Movie/DVD Review: The Matrix (1999 release)

The Matrix is the movie that redefined the action-adventure-sci-fi action genre of movies, and especially the computer-generated special effects of that genre. The movie has been around long enough that most people know the plot, humans created artificial intelligent machines that eventually became autonomous and went to war with humans. The humans eventually lost and were used as batteries to power the machines, living inside a computer simulation called The Matrix. Some humans were able to escape The Matrix (yet still plug into it and as a result have superhuman abilities inside the computer) and lead a resistance fight against the machines. 

The movie starred Keanu Reeves in his first big post "Bill and Ted" role, Laurence Fishburne, and Carrie Anne Moss, in the lead roles, with a supporting cast made up of mostly lesser-known character actors and actresses.  Some, like Hugo Weaving, who are very well-known now, and others who did not do much notably after The Matrix. At the time the movie was made, the most recognizable supporting cast member was probably Joe Pantoliano.  Back in 1999 a lot of people had very low expectations for the movie, based mainly on the "whoa" moment from the trailer thinking Reeves would totally blow the role. But, Reeves did a lot better than expected job with the role of Neo/Mr. Anderson than a lot of people expected, and Fishburne nailed his role as Morpheus.

The original DVD release did have some making-of and behind-the-scenes material, along with some deleted scenes, and a couple of different commentary tracks. And, the DVD could also be put into a computer CD-ROM drive and get some other bonus features. But, the extras are nowhere near as extensive as those that would be included on subsequent releases, especially on the Ultimate Matrix Collection Blu-Ray set or the 4K Blu-Ray releases. But, if you are one of those who never upgraded from DVD, and like going through extras, there is still quite a bit there for you.

Overall, it is an iconic movie with groundbreaking special effects that would influence CGI effects in movies and tv shows for at least a decade after its release. It is well written and acted, and even to this day can be one of those conversation starter movies. And, it holds up pretty well even 20+ years later.