The Ultimate Matrix Collection (10 Disc Box Set) [2003] [DVD]

Firstly, I shall tackle the three films (discs 1, 3 and 5). The first Matrix is a masterpiece of filmmaking, enough said. Of course, as has been said, the second and third unfortunately did not live up to the hype surrounding them (although the second is still very good) which would drag down the quality of this boxset a little. They are still very entertaining films, none of which are by any means poor, and are deserving of attention from film lovers across the globe. The movie discs are quite plain when it comes to extras, although each has two commentaries, from the 'Philosophers' and the 'Critics'. I am yet to listen to the Philosophers commentary tracks although I can easily say that the Critics tracks are hugely entertaining and are probably worth the price of the boxset alone... the use of film critics to put down each of the films is such a novel idea; it gives the viewers a new-found respect for the Wachowski brothers and almost makes us forgive them for not recording commentaries of their own.

The Animatrix (disc 7) is an entirely different experience to the three movies. Nine short films in glorious animation help to gain a greater understanding of the Matrix concept and strenghten this boxset further. Each film has a short making-of documentary, some of which are quite insightful.

The 'Revisited' discs (2, 4 and 6) contain very interesting featurettes about the making of the movies.... Like the films, the first is by far the best, acting more like a feature-length documentary (which is also very gripping) while the other two contain 'documentary pods' which is a euphamism for 'collection of short, vaguely related featurettes'. Although the second two Revisited discs are not at the standard of the first there are some interesting featurettes including extensive coverage of the Burly Brawl (Reloaded) and the upside-down Hel gunfight (Revolutions).

Discs 8 and 9 delve much further into the entire concept of the Matrix. Through several documentaries we learn about the religious and historical background to the movies and about the teams behind the scenes of each movie. Both of these discs prove very insightful. Disc 10 seems like it was a struggle to make with an explosion of trailers and TV spots although the storyboards for the movies are good - it is fascinating to see how very similar these are to the final movies.

Finally, the boxset in itself is quite attractive. In a holographic green box with no titles, but instead just sporting glittery Matrix code, this box would look great in any DVD collection. It is hard to say who would enjoy this set. Fans of the series should definitely not miss this. The entire set is an enjoyable experience from beginning to end. Read more ›

The detail: Time for honesty. I didn't like Reloaded. I despised Revolutions. Not for the reason that they were sprawling and overcomplicated but more for the fact that because they were sprawling and overcomplicated they lost so much of the solid audience base they'd built up with the original Matrix.

By the time I'd taken in all three movies, the Animatrix, Enter The Matrix and The Matrix Revisited I felt I'd pretty much got a feel for the series, its spirit and its intentions. Then I saw the roll call of features on this edition and, well, realised I might have some more work to do to get my head around what The Matrix experience was all about.

Finally someone has produced a DVD not with the director telling stories about how lovely it was to work with everybody and how the whole thing was neat-o but with two philosophers discussing the 'Manichean overtones' of the original Matrix. To then couple this with a commentary of movie critics ripping the film to pieces is a brave move and the most public admission that a film might not be everyone's cup of tea a film's director(s) are ever likely to make.

The fact is this is a risky box set. It does not massage its own ego and where the hyperbole threatens to be vomit inducing the Wachowskis have been very careful to deflate their own egos by giving voice to the many people who were unhappy with the conclusion of the trilogy.

As such for an interested party such as myself it has forced a re-evaluation of my previous opinion.... Not merely because a bunch of intellectual heavyweights are saying that there is more to the Matrix than meets the eye but because upon listening to their discourse it is possible to see that the Matrix rather than being disjointed and ultimately incoherent is, in fact, an incredibly complex piece of work with a deep message. How successful the Wachowski's were at putting extremely subtle philosophical and spritual arguments into a Keanu Reeves vehicle is another matter. But I find myself now in the position of being unable to write the latter parts of the trilogy off as I previously had. Read more ›

Now onto the extras for us happy fans, on the first volume (This is what the collection is divided into) is The Matrix and it's twin with the extras corresponding to that film, The Matrix Revisted, where the production is discussed in depth with a feature-length presentation (Roughly two hours). There is also some extra goodies to keep your eyes open for, as there is all around with the extras discs.

Now onto the Matrix Reloaded, the longest and perhaps most action-packed film of the trilogy, and its extras disc called the Matrix Reloaded Revisited. Unlike Matrix Revisted it is divided into featurretes, many on the sequences and show the sets were built, and what ideas were used. There are also commentaries from Special Effects wizard John Gaeta on how major shots were achieved.

Finally is the Matrix Revolutions, building up into what I think is an awesome and justifiable climax.... With it is (You've got it) Matrix Revolutions Revisited, like Reloaded Revisited, it is in small featurettes but give a large amount of insight into the production and ideals of the film.

It is here that the movies end, but there is another shot of Matrix entertainment in the form of the Animatrix (The main films are the first ever successful attempt at live anime). There are several stories under the helm of the Matrix creators Larry and Andy Wachowski, but the rest are independent short stories, leaving room for much creativity. The stories are fun and entertaining (Some would say better than the films themselves!) and again there are extras in the form of a feature length film discussing the influences and production of the series.

The next disc on the list ties into a major aspect of the series, the philosophical side. It is divided into a science part (Can a Matrix really exist?) and the rest of the philosophy, including religious influences and how they are portrayed (There are many to spot in these shows). This can be quite confusing and dull at times, but also insightful and interesting.

The next disc, called the Burlyman Chronicles, is the equivalent to the Matrix Revisited, dealing in MASSIVE detail the production of The Matrix Reloaded and Revolutions. Great for behind the scenes enthuisits.
The final extras disc is a little more simple, bundling in all the concept art, trailers, etc into one neat package. It's great to find ideas that were eventually abandoned, such as the prospect of Matrix code fireball throwing duels!

On the whole, a great purchase. You will enjoy this product if you like or love the movies (Which makes sense really), just as I did. With a total of 35 hours of extras, it will be a long time before you fully exhaust this product, so make do, follow the white rabbit and make your choice, or is it all an illusion? Dip into a new realm of Science fiction. Read more ›