'Ultimate Matrix Collection' HD DVD Reviewed
It's the most anticipated HD DVD release to date, but does Warner's 'Ultimate Matrix Collection' live up to the lofty expectations of high-def enthusiasts?
Our own Peter Bracke has just finished watching the 40+ hours worth of content on the landmark HD DVD release, and he reports that fans won't be disappointed. In his just-posted review, Peter gives the video and the audio a perfect score of five stars, saying that both are a huge step up compared to the standard-def versions of all three Matrix films -- and that both visually and aurally, this HD DVD release compares favorably to anything he's seen yet on either high-def format.
Meanwhile, he reports that the long list of supplemental materials included on 'The Ultimate Collection' simply boggles the mind. Although he was disappointed that all of the extras are presented in standard-def video, he did appreciate the newly-produced exclusive In-Movie Experience video commentaries for each flick, which at least provide for a concise "best of" version of the extras, overlayed on full 1080p video.
The HD DVD exclusive 'Ultimate Matrix Collection' hits stores alongside its slimmed-down counterpart 'The Complete Matrix Trilogy' (review also live here) next Tuesday, May 22. In what's shaping up to be a high-def battle of the titans, that same day will also see the Blu-ray exclusive release of Disney's two 'Pirates of the Caribbean' flicks, 'Curse of the Black Pearl' and 'Dead Man's Chest.' Look for our reviews of both 'Pirates' flicks in the coming days...
