'The Matrix' Trilogy Comes to HD DVD

In one of the biggest catalog announcements yet for HD DVD, Warner Home Video has set a May 22 arrival for two extensive box set collections of the blockbuster 'Matrix' series.

The revolutionary sci-fi trilogy, which grossed over $600 million in the U.S. alone, has long been rumored to be in the planning stages for next-gen release. Thought to be a "killer app" -- the kind of trojan horse title that would entice non-early adopters into the high-def fold -- Warner is already gearing up for one of its biggest-ever HD DVD releases.

The studio will unleash two different configurations, both streeting simultaneously on May 22.

'The Complete Matrix Trilogy' will span three discs and include each film in the trilogy -- 'The Matrix,' 'The Matrix Reloaded' and 'The Matrix Revolutions' -- plus a four bonus disc with extras, 'The Matrix: Revisited.' Each film will also include an Interactive Movie Experience (IME) feature exclusive to the HD DVD, which will deliver an video commentary featuring interviews with the cast and filmmakers, behind-the-scenes footage and more.

'The Ultimate Matrix Collection' will replicate the extensive standard-def box set of the same name which debuted two years ago. In addition to the three IME-enhanced 'Matrix' titles and 'The Matrix Revisited,' an additional 35 hours of bonus materials will be included.

Warner has not yet issued full specs for either box set, including whether what, if any, supplemental features will be presented in 1080p. But we'll certainly keep you posted.

Suggested list price will be $99.99 for 'The Complete Matrix Trilogy' and, for only $20 more, you can grab 'The Ultimate Matrix Collection' for $119.99.

No Blu-ray version of either 'Matrix' set has been announced. However, Warner says it plans to release a comparable version later this year, once Blu-ray's much-touted BD-Java environment is finally ready for prime time.

Stay tuned for full specs, and in the meantime, we've added new listings for both 'Matrix' box sets to our HD DVD Release Schedule, under May 22.