Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		3.0
Overall		3.5

Ghost in the Shell: The New Movie Blu-ray Movie Review

An exciting installment in the Ghost in the Shell anime franchise

Ghost in the Shell – The New Movie is a sequel to Ghost in the Shell: Arise. Following the legacy of the beloved franchise, the feature-film would not have been possible without the original manga created by Shirow Masamune. A action-packed science-fiction extravaganza, Ghost in the Shell – The New Movie is sure to entertain new fans and legacy fans alike.

Major Motoko Kusanagi (Maaya Sakamoto) is the leader of a special team of operatives working on special task missions for the Public Security Section 9. Their latest mission is to uncover the truth behind a mysterious murder of the Japanese prime minister. Attempting to solve the murder and overcome the devastating potential future of a post world-war climate, the vigilant Motoko works alongside Batou (Kenichirō Matsuda) while gaining the help of the deceased minster's son on the case. Can Motoko solve the case and unveil the killer behind the blood-soaked assassination?

The first thing to make a huge impression with the revamped Ghost in the Shell production is the visual effects. While the original Ghost in the Shell is mostly hand-drawn cell-based animation, the new film features a more modern approach. While there is no doubt that the original art style is superior, the efforts on the new film are interesting and worthy of comparison. The production features visual effects by Vignesh.Govindaraj (Passengers, Wonder Woman) that give the science-fiction landscape a compelling production aesthetic which is sleek and badass. The production showcases how far technology has come since the original (even as the original holds up as the superior film).

The character designs by director Kazuchika Kise (Everyday is Sunday, Halo Legends) stay true to the aesthetics of the previous incarnation. Though the style strays somewhat from the art design used for Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex (the most popular television incarnation of the story), the character aesthetics ring true to Ghost in the Shell: Arise. The film fits in to the world of that series spin-off with ease. There is no doubt this is a continuation of that production and the style is meant to reflect that from start to finish.

The art direction by Takamasa Masuki (Neon Genesis Evangelion, Patlabor: The Movie) and Yusuke Takeda (Mobile Suit Gundam Wing, Slayers: The Motion Picture) helps give the production the kind of futuristic landscape necessary to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The animation is stylized in an interesting way and it even brings to mind sci-fi Hollywood classics like Blade Runner at times (which was no doubt an inspiration behind some of the animation).

Enter the future.

The original music score composed by Keigo Oyamada (Ghost in the Shell: Arise) is one of the best elements of the production. Though the score remains a far cry from the epic music composed by the great Yoko Kanno on Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, the producers nonetheless picked a commendable composer to fill the role for the production: Oyamada is also known as the experimental electronic musician Cornelius.

Any music enthusiast familiar with the style of Cornelius will be pleased to have such a gifted musician behind-the-scenes. Though the score is less experimental than the albums released by Cornelius, the score is an effective back-drop to the science-fiction landscape. As a fan of the musician, it is quite impressive hearing the gifted artist tackle such an epic science-fiction production. Though I would have preferred the return of Yoko Kanno, Cornelius is an interesting choice.

Though the production is undoubtedly slick, one of the weak points of the film is the average-at-best screenplay by Tow Ubukata (Psycho-Pass, Heroic Age). The original Ghost in the Shell is a true masterpiece of science-fiction. Ghost in the Shell – The New Movie feels more like an extended episode of Ghost in the Shell: Arise at times as the storytelling is no more complex. The script is often convoluted and messy. There are moments where it seems to be overly-complicated just for the sake of seeming complex. Screenwriter Ubukata could have learned a thing (or two) from the original. Alas, the production suffers somewhat for average storytelling.

Kazuchika Kise (Ghost in the Shell: Arise) and Kazuya Nomura (Sengoku basara, Run with the Wind) crafted a film that is entertaining and action-packed. Though a better script would have elevated the material, Kise does his best with the material and makes the film a worthwhile view. The animation is stunning and the direction is never a bore. Ghost in the Shell – The New Movie is a flawed continuation of the saga but one that fans of the franchise still won't want to miss.

Ghost in the Shell: The New Movie Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from anime distributor Funimation Entertainment, Ghost in the Shell: The New Movie is presented in 1080p MPEG- 4 AVC encoded high definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.78:1 widescreen. The Blu-ray release offers fans of the acclaimed anime a high- quality presentation which is capable of presenting the detailed art style at its absolute best. The video presentation is sleek and clean while the color palette of the sci-fi universe is well preserved.

The subdued style of animation manages to be an effective part of the viewing experience: the encode preserves the darker aesthetic of the animation while providing viewers with enough "pop" to make a solid impression. The encoding is impressive and has only minor issues in regards to source-related color banding.

Ghost in the Shell: The New Movie Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release includes two lossless audio options: English Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround sound and the original Japanese with English subtitles in Dolby TrueHD 5.1. Either lossless audio sound mix will provide viewers with an engaging sound mix. The tracks have excellent detail and there are many moments of bombastic bass during the exciting action sequences. The tracks are crisp, tight, and remarkably impressive sounding. The surrounds are actively engaged and have some cool sound effects. The action is much more intense and engaging because of the well-implemented sound design. There is a sense of real gravitas to the audio presentation. An exceptional effort.

Ghost in the Shell: The New Movie Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Inside the World of Ghost in the Shell: Part 2 (HD, 18:53) explores the production and the return to the world of Ghost in the Shell.

Special: Arise Explained in 25 Minutes (Extended Director's Cut) (HD, 26:40) is a unique extended presentation of the special (which is more faithful to the filmmaker's original vision for condensing the story of Ghost in the Shell: Arise).

Special: 25 Years Reviewed in 25 Minutes (Extended Director's Cut) (HD, 46:07) is another extended piece exploring the legacy of the Ghost in the Shell anime franchise.

Promo Video (HD, 2:06)

Ghost in the Shell: The New Movie Theatrical Trailer (HD, 1:07)

Ghost in the Shell: The New Movie Teaser (HD, 00:33)

Ghost in the Shell: The New Movie U.S. Trailer (HD, 1:48)

The Blu-ray release also includes a selection of trailers promoting other anime releases available from Funimation Entertainment: Eden of the East (HD, 1:02), Tokyo ESP (HD, 00:49), Terror in Resonance (HD, 2:03), Noein (HD, 1:13), and Black Butler: Book of Circus (HD, 1:40).

Ghost in the Shell: The New Movie Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Now is a good time to revisit Ghost in the Shell – The New Movie. As the original Ghost in the Shell has now arrived on 4K UHD Blu-ray, the continuation of the franchise within the Ghost in the Shell: Arise saga is worth remembering and revisiting. The production features epic visuals, a cool score by Cornelius, and action-packed science-fiction fun. Though the screenplay leaves a little to be desired, fans of the Ghost in the Shell anime series will find it a worthwhile entry nonetheless. Recommended.