BACK COVER SYNOPSIS: "One of the best ten science-fiction films of the century" - Paul LePetit, The Sunday Telegraph. "A Visually Adrenalised Roller Coaster Ride." - Jeffrey Wells, Showbiz Confidential.

FILM REVIEW: Returning to 1999, the mass audience was awaiting with unbridled anticipation the return of Star Wars with the eagerly awaited Episode I: The Phantom Menace. But before George Lucas' continuing epic hit theatres a surprise packet of a sci-fi film hit the screens a month or so before called "The Matrix" and arguably trumped Episode I, at least in terms of storytelling. Cleverly marketed with the tagline: "What is the Matrix? You'll just have to see it for yourself...", this film became a solid hit before turning in to a massive hit on DVD. What was it about his film that engrossed audiences? There are many answers but for the most part it's just exhilarating to watch, delivers on a lot of sci-fi genre conventions with style, and managed to introduce a new type of shot called 'bullet-time' where shots change speed and angle in a very unusual way that add a lot to the unique world of The Matrix.

"The Matrix" is essentially a comic book hero story fused with a high-tech concept. The main character, Neo (Keanu Reeves) is busy trying to uncover the mystery of 'The Matrix'. He knows it will help him uncover the secrets to his life and why not everything is right with the world. He eventually seeks out supposed terrorist Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) who shows him what the Matrix really is: a massive power plant where human society has been transformed in to batteries to supply fuel and energy for their machine overloads, with the Matrix being a computer program designed to keep the brains of the humans occupied so they don't question their existence. Neo learns that he has special gifts which make him super-human and together with Morpheus and his crew, that set out on a journey to battle the machines from within the Matrix.

The story itself is an amalgamation of several pre-existing stories. Neo is the classic comic book hero character. The idea of machines ruling us or destroying our way of life was presented in the 'Terminator' films (this is perhaps one down-side - when the big reveal is made at about the 45 minute mark, you will get the feeling of, "oh come on, this was done in Terminator!"). The idea of virtual reality has been presented before but not as successfully as here. But this film really shines in keeping all of that a mystery for the first forty minutes, exploring themes of 'what is life?' and 'what is real?'. For an audience, it's such an extravagant idea yet being so based in reality you wonder whether there's something more to your life than meets the eye. As a result, this is film that actually makes you think a little bit. Not bad for a sci-fi actioner.

After the cerebral stuff, the film turns in to a special effects/action extravaganza with some of the most thrilling images you're likely to see on film and action sequences that are not only gripping to watch but are actually fused in to the narrative in a way that makes sense to the story rather than being an orgy of non-related action sequences that have come to plague so many films. It's also just plain cool with the action scenes pumping along to a rock-punk soundtrack.

The cast is a well-assembled bunch. Keanu Reeves leads the pack as Neo and does well in having a sense of disbelief throughout most of the proceedings. Laurence Fishburne is perfect as rebel leader Morpheus who is somewhat Yoda like in tone and dialogue. And Trinity is one cool chick who can not only kick ass but is intelligent enough to influence what's going on. And of course, there's Hugo Weaving as bad guy Agent Smith. You can tell he's having a lot of fun with the character and is a perfect foil to Reeves' more understated performance.

The Wachowski Brothers wanted to do a real-life Japanese Manga animation and they have succeeded brilliantly with 'The Matrix'. It's almost impossible to describe the sequences they have put on screen but it suffices to say they introduced a new visual vocabulary for action films that many others have since copied. The subway sequence where Neo takes on the seemingly indestructible Agent Smith for the first time, or when Neo and Trinity shoot their way past security in a heavily fortified building, or when Morpheus and Neo are in training in a simulated Matrix are not only spectacular to watch but have so much dramatic relevance to the story that it's hard to not be swept up in it all.

This is a great film that will not disappoint.

TECHNICAL REVIEW: This disc is nothing short of perfection in the transfer department. The picture is crystal clear perfect, and the audio is a real delight, especially with the amount of detail with each individual sound during every scene in the film. When you hear the rain drops coming from the rear speaker during an early scene in the film you'll appreciate how much care has been put in to creating this soundtrack. Make sure you turn up the volume! A brilliant job in every department.

EXTRAS REVIEW: We have a decent collection of extras on this disc, including a 30 minute documentary on the making of the film, audio commentaries with the cast and crew (but sadly not the directors!), featurettes on 'bullet-time' (the system designed for the film to create its unique shots), behind the scenes featurettes which can be accessed while watching the film, a music-only track with commentary, english subtitles and cast/crew biographies. The extras focus more on the technical aspects of the production and the directors are unfortunately hiding in the background for a lot of it but at least you get an insight in to the making of this film.

BOTTOM LINE: Worth having in the collection.