Review of Matrix Revisited, The

Introduction

Just over two years after the release of The Matrix on DVD, Warner Bros. releases the supplemental disc, The Matrix Revisited. I like The Matrix. I saw it in the cinema and have watched the DVD quite a few times, so it was only a matter of time before I jumped at the chance to get more extras and just absorb it all, all over again. While I`m not an obsessive fan, it`s amazing to see that there is a true cult following for all things `Matrixy`, for want of a better word.

There`s a little bit of coverage of The Matrix 2 & 3 here as well, not a lot so as to spoil anything, but little bits to tease and salivate over. Fancy seeing some of the rehearsal footage from Matrix 2 & 3? You`ll see it here packed in with tons of other bits and pieces. For example, did you know that the Wachowski`s first feature, `Bound`, had to be made in order for them to prove themselves as competent directors for The Matrix?

The Matrix Revisited features a mind blowing two hours plus of extra behind-the-scenes stuff, stuff not seen before. Is this disc a worthy addition for existing Matrix fans?

Video

Presented with a fullframe transfer, The Matrix Revisited is a documentary and for the most part is shot on video. It all adds to the authentic feel and the actual quality of the transfer is fine. There aren`t really any problems to speak of except that of Joel Silver`s Hawaiian shirt. This proved a little tricky during the decoding and glitches a bit on screen (from What is Animatrix?).

Audio

The DD5.1 sounds clear and works well. Dialogue comes from the front and the music opens up the soundstage covering the front three speakers. Don`t really expect anything from the rears.

Features

Well, this entire disc is one big supplement so would there be any more to see? Well, yes. Apart from the main programme, there`s an additional seven small featurettes in the Go Further menu which adds up to a further 25 minutes (including one easter egg). This includes `The Dance of the Master: Yuen Wo Ping`s Blocking Tapes`. There are links to the official website too which I hadn`t been to for a long time, so I looked at the comics that are inspired by the film. Very nice. This is a lot of stuff all devoted to just one movie. There are chapter selections and English, French and Spanish subtitles too. All packaged in the usual Warners cardboard snapper case.

Conclusion

Some of the techniques and inspiration from the first Matrix film is explored in more depth so you`ll find only a little re-iteration of behind-the-scenes from the first DVD on this disc. Otherwise everything is new. Without gushing too much about it, all I can say is that I think this disc is superb. By the end of it all I was shattered as there`s so much to take in! Everything from the cast training, to production design, costumes, post production, publicity, anime and loads more of the nuts and bolts are covered here.

This has got pretty much everything I could want in a supplemental without giving away too much of the forthcoming two parts. When you hear that The Matrix 2 will surpass the first in terms of story and technology, and that the third part will outdo the second film, it`s mind blowing just to even think of what they could come up with. I`m intensely interested in filmmaking techniques and visual effects so I get all excited and can`t wait to see what the Wachowskis will think up next.

It`s too bad that Warner Bros. couldn`t put a disc like this together in the first place and make a nice two disc set when released back in 1999, but since this has some newer footage, I`ll forgive them. I just hope that when the other parts of The Matrix films are released onto DVD there are as ample extras as featured here. I for one don`t want to have to shell out more ca$h for a supplemental disc.

Now I can`t wait to see parts two and three of The Matrix trilogy. Meanwhile, The Matrix Revisited runs at nearly 2½ hours and will undoubtedly get the juices of fans going. This DVD comes heartily recommended.