Rating summary
| Movie |  | 4.0 |
| Video | | 4.0 |
| Audio | | 4.0 |
| Extras |  | 0.0 |
| Overall |  | 3.0 |
Ghost in the Shell Blu-ray Movie Review
An empty shell where the extras should be.
Reviewed by Martin Liebman September 24, 2014
'Ghost in the Shell' was previously released in its '2.0' configuration that contained 'an updated version of the film...that replaces some of the original animation with CGI, as well as
adding a different opening, cutting several scenes and utilizing a re-arranged soundtrack.' This most recent release offers an HD re-master of
the original theatrical cut of the film. Read below for details.
Ghost in the Shell Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality
This isn't the first time this cut of Ghost in the Shell has been released to Blu-ray in this format. It was previously included on the older
release, but with
a 1080i video presentation. This version enjoys a beefier 1080p encode that's not perfect but that does suit the material well. While there are some
evident speckles and debris present, along with some softer shots and blacks that favor a more purple shade, the general image looks strong and
healthy. Details are frequently crisp and nicely defined; the 1080p transfer pulls every background nuance out of city architecture, signs, and even
more flat backgrounds. Characters look nicely detailed, too, full and satisfying across the board in terms of clothes, guns, and other personal details.
Colors aren't exactly vibrant, but the palette is precise and pleasing. Background multicolored city signage really benefits from the palette's strengths.
The image
does come slightly "window boxed," which places black bars not only horizontally across the top and bottom edges but also vertically flanking the left
and right side of the frame.
Ghost in the Shell Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality
The previous release of Ghost in the Shell contained the original cut of the film, presented with PCM 2.0 Japanese and English soundtracks.
This release sports an English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack and a Japanese LPCM 2.0 presentation. English subtitle options are also
included. The 5.1 track is the clear winner. It's frequently dynamic and exciting, with full-featured sound effects and strong spacing. Helicopters zip
around the stage, for example, and gunfire is met with considerable heft. Dialogue is clear and focused. Musical delivery excels, with a wide, healthy
stage and strong clarity. It's worlds more potent and rich than the competing Japanese PCM 2.0 track. Every instance where the 5.1 track is big and
exciting, the Japanese track is puny and narrow. Take, for example, a dialogue scene at about the 12-minute mark. In English, there's is an audible,
hearty vehicle engine rumble underneath the dialogue. In the Japanese track, it's barely audible. A computerized voice heard around the 15:50 mark
is full and offers a wide reverberating presence in English, whereas in Japanese it's flat and narrow. At the 19:40 mark, English track listeners will
enjoy
a big, immersive city landscape din that's comparatively flat and a sonic non-factor in Japanese. Examples such as these run rampant throughout the
film. Those wishing to listen in Japanese will find a much more narrow, less precise, less robust presentation. English listeners are treated to a healthy,
dynamic presentation.
Ghost in the Shell Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras
Ghost in the Shell contains no new bonus content. Fans will have to hang onto the old release for Blu-ray based extras. This release does
come with a full
color booklet that includes cast and crew listings, a Mamoru Oshii interview, and essays entitled The World of Ghost in the Shell and
The Impact of Ghost in the Shell.
Ghost in the Shell Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation
This release offers a healthy A/V upgrade from the previous release. However, the absence of special features makes it hard to recommend to anyone
who is not an avid fan. Hopefully, a complete release with this cut in this presentation, the 2.0 cut, and a full array of bonus content will one day find
its way to Blu-ray. Until then, this is the best fans will find for the film.
