The Matrix is one of those DVDs that most people own purely for the action sequences. I know this because I’m one of them.
Before I go any further I will just say I will try and not give away too much of the plot but if I do, don’t blame me if the film is ruined for you.
Movie: ------ What is The Matrix? This question is what the whole movie is on about. Keanu Reeves plays “Neo” who meets a man named Morpheus (Lawrence Fishburne) who tells Neo that the whole world is just an illusion, in fact it’s a computer program. During the first hour of the movie, Neo then tries to understand what exactly is going on around him and where he fits into the Resistance – a group of humans who are not under the control of The Matrix and are fighting for freedom.
However, most people prefer the second hour. Why? ‘Cause this is where most of the action is. Neo realises
what he has to do and cue various breathtaking fighting scenes including the “Bullet-time” shot that (in my opinion) changed cinema history as we know it. Call is a modern day classic if you will.
So then, how good is the story? Well, honestly, it’s actually okay. The plot takes a while to get going but when it does it is very good. There are a few sub plots thrown in as well but the main focus is on the fighting and the stunts. Sit back and enjoy them.
Picture: -------- The Matrix is presented in anamorphic 2.35:1 widescreen. After seeing the movie in both fullscreen and widescreen, I have to tell you that widescreen is the only option. You lose half the action scenes and the breathtaking views. Don’t settle for anything else.
Quality wise, it’s pretty good, but not reference material, which is a shame. There are a couple of moments when the background loses detail but honestly, you can hold your head up in pride if you want to show off your DVD video setup.
Sound: ------ I shouldn’t need to tell you this but I will anyway. The Matrix is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound and this is reference material. The Lobby scene is a classic – just listen to the bullets whiz past you and ricochet. The Bullet-time scene is another excellent positional sound display. The audio is nice and clear and never drowned out by the surroundings. Top job.
Extras: ------ The Matrix comes with a commentary but not by the directors, but by the visual effects guy and the editor. It is also a bit boring which is a shame. This is the full list:
> Feature length commentary > Behind the scenes documentary > Music only soundtrack > Follow the White Rabbit feature > Filmographies > Easter Eggs (two more featurettes). > DVD-Rom content
The Behind the scenes documentary is actually quite informative and not just everyone saying how great Reeves or Fishburne was. The Music only soundtrack also has the composer speaking on it (which is not stated on the box). The Follow the White Rabbit feature is quite unique. In certain parts on the movie, a little white rabbit appears in the corner of the screen. Press “Enter” and you are taken away to see a few minutes of behind the scenes action before being returned back to the movie where you left it. I wish this was done on more DVDs. The filmographies are standard and out of date by now. The Easter Eggs are the two other featurettes that are found on the VHS version of The Matrix. I can’t rate the DVD-Rom content but I know that this is the only place to see any trailers. This is very annoying and I wish that you could access a trailer with a standalone DVD player.
Special mention must go to the interactive menus that play scenes from the movie in the background. Very slick.
Other: ------ This DVD has caused some problems for the cheaper budget models (Samsung 709 is a good example). You might want to get yours checked out first.
I have also got to mention Carrie-Anne Moss who plays Trinity in the film and manages to look absolute gorgeous in the movie, whatever she wears.
Overall: --------- What can I say except you should own this disc. If you have a surround sound setup and don’t own this disc then you should be ashamed. You have now excuse since it has been reduced quite a bit (shop around and you can get it for less than £15). I highly recommend it. The action sequences will ensure you never get tired of this movie. I just wish that it were a 2-disc set with loads more extras. Get it in time to watch The Matrix 2 & 3 this summer.
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Advantages: New re-relase with all new documentary making this a must buy DVD. Disadvantages: Some may find the film a little slow to get going but not me.
assistant_14 03.02.2002 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of The Matrix (DVD)
Advantages: Good film, plenty of action, some amazing special effects. Disadvantages: No quality extras, some poor special effects, feels like a money grabbing exercise.
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eve6kicksass 19.10.2003 (19.10.2003)
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