Yes… it’s already been 20 years. 1999’s The Matrix is perhaps the most iconic film involving VR ever made, and later this month it’ll return to to select theaters in the US for one week.
Major American movie theater chain AMC announced that The Matrix will be shown in some 135 of the chain’s ‘Dolby Cinema’ theaters from August 30th to September 9th; advanced tickets can be purchased starting today.
Directed by the Wachowskis, The Matrix is the first in a trilogy of films about a dystopian future where a human vs. AI war led to humanity being defeated and enslaved as a biologic power source while being perpetually and unknowingly imprisoned in a simulation known as The Matrix. The story follows the journey of rebels seeking to free humanity from their invisible incarceration.
The film is widely considered a cinematic masterpiece thanks to its combination of groundbreaking special & visual effects, expert direction, and compelling plot. The Matrix won four Academy Awards and two BAFTA Awards, among a host of others.
Its greatest legacy, however, is its cultural impact—along with indelible mark it on the action films that came after it, the film seems to be nearly universally known for its relation to virtual reality, and remains a widespread touchstone on the topic 20 years later.
Perhaps not coincidence with the film’s 20th anniversary, rumors have recently been swirling that a Matrix remake is in the works; nothing official has been confirmed at this point, though it seems that the Wachowskis aren’t likely to be involved.