Search - The Matrix / The Matrix Revisited (The Gold Edition) on DVD

Buy the "Ultimate Matrix Collection" instead, it's cheaper a

Jason Dodge | Milaca, MN United States | 03/07/2006

(1 out of 5 stars)

"Shortly following the DVD release of the first "Matrix" film, Warner Bros. used a smaller studio called Creative Design Art to make a specially designed package to help promote their incredibly successful movie. Their first result was this, the "Platinum Limited Edition DVD Collector's Set," which originally retailed for $79 (or close to that). In my opinion, even if you're a hardcore fan of the Matrix films, this packagejust isn't worth the money, It comes in a box about two-inches thick, which makes you think you're really getting your money's worth, but as soon as you open it up -- you become disappointed. Most of this packaging is taken up by a flimsy plastic tray that contains a 35mm celluloid film frame of with a nice blown-up photo. Then there are 8 "limited edition" lobby cards prints (which are really just postcard-sized stills from the movie), a full-sized poster, and the the same copy of the family you probably already own -- in the standard DVD keep-case (the cheapist kind of DVD packaging). All of the other extras mentioned in this package (full-length audio commentary, "Take The Red Pill" featurette) are the same features found in original DVD release. Although it's Out-Of-Print now, I've noticed you can get one used for around $20, which isn't too bad, but it's probably not even worth the effort if you already own the first movie on DVD.



Warner Bros. wasn't entirely pleased with the sales generated from the Platinum Limited Edition, so they asked Creative Design Art to create a more definitive version for consumers to buy. Their second project was the one shown here, "The Matrix / The Matrix Revisited (The Gold Edition)" which retailed for $100 (and can also be found on Amazon.com). The one advantage of this new package was that it also contained the just-released 163-minute behind-the-scenes DVD "The Matrix Revisited" along with the original movie, but it also has a few "carryovers" from Creative Design's last project (namely, the senitype image from the movie, and a 35mm film frame). The cheap plastic insert from before has now been replaced with a luxury fitted slipcase, and a 16-page commemorative book. But still, all of the features found on the same previously released DVDs are found here. Aside from the packaging, there's no additional footage whatsoever, whether it's in the form of deleted scenes or bonus videos. The film frame doesn't even have "Dolby Digital" printed on it like it's supposed to, which means that it's not even a real frame of film (because that would cost the publisher money) -- it's just a cheap no-sound fabrication.



Eventually, Warner Bros. would release a definitive collection of their own instead of using a third-party, entitled "The Ultimate Matrix Collection" which is the 10-disc DVD box-set of all the movies and their corresponding "Revisited" features, plus more. Even better, you can get the ultimate collection for around $30 used on Amazon.com. Actual film frames are somewhat interesting, but if you don't really care about that kind of thing, then just get the "Ultimate Matrix Collection." You really do get a lot more for your money."