Ghost in the Shell is a well done, beautifully animated anime that not only was the inspiration behind The Matrix but has garnered a large following as well as numerous incarnations both television series and a sequel.
Ghost in the Shell
— Mondo Steelbook —
(1995)
Genre(s): Animation, Science Fiction, Action
Anchor Bay | NR – 83 min. – $34.99 | March 14, 2017
Date Published: 03/13/2017 | Author: The Movieman
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THE MOVIE — 3.75/5 |
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Plot Synopsis: 2029 – A female cybernetic government agent, Major Motoko Kusanagu, and the Internal Bureau of Investigations are hot on the trail of “The Puppet Master,” a mysterious and threatening computer virus capable of infiltrating human hosts. Together, with her fellow agents from Section 9, they embark on a high-tech race against time to capture the omnipresent entity. Quick Hit Review: This is the second time I’ve seen the original Ghost in the Shell 1995 anime feature film and while I still think the anime series is better (both in style and voice talents), however that doesn’t mean this movie isn’t still gorgeous looking and features an in-depth and interesting plot that deserves more than one viewing or fully grasp. There are shades of Blade Runner I got in many scenes, especially the quieter ones which is accompanied by the beautiful score from Kenji Kawai. With the new live action Hollywood movie coming out soon (as of this review, in two weeks), this is essential viewing for anyone wanting some sort of primer and based on the trailers, there are numerous images director Rupert Sanders borrows (though I assume these images were also in the Manga). |
SPECIAL FEATURES – 0/5 |
| Unfortunately none of the features were ported over from the DVD Special Edition. This “Mondo Selection” release comes with Steelbook packaging and has a clear slip cover. Inside is a redemption code for the Digital HD copy. |
VIDEO – 3.75/5 |
| Ghost in the Shell connects onto Blu-ray presented with a 1.78 widescreen aspect ratio (there are bars on the tops and sides) and a 1080p high-definition transfer. Given there’s no mention of a new HD transfer, I assume this is the same Blu-ray as the 25th anniversary edition. Even so, the picture does look good with smooth animation (outside of some banding during the opening) and colors aren’t exactly bright but that is in keeping with the futuristic setting. |
AUDIO – 4.0/5 |
| The disc comes with am English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track (the 25th anniversary was TrueHD) and PCM 2.0 in the original Japanese language. Either option is fine, both providing crisp and clear dialogue levels though I wasn’t entirely impressed when it came to the action sequences which lacked a lot of depth and didn’t take full advantage of the front and rear channels, though when the score kicks in, like the opening credits, it does sound halfway respectable. |
OVERALL – 2.75/5 |
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Overall, Ghost in the Shell is a well done, beautifully animated anime that not only was the inspiration behind The Matrix but has garnered a large following as well as numerous incarnations both television series and a sequel. This “Mondo Selection” Blu-ray release still lacks any bonus features that were on the DVD version while the video/audio transfers looks and sounds quite good. |
Check out some more screen caps by going to page 2. Please note, these do contain spoilers.