Animatrix, The (2003)
Action | Drama | Animation | Sci-Fi

9 Short Films Exploring the Incredible World of The Matrix

Welcome to The Animatrix, a visionary fusion of CG-animation and Japanese anime from the world's most revered anime directors. Experience the prequel to The Matrix and learn about the last cities of mankind, the war with the machines and humanity's ultimate downfall. Witness the Final Flight of the Osiris, which sets the stage for The Matrix Reloaded movie and Enter the Matrix video game. Grasp a more complete understanding of The Matrix available nowhere else. Expand your mind even further as you unlock a dazzling arsenal of Bonus Materials. It's time to plug in.

The films:
Final Flight of the Osiris
The Second Renaissance Parts I & II
Kid's Story
Program
World Record
Beyond
A Detective Story
Matriculated

User Comment: Cash Car Star Stoney Creek • Summary: An amazing spin-off that's truly original

Movie spin-off products usually involve a few toys, lunchboxes, and maybe a video game that serves to pad the bottom line for the film's producers. The Animatrix is a rare and welcome exception. A DVD collection of 9 shorts done in Japanese Anime style based upon The Matrix films, The Animatrix is an outstanding example of what a good spin-off can be.

Overseen by Matrix directors the Wachowski Brothers and created by the top Anime talents in Japan the DVD sends the viewer further down the rabbit hole than the films could. The red pills in this collection are:

Final Flight of the Osiris.

The first short is an action packed way to get things rolling. Created by Square Studios the CG is more impressive than the already jaw-dropping Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within. This is a showcase of bullet-time stunts, explosions, killer robots and a surprising amount of sexiness. Written by the Wachowski Bros the story ties directly into Reloaded and is a must-see for any fans of computer animation.

The Second Renaissance, Parts I and II

This is the watermark of the DVD and probably the best short film of the year. Extremely moving and very disturbing, it tells the story of the machines' rise to power. Taking visual cues from Tiananmen Square, the Holocaust, World War II, and the Apocalypse these images will linger in your mind after the credits roll. The message is profound and simple; those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it.

Kid's Story

Also written by the Wachowski Bros it is the only piece to feature Keanu Revees as Neo. Kid's Story deepens the back-story of a minor character glimpsed in Reloaded. The animation alternates between elegantly realistic and distortedly frantic. The clashing style makes it hard to enjoy, but the story of personal awakening is touching.

Program

A misguided effort. It is simply two people fighting in medieval Japan while they talk about the Matrix. The amazing visuals are completely separate from the dialogue. Cramming in references to The Matrix seems like an afterthought. Created by Yoshiaki Kawajiri, you could do much better if you just went out and rented his superior Ninja Scroll.

World Record

If Program is misguided, then World Record is a train wreck. It is a mush of incomprehensible storytelling, inconsistent design and terrible visual style that makes the characters look like irradiated super-mutants. It's the shortest film clocking in at six minutes. Sadly it's six minutes you'll never get back.

Beyond

A glitch in Matrix creates a "haunted" house where curious kids go exploring. It does feature Anime clichés like a heroine with colourful hair in prancing about her underwear for no good reason. However the moments where the children play in the house and bend reality are quietly beautiful. It is a testament to the diversity of stories that can exist in The Matrix universe.

A Detective's Story

Futurism and film noir collide in this sublimely cool and elegant short. A mysterious client hires a private eye to track down a rogue hacker. The grainy black and white visuals along with a hardboiled voice-over make this a mini-Blade Runner, but less boring. Featuring Carrie-Ann Moss as Trinity.

Matriculated

The final short is a journey into The Matrix combined with an acid trip. A remarkable mix 2D and 3D animation Matriculated is the most visually impressive entry. Like King Kong or Frankenstein this strange story of a machine that is hooked up to the Matrix makes you care for the monster by the end.

The DVD is also overflowing with extras such as commentary tracks, biographies, behind the scenes features and a primer documentary on the history of Anime for any newcomers. The Wachowski Brothers and their collaborators have created an unprecedented work for a movie spin-off. Like the film itself The Animatrix opens the viewer to new possibilities they haven't seen before. It's recommended for Matrix fans, Anime buffs and people who are willing for new experiences.

Summary: An amazing spin-off that's truly original

--- BAWB ---

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