For the typical classic film, many years pass before one realizes its impact on the industry. But in the case of The Matrix, its groundbreaking visual effects were been so immediately influential and satirized (from Charlie's Angels to Shrek) that by the time this inevitable sequel came along, the effects were no longer special. What could the Wachowski Brothers do but focus more on the story itself, and make the influential effects they created even more spectacular? With regards two these two aspects, The Matrix Reloaded fails and succeeds at the same time. It also has the misfortune of being the confusing middle act of a story to be concluded in The Matrix Revolutions. Even so, Warner Brothers have put together a pretty good 2-disc DVD release of this film.

The Matrix Reloaded begins six months after the events of the first film, with absolutely no exposition (meaning you better rent the first if you haven't yet seen it). Neo (Keanu Reeves), Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) and Morpheus (Lawrence Fishburne) return to Zion (an underground city, and the last bastion for humankind against the oppressive machines who've taken over the civilized world). They come with the news that, within 72 hours, Zion will be attacked by the Matrix's squid-like Sentinels, in order to destroy what's left of civilization for good. Though protested by some in Zion's hierarchy, Morpheus, Neo and Trinity venture back into the Matrix to infiltrate the system's mainframe and stop the siege; through a lot of Star Trek-like mumbo-jumbo, we learn the their success lies in locating and rescuing the "Keymaker," an enigmatic being who's being held captive by one of the Matrix's more aggressive programs. As with many sequels, The Matrix Reloaded is bigger and more spectacular than the original, with very elaborate fight scenes and special effects; the extended freeway chase alone makes this disc worth purchasing (it easily stands along-side segments in The French Connection and The Road Warrior as one of the best chase scenes ever lensed). The entire movie is a feast for the eyes. In addition, all the returning lead actors slip effortlessly back into their prospective roles; Reaves maintains the charming uncertainty his role requires, while Moss manages to be both hardened and sexy as Neo's love interest. Some new characters are also intriguing, especially Neil and Adrian Rayment as two evil albino twins with a talent for transporting themselves from one place to another. However, what made The Matrix such a groundbreaking hit is the very undoing of this sequel. Yeah, the effects are bigger, but we've seen them all before. Watching Neo fight a gajillion Agent Smiths simply doesn't hold the same thrill as seeing him dodge bullets for the first time in the original. In fact, Neo is so powerful in this movie (he can avoid torrents of gunfire, and fly halfway around the world within minutes) that we're never really concerned about his safety, even when he's forced to make decisions which could impact civilization. As for the story itself...as good as The Matrix was, the plot was shaky at best, and for this one, the Wachowski Brothers (the writers and directors) are forced to include relentlessly talky scenes which explain what's going on in order to keep the viewer informed; in-between the astounding action sequences are really, really long scenes in which various characters explain or question their roles in saving mankind.

This disc is presented in 2.35:1 widescreen (a fullscreen version is available separately), and with such a high-profile release, the transfer is outstanding. The prevalent cool colors (gray, blue and green) are nicely preserved. As with most newer Warner titles, the film is free of grain, blemishes and scratches. Ironically, the soundtrack isn't quite as impressive. The sound effects and musical score come through great, with crystal clarity, but the dialogue seems kind of muted (I found myself turning the volume higher than I usually do with most high-profile discs).

Warner Brothers has provided a second disc with a lot of extras. Some of them are really fun and informative, while others are little more than promotional or self-congratulatory material. Of the various documentaries, the best one focuses on what's easily the film's highlight: the freeway chase. Other features include advertising material, a feature about the influence of the original film, and a by-the-numbers behind-the-scenes featurette. This second disc also features the hilarious MTV Awards movie parody of the film, featuring Will Farrell and Seann William Scott. Also included is a promo for The Animatrix (an animated DVD based on themes of the original film), as well as themaking of the Matrix Reloaded video game (prominently featuring Jada Pinkett Smith).

Similar films: The Matrix, The Empire Strikes Back, Dark City, Total Recall Summary: The Matrix Reloaded may be way too talky, with a convoluted and unimaginative story (which doesn't expand too much on the original), but it definitely makes you want to see the final installment, The Matrix Revolutions. It's a good movie, but just doesn't have the same kick as the original...simply because we've seen it all before. Still, it's a supreme example of expert craftmanship, made by folks who gave themselves the monumental task of keeping the ball rolling.