Animatrix

Pros: Visuals, Reveals more about The Matrix, better than either film.

Cons: Some people refuse to watch anime. A few episodes don't deliver.

The Bottom Line: The Animatrix offers a fascinating view into the world of The Matrix outside of the films. It's been given a good but unspectacular disk.

Review: When I first heard the news of an animated series based on the world of The Matrix I had a very sceptical reaction. Afterall some of the worst kids shows I've seen have been based on some of the most enjoyable Hollywood blockbusters. However...

Pros: Fleshes out the world/history of the Matrix

Cons: Some of the sequences are pretty gory. Almost all are pretty depressing.

The Bottom Line: Contains a lot of graphic violence, and could make your day worse if you're already feeling down.

Review: I enjoyed the Matrix and its sequel, and so I figured I'd kick back, relax, and enjoy the Animatrix one evening after work. The Animatrix did an end run around my expectations, and I found myself feeling sad and depressed after the viewing. Here's...

Pros: Osiris, Renaissance and Detective Story

Cons: Program, World Record

The Bottom Line: The disc seems short until you compare it to other animated offerings. Not every segment will apply to every viewer, but almost everyone will find something cool in The Animatrix

Review: Despite anime's long history in America, there are many folks who still think of any animated offering as kids' stuff. Tying in to The Matrix: Reloaded, The Animatrix (89 minutes, unrated, Warner Home Video) hopes to change...

Pros: A few stand-out films offer beautiful animation and affecting stories.

Cons: Too much filler; non-Matrix fans won?t find much to enjoy.

The Bottom Line: The Bottom Line wishes it had never taken the red pill.

Review: What is it about that darn Matrix, anyway? Despite the philosophical bombast and gleeful incomprehensibility of Matrix Reloaded, this summer s disappointing sequel to the reality-bending special-effects extravaganza that was The Matrix, I m still...

Pros: Some films are good, great animation and sound

Cons: Some films are pointless and confusing, others just boring

The Bottom Line: The Wachowski brothers may have created The Matrix series, but they're slowly bringing it to its grave. The Animatrix is just an add on to its death.

Review: With the release of The Matrix: Reloaded, it seems the Wachowski brothers are going crazy over more and more things to release with the word Matrix on it. They released the game, which turned out to be a little enjoyable, but not...

Pros: Animation is excellent; picture/sound quality and DVD features good.

Cons: Some of the stories are compelling, some have little connection to "Matrix".

The Bottom Line: Dark and rather inconsistent, the animation and imagination involved still makes this worth-while viewing.

Review: Movie:

Directors Larry and Andy Wachowski have said in their few interviews that they are big fans of Japanese animation (or, "Anime"). Watching "The Matrix", one can sense the influences from Anime style. Given the fact that the story of...

Pros: Are you kidding? It's about the Matrix.

Cons: Don't watch them all in a row.

The Bottom Line: If you're a Matrix fan, you'll already have this. If you're taking the time to read this and don't have it already ... very strange of you to do so.

Review: Yes, most review are common. My advice would be not to watch all 9 in a row. You'll be anxious by the end. Some are more "artsy" than others. Although 2 or 3 are absolute must sees for explanation of a few questions in the Matrix Reloaded. Who could...

Pros: A collection of anime set in the Matrix world

Cons: If you dislike anime, you will dislike this

The Bottom Line: A must see for Anime or Matrix fans.

Review: I just finished watching the Animatrix, and I am amazed. The visual effects are stunning, and at points, you don't think it is animated.

A standout was a short clip called "The Final Flight of Osiris". This movie was made by Square (the...

Pros: Excellent animation in some areas.

Cons: Huge disappointment, confusing, bizarre.

Review: I am an absolute fan of all three of the Matrix movies. There was a whole lot of hype about Animatrix, and I decided that I needed to add this to my collection. Huge disappointment. While there was some spectacular animation, the stories themselves...

Pros: Brings well-written anime to the masses; there's thinking involved

Cons: strays pretty far away from the shoot-em-up you might be expecting

The Bottom Line: This DVD is a prime example of being "better than watching TV," and I mean that as a high compliment.

Review: If, on the other hand, you've never seen the original movie, do not attempt to watch this DVD before seeing it. Everything that was ever cool about the whole idea of virtual reality, going all the way back to Tron, flavored with the cyberpunk...