The Matrix – 4K UHD Blu-ray Movie Review

We think our day to day life is reality, but what if life as we know it is a hoax? What if reality is a deception spun by all-powerful machines and AI that control us? Neo (Reeves) is the chosen one who will lead humanity back to freedom and a long-needed awakening. But first, he must choose: the blue pill or the red pill.

Specifications

Warner Brothers
2018 (1999), 2160p, Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision, Rated R, 2 hours and 18 minutes
2.39:1 Aspect Ratio
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburn, Carrie Ann Moss and Hugo Weaving
Directed by: The Wachowski Brothers

Rating

Entertainment:

Video:

Audio:

Extras:

Violence: Yes
Sex: No
Language: Mild

Had to believe this groundbreaking film is nearly 20 years old. The action sequences from the very opening are amazing and have held up well even after all these years and the many viewings. “Bullet Time” became the new buzz word for movie goers and video game enthusiasts. This is the move that rocketed Reeves into movie super stardom (apologies to “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure” fans). When released, this movie set a new standard for what an action film could become. This, for me, is a film like Star Wars. You can watch it at least once a year and never grow tired of seeing it. And now, with this truly amazing 4K upgrade with Dolby Vision, you will really want to see it again and again.

Everything about this UHD presentation with a 4K DI is impressive, with corrected color timing, razor sharp details, improved contrasts and rich colors. Flesh tones are natural and no longer green tinged. The sound is aggressive, and the bass is tight and deep. There is a BD copy included and it to, comes from the 4K master and is by far the best I have seen this Matrix on BD disc. If you don’t have UHD yet, get this collection for the upgraded Blu-ray copy.

As mentioned, the UHD upgrade is very impressive. With the improved definition and resolution provided by the original 35mm print, Dolby Vision takes up a few more notches with better shadow details and more intense colors. Close-ups of faces are very detailed. Fishburn has more pock marks than the man-in the-moon, but the natural skin tones look so much better than in the past iterations of this film. Minor film grain is still retained to enhance the filmic feel of the presentation. The sound gets a big upgrade, too. If you are a fan of this film, this UHD disc is the new standard and a highly recommended reason to upgrade. Take the blue and do it now!

Besides the UHD version, you get over 3 hours of extras on the BD version:

• Written introduction by the Wachowskis
• Commentaries by philosophers Dr. Cornel West and David Thomson
• Critics commentaries as well as cast and crew commentaries
• Composer commentary and Music-only tracks
• The Matrix revisited, Behind the Matrix, Follow the White Rabbit and much more…