Matrix (1999)
The Matrix is a
science fiction, action film written and directed by the Wachowski Brothers. It
depicts a dystopian future, where everything we know and perceive is actually a
simulated reality called ‘the Matrix’. Sentient machines designed the Matrix to
control and manipulate the human population, allowing them to use each person’s
body heat and electrical activity as an energy source.
The Matrix was
like nothing anyone had seen before; with it’s advanced visual effects,
incredible fight scenes and unique plot, it enticed audiences from all over the
globe. It has had an everlasting impact on the film industry since it’s release
in 1999, influencing many blockbuster films, particularly action and is arguably one of the greatest science fiction films of all time. Although the
Matrix is known for it’s famous ‘bullet time’ effect and the iconic green
coding, it’s is also noticed for the consistent philosophical and religious
references. It also pays homage to various works such as Lewis Carroll’s
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Jean Baurdrillard’s Simulacra and
Simulation. After it’s release, it was the first DVD to sell more than one
million copies in the US and then went on to be the first DVD to sell more than
three million copies in the US.
The matrix is
also recognised for it’s innovative and detailed menu set up. In fact, a lot of
DVD players in the early 2000s struggled to play the film, as it was so
complex. Many DVD menus are basic, consisting of just still images or offer
minimal insight into what the film is about. Using moving images makes
everything more exciting.
It begins with
the famous green coding, and then goes to a sequence of different clips from
the movie (about 20 seconds long) to entice the viewer. This montage mainly includes
fight scenes to showcase all of the cool stunts and special effects that went
into creating the film. This feature was designed specifically for the DVD. I
also noticed that this particular menu includes music (and other sound effects
at the beginning), which isn’t always the case with every DVD, especially with
earlier films. The song is intended to create an intense and dramatic feel. The
same song is also included in the film.
Menu options: Scene
Selections, Special
Features, Languages and Play
Movie. It also offers
English subtitles for the hard of hearing.
The actual menu
also includes snippets from the film; again they have used mainly footage from
the fight scenes (building up to the confrontation with the sentient machines).
Just from looking at the menu you assume this film is full of action, it possesses
a futuristic, dark and exciting feel, which reflects the film perfectly. They
have used the same theme, text and colours (black, green and purple) for each
option, along with the icon Matrix graphic. Like most DVD menus, when you
select an option something changes; it becomes another colour or the text is
highlighted, with this film they have used a green square that matches the text
of the binary coding, to help navigate between buttons. Overall, it is very well
designed and simply aesthetically pleasing.
Other
notable extras including:
A
Behind-The-Scenes Documentary, Feature-Length Audio Commentary, Hidden Special
Effects Documentaries, Music Only Track With Composer Commentary and Multiple
Angles.
As well as: Story Boards, Web Access, the entire Website, Cast & Crew biographies and Special Edition Video.
The Matrix is an American-Australian made film, so for example, if you
were to view it on a DVD player in America, the region code would be 1 and in
Australia it would be 4. The region code will differ depending on which country
you’re in. For me, the region code would be 2 as I live in the UK. The format
is PAL and the type of disc used was originally a DVD-ROM. It is available in Dolby 5.1 Digital Sound and widescreen.
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