Unlike the official 4K UHD release, which uses the original camera negative, this version is often based on a 35mm theatrical print scan . This preserves the "grindhouse" feel, including natural film grain and the specific color timing audiences saw in theaters in 1999.

Characters looked more human and less "sickly" than in later remasters.

Contrary to popular belief, the extreme "phosphorescent green" filter seen on the 2008 Blu-ray was not part of the original 1999 theatrical experience. That look was largely adopted after the sequels, The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions , established a more aggressive color-coding system (green for the Matrix, blue for the real world). The original 35mm theatrical prints actually featured:

For many, the appeal lies in seeing the film exactly as it debuted. The official 4K remaster (supervised by cinematographer Bill Pope) fixed many of the 2008 Blu-ray's errors, but some fans argue it still carries a "cyan push" or modern digital saturation that doesn't quite match the 1999 look.