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kal
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| Posted: Fri Jul 25, 2008 3:53 pm Post subject: The Matrix Announced for Blu-ray |
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Warner Home Video has announced that they will bring the highly anticipated 'The Ultimate Matrix Collection' to Blu-ray on October 14th. The seven-disc set will include five BD-50s - one disc for each of the three Matrix films, one for Animatrix, and one for "The Matrix Experience" - and two DVDs. Also included in the set will be a hard-cover book with photos and information from the films.
Video will be presented in 1080p VC-1 and accompanied by a Dolby TrueHD soundtrack.
Full specs for Blu-ray box set have not yet been revealed, but preliminary details tout "35 hours of extras" and In-Movie Experience picture-in-picture commentaries for all three films, and the full supplement package is expected to match those found on the HD DVD version.
Additional confirmed upgrades to the Blu-ray include a full 1080p presentation of 'The Animatrix' (the HD DVD was standard-def only) as well as a Digital Copy of the original 'Matrix.'
Suggested retail price for the Blu-ray is $129.98.
Extras for this release include: - 3 Exclusive In-Move Experience BonusView features
- 35 hours of extras
- Digital download of 'The Matrix'
- Much more
Click here to preorder 'The Ultimate Matrix Collection' from Amazon
Kal
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Last edited by kal on Sat Jul 26, 2008 12:34 am; edited 1 time in total
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AnalogRocks
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| Posted: Fri Jul 25, 2008 5:17 pm Post subject: |
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Man they are really milking that trilogy. 35 hours of extras. Didn't the HDDVD version have that too?
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dropzone7
Joined: 12 Jun 2007
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Location: Charlotte, NC
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| Posted: Fri Jul 25, 2008 5:42 pm Post subject: |
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If I didn't already have the Ultimate collection on HD DVD then I might bite but one version is enough for me. I will save that money for new titles I don't own.
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emdawgz1
Joined: 14 Mar 2006
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| Posted: Fri Jul 25, 2008 6:26 pm Post subject: |
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YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I cant wait for this one. 
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WanMan
Joined: 19 Mar 2006
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| Posted: Fri Jul 25, 2008 8:23 pm Post subject: |
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I'm waiting for the newest sequel.
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Brian Hampton
Joined: 22 Apr 2006
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| Posted: Fri Jul 25, 2008 9:21 pm Post subject: |
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Hello,
WB has a online store and they currenly have a 30% off code ANWBTS.
I think you have to order 2 titles to qualify. Shipping is free over $50.
So... I just ordered something like this...
Ultimate Matrix Collection, The (BD)
Price $69.97 (Savings $29.98 )
Beetlejuice (BD)
Price $18.86 (Savings $8.09)
So,.. you can get it for $69.97 this way but only if there is another WB title you plan on getting.
Warning... WB has a spotty track record with thier online store.
-Brian
Last edited by Brian Hampton on Sat Jul 26, 2008 9:36 am; edited 1 time in total
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kal
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Brian Hampton
Joined: 22 Apr 2006
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| Posted: Sat Jul 26, 2008 9:32 am Post subject: |
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Kal,
Thanks for the info about the box set contents... I'm so happy! Looks like the Blu Ray discs may be in standard cases. I'll put those on the shelf and throw the rest of the stuff in a box in the basement 
=Brian
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AnalogRocks
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| Posted: Sat Jul 26, 2008 2:05 pm Post subject: |
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| Brian Hampton wrote: | Kal,
Thanks for the info about the box set contents... I'm so happy! Looks like the Blu Ray discs may be in standard cases. I'll put those on the shelf and throw the rest of the stuff in a box in the basement
=Brian |
Weird. I keep everything in mint condition, in the origional box. Must be the comic book colector in me from when I was a kid.
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Brian Hampton
Joined: 22 Apr 2006
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| Posted: Sat Jul 26, 2008 5:57 pm Post subject: |
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Analog,...
I just love the look of uniform cases. I only have 2 blu rays that aren't in standard cases. (And the Blade Runner case is almost like a stadard case anyway... just a multi-disc version.)
I hate slip covers and also box set boxes.... I'm not sure why. My DVD collection is hopelessly messy looking with all the box sets and snapper cases and other custom packaging.
I guess one reason I don't like the custom packaging is it's often made of box board (the stuff you would otherwise make serial boxes out of) and it just doesn't stay nice over time like the plastic cases.
I certainly have like nearly no interest in that book and the 2 standard DVDs they pack into this set. I guess I'll pull out the blu rays and put them on the shelf and then pack the rest of it away and nearly forget about it.
-Brian
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AnalogRocks
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| Posted: Sat Jul 26, 2008 10:58 pm Post subject: |
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Interesting perspective. I keep the plastic wrap on my box set's as I cut it carefully with a single edged razor blade. I can see where the cases, uncared for, would look taterd and have the outside rubbed off. Like old album covers.
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Mark_A_W
Joined: 15 Mar 2006
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| Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2008 12:59 am Post subject: |
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I nearly choked when I read the RRP....I bought the HD-DVDs YONKS ago for $50.
I would like the Animatrix in HD though - anyone know if that is being released separately? If not I'll have to rent this and "Timeshift it"....I'm not buying the whole lot again.
And what is a "Digital Copy" of the original Matrix?
FYI, the HD-DVD True HD soundtrack is only 16 bit 48khz....but seeing as 99% of Blurays are no better it probably won't matter.
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Gino
Joined: 22 Apr 2006
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| Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2008 4:19 am Post subject: |
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I'm trying to sell my HD-DVD copies to pick this one up. Blu-ray is a must for me now so that I get sync with the D-box motion.
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Mark_A_W
Joined: 15 Mar 2006
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| Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2008 5:14 am Post subject: |
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So...what other HD-DVDs are you selling then Gino?
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Gino
Joined: 22 Apr 2006
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| Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2008 5:32 am Post subject: |
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I've been selling a bunch, at the moment I've only got the popular ones so I suspect you have these already:
Transformers, Bourne Supremacy, Batman Begins, Last Samurai
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kal
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| Posted: Thu Oct 09, 2008 7:16 pm Post subject: |
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All 3 movies rank as "reference quality" Blu-ray discs with 5/5 ratings for both audio and video:
 The Ultimate Matrix Collection (Warner) Video: 5/5 Audio: 5/5
| Quote: | The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
'The Ultimate Matrix Collection' hit HD DVD in 2007 with mammoth expectations. For high-def enthusiasts hungry to feed their new machines with top-quality material, nothing less than a demo disc would do. Warner did not disappoint. The transfers for all three 'Matrix' films were terrific, and in my original review, I awarded the set five stars. I'm happy to report that the studio has not messed with perfection. 'The Matrix,' 'The Matrix Reloaded' and 'The Matrix Revolutions' are each presented once again in 1080p/VC-1-encoded transfers (framed accurately in 2.40:1 widescreen) -- identical to the HD DVD.
Warner's work on the high-def masters minted for the original HD DVD release were a clear step up from the standard-def DVD, which received mixed notices from critics at the time of its release. A direct compare with the original DVDs makes the results immediately obvious. One of the many impressive aspects of the set as a whole is its consistency -- despite the four-year gap between 'The Matrix' and its two sequels, I could scarcely tell any difference between them. Cue up any sequence of any of the flicks, and prepare to be suitably wowed.
The most immediately noticeable upgrade is detail. Though I felt the previous DVDs certainly looked good, all the black-on-black of the 'Matrix's trend-setting visual aesthetic often faded into inky mush in standard-def. Not so in high-def, where fine texture is a revelation. For example, during the scene in the first 'Matrix' when Neo and Trinity blast their way into the bank, the supple details of the clothes and the shiny black leather is so good I wanted to freeze-frame and just revel in its ultra-realism. One other compare was particularly revealing -- there is a push-in shot through a grill that the cops are ensconced behind, and on the DVD, it looks pixilated and jagged -- but on the Blu-ray, I never saw a single moment where the image broke up or looked stair-stepped. This is the kind of three-dimensional, picture-perfect image high-def is all about.
The colors of 'The Matrix' films have always been controversial. The dominant hue is clearly green. Though there are many uses of deep purple and occasional splashes of incredibly vivid reds, the transfers have been obviously skewed. Yet I was impressed with the level of detail and "naturalism" (albeit highly stylized) that remained despite the tint shift. And all things considered, fleshtones are as accurate as possible. I was also relieved that Warner did not overpump or oversaturate the transfers -- there's no bleeding or chroma noise, and again, consistency is excellent.
Finally, compression artifacts are not an issue. There isn't a moment of macroblocking or any noise, even on the many flat surfaces and static shots, which often hold on a particular image for what seems like minutes. And the source itself is beautifully maintained -- there is a bit of grain here or there, but it is clearly part of the intended effect and there are no instances of dirt or blemishes. This is really fantastic stuff -- 'The Matrix' trilogy easily earns an exemplary five-star video rating.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
As with the video, Warner isn't messing with a good thing, and the audio here again replicates the previous HD DVD release of 'The Ultimate Matrix Trilogy.' We receive identical Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround tracks (48kHz/16-bit) for each film, as well as optional 640kbps Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 surround mixes. I was just as impressed -- these soundtracks are superlative.
All three 'Matrix' are naturals for high-resolution audio. Sure, there are plenty of long, talky bits in each installment, but there's also a long list of top-flight action sequences to choose from when you want to drive your home theater rig into the ground. My favorites are the office break-in from the first film, both the humongous car chase and extended rave scenes about mid-way through 'Reloaded,' and the sheer aural delight of the climax in the otherwise-silly 'Revolutions.' The aggressiveness of the surrounds is phenomenal throughout -- imaging is seamless between channels, and the "wall of sound" the emanates from the rears is incredibly forceful. These are the kind of sequences you go back and rewind over and over again, just to revel in their effectiveness.
Dynamics are also top-notch. Just as "bullet time" revolutionized modern special effects, the sound design here is also pioneering. In hindsight, it shouldn't have been a surprise that the original 'Matrix' swept most of the 1999 Oscars given for tech categories over 'Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace.' The use of extended low bass, and the way the mingling of natural and mechanical effects and tones to create a chilling, suspended-animation-like aural effect is fantastic.
The Dolby TrueHD easily handles such a complex presentation, with airtight low bass extension all the way down to the lowest frequencies. Mid- and high-range is also wonderfully clear and free from irritating harshness. As loud as this soundtrack gets, I never felt bombarded with treble, which is can be a problem with high-impact soundtracks, where it often seems like the sound mixers simply crank everything up to eleven. Dialogue also is accurately balanced in the mix -- Keanu Reeves' now-famous utterance of "Whoa!" is (for better or for worse) perfectly intelligible. For that reason alone, 'The Ultimate Matrix Collection' earns yet another five-stars for audio. |
Kal
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WanMan
Joined: 19 Mar 2006
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| Posted: Fri Oct 10, 2008 10:13 am Post subject: |
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At $90 I think I will wait until my 401K says otherwise.
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Clarence
Joined: 08 Mar 2006
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| Posted: Fri Oct 10, 2008 11:37 am Post subject: |
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Yeah... $90-$129 seems a bit steep to rebuy these movies for the umpteenth time.
Are they coming out with a non-Ultimate version? I don't need 7 discs... just 3.
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WanMan
Joined: 19 Mar 2006
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| Posted: Fri Oct 10, 2008 11:55 am Post subject: |
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As far as my wallet is concerned (and your wallet may vary), paying $30/disk is absurd.
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kal
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| Posted: Fri Oct 10, 2008 2:24 pm Post subject: |
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There are 6 discs in the set, not 3. (You get the whole Animatrix series of stuff plus a bunch of extra features too):
Disc 1: 'The Matrix'
Disc 2: 'Matrix Reloaded'
Disc 3: 'Matrix Revolutions'
Disc 4: 'The Animatrix'
Disc 5: Documentaries: "Return to Source: Philosophy & The Matrix", "The Hard Problem: The Science Behind the Fiction"
Disc 6: Multi-Part Documentary: "The Burly Man Chronicles", Still Gallery: "Zion Archive", Montage: "Rave Reel", Matrix Online Preview, Promotional Gallery
That being said, there are rumours of the first movie coming out separately sometime in 2009. I'm waiting for that myself as frankly, the 2nd and 3rd movies bite and I rarely every watch special features.
Kal
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