"The Matrix" restored to theatrical release colors and lighting
[Taken from a bluesky post that is private for non-logged users: bsky.app/profile/…/3kspqrjy6w224 ]
Download links: PLEASE SAVE TO YOUR OWN MEGA ACCOUNT (if you have one) BEFORE DOWNLOADING TO MAKE THESE LAST AS LONG AS POSSIBLE
1080p (h265/HEVC 10-bit) 7.06gb: mega.nz/file/hwsD0ShR#J2AhKnBBTpgmkb7V16CYbg9TU_T…
720p (h264/AVC 8-bit) 3.19gb: mega.nz/file/Yp8ghBDb#tHDFfZVg8sP1stscbrFUMv1O0gr…
PLEASE UPLOAD TO OTHER SITES AND SHARE THESE FILES FREELY AND WIDELY
File/Encode Details: Video and Primary Audio- The.Matrix.1999.35mm.1080p.Cinema.DTS.v2.0.mkv, 20mb/s AVC video, 2.38gb DTS XLL original theatrical audio
Other- The.Matrix.1999.4K.Remaster.720p.BluRay.DD5.1.x264-BMF.mkv, 4 Commentary Tracks in AAC Stereo, 24 Subtitle Tracks, Chapter Markers
1080p HEVC 10-bit (Main 10@L4@Main), encoded with x265, preset “slower” CRF 22.5
720p AVC 8-bit (High@L4), encoded with x264, Film tune, preset “slower” CRF 23.25
AC3 5.1 Track Encoded from Theatrical DTS with EAC3TO, 640kb/s
Original Release information:
The.Matrix.1999.35mm.1080p.Cinema.DTS.v2.0-NoGrp.nfo
The.Matrix.1999.35mm.1080p.Cinema.DTS.v2.0
Because of a huge misunderstanding between team members, our previous version of “The Matrix” (v1.0) has the wrong color grading. The main problem is a yellow tint in many scenes, which has varying degrees of intensity. Some of the scenes were indeed supposed to be yellow, but others were not, e.g. Neo’s interrogation scene. We went back to the print and color corrected the scan, basically from scratch. All color errors should be fixed now, and this release is (finally) accurate to the theatrical print. All scratches, dirt, and other damage have been left in, and the format of the presentation is, once again, a 1080p BD compliant encode.
Here are before/after shots comparing v1.0 to v2.0. (compressed JPEG’s with some artifacts)
screenshotcomparison.com/comparison/155084
screenshotcomparison.com/comparison/151032
After all fixes, the color timing of this release is still vastly different from all other versions of “The Matrix” that are commercially available. To the people who’re going to dismiss it:
- No, the DVD version is not theatrically accurate. This release uses a very high quality scan of an original theatrical film print, properly color corrected. It had to be done, because all “The Matrix” prints have intentional color “errors”, that get neutralized when projected with a xenon bulb. This release accurately represents the projected print’s look.
- No, the print is not “faded”, it’s a ridiculous claim which was thrown around quite a lot in comment sections of our earlier releases. Low fade film stocks have been introduced in 1982, all movies produced after that year have used them. The technology kept getting better, so “low fade” means that the color of this print is the same as it was in 1999 and will outlast all of us.
It’s likely you don’t remember the movie looking like this, but keep in mind that the memory is faulty when it comes to colors. You probably saw the movie once or twice 16 years ago, and since then you’ve only been exposed to home media versions, all of which have wrong color grading.
The included audio track is the original Cinema DTS (the exact same audio played in the theaters). The optical track from the print (played in theaters without a Cinema DTS setup) was not included because of its extensive damage.
Additional information:
- We have managed to secure the other “Matrix” print I’ve mentioned in the .nfo of the previous release, but we don’t have funds for shipping and scanning materials. It is supposed to be in a much better condition than this print, if you would like to see it scanned and shared, please donate (details below).
- This release is synced to the official Blu-ray - it was possible, because no frames are missing from the print. Should make watching with subtitles/dubs much easier.
- If you want to burn this release to a disc, you can use tsMuxeR to create Blu-ray folder structure easily. No re-encoding should be required.
- This print is scope, which means that an open matte release is not possible.
- Example comparisons to Blu-ray (compressed frames): screenshotcomparison.com/comparison/155076
screenshotcomparison.com/comparison/155077
screenshotcomparison.com/comparison/155079
We’ve had to pass on multiple print opportunities because of lack of funds.
List of our releases: Jurassic.Park 1993 35mm 1080p Cinema.DTS v1.0
The.Matrix 1999 35mm 1080p Cinema DTS v1.0 (flawed, do not download)
The.Matrix 1999 35mm 1080p Cinema DTS v2.0
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