Karen and I saw “The Animatrix” last night, and I thought it was really great.

There are many very interesting animation styles employed in these nine shorts inspired by “The Matrix.” Some work better than others, depending on your taste, essentially — but even those episodes I didn’t find mind-blowing had something to recommend them.

What “The Animatrix” shows very convincingly is how compelling the world of “The Matrix” is because it can be taken in so many directions, from MTVish teen angst to Chandleresque private eye to trippy ruminations on robot slavery.

It’s not crucial to appreciating “The Matrix” theatrical releases, but it’s an excellent supplement.