-ray)

I love WB, but if you want to know what the the best trilogy in the past
25 years was I would have to say, without exception, Back To The Future.

The Matrix is probably one of the most awesome films ever made
but the sequels were pretty horrific in comparison.

Still, I know this is a set that will sell well. I hope the single edition of
The Matrix is made available at some point.
post #5 of 32

Re: WHV Press Release: the Ultimate Matrix Collection (Blu-ray)

I too hope they release The Matrix as a standalone for those who only want the first one. I actually fall more into that camp, but the special features may push me toward the box set.

I really don't understand the #1 claim. I looked up some box office numbers and it can't be on those grounds that they are claiming the #1 trilogy of the past 25 years and a claim to quality could be quickly undermined (by the sequels).
post #6 of 32

Re: WHV Press Release: the Ultimate Matrix Collection (Blu-ray)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ronald Epstein
The Matrix is probably one of the most awesome films ever made
but the sequels were pretty horrific in comparison.

I have to agree. "Pt 2" was very mediocre IMO, so it took a few years before I watched "pt.3" (then again, I still haven´t seen "PotC 3" or "Spider-man 3", so I guess it´s just me with certain trilogies.. ). "Pt.3" was better and I actually liked the "ending fight" and stuff like that. But I missed probably 50% of the "deeper messages" of these films.. Perhaps it´s time to watch them again.

I guess originally "The Matrix" was meant to be just "one film"?
post #7 of 32

Re: WHV Press Release: the Ultimate Matrix Collection (Blu-ray)

I too hope the first/original film will be available separately on BD (w/ good array of extras, maybe a 2-disc set). The sequels are alright as guilty pleasure (maybe as a rental), but definitely not worth the $$$ to me (unless it's bargain bin priced). Never saw the Animatrix though.

_Man_
post #8 of 32

Re: WHV Press Release: the Ultimate Matrix Collection (Blu-ray)

Just the first film for me.
post #9 of 32

Re: WHV Press Release: the Ultimate Matrix Collection (Blu-ray)

So, some of the bonus discs are DVDs, and double sided DVDs at that?

Why didn't they put everything onto BluRay discs?
post #10 of 32

Re: WHV Press Release: the Ultimate Matrix Collection (Blu-ray)

I'm still undecided if I'm buying this set.

I really liked the first movie, thought the second was "okay," and didn't like the "third" but maybe I need to watch it again.

Maybe I'll just Netflix them and put the money toward other BDs instead.
post #11 of 32

Re: WHV Press Release: the Ultimate Matrix Collection (Blu-ray)

Eh, I feel as though the second is maybe one of the worst sequels since "Highlander 2", and the third is a complete betrayal in every sense of the entire story as it's setup in the first movie.

That having been said, I'd buy the original if it's stand alone, but the others are a pass.
post #12 of 32

Re: WHV Press Release: the Ultimate Matrix Collection (Blu-ray)

The second and third movie have a couple good moments, but they feel like they were written by someone else. You know how sometimes tv series and movies spawn comic books, and those comic books have familiar faces but the stories are just a bunch of crap? Matrix 2 and 3 feel like that -- like they're someone else's idea of what to do with the characters from the Matrix.

That said, I watch 2 and 3 occasionally. Very, very occasionally. But enough to justify picking this set up. On sale. My only hesitation, again, is why they substituted some regular DVDs for some of the extras rather than putting it all on BluRay.
post #13 of 32

Re: WHV Press Release: the Ultimate Matrix Collection (Blu-ray)

I just want the first, the other two films were a joke, total waste of time. Hopefully Warner gets a clue and sells these individually.
post #14 of 32

Re: WHV Press Release: the Ultimate Matrix Collection (Blu-ray)

Quote:
Additional footage
Enter the Matrix: The Game
So this will still not be available on 1080p?
post #15 of 32

Re: WHV Press Release: the Ultimate Matrix Collection (Blu-ray)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Roger_R
So this will still not be available on 1080p?
I doubt it was even in the game. Most likely 640x480 Bink Video.
post #16 of 32

Re: WHV Press Release: the Ultimate Matrix Collection (Blu-ray)

That doesn't mean the original assets were in that resolution. The scenes were filmed during the production of the sequels by the Wachosw-whatever brothers and they're all in 2.40:1. Seems weird that they'd replace all the cameras with SD cameras for just these scenes...
post #17 of 32

Re: WHV Press Release: the Ultimate Matrix Collection (Blu-ray)

Looks like i'll be able to dump my DVD's of The Ultimate Matrix Collection as I loved all three of these films.

I'm so all over this when it hits stores.

Still pissed at Warner, though (cough)Speedracer(cough).
post #18 of 32

Re: WHV Press Release: the Ultimate Matrix Collection (Blu-ray)

Does anyone know if this will be the same encoding as the HD DVD set?
post #19 of 32

Re: WHV Press Release: the Ultimate Matrix Collection (Blu-ray)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Paul Hillenbrand
Does anyone know if this will be the same encoding as the HD DVD set?
According to Bill Hunt, yes for the 3 live-action movies. However, while "The Animatrix" was 480p/DD 5.1 on HD DVD, it's 1080p/TrueHD 5.1 on Blu-ray.
post #20 of 32

Re: WHV Press Release: the Ultimate Matrix Collection (Blu-ray)

The new Poltergeist blu-ray disc includes an insert advertising something called "The Matrix: 10th Anniversary". I'd hate to buy this set and find out a better version of the original streets next year. Hmmmm..
post #21 of 32

Re: WHV Press Release: the Ultimate Matrix Collection (Blu-ray)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Anthony_H
The new Poltergeist blu-ray disc includes an insert advertising something called "The Matrix: 10th Anniversary". I'd hate to buy this set and find out a better version of the original streets next year. Hmmmm..
But how could it be better if this is the "ULTIMATE" version?
post #22 of 32

Re: WHV Press Release: the Ultimate Matrix Collection (Blu-ray)

I can't decide which was a bigger let down:

Matrix 2/3 or Star Wars 1/2/3
IMHO, they represent five of the worst decisions in movie history.

I would only consider buying Matrix if it was a single disc of the first movie. I'll use my own imagination to decide what happened afterwards.
post #23 of 32

Re: WHV Press Release: the Ultimate Matrix Collection (Blu-ray)

Here's hoping that new revelatory teaser from the Poltergeist BD is for real -- and we get a standalone, top quality release of the first film soon enough.

BTW, it's also great to see that Amadeus(!) may be coming soon enough also according to that teaser.

_Man_
post #24 of 32

Re: WHV Press Release: the Ultimate Matrix Collection (Blu-ray)

Quote:
Originally Posted by chrisagon
I can't decide which was a bigger let down:

Matrix 2/3 or Star Wars 1/2/3
IMHO, they represent five of the worst decisions in movie history.


At least the Matrix 2/3 had the Merrovingian (or however he spelled his name -- the snooty French guy).
post #25 of 32

Re: WHV Press Release: the Ultimate Matrix Collection (Blu-ray)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Anthony_H
The new Poltergeist blu-ray disc includes an insert advertising something called "The Matrix: 10th Anniversary". I'd hate to buy this set and find out a better version of the original streets next year. Hmmmm..
I wouldn't be surprised if it's just the first disc packaged with maybe a book and some toys and some fancy packaging.
post #26 of 32

Re: WHV Press Release: the Ultimate Matrix Collection (Blu-ray)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Will_B
At least the Matrix 2/3 had the Merrovingian (or however he spelled his name -- the snooty French guy).

Seeing Reloaded in theaters, with my ears, I thought he was called the MerrillLynchian! Needless to say, I was the only person who laughed!
post #27 of 32

Re: WHV Press Release: the Ultimate Matrix Collection (Blu-ray)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ray H
I wouldn't be surprised if it's just the first disc packaged with maybe a book and some toys and some fancy packaging.

That's exactly what it'll be - the same disc in a digibook. No way Warner takes the time to redo the encode so soon.
post #28 of 32

Re: WHV Press Release: the Ultimate Matrix Collection (Blu-ray)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Brandon Conway
That's exactly what it'll be - the same disc in a digibook. No way Warner takes the time to redo the encode so soon.
That's one way to look at it.

Another is that it's rumored this is the same encode from HD-DVD, so in actuality this encode is at least a couple of years old, and they may be ready to do a new encode just in time to fleece...er...celebrate the 10th anniversary!
post #29 of 32

Re: WHV Press Release: the Ultimate Matrix Collection (Blu-ray)

Nah. If hey didn't do a new encode for the BD because they had one for the HD-DVD after a year, they won't do a new BD one just 3-5 months after the box set release.
post #30 of 32

Re: WHV Press Release: the Ultimate Matrix Collection (Blu-ray)

Rumour has it the single Matrix release will be a digibook like Bonnie and Clyde, Dirty Harry and so on.

Well, time to see if there are any remaining bargain HD DVD sets out there--no way I'm paying over 100$ for one good film, two otherwise rentals and a bunch of extras I may never watch--especially as I have them on DVD already. I may even just wait for the single BD of the first movie and forget the rest as I don't watch them all that often (the first one gets about 3-4 times as much playback as either of the other two).
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