|
Armitage - Dual Matrix (Special Edition)Rating:
Release Date: 25 June, 2002 Retail Price: $29.98 OUR Price: $26.99 You SAVE: $2.99! Cast: Complete Cast (5 total) |
Armitage - Dual Matrix (Special Edition) Reviews
The story of Armitage III continues in this film!
I have to admit, when I first saw Armitage III a few years ago on the Sci-Fi channel, I was amazed by the story and acting. I immediately recognized Elizabeth Berkley's voice. I liked it so much that I was overjoyed when I heard a sequel was in production. I was then shocked to find that Armitage's voice would be changed (to Juliette Lewis) but I didn't let that get me down. I waited diligently and the question at hand is: Was Dual Matrix worth the wait? Well, let's see..
The animation is really different from Poly-Matrix. This Armitage looks almost nothing like the original one. In fact, everyone seems to have a softer look to them. The sound in both English and Japanese 5.1 is a mix of hard-hitting rock and at times more mellow music in certain moments. I've only listened to the 5.1 English, and it's very good with lots of bass and in some scenes lots of action in the rear speakers. Also included in the special edition DVD is a 5.1 music player which allows you to listen to three of the movie's songs in 5.1. It's an ok feature but it's just an extra...
Those who've watched the original will in some cases have to be in a different mindset to fully enjoy Dual Matrix. The story focuses more on Armitage's trials and struggles within the robot/human world and her love for her family. It does not have the straightforward get the info, track the badguy, shed some light on Thirds, and blow the case wide open theme of the original. The feature begins with a violent attack on an anti-matter plant on Earth, while at the same time we see Armitage in the kitchen in normal attire making a birthday cake for her daughter Yoko -- an indication that this is no longer the Armitage of old. As she's icing the cake Armitage receives a direct feed of the attacks on the anti-matter plant and becomes seriously intrigued to say the least. This is where the story begins on the long jaggy road. Naomi and Ross have adjusted comfortably to their new life on Mars with their daughter Yoko. Ross lives under the alias "Kevin" and works as a security guard while Armitage is the standard housewife.
Now onto the nitpickings. First, the villain in the movie is not fleshed out as much as he could have been. He appears suddenly, gives a fairly good motivation for his action, but then takes a back seat the rest of the time. Both Armitage and Ross has been "toned down" in such a way that they're just not as tough as they used to be. For instance, in one segment when Armitage is fighting the replicas of herself she is getting beaten senseless. Now I know what you're probably thinking, but in the original she was beating down anything in her path including robots three times her size. One of the reasons could very well be the fact that she is now a mother and has calmed her ways for the sake of Yoko. Another could be that keeping a low profile keeps them out of the government's watchful eye. Speaking of which, if they're living incognito just about everyone important in the story seems to know who they really are. There are a few other plot holes, but they aren't really damaging. Don't let this mislead you however because this is a good movie, it just feels that it could have been better.
There are some really good moments though, such as when Armitage is fighting a replica and Yoko notices the exposed wiring on her mom's arm. She gets scared and runs back to Ross. This is a very touching scene in the midst of the action. You actually feel sorry for Armitage, seeing Yoko run in fear because she thinks she's a monster. For all the downfalls of Dual Matrix there are enough to still make it a worthy follow-up to Poly-Matrix. I'd say rent it first if possible to see if it's for you.
Not like the OVA series, but not bad either.
This doesn't deserve a 3.5 star average, it deserves at least four. Dual Matrix continues the Armitage story after the OVA series. Armitage is back in Chicago with Ross...but she has a child. An evil scientist wants to find out how Armitage can reproduce so he can build robots exactly like her. In the meantime, he builds two inferior copies that are designed to fight Armitage. The antagonist captures Armitage's daughter and holds her hostage in hopes to get Armitage to comply...guess NOT.
Like the OVA series, there's plenty of action and violence, but what sorta turned me off was the change in animation; it was animated by a computer instead, and you don't feel as emotinally charged for the characters. But other than that, its a solid anime flick, much better than the s*** that the "otakus" drool all over like InuYasha and FLCL. If you were a fan of the OVA series, I suggest you give this a spin in your DVD player.
Armitage rules!!
More Customer Reviews (10 total)
You like Armitage - Dual Matrix (Special Edition)?
|
© 2004, 2005, 2006 DVD Booty | Don't Plunder Our Cache of Booty, Matey!
Hosting made possible by donations from Debt Decision, Cash Advance Crew, and Debt Relief Clearinghouse
