Ghost in the Shell (DVD, 1998, Original Japanese; Dubbed and Subtitled English)

I nutted


Ghost in the Shell (攻殻機動隊 ,Kōkaku Kidōtai?, translated as "Mobile Armored Riot Police") is a Japanese cyberpunk manga created by Masamune Shirow, and first published in 1989 in Young Magazine. A collected edition was released in 1991; a sequel, Ghost in the Shell 2: Man/Machine Interface, was released in 2002; and a serialized manga, Ghost in the Shell 1.5: Human-Error Processor, was released in 2003, which contained material left out of the sequel.

The manga series has been adapted into three anime films, Ghost in the Shell, Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence, and Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex Solid State Society; two anime television series, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex and Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex 2nd GIG; and three video games: one PlayStation game, one PlayStation 2 game, and one PlayStation Portable game. The films and anime were produced by Production I.G..

GITS started a franchise which now includes 3 movies, 2 anime seasons and several games. This film was the first step (based on the manga/graphic novels) and it sets itself apart from others in the genre. The film is very well animated, both in quality and in frame-rate (as some anime use lower frame-rates to stay within budget.) The story, one of a puppet-master hacker being chased by the police, starts off simple but ramps up into much more, both climatically and philosophically as it's not afraid to delve into topics like personal identity, self-preservation, and what qualifies as a soul. At only 82 minutes, the film is short, but it doesn't feel that way. There are a few scenes that slow the narrative (though not much if you care for the interesting choral music that plays during these scenes.) The English dub is fairly good and shares 2 of the voice actors that went on to do the TV series. Overall, the movie's only flaws are ones that could be fixed with a few more scenes: it could have spent a little more time developing its characters and its ideas, and adding a little more action. Overall, though, its very well done and while it's no Princess Mononoke (which came out a few years later,) it's definately worth picking up, for those who want a mature title that makes them think while entertaining them.

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.

Shirow Masamune created it. Mamoru Oshii made it "live". The Wachioski brothers took it as inspiration. This is an anime that no collector should be without!

Ghost In The Shell is very well written, and the story is executed flawlessly on the screen. Not since the legendary Akira, has an anime taken me for such a ride.

This is the movie that started the Ghost in the Shell series of Anime. It has spawned two sequels, and two seasons of wonderfully animated TV series: Ghost in The Shell: Stand Alone Complex, and GITS S.A.C. 2nd gig. Both of which I am a devout fan.

I do suggest that you read the original Manga series because it delves deeper than the movie can go in the short period of time alotted.

Definitely check this one out! You won't regret it.

It's a good story line and actually has some interesting plot development. Had I not already seen most of the whole first season, I would certainly want to watch them after seeing the Ghost in the Shell movie.

It was a bit hard to follow at first becasue the main character (The Major) looks different than she does in the series. Not a lot different, but enough. Unlike the Chief, who simply looks younger than in the series.

Overall, it was entertaining, but I would have to say that I am glad that I did not pay the $25 "brand new" price from Best Buy.