The Matrix |  | Directors: Andy Wachowski, Larry Wachowski
Actors: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving, Gloria Foster
Studio: Creative Design Art Inc.
Category: DVD
This item is no longer available
Rating:  2987 reviews
Sales Rank: 306393
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, NTSC
Rating: R (Restricted)
Running Time: 136 Minutes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 7.1 x 5.4 x 0.6
UPC: 655647200957
EAN: 0655647200957
ASIN: B00005BJQY
Theatrical Release Date: March 31, 1999
Release Date: December 28, 2000
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Amazon.com essential video
By following up their debut thriller Bound with the 1999 box-office smash The Matrix, the codirecting Wachowski brothers--Andy and Larry--annihilated any suggestion of a sophomore jinx, crafting one of the most exhilarating sci-fi/action movies of the 1990s. Set in the not too distant future in an insipid, characterless city, we find a young man named Neo (Keanu Reeves). A software techie by day and a computer hacker by night, he sits alone at home by his monitor, waiting for a sign, a signal--from what or whom he doesn't know--until one night, a mysterious woman named Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) seeks him out and introduces him to that faceless character he has been waiting for: Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne). A messiah of sorts, Morpheus presents Neo with the truth about his world by shedding light on the dark secrets that have troubled him for so long: "You've felt it your entire life, that there's something wrong with the world. You don't know what it is, but it's there, like a splinter in your mind, driving you mad." Ultimately, Morpheus illustrates to Neo what the Matrix is--a reality beyond reality that controls all of their lives, in a way that Neo can barely comprehend. Neo thus embarks on an adventure that is both terrifying and enthralling. Pitted against an enemy that transcends human concepts of evil, Morpheus and his team must train Neo to believe that he is the chosen champion of their fight. With mind-boggling, technically innovative special effects and a thought-provoking script that owes a debt of inspiration to the legacy of cyberpunk fiction, this is much more than an out-and-out action yarn; it's a thinking man's journey into the realm of futuristic fantasy, a dreamscape full of eye candy that will satisfy sci-fi, kung fu, action, and adventure fans alike. Although the film is headlined by Reeves and Fishburne--who both turn in fine performances--much of the fun and excitement should be attributed to Moss, who flawlessly mixes vulnerability with immense strength, making other contemporary female heroines look timid by comparison. And if we were going to cast a vote for most dastardly movie villain of 1999, it would have to go to Hugo Weaving, who plays the feckless, semipsychotic Agent Smith with panache and edginess. As the film's box-office profits soared, the Wachowski brothers announced that The Matrix is merely the first chapter in a cinematically dazzling franchise--a chapter that is arguably superior to the other sci-fi smash of 1999 (you know... the one starring Jar Jar Binks). --Jeremy Storey
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Showing reviews 1-5 of 2987
 "You have to see it for yourself..." March 21, 2010
M. Ram (San Jose, CA, USA)
The Matrix is basically the Star Wars of this generation, a science fiction movie so profound and visually appealing that even a decade later nothing else has come close (Avatar looked great, but even its fans agree that it had a fairly unoriginal story). It's telling of our society that it took 20 years for the Star Wars trilogy to be tarnished by its sequels, yet The Matrix sequels came only 4 years later (along with plenty of games and tie-ins). In any case, it was a real treat to see the movie again; even though I'd watched it a couple dozen times before, the last time was a while back and via the original DVD release (which came out in 1999 and still holds up pretty well).
I have to admit that the negative reviews regarding the Blu-Ray's picture worried me, but there has to be something else in play there, as I thought the transfer was FANTASTIC. The layers in the foreground and background looked fine to me (and almost 3-dimensional at times). There isn't one second of the movie that isn't razor sharp and crystal clear, and every little detail can be made out, right down to the pores on the actors' faces!
Having said that, two scenes did lack perfection to my eye:
1 - You've probably heard that the movie was recolored to match the sequels (ie, the scenes in the Matrix have been tinted green). For the most part, this has been integrated well, but in the scene where Mr. Anderson is being chewed out by his boss, I found the sickly green tint on Keanu's face to be overdone and distracting. Thankfully, the rest of the movie didn't suffer from this effect.
2 - When Trinity first talks to Neo in the club, her face, shoulders and upper chest (she wears a strapless dress) show some strange image noise, possibly because of the way the scene was lit. This goes away as she approaches Neo to whisper in his ear.
This package comes with tons of great extras. My favorite is still the music-only audio track (something I wish more dvds had), as you only really get to hear the subtleties in Davis' score when the dialogue and gunfire is removed. I doubt most people will go through all the commentaries and documentaries, but it's nice to have them there. Collectors will get a lot out of this release.
The Matrix changed movies March 7, 2010
Nirma Pina (Miami, FL)
Has it really been 10 years since the matrix brought new meaning to my life? Even without the blu-ray and special features, any serious movie collector should have a copy, the current format makes it all the more worthwhile.
Everything is crisper and fresher than you could possibly hope: help erase your horrible memories of 2 and 3 by returning to "the one" that started it all.
 Matrix Blu Ray Book March 3, 2010
Douglas Celente (Brazil)
I must say I'd expect more video quality for this movie's BD. Audio is excellent, but the image quality doesn't match many other less expressive titles.
You have to See it for yourself... March 1, 2010
Raul (Ohio)
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
Unfortunately noone can be told what the Matrix is... You have to see it for yourself.. Dont even think twice.. Its a must have... go get it pal
my favorite movie... February 7, 2010
buddha18
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
I love how this movie reinforces the fact that you're in charge of your own destiny - it's one of the main points of my new favorite book - Live Like A Fruit Fly - (the matrix is quoted in it a few times..along with star wars)
Showing reviews 1-5 of 2987
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