by Alison L. Roberts

The Matrix Revisited, a special documentary that is available alone and packaged with the original movie, allows viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the first movie's creation, as well as brief glimpses into what promises to be one of the more unique, multimedia franchises created in the last few years.

The bulk of the disc is devoted to a nearly two-hour documentary about the Matrix's origins and the first film's creation. The interviews, which include series creators Andy and Larry Wachowsky, stars Keanu Reeves, Lawrence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss and Hugo Weaving, and producer Joel Silver, director of photography Bill Pope, production designer Owen Paterson, costume designer Kym Barrett, fight coordinator Master Yuen Wo Ping and more, bring home how amazing a feat is was that the first movie saw the light of day — from the innovative camera and special effects work to the sheer-physicality demanded of its actors and stunt personnel.

The icing on the cake — the DVD's "extras" — range from details about the upcoming movies, the Matrix anime project (Animatrix) and the upcoming video game to a promised three hours of hidden bonus footage, known as "Easter eggs." (Don't worry if you can't find them. Some enterprising person is sure to post them on the 'Net sooner or later.)

Partly a gift to its fans, partly a way to tap the current trend of DVDs with a ton of extras, The Matrix Revisited is a worthy addition to the video libraries of both fans and those who love to know "How did they do that?" (This is one case where the answer to that question is actually very interesting.)