The Matrix - Platinum Limited Edition DVD Collector's Set

Starring:Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving, Gloria Foster, Joe Pantoliano, Marcus Chong, Julian Arahanga, Matt Doran, Belinda McClory, Anthony Ray Parker, Paul Goddard, Robert Taylor (VII), David Aston, Marc Gray, Ada Nicodemou, Denni Gordon, Rowan Witt, Elenor Witt, Tamara Brown
Director: Andy Wachowski, Larry Wachowski
Studio: Creative Design Art
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com essential video
By following up their debut thriller Bound with the 1999 box-office smash The Matrix, the codirecting Wachowski brothers--Andy and Larry--annihilated any suggestion of a sophomore jinx, crafting one of the most exhilarating sci-fi/action movies of the 1990s. Set in the not too distant future in an insipid, characterless city, we find a young man named Neo (Keanu Reeves). A software techie by day and a computer hacker by night, he sits alone at home by his monitor, waiting for a sign, a signal--from what or whom he doesn't know--until one night, a mysterious woman named Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) seeks him out and introduces him to that faceless character he has been waiting for: Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne). A messiah of sorts, Morpheus presents Neo with the truth about his world by shedding light on the dark secrets that have troubled him for so long: "You've felt it your entire life, that there's something wrong with the world. You don't know what it is, but it's there, like a splinter in your mind, driving you mad." Ultimately, Morpheus illustrates to Neo what the Matrix is--a reality beyond reality that controls all of their lives, in a way that Neo can barely comprehend.

Amazon.com essential video

By following up their debut thriller Bound with the 1999 box-office smash The Matrix, the codirecting Wachowski brothers--Andy and Larry--annihilated any suggestion of a sophomore jinx, crafting one of the most exhilarating sci-fi/action movies of the 1990s. Set in the not too distant future in an insipid, characterless city, we find a young man named Neo (Keanu Reeves). A software techie by day and a computer hacker by night, he sits alone at home by his monitor, waiting for a sign, a signal--from what or whom he doesn't know--until one night, a mysterious woman named Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) seeks him out and introduces him to that faceless character he has been waiting for: Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne). A messiah of sorts, Morpheus presents Neo with the truth about his world by shedding light on the dark secrets that have troubled him for so long: "You've felt it your entire life, that there's something wrong with the world. You don't know what it is, but it's there, like a splinter in your mind, driving you mad." Ultimately, Morpheus illustrates to Neo what the Matrix is--a reality beyond reality that controls all of their lives, in a way that Neo can barely comprehend.

Customer Reviews:

"i'm going to enjoy watching you die, mr. anderson.".......2007-06-15

It is the movie that set new standards in the world of movie making. Terminator 2 did it in 1990, and the Matrix took it to the next level in 1999. Other films, such as Romeo Must Die, have tried to duplicate these wonderful effects, but have come up short. Not only is the Matrix a first in superb visuals and animation, but it is a dang good movie too.

If you haven't heard of the Matrix yet, this first installment explains everything. It might take a few viewings to understand every nook, but once it all fits into place it is a great theme, "is this world we live in real, or not, and what exactly defines "real". The Matrix will explain it all, in the eyes of Neo (aka Mr. Anderson as Agen Smith likes to call him), from his simple days as another man in the Matrix to becoming unplugged and becoming "The One".

The story is great. The characters are top notch and the visuals are to die for. Many even place this movie into martial arts category, as each fight scene displays true martial arts choreogrpahy intertwined with visual effects of animation. Truly though, the Matrix is a sc-fi action blast. Although there is the R rating, I have seen PG-13 films with more questionable content that this film. Most teenagers and above should be suitable for this.

Arguably the best in the trilogy, The Matrix is in my opinion that compared to the other two. Be sure to watch Reloaded and Revolutions, though not as good in story, the visuals are simplying mind-blowing, only expanding on what the first installment created.

Beginning of a revolution.......2007-06-08

If one could rate a movie's greatness by how many other copy it, then the Matrix has to be one of the greatest movies of all time. This movie was the first US film to use "bullet time" whereby entire action scenes are filmed in slow motion slow enough to see bullets move across the air. This is also the first movie to copy martial arts fighting scenes from Chinese films, and incorporate them into an American film in totality, including freeze frame shots, 360 pans, and really high jump kicks. Combined with the great storyline, dialogue and casting, this movie became a trendsetter. Other movies like LOTR, Shrek, and even Animal Channel specials have copied this style of action films.

The storyline itself is incredible, probably the best plot of any movie released in 1999. But it is not wholly original. Earlier in the decade the sci-fi movie Dark City was released, and back-to-back viewings of both movies reveal many similarities in the story, setting and even cinematography.

The casting was great. This is by far the best movie for Keanu Reeves. This movie was also groundbreaking in having a black actor and black actress in key protagonist roles; these being Morpheus and the Oracle. The casting of Carrie-Ann Moss was also great. A younger woman would not have lent the emotional weight as Ms. Moss. The use of a sexier woman might have reminded fans more of the Pamela Anderson bomb, Barbed Wire. Carrie-Ann Moss was the perfect actress to play Trinity; athletic but not buff, attractive but not bombshell, mature but not old. Interestingly, the movie's basis on science and computers has kicked of a fashion trend in US cities with large populations of young East Asian women in the high tech fields such as Seattle or San Francisco. Walking through these downtowns one can notice the large number of hot Asian chics dressed in black in the style of Trinity.

This DVD is fairly simple; the same movie as in theaters, some special features but no extended scenes. The movie is a great watch, but since it shows so often on TV, I would not recommend buying this DVD.

One of ten top ten films ever made.......2007-06-06

I mean how can you not list Matrix as one of the most extraordinary films in history,with one of the most intriguing storylines to ever hit the big screen. How utterly original, how truly amazed I am every single time I watch it. It is a movie that can sit in the background of a party, on multiple tv's and everyone is in tune with it. Visually brilliant and the sound is bar none. If you couldn't follow this one, or could not keep up with the fast paced and intricate plot, well then do not say you are too 'American' for a film such as this like the reviewer below. How shallow is that; instead go rent Fantastic Four, that should be trite, unmoving and American enough for you.

Matrix is one of the greatest, and always will be. Stunning, rich in depth and suspense, totally engrossing and mesmorizing.

Comics, Comparative Religion and Kung Fu.......2007-06-05

Just about perfect, as long as you don't think too much.

In a world of nuclear ruin, I imagine your average intelligent computer could probably find a better fuel cell than a slightly warm, always hungry, constantly defecating comatose human, for whom they have to invent an elaborate mind warp, so as to, what, keep all their blood-slaves happy?

But Besides That...perfect in all regards.

With technical and martial arts grace, thanks to a long line of predecessors.

See the "Once Upon a Time in China" series (especially the first, with dvd commentary) for a great introduction to wire-fighting.

Next, pick up a concise guide to Hindu philosophy, a compendium of Dark Horse comics, and a pair of anti-gravity boots, and you've got it.

And Keanu? I'm tempted to say that making ineffectual look superhuman is the single greatest special effect, but that would undermine the great artistry that is painted all over the digital cells.

In the `nuked-world' scenes, the film looks like it was photographed in an Eastern European sewer system, and the actors let you feel the grit and mold.

A very good action movie, plus a high school treatise on comparative religion....who could ask for more?

Too complicated.......2007-05-11

Maybe I'm too american and simple minded, but the plot twists and turns too often in the series. You have to remember every little plot twist or risk not understanding the next ones in the series.

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