Matrix Reloaded Review:

Synopsis

Written and directed by The Wachowski Brothers (Andy and Larry) and produced by Joel Silver, The Matrix Reloaded is the second chapter of a ground-breaking action trilogy that explores the nature of reality and the search for truth. In addition to the return of original Matrix stars Keanu Reeves (Neo), Laurence Fishburne (Morpheus), Carrie-Anne Moss (Trinity) and Hugo Weaving (Agent Smith), Jada Pinkett Smith and Monica Bellucci also join the cast.

In this second installment, Neo, Trinity and Morpheus lead a revolt against the Machine Army as it attacks Zion, the last human city on earth, unleashing their arsenal of extraordinary skills and weaponry against the forces of repression and exploitation. In their quest to save the human race, they gain greater insight into the construct of The Matrix and Neo's pivotal role in the fate of mankind.

The Film

After years of anticipation, The Matrix Reloaded finally hit the cinemas, thus unleashing a barrage of publicity tie-ins and press frenzy. The superb original relied very heavily on the element of surprise - it's kung-fu action, bullet-time camerawork and post-apocalyptic plot wowed audiences without breaking a sweat. With viewer expectations set so high for this second outing, the film faced an admittedly unfair uphill challenge from the very start.

In this first sequel, Neo and the other Nebuchadnezzar crew members return to Zion, the underground human refuge and sole remaining city, which is under serious attack from the machines. With the enemy drilling through the Earth and drawing ever closer, Morpheus, Trinity and others join Neo as he re-enters the Matrix in a do-or-die attempt to save mankind. However, he is faced with shocking revelations (and an old enemy) from the past, further throwing shadow on the very nature of the Matrix and the key to unlocking it. As with the first film, not much more can be given away without spoiling the experience.

Sadly, this first sequel is simply not as good as The Matrix. The Wachowski Brothers seem to overdose on slow-motion from the outset, presumably because they had the budget to do so this time round. The first hour or so of the film is very slow-paced, bar one or two average fight sequences, which understandably left most cinema audiences underwhelmed. One has to admire the directors for having the courage to delay the meat of the combat till later in the film, but these first few acts are nevertheless dull, lacking the panache and structured elegance of the first film's opening.

However, once the delightful Gloria Foster (who has sadly since deceased) arrives on-screen, the tale seems to instantaneously accumulate energy by the truckload. The cinematography and overall design become much more stylish, while the special effects and action start to shine. A virtuoso freeway sequence of near-epic proportions serves as the film's crowning glory - the computer effects and overall scale masterfully blend together to finally create set pieces of the quality that fans demanded. Overall, the story to this sequel is fairly good once the bloated introduction is dealt with. The ending is undeniably abrupt in order to sustain momentum for the trilogy's concluding installment.

The special effects were even more ambitious for their time than those of The Matrix. At times, such as during the afore-mentioned freeway chase, the work pays off and delivers truly stunning images. However, at many other points, the CGI simply looks fake and disappointing. A particular fight sequence involving Neo and dozens of Agent Smiths is a classic example - the film simply tries too hard and ends up with nothing more than a jarringly artificial display that betrays the style of the original.

Overall, this is a worthy successor to The Matrix, but almost inevitably inferior in comparison despite its fair number of high points.

Video

The 2.40:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer is jaw-droppingly good, making this 2-disc set one of the finest looking of the year. The colours, which are frequently tinted green as in the first film, are reproduced with pinpoint accuracy, while absolutely no print damage is on display.

Both grain and noise are virtually non-existent and black levels are nothing short of perfect from start to finish. Sharpness is also superb and no signs of either edge enhancement or aliasing can be seen.

Overall, therefore, this is practically a reference quality transfer that will please even the most critical eyes.

Audio

The Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack is an unquestionably active feast of discrete effects, although the sonics fall slightly short of impressing as much as the image quality.

Bass levels are incredibly heavy and the subwoofer will periodically rumble with glorious power. Meanwhile, the score is delivered from behind with equal vigour and a never-ending array of directional effects will emerge from behind with precision and excellent channel separation.

Overall, therefore, this is a superb 5.1 soundtrack that performs almost faultlessly in every regard. The only significant disappointment is the lack of a DTS soundtrack - with the extras stowed away on the second disc, this extra audio stream should have really been included.

Extras

Although a supplementary disc has been provided for the bonus material, one can't help but feel that this is not going to be the last DVD outing for The Matrix Reloaded - the scope for money-making by releasing superior versions will undoubtedly prove to great to resist in the future. Note that all extras are presented in 1.33:1 full-frame with Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo sound unless stated otherwise.

First up is the 22 minute 'Preload' featurette , which is a good promotional item, but ultimately still a promotional item all the same. The featurette serves as a general overview to the film, complete with cast interviews and a more than generous helping of behind-the-scenes footage. This is definitely recommended viewing for fans - it's just a shame that the running length didn't clock in nearer one hour.

Next up is the 'Matrix Unfolds' featurette, which is a weak 5 minute piece that explains the many different Matrix projects in existence, ranging from the trilogy of films to the indifferently-received video game. As the skimpy running time suggests, this featurette is practially void of any useful detail and certainly not appropriate as the second extra of such a high-calibre title.

The 'Freeway Chase' featurette is a brilliant 31 minute featurette that undeniably serves as the highlight of the second disc. The promotional slants are ditched in favour of a more admirable video journal style for this detailed exploration of the virtuoso freeway chase scene. Stunt preparations, B-roll footage, interviews, special effects material and much more makes up this superb extra.

The 10 minute 'Get Me An Exit' featurette follows and, at times, you'll ironically wish that someone really had shown this extra the door. Producer Joel Silver and others talk about Matrix-related advertising and how they wanted the endorsements to be classy. However, the featurette ultimately ends up being little more than a collection of these adverts to presumably please the relevant sponsors in question.

The penultimate featurette is entitled 'Enter The Matrix: The Game' . Like many of the other bonus material items, this seems like yet another attempt to sell something to the fan (namely the video game in this case). However, the 28 minute running length has allowed plenty of behind-the-scenes information and trivia to be included, along with decent excerpts from the gameplay. Overall, this ends up being quite a detailed extra that is particularly recommended to those who have played the game.

The hilarious MTV Movie Awards 2003 spoof follows for 10 minutes in all its non-anamorphic widescreen glory. These MTV spoofs have been very well crafted (and received) in recent years and this send up of The Matrix Reloaded is no exception. Justin Timberlake, Seann William Scott (better known as Stifler from the American Pie films) and Will Ferrell are digitally insert into various key scenes from the film and the wonderfully crude laughs just keep coming and coming - well worth a watch, especially after a fresh viewing of the film.

Finally, some weblinks have been provided to various official sites, most of which have already visited been the more serious fans. The menu screens are, of course, animated and presented with Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo sound, while the two discs are housed in a bog-standard plastic amaray case.

Overall, most fans will feel somewhat disappointed with the extras on this 2-disc set. The volume of material, while far from remarkable, is certainly not the problem. The featurettes are simply lacking in detail all too often and rarely crafted skilfully, especially for such a high profile. However, there can only one reason for this - a superior DVD set has been scheduled for release in the future and a lot of quality material has been deliberately held back to ensure fans are tempted into parting with their cash yet again.

Feature 7/10
Video 10/10
Audio 9/10
Extras 7/10

Overall 8/10

DVD Bulletin

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