The Matrix: Special Edition

Warner | minutes | | | Standard DVD reviewed by: Al Barnes

Will "artificial intelligence" help or enslave mankind, we may only know in the future, or is it the future now and we are too late? Neo, (Keanu Reeves) wants to know, wondering why he is "the one" contacted by Morpheus, (Lawrence Fishburne) the revolution's leader who offers Neo the chance to separate reality from fantasy and join the battle to free mankind. With help from Morpheus and his followers, Neo prepares for his rage against the machine learning the tools of combat that might prove to be useless against the "Agents" a digital foe that is able to bend and reshape reality at anytime. After being betrayed and Morpheus is taken prisoner the war seems lost. Refusing to give up Neo realizes his greatest weapon is his own mind and its unlimited potential and he takes the fight to the enemy in a spectacular last stand with the help of Trinity (Carrie-Ann Moss) who truly believes Neo is their last hope for salvation.

Movies that generate a cult following sometimes have a singularity in its attraction but The Matrix offers more than you can pallet in one viewing. More than a cult following it seems to become a movement, spawning websites and chat rooms that allow you to ponder the messages and prophecies the movie supposedly offers. There is even a series of comic books, collectables and a limited edition of The Matrix due out soon that has posters, books and numbered prints and more. You can become a student of the revolutionary special effects that will soon be the industry standard and hopefully expanded upon in the sequels to come. Andy and Larry Wachowski's vision has opened a Pandoras Box of audience expectations and it will take even more vision to keep it open in the future. I know Keanu has a fairly long list of movie credits but I feel he has only "fit" into a couple, Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure and Point Break that is until now. Neo and Keanu are interchangeable and fortunately for the throngs of fans...me included...it is reported that he has signed to make two sequels. The supposed burgeoning Australian film industry has arrived "Hollywood" style and won't have to settle for second place with more offerings like The Matrix.

Widescreen Enhanced version only with dual layering showed none of the telltale pauses that sometimes accompany it. Excellent camera work and mind numbing special effects...thanks to John Gaeta (effects supervisor)...step up to the next level once it becomes "Bullet Time".

The theater I saw The Matrix in is new and supposedly has the latest in Digital Dolby equipment but I was disappointed in what I heard. I knew once the DVD came out I would control my own 5.1 destiny. While the sound is really good I must say that once the major shootout is happening it falls short of the benchmark that Heat (Michael Mann) has set in this area. Don't get me wrong, the soundtrack is very well done and songs by Rage Against The Machine, Marilyn Manson and Rob Zombie...to name a few...make this release a complete package. You can isolate the music score and trip on the visuals if that suits you.

Plenty of choices for the home enthusiast by either watching it on your computer or a regular DVD player. Web sites and chat room links can be found on your PC or you can print out the screenplay. Special features for your DVD player include a feature length commentary, behind the scene goodies and cast/crew bios but I enjoyed the Red Pills and White Rabbits, which allow you to see even more extras. Set some time aside to use all the extra features because it's hard to put the controller down.