NBrid

As the 3rd installment in the Matrix trilogy opens, one must relive the experience of The Matrix Reloaded. As is the norm of the day, the Matrix Reloaded DVD has not 1, but 2 discs. That means a whole disc just for the extras we all desire.

I know there are many who felt disappointed with The Matrix Reloaded, even let down, but I personally thought it was a great follow-up and can't wait to see Matrix Revolutions. They say imitation is the greatest form of flattery, but it can also doom the original creator. I think that's what happened somewhat with Reloaded. It was doomed by its own success. When The Matrix came out in 1999, it floored everyone with its amazing special effects. And as such every action movie since has copied it in some way. (The most obvious way being "bullet time".) So when Reloaded came out, while I do think it pushed the envelope and did things the first didn't, it wasn't anything people hadn't seen every other recent movie do, even if they didn't do it nearly as well.

The same could be said of the DVD package. Looking back, The Matrix DVD started a revolution of its own. This disc alone sold countless DVD players. Not just because everyone wanted to own this movie, but because of the now standard 'extras'. Before Matrix, 'extras' just meant director commentary. The Matrix added so much more with behind-the-scenes documentaries, a "take the red pills" feature where as you watched the movie you could 'take' (click) the red pill to find out how they did that scene, and yes of course, cast/crew commentary (namely, Carrie-Anne Moss). Since then, all of this has become standard flair. And since really Fight Club, all of these extras come on a second disc. So while what is available as 'extras' on Reloaded can be nice and interesting, it's also nothing new and innovative.

Here's a quick run-down of what is available.

Pre-load - Get behind the scenes: This is your standard behind-the-scenes documentary. However, it can be interesting for those who are interested in such things. It clocks in at over 20 minutes, so there is a fair amount to watch. Keanu Reeves (Neo), Laurence Fishburne (Morpheus), Carrie-Anne Moss (Trinity), Hugo Weaving (Agent Smith), they are all in there.

The Matrix Unfolds - A look at the Matrix Phenomenon: This is a short 5 minute piece of everything that has become a part of the Matrix universe since the original movie came out. Specifically how the videogame (Enter the Matrix) and the Animatrix all fit in.

The Freeway Chase - How they did it: Like the title says, a detailed look at how they did the coolest scene of the movie.

Get Me an Exit - Inspired design and advertising: If you remember, there never really was a TV commercial specifically for Reloaded. It was always another product done Matrix style hyping up the upcoming release of Reloaded. This takes a look at a few of those spots and the design behind them. In the 10 minutes this feature lasts, they also show the actual ads for Powerade and Samsung (who markets the Matrix phone).

Enter the Matrix - Making the game: This is a very deep look at the making of this videogame. So detailed that it's the longest feature, coming in at almost 30 minutes. They mainly look at the story and design behind the actual 'movie' footage in the game and the motion-capped sequences. They look at it like this is what Reloaded would of been if it was 3 hours instead of just 2. So maybe that's why it's 30 minutes to the Reloaded documentary's 20? Well, no. Probably just hype to get you to buy the game... (Protip: You're better off getting Max Payne.)

What is the Animatrix?: This is basically a 5 minute trailer for the Animatrix. Which is of course the Matrix done by various well-know anime directors (though some is CG computer graphics). Interesting since it gives a greater back-story to the Matrix and fills in what took place between the first movie and Reloaded (a Matrix 1.5 if you will). Ever wonder were that Kid came from that follows Neo around in Zion?

The MTV Movie Awards Reloaded: They saved the best for last. This was the opening sequence to the MTV Movie Awards. Think of it as a 10 minute parody of the Matrix Reloaded, and it is damn funny, even with Justin Timberlake. It also features Stifler, err Seann William Scott (who co-hosted the awards show with Timberlake), and has cameos by the likes of Andy Dick and Will Ferrell. Ferrell alone makes this feature worthwhile.

For those, like me, that didn't see the MTV Movie Awards, that feature alone makes this worth getting. However, I still can't shake the feeling this disc was rushed out in time just for The Matrix Revolutions. The other extras really arn't anything great, and if you already have Enter the Matrix and the Animatrix, it's even less interesting. The innovative features of the original Matrix are gone. The only reason it even comes on two discs is for marketing purposes. If it only came on one, people would wonder why. But to be fair, I think most DVD's second discs are pretty much a joke and just marketing fodder. The real kicker though is that there isn't even any commentary. I rarely listen to these, but it would of been nice to have. Plus it is further proof this disc was rushed out.

All that aside, the number one reason you should get this DVD (or any DVD) is for the movie. The extras are just that, extra. The only problem I saw in the actual Matrix Reloaded movie was that the two faces (or sides) of The Matrix became separate entities. The general public loved the original for its fast action, cool kung-fu sequences, and of course, amazing special effects. This is the 'face' they jokingly refer to as "for the kids". What many didn't see (or tried to ignore) was that under it all, it is a fairly hardcore science fiction movie. A very philosophical sci-fi movie even. What Andy Richter refers to as "nerd porn". (Alien and Terminator were also popular special effects laden sci-fi movies so The Matrix isn't unique in that reguard.) While in the first movie the 'faces' were more intertwined, in Reloaded they separated. You would have a long 10 minute action scene, followed by a just as long scene where all they did was stand around and talk. They did much more 'talking' and 'philosophizing' period this time around. And I think it was these scenes that turned many people off. Their lose says I.

Protip: Don't be a fool! Get the 'widescreen' version! Only losers get the edited to fit your TV dimensions of the 'full screen' version.

If you are a big fan of what the Wachowski brothers have done in The Matrix, it's a no-brainer that you will want this DVD. If you plan to go see The Matrix Revolutions, you at least have to rent it. Since as they readily admit several times on this DVD, Reloaded and Revolutions is just one long movie split in two (which is another reason many people didn't like Reloaded). However, if you have the patience, you might want to wait. My guess is maybe as early as next year they will release a set of all 3 movies, which might very well have more and better features. Heck, it might even have commentary.