Ghost in the Shell 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		5.0
Video		4.5
Audio		5.0
Extras		3.0
Overall		5.0

Ghost in the Shell 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Randy Miller III October 2, 2020

Released alongside the standard 4K edition, this new Steelbook variant of Mamoru Oshii's landmark 1995 anime Ghost in the Shell is exclusive to Best Buy, both in-store and online. Disc contents are identical, with the only real differences being exterior packaging design. Now available for just under $20 (only $2 more than the standard edition's sale price), this is a beautifully designed Steelbook that collectors are sure to enjoy. It's almost nice enough to frame.

For a synopsis and appreciation of the film, please see Jeff Kauffman's review of the standard 4K edition, which also contains links to several other entries in the franchise's history. Simply put, Ghost in the Shell is a visually ambitious and forward-thinking production that still carries an awful lot of weight 25 years later.

Ghost in the Shell 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

For a critique of the 4K's 2160p transfer, please see our review of the standard 4K edition.

Ghost in the Shell 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

For a critique of the Dolby Atmos audio, please see our review of the standard 4K edition. Please also note the second paragraph under "Audio Quality", which mentions a music substitution that plays over the film's closing credits.

Ghost in the Shell 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

All on-disc extras can be found on both the included 4K and Blu-ray discs, which are identical to those detailed in our review of the standard 4K edition. As such, the main difference here is the Steelbook packaging.

• Steelbook Packaging - This beautifully-designed release is one of the better-looking Steelbooks in recent memory and features almost everything I want in this type of format: a slipcover that protects and serves a purpose, a matte finish that resists fingerprints and, of course, colorful and stylized artwork that suits the film perfectly. Although the pictures don't quite do it justice, that vivid outer slipcover is semi-transparent to partially hide the "inner workings" of Motoko Kusanagi, whose profile is prominently features; when removed, it reveals a sleek and text-free wraparound image sporting a slight metallic sheen that further enhances its colorful design. While the inner print is a lot less interesting in comparison, it's mostly hidden by both discs. Overall, this is a really nice looking release and practically a no-brainer at its current price point.

Ghost in the Shell 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Mamoru Oshii's landmark 1995 anime Ghost in the Shell is essential viewing for fans of the genre, and this 4K treatment represents its best domestic home video presentation yet -- the dual Dolby Atmos tracks are just icing in the cake. Extremely minor music issues aside, my only complaint about this release is the lack of more bonus features. Luckily, Best Buy's 4K Steelbook is a beautifully-designed and very stylish variant that's priced more or less in-line with the standard 4K edition...so if you're at all able to pick this one up, it's a highly recommended purchase.