Before I begin, I must say that I received this as a present which I didn't ask for, and, having seen all three films in the trilogy, I neglected the box set for over six months. It wasn't until a rainy saturday when I was bed-ridden with a chest infection that I first watched it. Quite frankly, I have never been so happy to be so ill. I was lucky to stay ill for a further four days and did nothing but watch the box set. By the end of that week I was convinced, either I was 'The One' and I was trying to out think the machines and exert my Will to Power and exile myself from the Matrix, or the Matrix is the greatest film based on philosophical themes ever made. And that statement I can justify to be absolutely true...
Most who buy this product will so as they watched one or more of the Matrix trilogy and, like me and millions of others, were captivated it. If you fall into this category, then you will not be displeased. In fact, not only will you not be displeased, but you will most probably never be satisfied with any other box set or DVD ever again. This box set probably has more credible, valid and, more importantly, interesting 'extras' than any other box set I have come across. I feel insulting calling them 'extras' as they are not mere add-ons to the trilogy, but actually enrich the matrix experience ten-fold. It doesn't have the generic 'director's commentary' where you hear a poor narration of a now multi-millionaire saying, "I liked shooting this scene as I like using Special effects. It was so fun." No. Instead you get the most thorough and enticing commentary from two philosophers with an inexplicable vocabulary and an envious amount of knowledge surrounding the philosophy that locks 'The Matrix' and its sequels into a canon of it's own. On top if this, there is 'The Animatrix' which is a series of ten minute animations which explore the world of the Matrix, in which you will fill in the history between the 20th Century and true life outside of the Matrix which has lost, due to the blocking of the sun, any understanding of time and date.
On each of the ten disks is a huge amount of information, and whether the stories characters, actors, philosophy, cinematography or special effects are what captured you, you will be beyond satisfied with the result.
The other creed of people, who have not yet seen the Matrix and wish to as my friend said 'see what all the hype is about' then go for it. It will be the smartest and most life affirming investment made since putting a few quid in Microsoft. The first film is a film made as a reflection of the Descartian statement 'cogito ergo sum' and deals with all three waves of doubt. Namely can we trust our senses, can we tell dream from reality, and are e being fed information into out brain by a malicious demon - or machines? I will say no more in case I create a spoiler. The second film is a question of fate and destiny, which nicely transcends through all three films when viewed as one entity. Literally dozens of schools of philosophy are questioned and reflected upon in this film, and the commentaries will be sufficient for non-philosophical people, and the studious philosophers alike.
In short, this box set is amazing, and will have you glued to the screen, and then in heated debates afterwards for a long time.
However, if you are a lover of films simply due to the crash, bangs and gunshots, then this film still delivers. With a huge supply of action, from martial arts to gun fights to speed chases and more, if one wishes to not get too involved, then that option is still open.
Now, the downsides, for one, it is difficult to just dip into the commentaries, or the film for that matter. Once you start watching it does get a bit heavy, and you will get sucked in. So don't stick it on before you go out as background watching, as you wont be attending that party you planned for.
Also, finding what you want to watch can be a bit tedious, but if your planning to watch it through, this problem dissolves itself.
Further, as long as you are willing to 'get into' The Matrix mindset, then there wont be a problem, but listening to a Harvard professor discuss the Physicality of the Ubermensch that is Neo, is sometimes slightly daunting. However, stick with it and the value of it is you will gain a good vocabulary and appreciate the trilogy and every film afterwards in a greater way, albeit differently.
So, to summarize, it WILL change your life. For the better. Definitely split with your cash for this one. It has put he Matrix as the best film I have seen. Go for it, You will enjoy it.