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The Animatrix Has You
By Jorgio Castro
Fans of the blockbuster film experience, “The Matrix,” can now learn even more about the origins of the battle between man and machine from the comfort of home.
“The Animatrix,” a series of nine animated short subjects encompassing the history and rich background stories of “The Matrix,” is set to be released on DVD June 3rd (You can download the first four episodes of the series at www.intothematrix.com). Four of the nine anime shorts are written by Larry and Andy Wachowski, the creative minds responsible for the original film. Entitled, in order, “Flight of the Osiris,” “The Second Renaissance: Part 1,” “The Second Renaissance: Part 2,” “Program,” “Detective Story,” “Beyond,” “World Record,” “Matriculated,” and “Kid’s Story,” each short runs between 6 and 16 minutes.
One of the shorts details the famed “Final Flight of the Osiris.”
Courtesy www.intothematrix.com
“The Animatrix” boasts some of the most talented anime directors today. The all-sar ensemble includes Mahiro Maeda, who in addition to directing “The Second Renaissance: Part 1 and Part 2,” had recently been known for doing a science fiction action series entitled “Blue Submarine 6.” Shinichiro Watanabe, who put together “Kid's Story” and “Detective Story” on the disc, has put out works such as the video anime “Macross Plus” and the television series “Cowboy Bebop.”
The shorts explore various characters, some of which appear in “Reloaded.”
Courtesy www.intothematrix.com
Rounding out the rest of the names, Yoshiaki Kawajiri, director of “Program,” was the force behind “Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust” and “Goku 2: Midnight Eye.” Takeshi Koike directs “World Record” as his first project of note. Koji Morimoto directs “Beyond” after having most recently produced the animated music video of the hit Japanese group Glay. Peter Chung, perhaps best known for the animated series “Aeon” on MTV, lends his talents to “Matriculated.
While capitalizing on the seemingly unending tidal wave of popularity that “The Matrix” is currently riding, the set of films also represents an increasing push towards bringing anime from Asia into the American mainstream. When asked about American audiences increasing interests in anime, Maeda responded, “It makes me very happy, and at the same time its kind of an odd feeling… we always think of our culture as a stand alone culture that doesn’t have a lot of parallels, or a lot in common with that of other cultures. So it makes us happy, but it also feels a little strange, as we’re not really sure why your audiences would like our work.”
The styles of animation in the Animatrix are varied and distinct.
Courtesy www.intothematrix.com
The markedly different styles of animation used on “The Animatrix,” as well as the engaging stories and subjects might be just a few reasons for why the series of short films has gained such popularity even before its official release to the public.
For those who have seen “Matrix: Reloaded,” the shorts will add even more to the understanding of the movie world.
The atmosphere of the Matrix is seamlessly captured in the shorts.
Courtesy www.intothematrix.com
The disc retails for around $20 and will be available for purchase as you read this. “The Animatrix” features the voices of Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Ann Moss, who add to the feel created by the short anime features. Although a few may seem far removed from the storyline of the film, both hardcore fanatics and casual fans of this film will genuinely enjoy entering the Animatrix.
June 6, 2003
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