Certain expectations accompany the purchase of a new DVD: picture quality that Ray Charles could appreciate; multi-channel surround sound that sends the neighbors into fits of venomous anger; and a widescreen version of the film that doesn't snip the movie from its original form. But there's something else that a DVD needs; goodies. A DVD without goodies is like a meal without dessert.

The "goodies" are marketing ploys used by the studios to entice people to choose DVD over video. On most DVDs you'll get theatrical trailers and foreign language audio tracks. Some DVDs go above and beyond, featuring audio commentary, production notes and multi-angle camera work. Up until now, if you wanted the uber-goody, you'd have to shell out extra bucks for Criterion Collection DVDs. While these are beautiful collections full of director notes, cast ruminations and behind-the-scenes information, they're too expensive for the regular consumer who just wants to buy the damn movie.

But things changed this week. That's right, they changed this very week. The release of "The Matrix" on DVD serves as a clear declaration that regular DVD is going into uncharted territory and the days of Criterion may be numbered.

"The Matrix" DVD is teeming with goodies. If you own a typical DVD player (typical in the sense that it's connected to your TV) you can feast on an accompanying audio track featuring Carrie-Anne Moss (Trinity), editor Zach Staenberg and special effects supervisor John Gaeta. There's also a behind-the-scenes documentary and a music-only track with commentary by composer Don Davis. Additionally, you can "Take the Red Pill" and delve into a special segment on Bullet Time or you can watch the movie in "White Rabbit" mode; whenever a white rabbit appears on-screen, use the Menu button on your remote to see how the corresponding scene was filmed. Anyone with a curiosity about movie production is going to love these features.

If you have a DVD-ROM on your computer you can take advantage of the disc's Web tie-ins. The film's entire web site is housed on the DVD, which is nice if you're cursed with a slow connection. If you hook into the live web site, you can use the DVD to take a quiz that determines if you are "The One." The quiz sounds hokey but I know that if I had a DVD-ROM I'd want to see if I could be the next Neo.

Some DVDs use goodies as a diversion from the poor quality of the actual film, but that's not the case here. The picture is exceptional and the sound will provide your neighbors with ample fodder for complaints.

It sounds like I'm lauding this DVD, and in many respects I am, but I do have a few complaints. The theatrical trailers are only available to DVD-ROM users, which is a significant oversight. The protective case is the cardboard-and-plastic variety -- an infant could crush this box with one swipe of its wimpy palm. The assembled goodies are impressive, but the audio commentary would be better if Andy and Larry Wachowski (the writers and directors) were part of it.

Despite these few problems, this DVD is a great leap forward for this technology. On top of that, "The Matrix" is a clever film that should be part of any sci-fi collection.

Filmfodder Grade: A

Geek Stuff:
Title: "The Matrix"
Running Time: 136 Minutes
Sound: Movie is Dolby 5.1, commentary is Dolby 2.0
Screen Version: Widescreen

Note: This review originally appeared at Ontap.com. It's reprinted here for archival purposes.