The Ultimate Matrix Collection HD DVD

By Cyril Pearl -- Video Business, 5/21/2007

We’re thrilled to report that the hotly anticipated HD DVD version of The Wachowski Brothers’ landmark sci-fi/action extravaganza looks and sounds absolutely stunning, with the films’ breakthrough visual effects coming across with clarity and color. We got our biggest rushes from Neo (Keanu Reeves) dodging bullets on a rooftop in the first film’s best-remembered effects scene, Reloaded’s over-the-top highway car chase and Revolutions’ climactic stormy, mid-air fight between Neo and Agent Smith. Exclusive to the HD DVD Ultimate Collection are three In-Movie Experience functions that allow viewers to watch picture-in-picture featurettes and talking-head interviews as the movie plays, which are a helpful, enjoyable and appropriately futuristic experience.

Shelf Talk: The original Matrix was the first DVD to sell 1 million copies during the launch of the DVD format, and to date, the franchise has grossed more than $1 billion. Say what you will about the second and third entries in the series (which, along with the first, are in the Top 10 best-selling sci-fi films of all time and have won four Oscars), overall, they’re still part of the coolest-looking trilogy made since the original Star Wars. Be prepared for high-def consumers to invest in their systems with this release. Also available is The Complete Matrix Trilogy, a three-disc set that retails for $99.99 and features only the movies with considerably fewer supplements than Ultimate.