Matrix (1999) - Warner

Director :The Wachowski Brothers

Starring : Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving, Joe Pantoliano

Picture 2.35:1 Anamorphic, DD 5.1, Dual-Layer, Snap Case

Running Time : 111 mins

The story:

Reality is a thing of the past.

What is the Matrix? Day-in, day-out the world is real. But this is just a perception, the reality is a world where everything's is a hoax. An elaborate deception spun by all-powerful machines of artificial intelligence that control the human population. Welcome to cyberspace. You can be what you want to be. You can do what you want to do. The boundaries and limitations of the real world no longer exist. The only thing stopping you now is yourself.

The summary:

Sound bizarre? Confused? Well that's the idea. Matrix is one of those films where the less you know about it the better. The first half hour is quite slow going and for the first 15 minutes you'll probably have no idea what's going on, but persevere - this is worth the wait. Suddenly everything becomes clear and you are launched into a computer-game type world consisting of martial arts, stunning visual effects and a kickin' Techno Soundtrack. Keanu Reeves is Neo, a computer hacker who learns that his world is not all it seems and teams up with Morpheus (Fishburne) in an attempt to discover the truth. Whilst competent in his role, the wooden acting of Reeves neither adds nor distracts from the film in general whilst Fishburne's character never really gets the chance to make second gear. This film is famed for it's effects and the cast play second fiddle as they attempt to keep the cohesion to the plot. Mercifully they manage to pull it off and the end result is a Sci-fi masterpiece of mammoth proportions.

This is a must have DVD for many reasons. The film alone is worth the purchase with stunning visuals and sound, but the wealth of extras on offer means the only people who shouldn't buy this are those without DVD players. Oh, and those who's players wont play this disc too (numerous players have problems with this disc from freezing and skipping to non-playing, so check before you buy). This is the next generation of DVD releases and is the sheer effort put into making this deserves a large pat on the back and puts many other releases to shame. The film was a pleasure to watch throughout its 136 minutes and the fast pace of the film keeps you hooked and begging for more. If you're still not convinced, then check out the extras below.

Extras:

* Cast / Crew Commentary - With Carrie-Anne Moss, Zach Staenberg and the SFX Supervisor, John Gaeta. Interesting but secondary to the making-of documentary.

* Making the Matrix - Superb making-of documentary that includes interviews with cast and crew interspersed with snippets of the film. Terrific value at over 25mins long!

* What is Bullet Time? - Documentary explaining the use of the 'bullet time' special effect which is a fancy slow-motion way of filming with multiple angles. 6 mins

* Follow the White Rabbit - Watch the film in this mode and select the white rabbit icon when it appears to view a making-of feature on each of the selected scenes. 9 scenes to choose from. Brilliant stuff!

* Filmographies - Profiles or cast and crew, usual stuff but hidden in the Wachowski Brothers screen is yet another feature :-

* What is the Concept? - Another documentary, this time about the visual concept of the film. Includes artwork and design drawings put to a funky soundtrack! 11 mins long.

* Music Only audio track - With commentary by composer, Don Davis.

DVD-ROM features :

* The One - Answer questions about the film to find out if you are really "The One". Complete this challenge and visit an exclusive web-site with even more about the film.

* Screenplay and Storyboards - Follow the creative process from script to storyboard to final cut.

* 7 Special Essays and Articles - Articles about a range of subjects from Kung-Fu to comic books to science-fiction films.

* Do You Know Kung Fu? - Jump direct to a Kung Fu scene in the film.

* Theatrical Trailer Sampler - Trailers of other "Futureworld" films - Demolition Man, Mad Max:Beyond the Thunderdome, Outland, The Road Warrior and Soldier.

Our Verdict...

Exhilarating Sci-fi thriller with all the action and effects money can buy. 9/10

Superb clarity and with detail that has to be seen to be believed. Colour is good but with an intentional greeny/grey look. 10/10

Awesome 5.1 sound puts this on a par with the best that DVD has to offer. 10/10

And if you thought this would fail at the last hurdle then think again. All the extras you ever dreamed of and more.. 10/10

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