by Jonathan Miguel
In the early months of 1999, a movie that both baffled and changed the world as we once saw it, premiered for the first time on the big screen in 35mm format. Then, four shorts of a collection called, “The Animatrix,” were first released over the internet earlier this year preceding the entire culmination on DVD a few months later. Thanks to the Big Apple Anime Festival over this 2003 Labor Day weekend, a privileged few could watch the collection on that same 35mm size.

The collection instilled insight towards the understanding of the radical story. Each of the nine stories are set in different places of the Matrix timeline but are not described in fine detail where. Though we can assume the general placement of the shorts, it is a good story telling technique to leave it vague as in the case of “World Record.” Overall, the masterpiece is a marvel to Anime and Matrix lovers alike. It was refreshing to see the different work and views from various directors and animators on the Matrix story. It was explained by the Wachowski brothers that part of the influence of the Matrix was derived from eastern philosophies and religions as well as the animation. Now seeing the source of the Wachowski’s influence creating short stories based on the brothers’ film, it makes one realize just how much of an impact the Matrix had. Except for independent film-like “Kid’s Story,” the shorts definitely had an anime feel to them. Everything from Aeon Flux to FLCL seemed to emanate from the films.

At the premiere of “The Animatrix,” held in Loews theatres in Manhatten, director Takeshi Koike and producer Masao Maruyama were available to present the film on the big screen and answer any questions the attended fans had. It was through these factors that I was able to fully enjoy the collection more thoroughly. It was once said to me by a friend that the movie theatres are a magical place. The reasoning for this is because of the isolation from one’s everyday life of constant distractions and interruptions that one would encounter if watching the movie on the home television. Having been enlightened by this statement, I now feel that everyone should watch movies first in the theatres because the experience will never equate to the home watched version no matter how big your screen may be. I say this knowing that everyone who couldn’t make it to the Loews premier during those few August days will have to settle for the DVD. I do not mean to discourage those plethora of the “Animatrix” DVD watchers but only wish they were with me at the premier. The few that did got a treat to win prizes like posters and original animation cells as well as the open panel discussion with director Takeshi Koike and producer Masao Maruyama which proved influential to aspiring animators and film industry workers in general. Only through Japan and America working together on such a project can there come such a fine watermark in film history.

The 2003 BAAF experience was well worthwhile. It was through them that anime and Matrix fans can come together for the big screen premier of the movie as well as equally enjoy the many activities taking place elsewhere in the hotel. Their efforts proved worthwhile for fans of the Animatrix such as myself as I still dream of those precious moments spent watching it that Friday night.