# New Matrix Trailer - NOT for the bandwidth impaired **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [April 11, 2003, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-matrix-trailer-not-for-the-bandwidth-impaired/168040 "2003-04-11T14:38:54Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![irkenDoom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/c2a13f/32.png) [@irkenDoom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/irkenDoom)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2003, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-matrix-trailer-not-for-the-bandwidth-impaired/168040/41 "2003-04-13T14:52:47Z")
I do. I thought, “AFL… Seems to be going the way of the XFL, isn’t it?” Oh well, I have the trailer, so I don’t need to watch. ---
**Author:** ![Smeghead](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f1d935/32.png) [@Smeghead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smeghead)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2003, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-matrix-trailer-not-for-the-bandwidth-impaired/168040/42 "2003-04-13T18:04:44Z")
You know, I was just thinking that’s it’s been at least a month or two since the last, “The Matrix sucked!” / “Nuh uh, it totally rocked!” debate thread. ---
**Author:** ![Achernar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e274bd/32.png) [@Achernar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Achernar)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2003, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-matrix-trailer-not-for-the-bandwidth-impaired/168040/43 "2003-04-13T19:51:28Z")
The best part of this trailer I think is right in the middle. The three most intense action shots are all together, and they’re our three superheroes doing what they do best: Neo fighting with that rod, Morpheus engaging the… whatever they are in hand-to-hand, and Trinity and the guy in glasses on the motorcycle. What’s the deal with those Ghost-like guys, anyway? Are they Good, Evil, or Third-Party? **GuanoLad** , is there any film in which you _do_ appreciate the special effects? I’m just curious. I’ve always thought if you were going to like a movie for its SFX, this would be the one. ---
**Author:** ![drm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a88e57/32.png) [@drm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drm)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2003, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-matrix-trailer-not-for-the-bandwidth-impaired/168040/44 "2003-04-13T19:53:31Z")
Ever since I heard they were making a sequel to the Matrix, I’ve been a little worried because I wasn’t sure what they could do to impress me and I thought the overall coolness (I guess) of the original would lose it’s luster. After having seen that trailer, I’m now officially eagerly awaiting the Matrix Reloaded. That was one of the best trailers I’ve seen in a while and the only trailers that have made me more excited for a movie were for Lord of the Rings TTT. ---
**Author:** ![GuanoLad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guanolad/32/42_2.png) [@GuanoLad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GuanoLad)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2003, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-matrix-trailer-not-for-the-bandwidth-impaired/168040/45 "2003-04-13T21:49:37Z")
> [@](#): > > 1. It’s a movie designed for entertainment value, sure, and it’s big thing was the visual effects. But you have to admit, for a movie that’s supposed to be about the visual effects, it was a lot more impressive than many others (i.e. Godzilla. Jurrasic Park 3, Star Wars Episode 1 and 2). It also had some interesting ideas presented about the nature of humanity and perception and the likes of that, but who really pays attention to that stuff when there’s all that ass kicking going on? > [@](#): > > GuanoLad, is there any film in which you do appreciate the special effects? I’m just curious. I’ve always thought if you were going to like a movie for its SFX, this would be the one. Actually, I personally much preferred the Star Wars prequels, Godzilla, AND Jurassic Park III’s effects (I’ve watched JP3 about four times more often than the Matrix). The thing about special effects (that I like, anyway) is that it takes fantasy and makes it reality, or it just totally recreates reality and you don’t notice it. The Matrix seems to be entirely “look at these great effects! Isn’t it just so cooooool??” instead of “What a great movie, wasn’t it action-packed?” Probably it is trying to say the latter too, but I see that obscured by the former. The effects are too digital. They’re image ripples, and slow motion, and digital stuntment, and repeated imagery, and morphing, and all that stuff that just looks like a digital effect. It’s all the things that make effects look like they’re drawing attention to themselves. And don’t get me started on bloody ‘bullet time’. Sheesh! > [@](#): > > 1. Actually, when you realize that many of the sets were never really real (like the train station), you realize there were some really impressive CGI used in that movie. Plus, the fight scenes were some of the best ever shot (specifically, the shoot out in the lobby). The train station was real, though I’m sure it was digitally enhanced in some shots. They just mapped images onto a digital version of the room. That’s extremely common. And the shootout in the lobby was the point where I gave up on the film. I held off on my final judgement until that scene, and not even the single coolest shot in the film (where Trinity has the gun to the Agent’s head with the chopper in the background) made up for that inanity. And don’t even SUGGEST that I ‘don’t get it’. I DO get it, I just don’t LIKE it. ---
**Author:** ![Tangent](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tangent/32/3098_2.png) [@Tangent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tangent)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2003, 11:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-matrix-trailer-not-for-the-bandwidth-impaired/168040/46 "2003-04-13T23:33:13Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by GuanoLad \* > \*\*(I’ve watched JP3 about four times more often than the Matrix)… The [Matrix] effects are too digital. \*\* Too digital? Isn’t that the point? Everything is taking place inside a computer-generated virtual-reality. IT IS SUPPOSED TO LOOK DIGITAL!!! Okay, though I don’t agree with your criticisms of the effects in The Matrix, I respect your right to your own opinion. What I can’t respect is anyone who would willingly subject themselves to watching _Jurassic Park III_ more than once! Please tell me you were tied down and forced to view it while someone held a gun to your mother’s head or something! My god, that movie was awful! ---
**Author:** ![GuanoLad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guanolad/32/42_2.png) [@GuanoLad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GuanoLad)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2003, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-matrix-trailer-not-for-the-bandwidth-impaired/168040/47 "2003-04-14T01:42:51Z")
I love JP3, it’s my fave JP movie. I realise the effects are meant to look digital in the Matrix, but it just rubs me the wrong way. I guess I’m not like other people (big surprise there) ---
**Author:** ![Darwins\_Finch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darwins_finch/32/20304_2.png) [@Darwins\_Finch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darwins_Finch)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2003, 2:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-matrix-trailer-not-for-the-bandwidth-impaired/168040/48 "2003-04-14T02:08:03Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by GuanoLad \* > **I love JP3, it’s my fave JP movie.** Sweet Lord Jesus…I definitely agree with **Tangent** on this: **JPIII** got wrong just about everything is was _possible_ to get wrong with the featured dinosaurs and pterosaurs (and the script was easily the worst of the three **JP** movies). While I do admire the effects in that movie to some extent, I did not like the “raptors” - aside from the “talking” nonsense, they didn’t move naturally. They should have been able to come up with much better effects, especially considering they _were_ better in the first movie. But then, I _do_ own a copy, just the same. Re: the OP: I rather enjoyed the new **Matrix** trailer, though the traffic in the chase scene looked artificial (one could tell the oncoming semis and such were CG). ---
**Author:** ![Soapbox\_Monkey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ed655f/32.png) [@Soapbox\_Monkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Soapbox_Monkey)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2003, 2:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-matrix-trailer-not-for-the-bandwidth-impaired/168040/49 "2003-04-14T02:24:28Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Achernar \* > \*\*What’s the deal with those Ghost-like guys, anyway? Are they Good, Evil, or Third-Party? \*\* The Twins are most certainly evil. As you can see in the previews, they can take on ethereal forms which leads me to believe that they are part of a matrix upgrade created in order to counter the threat that Neo presents, in the same way that Agent Smith now has the ability to clone himself. ---
**Author:** ![cletus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f08c70/32.png) [@cletus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cletus)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2003, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-matrix-trailer-not-for-the-bandwidth-impaired/168040/50 "2003-04-14T02:32:21Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Tangent \* > \*\*What I can’t respect is anyone who would willingly subject themselves to watching _Jurassic Park III_ more than once! Please tell me you were tied down and forced to view it while someone held a gun to your mother’s head or something! My god, that movie was awful! \*\* Second 😛 ---
**Author:** ![MusicJunkie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/df788c/32.png) [@MusicJunkie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MusicJunkie)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2003, 3:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-matrix-trailer-not-for-the-bandwidth-impaired/168040/51 "2003-04-14T03:08:46Z")
> [@](#): > > Originally posted by GuanoLad > I love JP3, it’s my fave JP movie. I too, thought tha JP3 got it right where the first 2 got it wrong. Nothing to add on the Matrix thing. Liked the first one bot thought it was nothing special and the trailer is much too big for my computer. What is on it anyway? ---
**Author:** ![Mikahw](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e9bcb4/32.png) [@Mikahw](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mikahw)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2003, 3:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-matrix-trailer-not-for-the-bandwidth-impaired/168040/52 "2003-04-14T03:23:43Z")
The ultra size isn’t the only one available. There’s three other sizes on [thematrix.com](http://www.thematrix.com), even one that runs (almost) smoothly on my 380Mhz computer. ---
**Author:** ![Evil\_Death](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ecccb3/32.png) [@Evil\_Death](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_Death)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2003, 9:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-matrix-trailer-not-for-the-bandwidth-impaired/168040/53 "2003-04-14T09:50:38Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by GuanoLad \* > \*\*There are things about the first movie that I fail to understand. > > Why are guns any kind of effective weapon within the Matrix against the creatures who run The Matrix itself?\*\* They are and they aren’t. The Agents are not independent entities, they’re computer programs who hijack the virtual existences of people in the Matrix. As such, guns can be used in killing the bodies but they ultimately cannot destroy the Agent program. \*\* > [@](#): > > Why are the human batteries bodies not atrophied, why are they shaved of hair, and why do they look just like they imagine themselves to be within The Matrix itself?\*\* I’m starting to wonder if you’ve seen The Matrix at all, because that’s three out of four questions you’ve asked that are explicitly dealt with in the movie. The bodies _are_ somewhat atrophied; there’s a scene where Neo is having his muscles regenerated (the one with all the needles in him). The plugs in his arms, legs and torso are medical connectors - we see an IV plugged into one of them - so I would presume that the machines also contain some kind of muscle stimulation device. The real world bodies having no hair may be due to a depilatory in the storage solution. I don’t know, but possibly humans would have no hair if they lived underwater all the time. People in The Matrix look as they do in reality because we have a sense of where our bodies are even when we can’t see them. \*\* > [@](#): > > I think about those and otehr thing sfor a minute or so, and realise it’s all bullshit, and really the movie is just an excuse for spectacular special effects and stunts.\*\* Yes? And? So? \*\* > [@](#): > > And then I realise that the effects aren’t actually that special, they’re just video tricks but slightly flashier.\*\* No. Just, no. The Matrix is still state-of-the-art for visual effects, at least until TMR comes out. \*\* > [@](#): > > And then I wonder why so many people like it when it’s clearly such superficial bollocks. \*\* Because we aren’t totally up ourselves, and understand that entertainment and art are distinct? ---
**Author:** ![Evil\_Death](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ecccb3/32.png) [@Evil\_Death](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_Death)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2003, 9:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-matrix-trailer-not-for-the-bandwidth-impaired/168040/54 "2003-04-14T09:55:03Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Soapbox Monkey \* > \*\*The Twins are most certainly evil. As you can see in the previews, they can take on ethereal forms which leads me to believe that they are part of a matrix upgrade created in order to counter the threat that Neo presents, in the same way that Agent Smith now has the ability to clone himself. \*\* They’re called the Virus Twins, and as such I’d presume they’re on neither side. The Agents will want them destroyed because they’re rogue entities inside their computer system, but at the same time the Twins won’t want the Matrix to be destroyed because that would destroy them also. ---
**Author:** ![GuanoLad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guanolad/32/42_2.png) [@GuanoLad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GuanoLad)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2003, 10:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-matrix-trailer-not-for-the-bandwidth-impaired/168040/55 "2003-04-14T10:02:51Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Evil Death \* > **I’m starting to wonder if you’ve seen The Matrix at all, because that’s three out of four questions you’ve asked that are explicitly dealt with in the movie.** I usually fall asleep partway through it. I’ve only watched all the way through twice, I think. > [@](#): > > \*\* > People in The Matrix look as they do in reality because we have a sense of where our bodies are even when we can’t see them. \*\* Well, that’s a lame answer. I know what you’re getting at, but we don’t know what we look like unless we have a mirror! > [@](#): > > \*\* > No. Just, no. The Matrix is still state-of-the-art for visual effects, at least until TMR comes out.\*\* Modern equipment doesn’t necessarily make for state-of-the-art. The problem is, it lacks imagination. I know Matrix fans would wholeheartedly disagree with me on that one, but that’s exactly what I see: the same old TV effects of yesteryear, but done with a flashier computer. > [@](#): > > \*\* > Because we aren’t totally up ourselves, and understand that entertainment and art are distinct? \*\* Ooh! That’s a bit nasty. I’m sorry if my opinion differs from yours so much. I’ll try to be more like you in future, we all want to be drones who like the same thing, don’t we? Entertainment and Art are not distinct at all. Art is Entertainment. That’s how I’ve always viewd art - if it doesn’t entertain or interest me, it’s not art. ---
**Author:** ![yosemite](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/3ab097/32.png) [@yosemite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yosemite)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2003, 10:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-matrix-trailer-not-for-the-bandwidth-impaired/168040/56 "2003-04-14T10:32:07Z")
I just took a few minutes to download the 95 MB “super-big” file and the 59 MB “large” file. (Ah, broadband…) My G4 PowerMac 533 MHz w/ 16 MB video card and 1.2 GB of RAM played the 95 MB file pretty well. A few stutters in the video, but not that bad. The 59 MB file played seamlessly. I offer this information to other Mac users out there so they’ll know what to expect. (The 95 MB file is a zip file, but Stuffit will open it just fine.) As for the trailer itself: WOW! Beautiful. I am REALLY looking forward to seeing this movie! WOW! ---
**Author:** ![Lobsang](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lobsang/32/4067_2.png) [@Lobsang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lobsang)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2003, 11:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-matrix-trailer-not-for-the-bandwidth-impaired/168040/57 "2003-04-14T11:27:26Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by GuanoLad \* > \*\*There are things about the first movie that I fail to understand. > > Why are guns any kind of effective weapon within the Matrix against the creatures who run The Matrix itself? > > Why are the human batteries bodies not atrophied, why are they shaved of hair, and why do they look just like they imagine themselves to be within The Matrix itself? > > I think about those and otehr thing sfor a minute or so, and realise it’s all bullshit, and really the movie is just an excuse for spectacular special effects and stunts. > > And then I realise that the effects aren’t actually that special, they’re just video tricks but slightly flashier. > > And then I wonder why so many people like it when it’s clearly such superficial bollocks. \*\* I maintain that you are dead inside. There is something inside of most of us that sees past the pedantic facts and bloody enjoys the film because it is a bloody enjoyable film! Forget what makes sense and what does not. Just sit back and ‘pretend’ that what you are watching makes sense. Did you ever pretend as a child? Try to do that now. ---
**Author:** ![Achernar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e274bd/32.png) [@Achernar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Achernar)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2003, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-matrix-trailer-not-for-the-bandwidth-impaired/168040/58 "2003-04-14T15:12:06Z")
Ah geez people! The trailer! The trailer! As much as I love _The Matrix_, it’s yesteday’s news now! What about that elegant chateau? What about the nighttime fire-backlit melee? What about the nuke plant going up in flames? ---
**Author:** ![GuanoLad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guanolad/32/42_2.png) [@GuanoLad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GuanoLad)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2003, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-matrix-trailer-not-for-the-bandwidth-impaired/168040/59 "2003-04-14T21:53:50Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Lobsang \* > **I maintain that you are dead inside. There is something inside of most of us that sees past the pedantic facts and bloody enjoys the film because it is a bloody enjoyable film!** But I didn’t find it enjoyable. Isn’t that what I’ve been saying? Ah, never mind, I’ve already said more than I should’ve. ---
**Author:** ![venix](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/13edae/32.png) [@venix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/venix)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2003, 4:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-matrix-trailer-not-for-the-bandwidth-impaired/168040/60 "2003-04-15T04:49:03Z")
someone said that people who dont like this movie dont “get it” (im new at this so i dunno how to use the quote thingie) anyways, you cant “get” or “not get” a movie. They are interpreted. how you interpret them depends on who you are. It’s kind of like everyone doesnt like ice cream 🙂 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-matrix-trailer-not-for-the-bandwidth-impaired/168040.md?page=2)