In “The Matrix Resurrections,” return to a world of two realities: one, everyday life; the other, what lies behind it. To find out if his reality is a physical or mental construct, to truly know himself, Mr. Anderson (Keanu Reeves) will have to choose to follow the white rabbit once more. And if Thomas…Neo…has learned anything, it’s that choice, while an illusion, is still the only way out of—or into—the Matrix. Of course, Neo already knows what he has to do. But what he doesn’t yet know is the Matrix is stronger, more secure and more dangerous than ever before. Déjà vu.
For in-depth thoughts on The Matrix Resurrections, please see my colleague Cassie Brown’s review from its original theatrical release here.
For additional thoughts on the film, please check out this episode of Homedance Film Festival.
Video Quality
The 4K UHD Blu-Ray of The Matrix Resurrections offers a pleasing uptick in quality over the already capable accompanying Blu-Ray, making it the clear choice between the two home video releases. The highlights in the film are more defined with whites more pure and balanced with no instances of blooming to be found. The multitude of elements in the film taking place in the cover of darkness are more vivid and finely delineated. The black levels are especially strong in this presentation, staying deep and inky with great detail. The few instances of compression artifacts and banding present on the Blu-Ray are eliminated with this 4K UHD disc. Skin tones appear more natural with healthy doses of crisp detail apparent on faces such as pores. This 4K UHD presentation really delivers on all fronts including strong gains in clarity and color.
The increased range of the color spectrum is stunning to behold. The HDR enriches the colors from already impressive to truly out of this world when it comes to vibrancy. This film features many interesting locales and characters that really show off the capabilities of the format with color contrast and striking lighting schemes providing a dazzling spectacle. The subtle applications of HDR really make the film pop on the screen. There is some really awe-inspiring production design featured in the film which you can really appreciate with this transfer. There are a variety of landscapes presented here with each location providing incredible detail that is exciting to explore. Every location is handled with the precision of a finely authored disc. The Blu-Ray is great, but Warner Bros. has delivered another phenomenal transfer on this latest 4K release.
Audio Quality
This 4K UHD Blu-Ray comes with a tremendous Dolby Atmos audio mix that is completely enveloping and ready to transport you into this world. This is an incredibly active track that provides all manner of sound effects and an exciting score from Tom Tykwer and Johnny Klimek to keep your pulse racing. There is a ton of activity in the low end that flows through you in the most effective of ways. Dialogue is crisp and clear and is never overwhelmed by any competing sounds. There is nearly always something going on in the surrounds, but there is never that much difficulty hearing what everyone is saying. The height channels are used to interesting effect in some the way the world is presented with objects flying overhead. All of the sounds are coming from the appropriate directions, and there are absolutely no technical issues with the track. This one is all encompassing in the best ways.
Special Features
- No One Can Be Told What The Matrix Is: A nine-minute featurette in which the actors reflect on the original trilogy by trying to recap what happened in the first three movies from memory in a coherent way. They are not all successful, but it is fun watching them struggle. Participants include Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, Jessica Henwick, Neil Patrick Harris, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Jonathan Groff, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Daniel Bernhardy, and more.
- Resurrecting The Matrix: A 31-minute look at the process of continuing this story through insights from Director Lana Wachowski, Reeves, Moss and various others. There are discussions about the improbability of returning to this world after so long, the personal reasons behind touching this material again, coming up with a different look for the world, the directing style of Wachowski, the music in the film and more.
- Neo x Trinity – Return To The Matrix: An eight-minute piece in which Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss reflect on their initial introduction and work on the original films along with reuniting after so many years. There are some really great insights which highlight why it was so satisfying to see these two together again.
- Allies + Adversaries – The Matrix Remixed: A nearly nine-minute featurette in which the cast and creatives discuss the process of coming together for this new entry into the story and the new faces along for the journey. There are some heartfelt anecdotes about how many of these people feel about being a part of this experience which are really nice to hear.
- Matrix 4 Life: A six-minute look at the journey from the original film to Resurrections and the familial nature of the production. There are some fun behind-the-scenes moments included throughout the interviews.
- I Still Know Kung Fu: A five-minute piece which takes a closer look at the training that went into bringing this film to life, the stunts, the choreography and more.
- The Matrix Reactions: A 49-minute collection of scene dissections with the cast and creative team which dives deep into the process of bringing these moments to life.
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- Echo Opening (5:34)
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- Deus Machina (4:45)
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- Welcome To IØ (5:17)
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- Morpheus vs. Neo (4:00)
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- Exiles Fight (5:20)
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- Neo vs. Smith (4:11)
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- Bullet Time Redux (4:34)
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- The San Fran Chase (7:32)
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- The San Fran Jump (7:56)
Final Thoughts
The Matrix Resurrections is an incredibly divisive movie, but those who accept what it is trying to accomplish will absolutely love it. Lana Wachowski saved her baby from being used as corporate content, and through this process crafted a film that gives a middle-finger to the state of modern cinema as we know it. It is truly wonderful to have Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss back alongside a host of new and interesting characters. It is not a vital new chapter into this franchise, but that is kind of the point. Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has released a new 4K UHD Blu-Ray featuring a terrific A/V presentation and an impressive number of special features. If you are a fan of the new approach, this release is an essential addition to your collection. Recommended
The Matrix Resurrections is currently available to purchase on 4K UHD Blu-Ray, Blu-Ray, DVD and Digital.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.
Dillon is most comfortable sitting around in a theatre all day watching both big budget and independent movies.
