HAVING seen The Matrix Reloaded first time round I thought I was prepared to watch the IMAX version of the film.

However, as Trinity's bike exploded and I jumped out of my seat I realised I was not prepared. Unlike a standard cinema screen an IMAX screen is four times larger, ten times clearer and extremely loud with its 12,000 watt digital sound system.

The Matrix Reloaded is the highly successful sequel to the 1999 original Matrix and sees Neo continue his quest to answer the question, what is the Matrix? This sequel boosts bigger and better action scenes, the longest car chase ever and the most ambitious use of CGI.

The film itself has of course not changed from when it was released in May of this year. As a visual feast its absolutely brilliant, but does this computer wizardry play well on a screen the size of an office block?

The eight storey high IMAX screen.

Yes and no is the answer as the film has been digitally remastered to convert the original 35mm film onto a 70mm negative. Although the image is pin sharp and the sound is deafening, the close up fight sequences start to blur as you move your head from one side of the screen to the other - by the end you understand the manager's advice about closing your eyes.

This was my first experience of the IMAX technology and it has definitely been added to my lottery winning shopping list. However I would like to see a true IMAX film so I can judge how good the conversion really is.

For those who have not yet seen The Matrix Reloaded then this is a good opportunity to do so but be warned that this is no normal cinema experience.

The Matrix Reloaded opens at the IMAX Manchester on 19th September for four weeks, tickets for all shows are priced £7.50.