The Matrix in itself is a brilliant film. Its style and originality (combined with getting a half-decent showing from the usually wooden Keanu Reeves) made it one of the hits of recent years. However I’m not here to review the film, I’ll do that someday (promise,) I’m here t review the DVD releases. Yes as in more than one.
I am a fortunate man, I have a DVD player that can play discs from all over the world, so I get to see the various releases from everywhere (called “regions”.) I have the Region 2 Matrix DVD (UK) but I have seen the Region 1 (US) and Region 4 (AUS) versions of the DVD.
Content wise there is little to choose between them, but there are other differences between the discs, as well as the limited edition boxes that were released.
So What Do You Get On The Disc?
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Aside from the film of course, the Matrix came with a tremendously innovative set of extra features that set it aside at the time in the DVD world.
The disc opens up with some film footage and then onto some groovy scored menus. Switching between menus also has little effects and animations, and makes for a flashy start.
There are various extras and features on the discs, and the difference between the regions is indifferent so I’ll do one list for them all.
Special Features
**
Behind The Scenes Documentaries
Cast & Crew Commentary (Varies Region to Region)
Music Only Audio Track (US Only)
“Follow the White Rabbit” and “Take the Red Pills” for more mysterious, mind-bending extras
Interactive Menus
Filmographies
Scene Access
Web Events & Chatroom Access
Enhanced Features for DVD-ROM PC
(** List taken from www.play247.com)
So What Are They Then?
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Before the Matrix popped up DVD extras were often makings of, interviews, trailers and promo material, very little interactive material had been used in the discs but the Matrix was to change this.
The behind the scenes documentaries are about 10 minutes each if I remember correctly. They look at the effects used and created for the film, such as the bullet time photography used in sequences like the bullet dodge and Neo/Smith fight scene. It’s a fascinating look at how the new technology was pioneered for the film, and shows how the directors performed the amazing effects.
The Follow the White Rabbit feature is where the plot thickens, a terrific interactive feature that took DVD forward. The idea is that you watch the film as normal, but at certain points a small white rabbit will appear on screen. Hit the enter button when it’s there and you are seamlessly transported to a feature about the making of that scene before being whisked back to the film. At the time this sort of feature hadn’t been seen on a DVD and it was this that made the disc the fastest selling DVD ever at the time.
The music of the film was excellent, and the US version allows you to view the film sans dialogue, that is to listen to the film with music only. It allows you to hear the dramatic soundtrack in all its glory without voices and effects ruining it.
The usual plethora of things like filmographies and cast and crew details are here, as well as a multitude of DVD-ROM extras. On your PC you can view trailers, look at the storyboards and jump to your favourite fight scenes.
As usual on a DVD you have the option to jump to any scene.
The Boxsets.
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There are also boxsets available in the US and the UK for the Matrix DVD. Both contain the standard DVD as well as a senitype film cell and a poster, as well as lobby cards. However the US box also came with a copy of the CD soundtrack and its omission from the UK box was a huge disappointment. The film cells alone now sell for £30ish so it’s a good investment and a must for the films die hard fans.
Picture Quality.
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The Matrix looks astonishingly good. The widescreen anamorphic picture is extremely sharp and full of colour. The quality of the picture, particularly on a widescreen TV is as good as any DVD currently out there.
The other plus to the picture quality here is the changes between scenes and features. All the transitions on the disc are seamless, and the small effects on the menus look as good as the film itself.
Sound Quality.
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The Matrix relies heavily on its excellent score and soundtrack, as well as some blistering sound effects and the digital sound DVD has certainly gets used here.
The film sounds super clear and all the mini details in the film are picked up perfectly. With a good home cinema set-up this truly sounds like you are at the pictures.
Overall.
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Until recently, this was the disc to own for DVD fans. it worked as a terrific show off disc to amaze your friends. It combines great quality of picture and sound with some amazing features and of course a kick ass film to boot. Although recently eclipsed by some of the newer DVD release the Matrix will always be a disc that pioneered the next step in DVD entertainment.
UPDATE : 11/7/01
I forgot to mention that due to the complex technical nature of the disc, it had serious problems on a lot of DVD players. Most companies do seem to have fixed the problem now via firmware upgrades, but if you do have problems playing it, contact your DVD player manufacturers as I think there are solutions out there. :o)
by (3%):
07.01.2008 21:53
Great review
25.12.2007 06:16
Excellent Review
29.02.2004 15:28
Nice Review pal. I liked Matrix very much. It surely redifined Action in Hollywood. jedi_kickass ( ' _ ' )