The Matrix Revolutions [Import, Enhanced, Soundtrack]

I've seen all three "Matrix movies" and I thought the soundtrack of the original was great. It "fit" the film perfectly. I was less than enthusiastic about the second, however, even though I thought it, too, "fit" the film. It was just too electronic, too much Juno Reactor. I was surprised to find that THE MATRIX REVOLUTIONS SOUNDTRACK resembles the soundtrack of the first film much more than it does the second. And, surprisingly, Juno Reactor is heard on only three tracks (my three least favorite, by the way) that greatly resemble the score for RELOADED.

There's a lot of percussion and brass in this soundtrack...things a baroque music like I am really doesn't care for, but hey, that's the signature of the Matrix. If you've seen all three films, you'll realize why this signature percussion and brass disappears near the end of the CD, giving way to music that is more melodic and uplifting. I liked it and thought it was very fitting.

Although the action and special effects are almost non-stop in THE MATRIX REVOLUTIONS, the score is more balanced. There are action-packed, electronic tracks on this CD and there are quiet, melodious, understated ones as well, the most significant of which is "Trinity Definitely," a lovely blend of English horn and strings. Surprising? Yes. Welcome? Definitely.

I have to admit I was shocked to hear both "Neodämmerung" and "Navras." The first combines the strong percussion and brass that defines the Matrix trilogy, but adds a full choir and several other elements. It had a "glorious" quality that I found rather surprising, given that I hated that film. The choral finale in Navras was just beautiful.

Overall, I think THE MATRIX REVOLUTIONS soundtrack really defines the theme of the trilogy. It doesn't lose sight of its origins, yet it offers us something new as well. I was very surprised at how good it is. While I found THE MATRIX REVOLUTIONS to be a dismal film and a dreadful was to close the trilogy, I found the soundtrack to be close to perfect. I wouldn't buy it for myself, but I'm happy I received it as a gift.