Overall, if you're a fan of anime this is a must-buy. The odds of seeing work by such excellent and talented directors collected together again are quite unlikely. Though, perhaps this will inspire others to take the same approach. If you want to discover more about the Wachowski brothers' ideas behind the Matrix, then you should at least rent the DVD. There are extra features on the DVD, including a very interesting documentary called Scrolls to Screen, which details the history of anime in Japan, and will familiarise anyone who is unused to this media with the work of the directors. There's also audio commentary on four of the nine pieces, and enhanced features for the DVD if watched on your PC. It's a well-produced package, which definitely appeals most to anime buffs.
"A sinister cabal of superior writers."
Article comments
1 - Michelle
What an incident. They showed the Animatrix yesterday on German television. I didn't forget to tune in and was surprised by most of the stories. My favourite is "Kid's Story" shortly followed by "Beyond". "World Record" and expecially "Matriculate" I didn't like at all. Mostly the last was totally lacking a plot and seemed to just show of a kind a psychedelic color-boost.
However, I liked the slightly melancholic tone throughout all of the stories.
2 - Eric Olsen
Thanks Maura, very nice perspective. Welcome!
3 - Peter
Overall, I liked the Animatrix DVD. One of my favorite parts is whenever the asian looking girl repeatedly sways her realistic butt cheeks to the left and right while she ponders her attack on her boyfriend. I cannot help to notice that this girl's crotch area was repeatedly emphasized in the first film. Why was the girl, or just her body, the most obvious element of this film?
4 - Bat Boy
besides for looking alright I thought the beginning of final flight... was pointless. I very much enjoyed Matriculated for adding another dimension to the man vs machine battle. This is a cool DVD, still I found it difficult to sit and watch in one sitting.
5 - The Minus Man
The Animatrix was great.. although some of the episodes left me hungry for more, just the fact that they were made was great. I loved the renaissance episodes. It left you feeling very sympathetic to fictional characters.