Matrix Re-Gurgitated (The Matrix Reloaded (DVD))

Member Name: utero

Product:	The Matrix Reloaded (DVD)
Date:	19/10/03 (58 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good Transfer, Excellent Sound, MTV Parody

Disadvantages: Poor Extras, No Trailers

It's time for the Matrix hype machine to re-appear as the final part of the trilogy hits theatres in a matter of weeks. Back in May we had The Matrix-Reloaded and it was heralded as bigger and better than the original. Yes it was bigger but it wasn't as good in many ways because a lot was on the dull and boring side. Ultimately Reloaded is a filler for what will hopefully be the barnstorming final part.

The film does deliver an excellent highway chase sequence as well as some other decent feats of special effects but one of the problems with this movie is that some of the sequences cross over into the boundary of CGI overload when you're faced with obvious digital Neo's and Agent Smiths. The film also has a very laughable rave sequence that may go down as the most unnecessary sequence in cinema this year.

I won't got into plot details as there are countless opinions on the movie itself elsewhere on this site. Also if you haven't seen the original then frankly you won't know what the hell I'm talking about.

Anyway before the release of Matrix-Revolutions we have the DVD release of Reloaded. The original Matrix dvd sold by the bucket load and at the time was considered a release which made good use of DVD's potential. However since then it has now been superceded by countless other releases. This two disc set on the surface would seem like a big improvement but by the time you put the disc into your player your ideas will be shattered. There's no two ways about it, Reloaded is a pretty mediocre release.

Disc one contains the film. The menus are themed to the theatrical trailer and get you pumped up for what's in store. The major plus on the release will be the film's transfer-it's excellent. Every scene of the movie is re-produced in razor sharp quality; there are no points where you can make a negative comment. It's sterling stuff. The same can be said for the Dolby Digital 5.
1 EX soundtrack. As you'd expect it rocks from the outse
t with a completely immersing sound experience. Bass is heavy, dialogue is clear and things zip around the rears with incredible dynamic.

Now big films such as Lord of the Rings and Star Wars have got great DVD treatments. Reloaded however appears to be a filler release and I have no doubt that next year you'll probably see a box set of all three films with all sorts of extras. What you get here is primarily filler and shrewd marketing.

'Preload' is a 22-minute fluff piece where the stars and producers say that everything is bigger and better. You get glimpses of the wire work and CGI stunt work involved in the movie but most of it in incredibly brief and there no real content on how thing are put together.

'The Matrix Unfolds' is a 6-minute featurette that slyly sells you on the movie, the computer game and also the Animatrix release. Of course it all fits into the Matrix world but ultimately its saying buy the game and the dvd.

'The Freeway Chase' is a 25-minute piece on how they did the film's big set piece. This actually isn't promo guff and you gives you a good insight into the creation of it. It shows the complex planning that went into the stunts as well as the general expense and scale of creating the sequence.

'Get Me An Exit' is a short featurette on the film-themed ties in from Mobile Phones and Drinks companies. It's decent enough but ultimately it's a shameless plug for those companies who put up some cash to get their brands recognised in association with the film.

'Making The Game' is a 28-minute featurette on how the game that ties into the film was made. It's a bit interesting but again it's just something that sells you the game and nothing more.

By far the best feature on the dvd is the MTV movie awards parody. Sean William Scott and Justin Timberlake are
inserted into selected moments of the film for comedic effect. This doesn't really amuse you until the final scene when they face 'The Architect' played by Will Ferrell. Here he boasts that he created The Matrix as well as several popular video games. He also retorts to Neo's attitude by saying "I'm feeling a little vulnerable right now so you need to chill out!"

Finally you have an Animatrix trailer as well as DVD-rom website links. There is no sign of any theatrical trailers, this time around there's not even an isolated score. This is certainly a step-down from the first movies release. It's a shame but this is good demo material for any DVD system.

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