The Matrix Revolutions 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Warner Brothers has triumphantly ushered "The Matrix Revolutions" into the 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray arena, delivering a visual feast that showcases the concluding chapter of this iconic trilogy in unparalleled clarity and depth. Remastered from the original 35mm film negatives with effects finished at 2K, and under the watchful eye of director of photography Bill Pope, this rendition emerges with a filmic texture that revitalizes the movie. The addition of HDR, employing HDR10 and Dolby Vision grading, and executing the encoding with HEVC/H.265 codec, accentuates the film's visual appeal, enabling a dynamic range that breathes life into the dual realms of the Matrix and Zion. With a widescreen aspect ratio of 2.4:1, viewers are treated to an immersive experience that honors the original cinematic vision, boasting impeccable sharpness that reveals minutiae in every frame – from the nuanced facial expressions to the intricate designs of machinery and the vibrant battle scenes.

The color scheme overhaul is particularly noteworthy. By dialing back the pervasive 'Matrix green' and enriching the color palette, this 4K UHD presentation achieves a balance that renders every scene with more fidelity to the filmmakers' intent. The real and data worlds are delineated not only through color but also through an enhanced level of detail that was not as discernible in previous home video releases. This remaster corrects the green wash, fleshing out a spectrum of colors that highlight flames, skies, and the intricate costumes within Club Hel, ensuring that the visuals remain faithful to the evocative narrative.

In technical terms, this release marks a significant leap over its predecessors on Blu-ray, eliminating any digital softness and artificiality previously noted. The grain is stable and natural, contributing to a genuinely cinematic texture. Colors are more vivid and accurately represented across both striking action sequences and quieter moments, thanks to Dolby Vision’s handling of contrast and black levels. Despite some limitations noted with CGI elements and certain close-up scenes, overall, this 4K UHD rendition of "The Matrix Revolutions" delivers a demo-worthy, pristine picture quality that elevates the viewing experience to new heights. This transfer not only demonstrates a technical prowess in preserving and enhancing film for contemporary formats but also serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of "The Matrix" trilogy's visual artistry.

The Matrix Revolutions, as an integral part of the celebrated Matrix Trilogy, continues to set a high bar for home cinema, especially in the audio domain. This 4K UHD Blu-Ray release elevates the auditory experience to new heights with its Dolby Atmos mix, underpinned by an already stellar Dolby TrueHD 7.1 core, ensuring that both the action-packed sequences and the subtle nuances of quieter scenes are rendered with impeccable clarity and depth. From the breathtaking assault on Zion to the tension-filled encounters in quieter settings, the mix combines a rich tapestry of sounds that fill the room, making you feel at the center of the action. However, it's essential to navigate the disc settings to select the Atmos mix manually due to Warner Bros.' default setting on Dolby Digital 5.1, a minor inconvenience for accessing this reference-quality sonic experience.

The Atmos mix shines particularly in key set pieces like the Zion attack and the climactic battle between Neo and Smith. These moments showcase an expertly balanced soundscape where every bullet, explosion, and atmospheric element is placed with precision across the soundscape, creating an enveloping experience that engages all senses. The height channels enrich action sequences with vertical dimensionality, while dialogue remains crystal clear against the backdrop of Don Davis' evocative score. It's a testament to the careful engineering and love poured into this audio presentation, making it a prime example of Atmos done right. The emphasis on immersive and dynamic audio ensures that every speaker in your setup is utilized to its full potential, from the quietest whispers to the roar of battle.

Despite the aforementioned need for manual audio selection, Matrix Revolutions remains a standout in auditory delivery on UHD. With fewer audio and subtitle options than its predecessors, it still manages to captivate with its object-based sound mixing that captures everything from the subtlest environmental sounds to intense action-driven sequences. This release not only pushes your sound system to its limits but also solidifies The Matrix Revolutions' position within the top echelon of UHD releases for its meticulous attention to audio detail, thereby offering an immensely satisfying home theater experience.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Matrix Revolutions" delivers an extensive collection of special features across two discs, maintaining the high standard set by its predecessors in the series. While the UHD disc houses two engaging commentaries—one by philosophers and another by critics—most of the featurettes have been moved to a separate Blu-ray disc. Notably, certain elements such as trailers and TV spots from the original Blu-ray have been omitted, a decision that baffles given the ample unused space on the discs. This release presents a significant amount of behind-the-scenes content in varying resolutions, including the innovative In-Movie Experience on the remastered 1080p Blu-ray. Despite some questionable choices regarding content omission and aspect ratio stretching, the depth and breadth of the special features included make this edition a must-have for fans, with the Philosophers Commentary standing out as a particularly original addition.

Extras included in this disc:

Written Introduction by the Wachowskis: Same introduction for all three films.

Philosophers Commentary: By Dr. Cornel West and Ken Wilber.

Critics Commentary: By Todd McCarthy, John Powers, and David Thomson.

In-Movie Experience: Commentary and inset video on the remastered 1080p disc.

• Behind the Matrix

  • Revolutions Recalibrated
  • Neo Realism: The Evolution of Bullet Time
  • CG Revolution
  • Super Big Mini Models
  • Double Agent Smith
  • Mind Over Matter: The Physicality of The Matrix
  • Future Gamer: The Matrix Online
  • Before the Revolution
  • 3-D Evolution

• Crew

  • Owen's Army: The Australian Art Department
  • 2nd unit: A World of Their Own
  • Bill Pope: Cinematographer of The Matrix
  • Masters of Light and Shadow

• Hel

  • Coat Check
  • Upsidedown Under
  • Fast Break
  • Exploding Man
  • Gun Club
  • The Extras of Club Hel

• Super Burly Brawl

  • The Skybarn
  • The Crater
  • The Egg
  • Anatomy of a Superpunch

• New Blue World

  • Geography of Zion
  • The Ships
  • Tour of the Neb
  • Matrix TV
  • Logos Fight Expansion

• Siege

  • Dig This
  • The Siege Action Match
  • Anatomy of a Shot: Mifune's Last Stand
  • Building an APU
  • Product of Zion

• Aftermath

  • Revolutionary Composition
  • The Glue
  • Dane Tracks
  • Cause and Effects

"The Matrix Revolutions" in 4K UHD presents a dichotomy of cinematic evolution, bringing to light the technical magnificence overshadowed by narrative and thematic dissonances. This concluding chapter of the Wachowskis' ambitious trilogy was met with a less-than-favorable reception upon its initial release, criticized for its convoluted plot and what many saw as an overindulgence in its own philosophical ambitions. Yet, despite these criticisms, the 4K resurrection by Warner Brothers, with Bill Pope and Jan Yarbrough returning to regrade in HDR and Dolby Vision, showcases the undeniable visual and auditory prowess that the series is known for. The comprehensive effort put into enhancing the original soundtracks for Dolby Atmos ensures that the film's technical aspects are presented with the highest quality, providing a feast for the senses.

However, this technical brilliance cannot fully eclipse the narrative shortcomings that have plagued "Revolutions" since its inception. The storyline, conceived under the pressure to deliver on the monumental success of the first film, seems to buckle under its own thematic weight. The decisions leading to Neo's quasi-divine arc and the film's reliance on grandiose action set pieces at the expense of narrative coherence highlight a missed opportunity to delve deeper into the rich thematic soil laid by its predecessor. Such choices have led to a polarized legacy, marred by what some perceive as an overambitious grasp at philosophical depth, overshadowed by spectacle.

Yet, amidst these critiques lies a recognition of the film's core engagement with themes of choice and free will, enriching the scholarly discourse around "The Matrix" saga. The 4K UHD presentation allows for a reevaluation of "Revolutions," offering viewers not only a visual and auditory experience that exceeds previous versions but also an invitation to reconsider its place within the broader narrative of the trilogy. Despite the odds it faced and the debates it has spurred, this finale emerges as a visually stunning effort, capturing a pivotal moment in cinematic history with unmatched clarity and depth.

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray presentation of "The Matrix Revolutions" stands as a remarkable feat of Home Cinema, promising an unparalleled viewing experience that starkly outpaces its narrative shortcomings. Despite the film being deemed the weakest link in the trilogy, its transformation into 4K, coupled with Dolby Vision and a Dolby Atmos audio mix elevates the entire experience. While the delay in releasing the trilogy in 4K format has been a point of contention amongst fans, leading to feelings of frustration over what some perceive as a marketing double-dip, the technical execution on display mitigates these concerns to a large extent. The nine-disc collection not only includes a mesmerizing upgrade to the visual and auditory experience but also compiles all extras from previous releases, ensuring that enthusiasts have the most comprehensive version at their fingertips.

Critics and fans alike may find the overall plot of "The Matrix Revolutions" less compelling, lambasting its attempt to blend the philosophical with the spectacular. Yet, despite narrative missteps, sequences like Neo's encounter with the Architect and the intense reunion of Neo and Trinity underline the film's ability to deliver moments of cinematic beauty and emotional depth, albeit inconsistently. The newly remastered 4K visuals and enhanced audio breathe life into these moments, underscoring the groundbreaking nature of the trilogy's action sequences and its ambitious, albeit flawed, storytelling.

In conclusion, "The Matrix Revolutions" in 4K UHD Blu-Ray is an essential acquisition for fans capable of or already possessing UHD playback capabilities. Though the movie itself might not have lived up to the high expectations set by its predecessor, this edition offers a visually stunning and aurally immersive experience that represents the best possible presentation of the film. It's a must-own for followers of the franchise, blending nostalgic cinema with cutting-edge home entertainment technology seamlessly.