- Joined
- May 9, 2002
- Messages
- 13,058
- Real Name
- Cameron Yee
The Matrix
10th Anniversary Edition
Release Date: Available now (released March 31, 2009)
Studio: Warner Home Video
Packaging/Materials: Warner "Digibook"
Year: 1999
Rating: R
Running Time: 2h16m
MSRP: $34.99
| MAIN FEATURE | SPECIAL FEATURES | |
| Video | 1080p high definition 16x9 2.40:1 | 480i or 480p standard definition |
| Audio | Dolby TrueHD: English 5.1 / Dolby Digital: English 5.1, French 5.1, Spanish 2.0, Italian 5.1, Portuguese 2.0 | Stereo |
| Subtitles | English, French, Spanish, Dutch, Italian, and Portuguese (movie and select bonus material) | |
Note: Portions of this review include material from my review of "The Ultimate Matrix Collection" on Blu-Ray. The entirety of that review can be read here.
The Feature: 5/5
Thomas Anderson (Keanu Reeves) is a corporate drone living a double life as a computer hacker named Neo. His life feels empty; he knows that something is wrong with it and the answer could be the Matrix. When he finally learns the truth, it's more than just a revelation, it's a rebirth.
A groundbreaking fusion of philosophy, metaphysics, technology and martial arts became an instant sensation when "The Matrix" made its understated debut in theaters 10 years ago. And 10 years later it's still going strong, the film's disappointing sequels doing little to diminish its impact or popularity. If anything the sequels' problems emphasize the first installment's superior clarity and lack of self-indulgence, causing some to speculate that Neo's story was never intended as a trilogy. Indeed, even though the first film provides a compelling springboard to a multitude of ideas, it also easily exists on its own, to the point that those who choose to do so can simply disavow the subsequent films. With this 10th Anniversary Edition, Warner Brothers finally gives those with a particular distaste for "Reloaded" and "Revolutions" a chance to own the Matrix story in its best and purest form. Collectors of all things Matrix will likely be tempted also, but it's the ones who passed on the high definition releases of the trilogy to be first to pick it up.
Video Quality: 5/5
The film is accurately framed at 2.40:1 and presented in 1080p with the VC-1 codec. Grain structure is nicely preserved with no indications of noise reduction. Fine object detail and texture are amazing with a plethora of examples in just the first 10 minutes - the texture of Trinity's skin in her extreme closeup, the shards of glass as she breaks through the window, the motes of dust and palpable whisps of smoke after the truck collision. And the remarkable clarity and detail continue throughout the movie. Black levels and shadow detail are excellent, displaying nuances and subtle texture in the preponderance of deep black outfits and noir settings. Though the film as a whole is not a showcase for the format's color depth capabilities, it handily and consistently conveys its dark to muted color palette. My sole complaint (and it's a very minor one) is there is mild edge haloing when Neo and Morpheus are in the all-white Construct environment. But even so the overall quality is closer to a "5" than a "4.5."
Audio Quality: 5/5
As impressive as the video quality is, I have to say I am more impressed with the audio quality, specifically the Dolby TrueHD lossless audio track. As with the video, the audio is filled with detail, most noticeable in the upper frequencies. Being my favorite film of the three I can't say how many times I've watched the DVD, and when I first heard the lossless track it was like hearing the film for the first time. Who knew there was such a musicality to the Matrix code sound effects, or that one could hear individual shards of breaking glass and parts of pistols moving into place? Though the added detail is more subtle in voices, it gives them a presence and depth lacking in the lossy formats. Bass is robust yet balanced, with LFE deep, clean and powerful. And though it can probably go without saying, the overall mix is perfect - balanced and enveloping.
The 640 kbps Dolby Digital track is no slouch, and I imagine the average listener would be hard pressed to differentiate it from the Dolby TrueHD without some aggressive A/B switching. That's not necessarily a bad thing, showing the inherent quality of the track, but given the choice between the two, lossless is the way to go if one has the capability. It has more detail in the upper frequencies, fullness in the lower and a more expansive soundstage, adding up to a more engaging, palpable experience.
Special Features: 5/5
In-Movie Experience: Picture-in-picture pop-ups featuring cast and crew interviews and behind-the-scenes footage. Essentially a visual commentary track, there is a wealth of material to draw upon, as evidenced by the separate features. Their integration with the film makes for an efficient movie-plus-extras viewing experience.
Written Introduction to the Audio Commentaries by the Wachowski Brothers: The brothers explain their reasoning behind the philosopher and movie critic commentary tracks.
Audio Commentary by Philosophers Dr. Cornel West and Ken Wilber: Though the track starts off with two men's personal reactions and memories of the film, they don't take long to jump into some really meaty ideas. It's definitely a track I plan to revisit in its entirety.
Audio Commentary by Film Critics Toddy McCarthy, John Powers and David Thomson: More promising and interesting from the start compared to their subsequent tracks, the trio offers some interesting observations and insights with respect to the history of film and film criticism. It's a track I wouldn't mind revisiting in its entirety.
Audio Commentary with Carrie-Anne Moss, Zach Staenberg and John Gaeta: Ported from the original release, much of their comments will probably seem like a retread with all that exists in the other features. Still, it may be worthwhile just to hear them interact with each other.
Audio Commentary with Composer Don Davis and Music Only Track: Also ported from the original release, I wish content producers would include this feature more often. It's easy to take film music for granted and hearing an isolated score reveals how crucial it is to a film.
The Matrix Revisited (2h02m): Exhaustive documentary on the production covers every major element from script to stunts to theatrical release.
Behind the Matrix (42m56s): Featurettes covering major areas of production like Moss's opening scene and martial arts training.
Follow the White Rabbit (23m00s): Behind-the-scenes clips used in the original release's branching feature.
Take the Red Pill (17m41s): Two featurettes explaining the "bullet time" effect and showing concept art for the film.
The Music Revisited: Forty-one tracks of songs from the film.
Marilyn Manson "Rock is Dead" Music Video (3m19s)
Trailers: Includes a teaser trailer, theatrical trailer and eight TV spots.
Digital Copy: Download a digital copy for playback on computer or portable video device. Compatible with both Mac and Windows.
Commemorative Booklet: Integrated into the now familiar, but still somewhat divisive, Warner "Digibook" packaging, the commemorative booklet includes writings, cast bios, and photographs that provide a nice tribute and look back on the film.
Title Recap
The Feature: 5/5
Video Quality: 5/5
Audio Quality: 5/5
Special Features: 5/5
Overall Score (not an average): 5/5
The superior first film of "The Matrix" trilogy - finally available in a high definition release independent of its sequels - gets excellent video, spectacular lossless audio, and all the behind-the-scenes extras one could want. Those who passed on the "Ultimate Collection" because of their distaste for "Reloaded" and "Revolutions" should be quite pleased with this standalone title, while collectors of all things Matrix have a handsome commemorative edition to add to their collection. More casual Matrix fans who already own the trilogy release will likely give it a pass, as the first disc from the collection has simply been relabeled and repackaged in Warner's now-familar "Digibook" packaging. For everyone else the 10th Anniversary Edition is highly recommended.
