The Matrix – 4K UHD Blu-ray Movie Review

Synopsis

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

Commentary

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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.

Technical

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!

Extras

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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…

Jim Milton

Jim Milton has been interested in high fidelity since his college years in the late 70's. It was there that he first became interested in classical music. He has been part of choral music, both in opera and oratorio and is an avid collector of classical music from the Baroque through the Romantic periods. He enjoys an occasional night at Boston Symphony Hall or attending an organ concert at Merrill Auditorium in Portland, ME. Currently he is the director of Nuclear Medicine at the North Shore Medical Center, located just outside of Boston. He also serves as an adjunct professor for Salem State University where he teaches a course in nuclear instrumentation. During his leisure time, he enjoys listening to his music collection and an occasional movie with his wife of 30+ years. Living on the longest stretch of sandy beach north of Boston offers him plenty of opportunities to take a relaxing stroll or soak up some sun. "Remember, acquiring good A/V gear takes lots of time...but doesn't necessarily take lots of money."

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View Comments

Your A Looser Trader FotD™ says:

August 1, 2018 at 6:42 am

I see iTunes upgraded The Matrix to 4K and HDR as well. I know it's not as good as UHD discs, but, still great that they do that.