I'm going to agree with Burnt Thru. I don't think that the Matrix movies will have nearly the same impact on HD DVD (or BD, when that happens) as they had when the first one was released on SD DVD. That's not to say that they won't be popular among the early adopter demographic, just that they aren't going to be the "killer ap" that some seem to suggest. Had they released The Matrix alone, it might well become the best selling HD DVD to date. But the box sets? I seriously doubt it.

And the same would also be true for the other trilogies you mention. I will happily buy the LotR EEs if they get released on HD DVD (I have zero interest in the TEs); not so sure about Star Wars because I am tired all the controversy surrounding the changes. But these are yesterday's news in some respects and while they would sell well, they aren't going to sell millions, as they did on SD DVD. Unless the HD formats become a lot better accepted among the general population.

IMHO, of course.

Although I am excited about this release, the fact that a lot of the content is SD has taken a bit of the edge off of it.

But here's my thinking on this release:

The Ultimate Boxset is 5 x Double Sided discs, probably 6 30/9 Combos. I never bought the original Ultimate Collection, so perhaps someone else can confirm this - is the extras breakdown the same as the original set?

Are Warners just re-using their DVD-9 masters (where applicable) and attaching them to the back of the new HD DVD discs?

Could this be why there is so little difference between the costs of the two boxsets, considering the amount of extra content you are getting with the Ultimate box set?

Just a thought.

You're right, Lizard, regarding the numbers issue; they're not going to sell millions until HD is more widely embraced. Right now HD disc sales make up less than 5% of the business done by standard def discs. But the question is whether or not the movies will sell players -- as they did with DVD -- and help to popularize the format. The Matrix is a highly recognizable franchise with a large, dedicated fanbase, all three films were huge blockbusters, and, quite simply, they are going to look tremendous in HD. I think they will definitely help.

Is it so unrealistic to think that big, exclusive (at least for the time being) releases won't make that much difference in the minds of consumers?

I think the shine came off of the Matrix rose when it became a trilogy.

By the time the third movie came out, it seemed like most fans of the original movie had turned on the franchise.

I'm sure this set will do reasonably well, but it's hardly a killer app that's going be turning the masses on to either format.

I woudl also expect some backlash if they're just recycling content and masters of the previous release's supplemental material. Which is actually a problem I see HD-DVD and Blu-Ray having in the future. Very few documentaries, interviews, and deleted scenes are probably available in HD, so when this material does show up on the HD discs, people will probably be disappointed.

Count me in on the crowd that had the Matrix as one of the best movies ever... until the sequels came out. Acting/dialogue got even worse, fight scenes were put in just for the sake of showing off more effects (some of which were awesome, yes), and the storyline became far too cluttered and filled with seemingly pointless battles.

You seek the Oracle.
Who are you?
I am Seraph. I can take you to her. But first, I must apologize.
For what?.
For this.
[fighting ensues]

Come on.

The original on its own was brilliant. While I own all three, all but the first are really just average sci-fi flicks. I'll stick to the first, which was far more refined.

I'm going to defend one of the sequels, Matrix Reloaded. This one is my favorite. It's also the highest grossing of the 3, with a worldwide total of $738 million, so I feel I'm not the only one who liked it. It's got some great scenes.

Now, Matrix Revolutions on the other hand, wasn't a strong way to end the series. I've only watched it once and that was in theaters. I think the problem with it was it was just released 5 months after Reloaded, so maybe everyone was Matrixed out. Had they opened it a year from Reloaded, then it may have been more successful. For me, it's definitely the weakest of the series. Nothing really stands out.

What's that mean? Try adding something other than a quip.

My point was I find it hard to imagine these animated shorts were not produced for eventual HD output, one was even shown theatrically.

Good nuff for ya?

I dont think it will sell as many as the original did on DVD, but I do think it will be a big deal for hd-dvd just like those others that I mentioned.

The Matrix appeals DIRECTLY to most early adopters. Maybe not as much as Lord of the Rings, but close.

I suspect it will be a great selling box set AND sell some machines as well.

1080p, IME and TrueHD. What else can you ask for? Personally, I cant wait.

Simple. Count me in on part of that worldwide total.

The Matrix was amazing, and the sequels were naturally some of the most anticipated films in the past 10 years around the world. Why then didn't the third do as well as the second? Simple... the second was not nearly as good as the first, so the anticipation of the third was muted. Not even close to the same. If the second was anywhere close, the third would have matched it in sales. There is little other reason why it would have failed to do so.

This is not only because of the production quality but because much of the charm of the first film was the discovery process. When I think of the first film, I think of the blue pill and the red pill every bit as much as I think of the amazing bullet and fight scenes. They tried to add to the discovery in the sequels but unfortunately it took a different direction and didn't have the profound parallels that we can apply to social society.

The first film, in a sci-fi setting, challenged the viewer to break free of the mental confines we are placed in and to consider a path to actual freedom and discovery of true self.

The second and third films challenged the viewer to watch human beings and Neo battle extinction via a bunch of robots. While the setting and backstory were clearly the same, the impact, novelty and inspiration were seemingly lost. It became more about literally fighting machines than the abstract fight against a world pulled over our eyes.

I'll admit that as sci-fi films, the Matrix sequels are perhaps quite higher in quality than most sci-fi films these days, and the effects are fun to watch. But aside from fun and "great scenes," there is very little to truly captivate the audience and make them stand out as great films over all.

That explains (at least from my view) the great sales of the second film and lower sales of the third.

I would imagine Pirates 3, following a second film with such incredible sales, will meet a similar fate.

This is not just a sequel thing though, it has to do with quality and staying true to the spirit of the original film. I would imagine Spiderman 3 will be a great success for this reason.

The Ultimate set is up for pre-order with the usual 30% off, but no discount yet.
http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Matri...799660&sr=8-15
The standard should be up soon.

Wasn't Matrix Reloaded the one with the mentioned quote?

:shudder:

This release is really exciting, but I just might wait for the Blu-Ray release. I'm not really interested in the extras, just give me the movies in hi def

Matrix was a perfect film. Matrix Reloaded was a flawed film. Matrix Revolutions was a poor film. But I'm still excited to have a chance to own all 3.

Matrix Reloaded could have been nearly as good as the original, chop off the last 20 minutes and trim most of the Architect scenes, and you have a great movie. There isn't any quick fix for Revolutions though, the acting was so over the top, poor 50's era war movie dialog, and countless scenes that didn't make sense (hundreds of squid machines circle Zion, but only one or two drop down to fight at a time?).

BTW, Rotten Tomato scores: Matrix (88%), Matrix Reloaded (75%), Matrix Revolutions (37%).

Very well said.

For those of us with the 10% discount the Ultimate Collection would be about $75.50. The movies only box figures to be $70, or about $63 after the 10% discount.

Not too bad for three movies, although the most I have paid for an HD DVD is $17.95.

Ranked #56 in DVDs, it was #2,000+ when I placed my order.

Curious, I'd say you've got it backwards. Your first paragraph sounds very spiritual, and the second doesn't. Yet the sequels really lost out because of the over-the-top spiritual side to them that didn't exist in the original. They turned a mystery into a showcase for the Brothers' weird take on religion, which is some sort of amalgam of several different religions. (I mean the movies are an amalgam, don't know the Wachowskis personally to comment on their beliefs) Similar to when Highlander II just about destroyed that series trying to explain itself.

I think, in ways, you're both right. The Matrix has a very clear set of goals. The second two are so muddled with a thick soup of various abstract religious ideas that the only thing that comes through clearly are the fights with the robots.

But I feel like they are giving us choice. If you already have the SD Ultimate collection, you don't need all those extras again so there is the movie-only set. It could be worse and there could be no movies-only option.

For some, unless they are BD first, no.

Good deal on the Ultimate Matrix Collection...

http://whv.warnerbros.com/WHVPORTAL...itleName=matrix

Use coupons...
USD and WBNEWS (also free shipping over $60)

Ultimate is $74.xx (slightly less than amazon after 10% off)

(btw- Trilogy is $70.xx after discounts and such)

The Complete Matrix Trilogy HD DVD (3 discs) is now listed on Amazon for $69.95 and already ranked #46 in DVD.


The Ultimate Matrix Collection HD DVD (5 discs) is $83.95 and #60.

So did Larry Wachowski ever go thru with his sex change operation? Maybe that could be one of the extras? Before and After shots along with surgery footage.

http://www.thehotbutton.com/today/ho...30530_fri.html

He was one of the two writers for The Matrix.

Amazon sales rank for the The Complete Matrix Trilogy HD DVD is up to 20, out of all DVDs, and "Ultimate" is at 52. I realize that these are brief snapshots of popularity, but I confess I am surprised to see them that high.

I ordered the three disc set for $62.95, after the 10% discount. Never bought the DVDs but these movies should be pretty showy on HD DVD.

I think people underestimate the appeal this title has to the exact early-adopter demographic.

Early-adopters for these formats are most likely techie types AND have money to spend. So, this boxset appeals to them and the price isnt a huge deal.

I bet it will sell very well.