Do you want the blue pill or the red pill?

The Matrix arrived on our screens in 1999 to a wave of critical acclaim. Indeed, its technical brilliance marked a milestone in modern cinema, and has been copied many times in other movies without ever coming close to the quality of the original.

Neo (Reeves) is a computer hacker who is looking for something, but he doesn't know what. When he receives a message on his computer, his world as he knows it is about to be turned upside-down and inside-out. Trinity (Moss) contacts him, and takes him to meet Morpheus (Fishburne), who reveals to Neo that things aren't quite what they might seem. It turns out that Neo's world isn't 'real' in the sense that it's a real place, but rather, a computer program designed to fool his brain - the Matrix. Meanwhile, his body lies in a pod amongst millions of others in a huge bio-electric generator in the real world. Neo accepts Morpheus' proposal to free his body, and help in the fight against the machines which have taken over the World.

Built on the complicated, original and enthralling plot are some superb martial arts sequences not often seen outside of Hong Kong. Experienced director John Woo was called in to help train the actors for the physically gruelling action scenes - of which there are several. With the aid of Woo, the Wachowski brothers managed to set new standards with their innovative and breath-taking stunts and meticulous directing. The training scene with Morpheus and Neo early on in the movie is merely an appetiser for one the most memorable scenes in movie history - the lobby scene. Hugo Weaving fills in the role as token bad guy Mr Smith, with his unnerving, but humourous style, and has no problem holding his own with the fight scenes.

Needless to say, special effects are astoundingly good, introducing brand new techniques of movie-making. The virtual sets are awesomely detailed and complement the cyber-punk style of the characters.

After its huge success, the Wachowski brothers revealed that there would be a sequel to The Matrix. However, this could easily stand on its own, and considering how disappointing The Matrix Reloaded was, it may be better to think of it this way.

The DVD comes nicely furnished with with extras, and has two hidden featurettes for you to find.

See also: Keanu Reeves ; Larry and Andy Wachowski

A landmark in the sci-fi genre, and an essential for your DVD collection.