The Matrix is returning to theaters for a limited 20th anniversary run. It was 20 years ago this year that the sibling filmmaking duo of the Wachowskis made their indelible mark on the action /sci-fi genre. Today, The Matrix is arguably one of the greatest sci-fi films of all time, having forced a definite turning point in the genre.
Though many would argue that the second and third films in the franchise - The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions - failed to answer important questions and generally didn’t deliver in the way that the first film did, both films drastically outperformed The Matrix at the box office. Today, the franchise is also viewed as one of the key points of Keanu Reeves’ career, and Matrix fans remain a devoted bunch, confident that the sci-fi classic left its mark not just on the genre but also on filmmaking in general, through its use of amazing sound and innovative effects.
Now thanks to Dolby Laboratories, Warner Bros and AMC Theatres, the multi-Oscar winning film will return to AMC Theatres for an exclusive week long run. Beginning on August 30, US fans of The Matrix will have the unique opportunity to view the groundbreaking film for the first time in Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. The weeklong cinematic run will take place at the 135+ AMC Dolby Cinema locations across the United States. Said Doug Darrow, senior vice president, Cinema Business Group, Dolby Laboratories:
“Bringing The Matrix to life in Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos pays homage to the masterpiece that the Wachowskis created 20 years ago. Movie lovers will be able to see and experience unforgettable sequences like bullets flying in slow motion with the utmost detail - transforming one of the most iconic sci-fi films of this generation.”
As previously mentioned, aside from its genre and mind-expanding affect, The Matrix took the career of Reeves to another level. Coincidentally, Reeves has reemerged into a current degree of spotlight so pronounced, that it's been dubbed “The Keanussance”. His career as an action star still continues to excel, with the John Wick franchise, as well as more diverse roles, such as Duke Caboom in this summer’s Toy Story 4, and a long anticipated return to the character of Ted ‘Theodore’ Logan in next summer’s third instalment of the Bill and Ted time-traveling stoner comedy franchise, Bill and Ted Face the Music. Now with the opportunity to see The Matrix in theaters in the best possible quality, Reeves and Matrix fans alike are certainly in for a treat.
It’s great to see a film as iconic as The Matrix making a return to theaters once more. It’s also amazing to know that this time, the film will look and sound much better than it did when it was first released back in 1999. Of course, all audio-visual improvements aside, this re-release of The Matrix is sure to increase demands that the Wachowskis and Reeves return for the new Matrix film reported to be in the works. Though the Wachowskis have previously shown no interest in making another Matrix film, and Reeves has said he would return only if the Wachowskis were involved, it remains to be seen just how things could change with increased demand.
Source: AMC Theatres