Ghost in the Shell: The New Movie, in spite of the lame subtitle, is an entertaining addition to the fascinating and enjoyable franchise that takes many cues from previous versions but tries out a different message. The animation is still fantastic and although new viewers will easily be lost, as a casual fan, I still found it well done, even if it’s a big step back from the “old” TV series.
Ghost in the Shell: The New Movie
(2015)
REVIEW NAVIGATION
The Movie | Special Features | Video Quality | Audio Quality | Overall
Genre(s): Anime, Science Fiction, Action
FUNimation | NR – 100 min. – $34.98 | April 5, 2016
Date Published: 04/11/2016 | Author: The Movieman
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THE MOVIE – 3.25/5 |
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Plot Synopsis (from back cover): Set in 2029 Japan after the end of a brutal world war, science has advanced by leaps and bounds giving humanity the choice of prolong life and reduce suffering with the use of sophisticated cybernetics. With all of humanity linked into one system of minds and personalities known as Ghosts, the biggest threat to civilization is the cyber terrorists capable of hijacking people’s bodies and memories.
When a Ghost-infecting virus known as Fire-Starter begins spreading through the system resulting in the assassination of the Japanese Prime Minister, Major Motoko Kusanagi (ELIZABETH MAXWELL/MAAYA SAKAMOTO) and her elite team of special operatives are called in to track down its source. As they delve deeper and deeper into their investigation, they uncover traces of government corruption and a shadowy broker that bears an all-too-familiar face. When your target can be anywhere and look like anyone, the only choice you have is to trust your Ghost and hope you aren’t infected too. Quick Hit Review: The Ghost in the Shell franchise has endured over the 20 years since the original movie debuted back in 1995 and was the influence on The Matrix films. Although I’ve never been a big fan of the ’95 movie, I loved the “Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex” television series far more both on animation style and the voice talents (both English and Japanese). Most recently, the series was rebooted in “Ghost in the Shell: Arise” with a different style that, although fine, I never quite enjoyed in comparison with previous versions.
Now we get Ghost in the Shell: The New Movie, an unusual subtitle and more or less reuses themes, and resolves the ‘Pyrophoric Cult’ arc from “Arise”. Even though it’s nothing as spectacular as the television series or even the original movie, it’s still an entertaining experience that has some decent action and the voice talents in both languages work quite well. I’m what I consider a casual viewer having watched “SOC” as well as most of “Arise” so this movie is not something those new to the series might be able to jump into as there are complex ideas sewn within the central plot where you can easily get lost (heck, I had a hard time keeping up). However, if you are a hardcore fan, there’s enough to be entertained though some would argue they pay a bit too much homage to the other variations rather than the filmmakers allowing it to stand on its own. |
SPECIAL FEATURES – 2.75/5 |
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This release comes with a matted slip cover. Along with the standard DVD Copy, also included is a redemption code for the Digital HD copy. Inside the World of Ghost in the Shell: Part 2 (18:53; HD) is a featurette on the story and tech behind GITS and some of the deeper ideas about A.I., humans, etc. It includes some interviews with those involved including some of the English voice cast. “Arise” Explained in 25 Minutes (Extended Director’s Cut) (26:40; HD) – This is a refresher course on “Ghost in the Shell: Arise” and what it’s all about and features interviews with animators and a couple of the Japanese voice actors. I assume this was some kind of special that aired in Japan. 25 Years Reviewed in 25 Minutes (Extended Director’s Cut) (46:07; HD) delves into the history of “GITS”. This is probably the best feature and well worth watching for those just getting into the franchise. Promo Video (2:06; HD) is a basic advert for this “New Movie”. Last up is the Theatrical Trailer (1:07; HD), the Teaser (0:33; HD), the U.S. Trailer (1:48; HD). |
VIDEO – 4.5/5 |
| Ghost in the Shell: The New Movie is presented in its originally televised 1.78 widescreen aspect ratio and given a 1080p high-definition transfer. As one would expect, the anime style lends itself to look fantastic in HD with bright colors in many scenes but also shows off some nice detail in darker shots. |
AUDIO – 4.0/5 |
| The disc comes with both an English and Japanese Dolby TrueHD 5.1 tracks and either choice is satisfactory. Dialogue sounds crisp and clear while the action-oriented scenes aren’t exactly dynamic but still there’s some modest depth in some parts, such as when the team meet in one of their respective “lobbies”. It’s nothing noteworthy but perfectly adequate. |
OVERALL – 3.5/5 |
| Overall, Ghost in the Shell: The New Movie, in spite of the lame subtitle, is an entertaining addition to the fascinating and enjoyable franchise that takes many cues from previous versions but tries out a different message. The animation is still fantastic and although new viewers will easily be lost, as a casual fan, I still found it well done, even if it’s a big step back from the “old” TV series. The Blu-ray release offers good/great audio and video transfers and a decent selection of bonus material. |
Check out some more screen caps by going to page 2. Please note, these do contain spoilers.