The Blu-ray Discs
Considering the sequels’ shortcomings, it should come as no surprise that their technical performance is far and away the most impressive thing about them. Still, the picture and sound quality is so strong that watching the second two films goes beyond being bearable and actually becomes enjoyable. The Matrix films were made for the high-def treatment.
The Matrix is unsurprisingly the weakest disc technically. The clarity is still superb though even if it lacks the eye-popping colors of the sequels. Scenes such as the epic car chase in Reloaded and the subway station scene in Revolutions look absolutely gorgeous. The picture looks best in moments of high contrast – the whites pop and the blacks are deep and rich. Even the drab green pallor that coats the world of the Matrix looks sharp, making every minute of all three films a joy to behold.
Even more impressive is the sound quality, presented in Dolby TrueHD – you’ll want to find the best speaker system available to do this uncompressed mix justice.
Special Features
There is nothing new on the special feature front, save for a digital copy of the first film included on an extra DVD. Each Blu-ray disc has special features pertaining to the specific film, although not all of these are presented in high definition. There are an abundance of commentaries and an immersive in-movie experience if you like watching a tiny picture-in-picture of running featurettes while the film is playing.
On a separate two-disc DVD set is The Matrix Experience, a previously available wealth of information. The enormous amount of special features this set offers are positively daunting, but it’s always nice to know you have them available in case of an overwhelming urge to watch hours upon hours of filmmaking footage from the series.
The Bottom Line
Do the Matrix films look sufficiently better in high-def? Absolutely.
Is it hard to justify spending 80 bucks on any set that includes two of the most disappointing sequels ever? Absolutely.
The Ultimate Matrix Collection is a hard sell in a number of ways, but for consumers on the edge, I’d say the set is nominally worth it. From a technical standpoint, the set delivers the goods. From any other standpoint… well, you’ve seen the films and you certainly know how you feel about them. If the wonders of Blu-ray can make you forget those feelings, then go for it.
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