I've read a few reviews comparing 'Ghost in the Shell' to 'The Matrix'. Personally I don't think it's an accurate comparison at all. Think 'Blade Runner' here. It has the same kind of atmosphere that made BR such a cult movie and it deals with the same subject. Compared to most other animes out there, GITS may seem a little dull, but if you're the kind who likes to have some brain activity when watching an anime, then you'll probably like this. One other thing that caught my attention is that, like 'Blade Runner', it flows along like water. You could easily start watching it and find yourself loosing track of time. It is short tough, only 82 min. It's a shame really, because with the vast amount of sub-plots present in Masamune Shirow's original work they could easily make an anime with well over 2hrs. That aside, the animation is some of the best you will ever see. Kusanagi's battle with the tank at the end comes to mind. Very sleek. The music is also very peculiar. It's kinda of a cross between ambient, electronica and new age. It's not for everyone be warned. Unlike normal music scores, Kenji Kawai's score does not bring the action to life, quite on the contrary. It's always present very softly in the background to the point of you forgetting about it. It creates a sense of detachment, or contemplation that, in my opinion, works great for this kind of movie, however I can see why some people would disagree. All in all, this one is a true classic to be ranked along the side of Akira. Get it!Read full review
To recap from a review of the movie Ghost in the Shell posted for the single disc version, A tale set in a somewhat nihilistic future, this story explores what happens when the lines between human and machine begin to blur, when memory and experience become chimerical, and humanity itself seems to be losing its soul (the Ghost in the Machine/Shell) that is the central metaphor here. Mixing assassination with technology, heavy firepower, and philosophical musings, the story moves through imagery that is at times harrowing, at times beautiful as the characters in a quasi military-police squad attempt to deal with a cyber terrorist and their own uncertain grasp on identity and morality. With casual female nudity, graphic violence, and a particular set of stylistic flourishes not common to Western style animation, Ghost in the Shell may be jarring and unpleasant to some. Taken on its own terms, it is a thought provoking piece of entertainment. The Deluxe set offers some special packaging, a poster for the movie, and a second disc with trailers for additional videos from the same studio, background on the main characters, interviews with the people behind the movie, and a few other things. They're not really necessary to enjoy the movie, but if you find the film itself worth further study, these will enhance the experience. I don't know that I'd personally be willing to pay a lot extra for them - but at the right price it's an excellent total package.Read full review
This animation is a great one. Not as good as Ninja Scroll but still a great show for the senses. If you like science fiction and cartoon animation you'll probably enjoy this. There's a few scenes with tastefull nudity but that just ads to the beauty of this animation. If you can find a good deal on this title I'd definately reccomend it for your collection. I hope this simple review is good enough of an overview of the quality of this animation. Ryan Nielsen
"Japanimation/Anime" at it's very best....Excellent packaging - Special Edition features very cool double-sided poster and postcard...Nice digital graphics on the selection/set-up screens..."Extras" disk features short Cast & Crew interviews/commentaries (English & subtitled) and "making of" type sections, with a character bios - most likey put together by MANGA - (American distributor)....... If you liked "AKIRA" you'll love this...
Classic. One of the best Anime films of all time. Not the first to use CGI and animation together but one of the first to do it so well. Great fight scenes are a treat and its full of fast paced action. Still a great movie even 17 years later.
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Best Selling in DVDs & Blu-ray Discs
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Save on DVDs & Blu-ray Discs