The Matrix (DVD, 1999)

The first time I saw The Matrix in theaters, I really didn't "get" all of it. I missed so many of the things that make this movie as fabulous as it is. But watching it on DVD makes the movie even that much better... Especially if you choose to "follow the white rabbit."

Following the white rabbit allows you to hit a button on your remote whenever a white rabbit appears in the corner of the screen to get a behind the scenes look at "how did they do that?" Fabulous feature.

As for the movie itself... What can I say that hasn't already been said? Probably not much. But that never stopped me before. So bear with me as I go over some of the finer points that most other people can't leave out of their reviews either. I apologize for any repetition.

The Matrix is a fantastical epic. The amount of thought that must've gone into the script just blows my mind. From the whole Alice in Wonderland parallel to the Neo-Christ parallel to the post-apocalyptic world that is created for us, it is just one amazing story.

The special effects are unmatched. Knowing that it took about two years to come up with the technology that allowed Neo to master the matrix to slow down time and dodge bullets...it just makes me say "wow." What a leap of faith by the production staff, starting the filming of the movie not knowing how or even if they would be able to make that scene work.

I have no complaints as far as the actors are concerned. I think the cast did an excellent job with the excellent script they had to work with. They did not disappoint. Costumes? You can't go wrong with basic black, especially when the actors are sexy and some of them are wearing vinyl.

A driving soundtrack backs up the non-stop action. It's not really my genre, so I wouldn't go buy the soundtrack, but it fits perfectly with the visuals.

This movie is a must see. Not only is it visually pleasing, but its plot is satisfying, and it is quite thought provoking. Definitely near the top of my list. Although I must admit, I try to think of this as a stand-alone movie, as I don't like the later two parts of the trilogy as much.