The Ultimate Matrix Collection Blu-ray

One of the late HD DVD format’s most popular catalog titles, The Ultimate Matrix Collection makes its Blu-ray debut with the same gorgeous clarity, color and sound. (And those bullets that whiz past Keanu Reeves in the first film remain one of the coolest effects of the past decade.) All of the previous editions’ supplemental features also are intact, most of which are in standard-definition. The most important BD-exclusive feature is the high-def version of The Animatrix, the 2003 nine-part anime title that also includes motion-capture-based 3D computer animation. It was previously only available in standard-def. And, like its theatrical counterparts, it looks and sounds simply outstanding.

Shelf Talk: To date, the Matrix franchise has grossed more than $1 billion and the trilogy’s theatrical titles are three of the Top 10 best-selling sci-fi films of all time. That said, this cool-looking collection is a natural for high-def adopters and is poised to be a leading catalog title through the holiday season.