The sound reminded me of the first Matrix DVD, as in the dialogue were really low, and the effects/music were really loud. I don't really understand how a DVD with this poor of a mix can get so many 'great' ratings on websites or on here.

Home Theater Informaton's review says : "It does appear that the audio was mastered a bit low."

Matrix Reloaded Review

I just watched the Matrix Reloaded DVD and I have to agree. Something just does not seem right with the sound! And the first Matrix sounded better. Maybe if the SE version had DTS it will be alot better.

You can always use the "LOUDNESS" (or equivalent) button on your Receiver/Amplifier to even out the sound. It compresses the soundfield making the lows higher and the highs lower or something like that.

I use this frequently when watching movies late at night. However, I probably will be watching Matrix2 at full volume...as soon as I get it that is ($#%!@# Amazon!).

Seriously, don't you all have the ability to either compress the sound range or simply raise the center volume? It's a pretty easy fix for those who don't want to piss off the neighbors, and it still allows the rest of the people to enjoy the soundtrack the way it was in the theater, and the way it was meant to be heard.

I don't think many people want to mess with raising the center channel speaker volume because I am sure that most of us already have our speakers calibrated with one of the calibration discs and Sound Level Meter from RadioShack

The audio of the DVD of The Matrix was mastered a few decibels louder than that of The Matrix Reloaded. Despite that fact, I preffer the audio from the latter over the former. Sure, I had to raise the volume a bit (I listen to most DVDs with the volume set to either 24 or 26 but with M:R I had to set the volume to 28) but, once I did, the sound was fantastic. The best part was that the dialogue sounded clear and though the sound sfx sequences were loud and enveloping, they never sounded irritatingly loud so not once did I need to rush to lower the volume. And the truck collision was far from "unimpressive".

Just a differing opinion.

Maybe we should start including the specs of our Home Theater equipment, and audio setup, before we say such-and-such DVD sounds muffled, low, or whatever?

Chalk another second from me. Nothing much new to add. There is an extreme difference in dynamics between the dialogue and effects sequences. I wouldn't necessarily blame it on a weak center channel in that .. my own system is calibrated and I didn't notice much difference in weight of the dialogue in panning, but when the effects kicked in ... and certainly on a couple of scenes (as my piece o' uggh, can't say it ... receiver .. at least, what I am now beginning to consider)... shut my weak Integra receiver down at 65% load. Typically with action DD tracks, I'll run it at 50 - 55% without an effort. So, yes, I did increase the volume for Reloaded. And, being in an apartment myself, I too have to consider certain levels of sound, but the heck with it ... I'm more concerned with performance and for the most part, am very happy with the soundtrack other than the extreme variation between dialogue and effects.

But, as far as Masamume's inquiry goes .. I wouldn't attempt to return the disk as I believe that it's intended mastering is what it is. If you're unhappy with it, well ...... eBay comes to mind. I doubt WB is going to accept the disk for replacement. Then again, who knows.

I have a region 4 copy of the matrix reloaded and it has the same problem with very low volume on dialog, how anybody cannot notice this as a problem right away is beyond me, it has frustrated me ever since I bought it. I should say that I listen to dvd movies on a good separate component 2 channel stereo system and do not have this problem with any of the other 70 dvd's I own or any that I have rented. The region 4 version does not have a 2-channel stereo mix so if there is anyone who acknowledges the problem with the 5.1 mix but finds the stereo mix not to have this problem then I would appreciate it if you let me know as I will sell my copy and import a region 1 copy.