The Animatrix

Rating:
Summary: Stylistic, but lacking substance
Review: While it's claimed that The Animatrix is a collection of nine animated tales that happen in and around the Matrix, it's really a collection of eight, as there's a two-parter that utilizes the same animation studio. I'll say one thing for it: it's pretty.

Actually, there's a lot of good animation to watch for the 100 or so minutes that The Animatrix goes on. However, it shares the same problem that most anime (and, indeed, The Matrix Reloaded) have: style but lack of substance. Most of the pieces within The Animatrix are visually appealing, but they lack any sense of coherence. They're scenes of story that just miss the mark of being stories themselves. There are exceptions to this within the film, but The Animatrix seems to be more an exercise of marketing and visualization than an envelope push of storytelling. This isn't Serial Experiments Lain or Cowboy Bebop-no matter how much it wishes it was.

Final Flight of the Osiris - Created by Square Studios, the animation geniuses behind Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within, Final Flight is a photo-realistic CGI fight sequence. It's wonderful and amazing to watch, as it takes the beautiful CGI of Final Fantasy and kicks it up a notch. It's visually fantastic. Unfortunately, the story itself is half fight scene and half flight scene with a weak and fatalistic plot. In many ways, this was the perfect choice to open The Animatrix with, because of it's aesthetic qualities. It also lets the viewer know what they're getting into: style over substance.

The Second Renaissance (Part I & Part II) - This two-part animation sequence is directed by Mahiro Maeda (the man behind Robot Carnival and Macross: Do You Remember Love). The animation style is a great representation of classic "Japanime" and it's a pleasure to watch. Rather than being an actual story, Renaissance is a compiled history of the rise of the machines and how it [the Matrix] all came to be. It's an interesting take on how the Matrix came to be where it is by the time of the movie(s). While interesting, it manages to come across as a bit contrived, as if the Wachowski brothers (who wrote the segments) had another series in mind when beginning, but were forced to shove that series' history into that of The Matrix. I'm not sure what the desired effect of Renaissance was, but by the end I sympathized more with the machines than humanity.

Kid's Story - This story ties in directly with The Matrix Reloaded and features, briefly, the vocal talents (or lack thereof) of Keanu Reeves. While I didn't care for the animation style, I was glad that it wasn't simply "more of the same." It's the story about the Neo-worshiping boy from Reloaded. There seems to be an aspect of the story that is lacking, even with the knowledge gained from Reloaded about the character, there's still something missing within the story. It's a stylistic piece that lacked story and that missed the mark visually.

World Record - This is, quite possibly, the lowest point that The Animatrix falls. While I'm not a very big fan of the animation style used in, say, Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust, I don't necessarily hate it, either. Record uses a similar art style, but comes across as sloppier. The mish-mash story is about a runner who becomes aware of the Matrix because of his determination to succeed. Like The Second Renaissance, it doesn't interact well within the setting of the live-action movies.

Program - If you like animated fight scenes and don't care about story then this might be your favorite segment. This story is little more than a training simulation for a user. It's a drawn-out, feudal Japan-esche, fight scene that uses the context of the protagonist's lover (and sparring partner) trying to convince her to reinsert herself into the Matrix as it's (flimsy) plot backdrop. I found it to be the biggest yawn-fest in the film.

Detective Story - Shinichiro Watanabe, the man behind Cowboy Bebop, directs this pulp-detective, film-noir style tale about a man hired to find Trinity. It's interesting and aesthetically pleasing, but pushes the Through the Looking-Glass cliche a little too strongly and falls flat in the end. It's probably the biggest disappointment of the film, because it had the most potential. It's one of the few stories that would have worked and have been stronger with more time and outside the confines of trying to tie into another series.

Beyond - This is a simple story about what might happen in a "bad sector" of the Matrix's "hard drive." While a little bland, Beyond is the one of the better pieces in the film because it works perfectly with the context of the live-action movies and the Matrix ideology itself. It's also one of the only complete stories. It poses a question and answers it.

Matriculate - The final segment in The Animatrix is a story about a piece of the resistance that is attempting to sway machines to their cause, one by one. It's more animated acid trip than story, but it's fun to watch. The end of Matriculate, much like the end of the first piece (Final Flight of the Osiris) is a fatalistic downer, though.

Ultimately, The Animatrix is worth a look, but I don't know if it's worth purchasing. Unlike its multiple-story animated predecessors, it doesn't reach the depths that even Heavy Metal or Robot Carnival managed to go to. At least their stories were complete.

Rating:
Summary: Animatrix
Review: Great new insight to the Matrix. The DVD is really short though.

Rating:
Summary: decent film, but not as good as I thought it wold be
Review: The animatrix was an interesting collection of animations styles, all set across the backdrop of the matrix. While I do admit that some of the sequences fell short of actually dealing with the matrix, or actually making much sense to begin with, (yes, I actually understood what was going on, but I mean making sense as having any relevance.) Two of the styles of animation were annoying (Kid's story and World Record.) If there had been more focus on the actual matrix world, instead of just taking place there, it might have been a smidgen better. All together it was an excellent collection of short anime features. (and the flight of the Osiris, which was an awesome CGI feature.) The best sequence dealt with the uprise of the machines against the humans, and how humanity basically screwed itself over. (The Second Renaissance I&II) I could tell where most of the plot was going before each segment was even 3 or 4 minutes in, so no surprise there. The wierdest segment would have to be matriculated, which was chock full of bizzaire and psychadelic images. All and all, a decent flick, especially if you area big fan of the matrix world. I was also amazed by the fact that in the english dub on the DVD, when Trinity and Neo speak, it is actually their respective actors that speak, instead of a dub over of someone else, which I was surprised by, it was interesting. I would rather watch it in japanese though, because it is, after all anime, and I prefer watching my anime in japanese, being as it is from japan (the Flight of the osiris was made by Square, the same guys who did final fantasy:spirits within, so I'm guessing it's japanese dub came first too, being japanese and all, but I could be wrong.)
The CD that came with this gift set was nice too, basically it is just a collection of the music from the film, so if you liked the music, or some electronica, (although this stuff isnt what I'm used to listening too, Im more of a hard trance/rave electronic music junkie) its pretty good. Enjoy

Rating:
Summary: Worth It
Review: The Animatrix is a collection of visually stunning works. If you're a fan of The Matrix, then the animated shorts presented here are well worth the purchase. The shorts expand and further define the world of The Matrix, and each of the shorts is done in a different and unique style. Some of the shorts may appear to be odd or make little sense, but I have found that most of the people who have trouble grasping the concepts have difficulty with the concepts of The Matrix anyway.

Rating:
Summary: Boring
Review: Rented this cheap at the local supermarket...to see what it was and glad I did. Basically nine short films done anime-style or with CGI (Final Flight of the Osiris, first one).

I just found the whole thing boring. Found myself fast-forwarding to skip past the overdone imagery to see the nine stories unfold. Not really that much to "watch," even for a short film. Some of the voice acting is awful and clichéd when it's there. Mostly there isn't any voice, just the visuals and music.

Those who LOVE anime that skimps on voicework will love this. Everyone else looking for some cool action (and drama sub-text, as in the case of Matrix Reloaded or even M1) will probably find this a real snooze.

Rating:
Summary: Animatrix
Review: There is great quality and variety in this outstanding animation project. I believe the Animatrix as a whole would have been a lot better if there was perhaps five or six more episodes, with more connections to the movies storyline. Still, an excellent dvd if you're a Matrix (or anime) addict, like me.

Rating:
Summary: Anything left unexplained is fulfilled in this DVD
Review: Anyone who ever wanted to understand any part of the movies to a deeper extent needs to buy this DVD. It elaborates on how incredibly possible it is for the Matrix to exist in ways that rivet the mind and scratch the surface, such as how "Haunted Houses" are simply glitches in the Matrix and how it is possible to push physical boundaries aside with mental ones simply by believing. Back stories for cameos in Matrix Reloaded are explained (if you have the eye to catch who) and more is told about how everything started. Anyone who hasn't seen the Second Reneissance Parts I and II is really missing out; especially if they are a Matrix fan. The stories are portrayed with beautiful animation with unique styles and creative approaches, and combinations of traditional anime' style and computer generation. You can't call yourself a fan of the Matrix series until you buy this, so go for it!

Rating:
Summary: The Animatrix
Review: Wow. That's all I could say throughout the time I watched this DVD. If you're into the Matrix and seek a significantly clearer understanding of the concept, buy this DVD and watch it. If you just want awesome anime action, buy this DVD. If you are looking for something new, buy this DVD. It will keep your attention for all 90 minutes. Watch it, and be enlightened.

Rating:
Summary: Reveals many answers about The Matrix storyline
Review: The Animatrix is a collection of 9 animated short stories based on The Matrix movie trilogy. It showcases a broad range of styles including traditional, Japanese Anime, and computer created images. If you are a fan of the live action movie and have ever wondered how the whole Matrix scenerio came to be, this is definitely a must buy. Almost any question one could have about The Matrix is answered here...from the revolt of the machines to the downfall of humanity. Also included in the DVD are extras like commentaries, directors' credits, and an interesting documentary about the tradition of Anime (an excellent introduction for those unacquainted with the phenomena). My only gripe with The Animatrix (and the new Matrix Reloaded movie for that matter) are the occasionally perverted scenes...let's just say if I was a woman I would probably be embarrassed by them. That aside though, The Animatrix is a superb work of modern art and an excellent guide to the world of The Matrix as the writers intended it. Even Anime fans who aren't turned on by the movies may want to at least check this out.

Rating:
Summary: Animated Eye Candy Galore
Review: As a big anime fan I was thrilled to find out that the Animatrix was going to be released. This collection of 9 animated shorts, for the most part, doesn't disappoint.

Final Flight of the Osiris: Square pictures deliveres, in stunning CG detail, an entertaining plot that leads right into Reloaded and the Enter the Matrix game. There's a sword fight simulation, a chase scene in the real world on board the Osiris and some delightful acrobatics done inside the matrix. The visuals look even better than FF: The Spirits Within. A-

The 2nd Renaissance Parts 1&2: This short does a great job at telling the history of mankind from the not-too-distant future to the time of the first Matrix movie. Graphic battle scenes ensue and there is imagery that parallels the Tieneman Square Rebellion and Vietnam war executions. You really feel that mankind has been wronged by the end. B+

Kid's Story: One of my two favorite shorts on the compilation, it tells the story of a lonely American high school student who discovers that the matix exists in a similar way to how Neo did in the first movie. The beautiful art style must be noted because it's one of the things that makes this short stand out. The sketchy effect gives the caracter's a great sense of motion and personality. A

Beyond: This short, which was over two years in the making, shows an anomele within the matrix. It's a "haunted house" to the local kids who stumble across the various outworldly characteristics that had been overlooked in the matrix's programming. The kid's take the this glitch to be a playhouse of sorts, but there bubble gets busted later. A-

World Record: A world class runner almost breaks out of the matrix by breaking the set limits the human body was programmed to be capable of. Some reviewers have put down the art style which is an ignorant remark. Without the distortions of the character models, this short would lose a great deal of it's appeal. The running animations work because they are a bit distorted. The ends lets one draw hi/her own conclusions as well. Overall, a cool supplement to the Matirx trilogy. B+

Program: A battle simulation with a feudal Japanese setting. Throughout the fight, one cahacter tries to convince the other that they should be reinserted into the matrix. This is a beautiful anime to watch and is one of the more traditional shorts in the compilation. The traditional Japanese elements like colors, costume design and settings are all done well. B+

Detective Story: This is my favorite short in the Animatrix. The hard-boiled film noir style is a fun concept that isn't seen much these days. The appearance every texture is given makes each still frame look as if it's fresh of a newspaper press. The story follows a detective, Mr. Ash, as he tracks down computer hacker Trinity. The story is great, but it really needs to be seen to be appreciated. A

Matriculated: From Peter Chang, this short brings up the possibility of the machines right to choose what side to be on as humans try to convince a captive drone to join the freedom fight. This is done through some very trippy visuals and colors. This is my least favorite short, the underlying concept is interesting but some of the things done inside the machines minds just seem pointless. Sometimes the CG and hand drawn animation doesn't fuse all that well in my opinion either. C+

On other aspect of the DVD that really shines is the bonus material. There are cohesive "making-of" supplements for each film and audio commentaries from the directors for four of the shorts. These give the viewer a greater appreciation for the works presented. There's also a nice little "history of anime" short that will do well to educate those not familiar with anime. Also it shows how much anime has been an influence on the Matrix trilogy.

Finally I must mention the great sountrack that plays throughout the shorts. There are great tracks from Layo&Bushwacka!, Juno Reactor, Massive Attack, Tech Itch, Junkie XL and more. Orchestrated scores are used on a few of the shorts and fit in nicely where a techno beat wouldn't feel appropriate.