The Animatrix

This was released sometime during the Matrix release cycle - I sort of forget if it was to just maintain the hype or if it was a standalone project. It has some good animation in several different styles and reminds me a great deal of the original Heavy Metal.

The first video on the disc is a real good audio demo and has some of the sexiest computer characters fighting at the start. The use of surround channels is sweet.

Use the first vid as your home theatre demo and then settle in for some interesting extensions to the whole Matrix concept.

I believe it appeared to build up interest in the sequels before Matrix Reloaded appeared in theaters. I haven't watched it in years, but I remember that there were some neat bits on there as well as some good theater demo material.

I was the same way, just trying to find something to watch and was blown away by it. The computer models in the first video look a lot like the ones in the Final Fantasy movie (another one I must re-visit). Some of the characters are pretty wooden but the main two are pretty amazing. A little more naturalism in their faces and some more fluid movement (ala Golum or King Kong) and they might even leap the 'uncanny valley'.