The
Matrix 4K (1999/Warner 4K
Ultra HD Blu-ray w/Blu-ray)
4K
Ultra HD Picture: A 1080p
Picture: B+ Sound: A Extras: B+ Film: A
The
Matrix
(1999) is one of my favorite films of all time and I jumped for joy
the day that I found out that it was going to be released in 4K UHD.
Luckily, we got the disc in and are able to cover this impressive new
upgrade. This is one of the best looking 4K discs yet that actually
improves heavily upon the 1080p release. This is another film that
I've seen on VHS, DVD, Blu-ray, and now 4K UHD and with each release
it pushed the standards of the formats. Despite what you may think
about the sequels (due out later this year in 4K), this genre-defying
first entry is as much fun as you can have watching a movie.
The
Matrix
stars Keanu Reeves, Lawrence Fishburne, Carrie Ann Moss, Hugo
Weaving, Joe Pantoliano, and others with direction by The Wachowskis
(V for
Vendetta,
Speed
Racer,
Jupiter
Ascending).
This
is another classic genre film where its hard to say something that
hasn't been said before... complete with ground breaking special
effects, incredible fight choreography, inspiring cinematography and
editing, The
Matrix
is a near perfect film.
Computer
Hacker Neo (Reeves) ends up stumbling down the rabbit hole and finds
himself in the company of Morpheus (Fishburne) a mysterious man who
challenges Neo's concept of reality. After he's unplugged, Neo finds
himself in the real world and realizes the truth... that we are
living in a computer generated dream world and humanity is being used
as its energy source. Pursued by Agents within this world,
especially the dastardly Agent Smith (Weaving), Neo and the band of
rebels attempt to survive in this surreal and war torn future.
Presented
in 2160p HEVC/H.265, Dolby Vision/HDR (10; Ultra HD Premium)-enhanced
Ultra High Definition image with a widescreen aspect ratio of 2.40:1
(and a 4K transfer supervised by Director of Photography Bill Pope)
and a newly remixed Dolby Atmos 11.1 lossless sound mix (upgraded
from its celebrated 5.1 soundmaster), the film simply has never
looked or sounded better. The green tones of the matrix itself shine
though in more detail as does the heavily blue shaded colors of the
real world. Skin textures and backgrounds are more pronounced and
the Don Davis score not aged a day. A few digital effects here and
there have shown some minor age, but that doesn't detract from the
high quality presentation here. The film was shot on 35mm Kodak
Vision film with action sequences in large-frame VistaVision, so
that's a huge plus here. Even if you own the older Blu-ray, this 4K
is definitely worth grabbing up.
The
1080p Blu-ray edition included here is from the new 4K remaster as
well so it is an improvement over previous releases as well,
including Blu-rays we've reviewed before. There are two Blu-ray
discs, one for the film and a few features and another disc devoted
entirely to extras. A digital UV copy is also included.
Special
Features include...
Written
Introduction by the Wachowskis
"Philosopher"
Commentary by Dr. Cornel West and Ken Wilbur
"Critics"
Commentary by Todd McCarthy, John Powers and David Thomson
"Cast
& Crew"
Commentary by Carrie-Anne Moss, Zach Staenberg and John Gaeta
"Composer"
Commentary by Don Davis with Music Only Track
BLU-RAY
SPECIAL FEATURES:
The
Matrix Revisited
Follow
the White Rabbit
Take
the Red Pill
Marilyn
Manson "Rock
is Dead"
Music Video
Teaser
Trailer
Theatrical
Trailer
For
more on the trilogy, try this link to an older Blu-ray set...
http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/8087/The+Ultimate+Matrix+Collection
And
for the hilarious pro-animal satire, The
Meatrix,
try this link...
http://www.themeatrix.com/
-
James Lockhart
https://www.facebook.com/jamesharlandlockhartv/
