Animatrix (DVD, 2003, Widescreen)

Amazon.com
Matrix writer-directors Larry and Andy Wachowski commissioned seven artists from Japan, America and Korea to make nine short films set in the world of their feature trilogy. Some of the top anime directors contributed to this anthology, including Yoshiaki Kawajiri (Ninja Scroll), Koji Morimoto (Robot Carnival), and Shinchiro Watanabe (Cowboy Bebop). Some of the films tie directly into the narrative of the live-action movies. Drawn in a style reminiscent of Jean "Moebius" Giraud, Mahiro Maeda's The Second Renaissance (Part I & Part II) depicts the human-machine wars that caused the enslavement of humanity and the creation of the Matrix. The duel between two flamboyantly costumed Kabuki warriors in Kawajiri's Program is an expanded version of the cybernetic training Neo (Keanu Reeves) undergoes in the first Matrix film. Watanabe evokes the look of old newspaper photographs in A Detective Story, which falls outside the storyline of the features. Fast-paced, violent and grim, The Animatrix is an uneven but intriguing compilation that represents a new level in the ongoing cross-pollination between Japanese animation and American live action. (Not rated, suitable for ages 16 and older: considerable violence, violence against women, grotesque imagery, brief nudity, alcohol use) --Charles Solomon

Product Description
From the creators of The Matrix trilogy this groundbreaking collection of nine short films from seven of the world's leading anime directors provides a visionary fusion of CG-Animatrion and Japanese anime.Running Time: 89 min.System Requirements:Running Time 88:57 MinFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: SCI-FI/FANTASY Rating: NR UPC: 085393731625

It was what it said, bunch of animated shorts. A few do add to the story the rest are kind of related. It was entertaining and worth the little I paid used without a doubt. If you like the Matrix series I'd say it is worth retail.

The animation style varies, which was interesting if you like animated stuff at all.

I would have put excellent but the menu is functional and not that nice, there is no opening/introduction, and no extras. Would have been nice to include some interviews or something additional, but they didn't.

The related stories are pretty good some tell about what happened before the movie just to fill in some information, including using the actor's voices. I thought they were great, assuming one would buy this likes animated works. Not much more to it than that.

The Animatrix is a collection of different styles of anime. Each style has its own outtake on the matrix. Some of these short movies are very good and some are, let’s say interesting. All of the short movies are entertaining, but some more than others. Personally my favorite short movie was done in CG or computer generated. It shows a man and a woman sparing in a simulation blindfolded with swords. I wish they would make a full length move of it. It was that good.

If you are not a matrix fan then buy this just for the action if you can find it cheap.
If you are a matrix fan then this is a must have.

this anime ties in with the matrix trilogy. for example, it shows scenes not offered in the movie that took place from part one to reloaded.

also, it explains how the war started. all nine short stories were equally as fascinating. a terrific purchase of only 5 dollars!

The Animatrix is story telling at its best. Its a series of amine and CGI shorts that unfold the tale behind the matrix and how it came into existence, along with a few tales being in current story time taking place in the matrix itself. Each story gives another peice to the puzzle that is the matrix, and dose so beautifully. Without watching the animatrix one cannot fully understand the true genius of the matrix universe and the struggle between man and machine. Personally, I loved every minute of the animatrix. Along with a great soundtrack and astounding arwork, the creation of the animatrix was a true achievement.