Matrix, The (LD/DVD)

Released By:

Warner Home Video/Laser Disc distributed by Image Entertainment

Features:

Laser Disc: 1999; 136 Min; Rated R; Digital Tracks: Dolby Surround English; Analog Tracks: Left - Audio Commentary, Right - Dolby Digital 5.1 English;Widescreen (2.35).

DVD: 1999; 136 Min; Rated R; Dolby Digital 5.1 English; Anamorphic Widescreen (2.35).

Extras:

LD & DVD: Audio Commentary by Cast/Crew members including Carrie-Anne Moss; HBO First Look - "The Making Of The Matrix;" What is the Concept and What is Bullet Time featurettes (accessible on DVD via Red Pills); B-Roll footage of Key Effect and Stunt Sequences (accessible on DVD via "Follow the White Rabbit" multi-angle function.

DVD: Cast and Crew Biographies; DVD-ROM Features: "Are You The One?" Challenge; Theatrical Trailers, Production Essays; Screenplays and Storyboards and more.

Review:

When I was growing up and first became aware of reality, there were certain things I would question. The one question I distinctly remember from that time was, "Do people exists when your not there?" I believe everyone goes through this phase when we analyze our situation in the world, and debate the meaning of life. As we get older, to keep out minds from imploding from these life and death questions, we adopt a philosophy, religion or some other "answer" that helps us rationalize why we are here.

This brings me to the Matrix... To quote Keanu Reeve "Whoa!"

The Matrix is a balls out sci-fi, action film, centered around this question. Keanu Reeves play Neo, a computer programer by day, a hacker by night.One night while falling asleep in his grungy apartment, his computer post the comments of "The Matrix has you." and "Follow the white rabbit." needless to say Neo is confused. When one of his participants in his extracurricular activities comes by, with a white rabbit tattoo, he follows them, and the rollercoaster rider begins.

I'm not going to give away anymore of the story line since: 1. Most of you already know the story. 2. You really needs to see this film to believe it.

In addition to Keanu Reeves, other members of the cast are Carrie Anne-Moss as Trinity. Lawrence Fishburne as Morpheus. Hugo Weaving as Agent Smith and Joe Panteliano as Cypher.

The Wachowski brother has craft a slick piece of sci-fi entertainment in the Matrix. For the most part, the story and plot hold together throughout the film. The special effects sequences will be up for Academy Awards this coming Oscar season. Overall this is an incredibly fun ride.

Let me get the basic stuff out of the way here. How does the film look and sound? Stunning. It is an explosion of visual and auditory chaos. While the film does have am intentional green tint, this is reference quality. If you every need to show off the full capabilities of your sound system, and violence is not and issue, use chapters 29 (Lobby Shooting Spree) and Chapter 30 (Dodge This). While the film is great sounding and looking over all, these two chapters rock.

How does the picture of the laser disc compare to the DVD? After watching about an hour of this film on laser, I popped in the DVD. They were both incredibly sharp, proving to me that, on a standard sized television, if very hard to tell the difference between LD and DVD when they're both transferred correctly. The Dolby Digital Audio was outstanding on both discs, I could hear any audible differences between them.

The only major difference I could see was that the colors of the DVD were a little more vibrant. I account this partially due to the fact I have the DVD hooked up via component video. I did do a quick check between the picture quality of my Sony DVPS3000 and Pioneer Elite DVL91, and as I've notice since watching DVD's with my new toy, the Pioneer has a sharper picture than the Sony. Again this may be because the Pioneer is hooked up by component, while the Sony is using S-Video, but I think it has more to do with the internal designs of the machine. The days of when I used my Sony may be gone as of now...

The major differences between the LD and DVD are how they handle the supplemental material. First and foremost, the LD is a linear format, while the DVD is not. What does this mean? You can't get to fancy with the LD. All of the making of material is placed on the end of the disc, totaling about seventy minutes, I believe. I found the LD much easier to deal with when it came to watching the supplements. There was no need to go through menus every time I finished a documentary. It just played straight through. Hell, if I only had a DVD player, I may have never seen the B-roll footage, since I have to use the stupid "Follow The White Rabbit" viewing function. This material should have been accessible via some separate area on the DVD, I should have to watch the film again.

As for the DVD-Rom features, I think I've made it fairly clear that I don't like them. Besides that, I learned this morning that my DVD-Rom drive doesn't want to work properly, so I can't use most of the features. (Swear, cuss, grumble).

After taking the time to watch both the LD and DVD, which one do I recommend? Well, the DVD is smaller and fairly convenient in many ways, but for LD owners debating the switch, it should be over The Matrix. It's on par with the DVD, and the supplements are a hell of a lot easier to use. I don't think it's a cost issue if your still holding out, what's 15 bucks?

Sci-fi fans rejoice, this is the best feature to be released in quite some time. Buy it, LD or DVD, you won't be disappointed. Rental of this film should be a no-brainer for this movie as well.

The Matrix is one of the best sci-fi movies I've seen in a while, I'll give it a ranking of 8.

The presentation of the Matrix on LD earns about a 8. The DVD is packed with all the same stuff, but it's difficult to navigate through the supplements, so it's presentation only earns a 7, with a minus 1 for DVD-Rom features. Just because you show off DVD capabilities, doesn't mean it was a wise decision.

Dan Linzmeier, FIT Productions
Fitprod@aol.com
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