The Animatrix

Ian_K★ 9

Anthologies of animated shorts based on Western properties have become something a big deal. In the past two years we've seen both Batman and Halo get this treatment, as well as the videogame Dante's Inferno. However, the Animatrix is still the gold standard of such works, even going so far as to outshine some of its source material. The secret for the Animatrix's success is the talent that was poured into it. Some of the creative minds that worked on it include Mahiro Maeda (Gankutsuou), Yoshiaki Kawajiri (Ninja Scroll), and Shinichirō Watanabe (Cowboy Bebop), in addition to some up-and-coming talents as well. While theMatrix sequels devolved into mysticism and spectacle, the different pieces of the Animatrix give us new spins on the ideas that first made this world so compelling. Each segment gives us something completely different while still remaining true to the thematic elements of reality and identity that are at the heart of the Matrix. And these differing visions are captured in a kaleidoscope of visual styles, making the experience an enriching one for the brain and the eyes. Of course, in an anthology work such as this, everyone will be drawn to different parts. I certainly have my favorites, but I found that each segment had some to offer - with one exception. The first segment, The Final Flight of Osiris, made by Square (who you might know from Final Fantasy:Advent Children), features remarkably realistic CG but has such a poor story that any sense of wonder is lost, and the overall effect is rather one of boredom. Fortunately, this misstep is quickly forgotten as it is eclipsed by the equally pretty and much more interesting works that follow it.

Pentex★ 10

The anthology to trump all anime anthologies. The Animatrix is without a doubt, the greatest thing to come out of The Matrix trilogy. (that 4th one isn't real.) The Matrix itself has a pretty spotty track record. From the masterpiece original, to the flawed, but awesome second, to the forgettable third. The Animatrix cuts all the fat and gives you what the series always should've been. As much as I like all the existential cerebral thinkpiece essays mouthed off in the movies, Animatrix strips itself to the bare essentials of the plot and concept of the Matrix. The animation varies in quality, (from great, to excellent) due toits episodic format of utilizing a different studio and director for each part. They pulled out every ace in their pockets for this. The minds and animators behind some of the greatest anime of all time give their talents to this anthology, from Ninja Scroll and Blue Submarine No. 6. (The latter being one of the best ever) All the way to Aeon Flux and Akira. It truly is an amazing lineup of the all time greats. It also works as a time capsule for the best era of anime, the early to mid 2000's. The compilation covers how the whole idea of the Matrix began, to the people living in and around it, to the industrial dystopian aftermath of the rise of the machines. It's a heady, abrasive, and electric showcase of a re-industrialized world thrown in chaos. I'm sucking this hard, but for a good reason. Talented animators and artists collaborating with a single goal in mind. Expand an already riveting world, and getting the freedom to bend it to their will.