You’ve probably been unable to ignore the fact that we’re getting a live action Ghost in the Shell film that looks pretty darn impressive. Starring Scarlett Johansson no less, a casting choice that has caused a bit of a splash with debate over whitewashing. With its approaching wake, Anchor Bay have teamed up with the Mondo crew to release a special new version of the film, which is widely regarded as a landmark in Japanese animation. This new Steelbook edition showcases artwork by Kilian Eng that was originally released as a Mondo poster in celebration of the film’s 25th Anniversary back in 2014.
Synopsis
A female cybernetic government agent, Major Motoko Kusanagi, 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. Ghost in the Shell took the world by storm in the mid-90’s, exhibiting a new dimension of anime with unprecedented, mesmerizing cinematic expression. Seamlessly merging traditional animation with the latest computer graphic imagery, this stunning sci-fi spectacle challenged the boundaries of mainstream animation with detailed artistic expression and a uniquely intelligent story line. Veteran director Mamoru Oshii skillfully creates the ultimate anime experience in this futuristic masterpiece based on the groundbreaking comic book by Masamune Shirow.
Based on the manga series by Masamune Shirow, Mamoru Oshii crafted an animated classic, one that was prophetic in a way. It chronicles a world where corporations are seizing control, data is weaponized, and technology has permeated the world and its people, a society brought together by a “sea of information.” Knowledge is power, and in this digital union and embrace of technology, real fears are realized as a criminal hacker finds a way to exploit the very technology that is ‘enhancing lives’, from their perspective at least. The term “vulnerability exploit” takes on an entirely new meaning.
The influence and cultural impact of Ghost in the Shell is unquestioned, not just in future Japanese animation, but in Western filmmaking. The Matrix and many films of its ilk draw from the techno/cyber-punk movement that GITS helped create. It’s not just the animation or the story that has left such an impression, but in Major, depicting a strong, fascinating female protagonist. A woman rendered down to her ‘ghost’, her spirit, is housed in a cybernetic body, her shell, which is in this future world the most extreme example of blending (wo)man with machine. It opens up the film’s real narrative, exploring artificial intelligence as well as what truly defines humanity. GITS is an intriguing tale, scifi with fantastical noir-ish elements, fast paced with often stunning beautiful action, while imbued with a melancholy as this individual questions her humanity and the world that has created her.
THE PACKAGE
Now for what will be, for some, the main selling point of this release. The case features artwork by Kilian Eng, released as a Mondo poster at San Diego Comic-Con in 2014 in celebration of the film’s 25th Anniversary.
The case comes with a partially transparent slipcover which adds the title and back-blurb. Once removed, the artwork is fully visible, showcased on a high quality metal case with good colors and detail.
The image quality of the film is solid. The transfer is pretty spotless; no major artifacts are noticeable. The image is a little soft a times, authentic to the original release, with good sharp detail. Text on screens and buildings are crisp and distinct. Blacks are deep and colors are somewhat muted, but this is more in line with the natural aesthetic rather than the transfer. The film (original not 2.0 re-release) has both audio and subtitles in both English and Japanese. No special features are included, which is frankly disappointing. There is a code for a digital download included.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Ghost in the Shell remains a genre-defining tale, a film densely packed with visuals and ideas, its themes ringing ever louder in this day and age than it did a quarter century ago. Despite the disappointing lack of extras, this is a handsomely packaged release and a great opportunity to (re)visit this classic before the new live action version hits our screens.
Ghost in the Shell: MONDO Steelbook Edition is available from Anchor Bay Entertainment on March 14th, 2017
ABOUT ANCHOR BAY ENTERTAINMENT
Anchor Bay Entertainment, a Lionsgate company, is a leading independent home entertainment company that acquires and releases a wide array of theatrical and home entertainment content, including STARZ Original series, children’s programming, fitness (Anchor Bay Fitness), sports and specialty films on Blu-ray™ and DVD formats. The company has long-term distribution agreements in place for select programming with The Weinstein Company, AMC Networks and RADiUS, among others.
To learn more about the film, please visit www.anchorbayentertainment.com.