The Ultimate Matrix Collection (DVD)

When Warners sent over the Ultimate Matrix Collection for review I was a bit overwhelmed by the hours of extras this thing has (approximately 35), but the way it is all put together it has been one of the easiest box sets that have ever had the pleasure of going through and reviewing, as it is well managed and easy to navigate.

Packed with ten discs, made up of three feature length films (The Matrix, Reloaded and Revolutions), the Animatrix and six discs of special features the Ultimate Matrix box set does more than just show you how the series was made, it shows you just how much it has changed some people's way of thinking and the impact it has had on modern cinema.

The very first thing you will notice once you put disc one (The Matrix) into your DVD player is the way it looks nothing like it ever has before. Fully restored and digitally enhanced the original Matrix film now has the look and the feel of its sequels. The entire film is newly remastered from the picture to the sound. After browsing around on the Net I found an article that clearly proves just how much this new version has been improved, for that, click here to head over to DVDAnswers for the comparison.

Each film comes with its own separate special features disc, including the previously released Matrix Revisited disc and the newly made Reloaded Revisited and Revolutions Revisited. Each of these discs primarily focuses on the making of the films and the work that was involved in creating the Matrix world from actor training and wire work effects down to the CGI used to bring the awesome taking of the Zion dock.

Also included is the animated Matrix title, The Animatrix, which includes the nine anime films that were released back in June of 2003 only on DVD. This DVD includes the same features as the one released back in 2003 so there isn't anything new here.

Then you have your final three discs in the set, "The Roots of the Matrix," "The Burly Man Chronicles" and "The Zion Archives."

For those of you that frequent the official Matrix website, the Zion Archives that were up on the site are now completely available on one DVD showcasing production assets developed for the universe of The Matrix, including concept artwork, storyboards, drawings, music videos, TV spots and trailers for all three films, plus a special preview of The Matrix Online, the upcoming multi-player online gaming experience.

"The Burly Man Chronicles" is a feature focused on the individuals behind the making of the movies down to the making of the semi-successful Enter the Matrix console game. Featuring a feature-length documentary as well as 21 additional featurettes the running time on this segment approaches 3 hours for the full meal deal.

All that aside, the best of this set comes together when you combine the audio commentaries on the feature films with the eighth disc in the set, "The Roots of the Matrix." There have been thousands of different interpretations on what exactly the Matrix is and what all the symbolism in the trilogy actually means, and since the Wachowski brothers aren't exactly forthcoming in letting the audience in on what inspired them to make this series they have brought together philosophers and movie critics to weigh in with their opinions and they can sometimes be harsh ones.

Personally I found the philosophers commentaries to be a waste of time, I don't need to listen to a group of guys praising the film for its beauty while sprinkling in their scholarly opinions here and there. The best is listening to the critics talk and hear just how much they loved the first film and seem to loathe the two follow-ups. As a fan of the trilogy it may surprise you that I would actually enjoy listening to people tear apart Reloaded and Revolutions, but when you combine their criticism with the explanations provided on the "Roots of the Matrix" disc you will see that several of their criticisms are equally shot down by philosopher's theories. Plus there is no denying the massive flaws in the second and third films, it is simply because I am a huge Matrix fan that I tolerate them.

Whether or not to buy this set is really depends on your tolerance for special features and just how much you want a newly restored version of the original Matrix film. If you are anything like me you already own The Matrix, Reloaded and Revolutions and the thought of having a new version of the original film, The Animatrix and a cool holofoil Matrix code box is really appealing then step on up to the register and purchase yours now. However, if you are not much for special features and don't like spending your money on aesthetically pleasing box sets then put that money back in your wallet, this one is not for you. Then again, if you don't own any of them, what the hell are you waiting for, click here.

Hopefully, to help you make your decision we have included a trailer previewing the DVD to the right, so check it out and decide whether or not this set is for you.