Ghost in the Shell 2.0 BD

[j_garcia]

I wasn't sure about this one. I like the original the way it was, but I am a big fan of the film, so I picked this one up yesterday (last copy at Frys ) I immediately threw it in to check it out and I was surprised that some sequences, such as the opening, have been entirely redone. Some scenes are now completely CGI, others are combinations of new CGI and existing animation. I wasn't sure how well they could pull it off, but I believe they've been working on it for a few years and the result is actually very good. They re-recorded the entire audio track as well, and I have to say it sounds pretty amazing. LFE is off the charts but still sound extremely clear and dialog and surround activity is crystal clear. There are some things that I didn't like though - the firearms have been re-recorded and though they actually sound more real now, it sounds a little weird, like I am playing MW2.

The disc also includes the remastered original film as well, without the additional CGI.

I was pleased with what I saw so far, so I do intend to sit down and watch the whole thing this week. Highly recommended for fans.

 

[darien87]

Glad to hear that John. I was a little leery as well. But I've got a free copy coming from Mazer, since my Chargers beat his Giants.

 

[jostenmeat]

I remember being pretty amazed watching this on VHS. I wonder how the BD will look.

 

[j_garcia]

I think it is difficult to make hand animation look "better" since there are less things they can do to it vs film, however it does look as good as I've seen it. It doesn't look much better than the Special Edition DVD that came out a few years back, but that was already an improvement over the original SD DVD release. The CG sequences are pretty stunning though. As to whether or not they actually add something to the movie, I can't say yet, because it is a bit odd to go back and forth from the hand animation to the CG. It is pretty seemlessly done, but at first it is a bit distracting. The WOW factor is there, so that sort of makes it cool, but it was distracting simply because it was different and new and I wanted to watch it over a couple of times.

Kind of like if Leonardo DiCaprio were to shoot a live action version of Akira...oh wait, he IS doing that.

 

[darien87]

Kind of like if Leonardo DiCaprio were to shoot a live action version of Akira...oh wait, he IS doing that.

WHAT!?!?!?!?!

 

[j_garcia]

WHAT!?!?!?!?!

That is exactly what I said. He bought the rights and is apparently getting ready to film this. Supposedly, he will play Tetsuo.

 

[jeffsg4mac]

I got it too and did not realize they had done some CGI work. I hate CGI so I was a little disappointed that they did it. It does sound good though.

 

[MidnightSensi]

That is exactly what I said. He bought the rights and is apparently getting ready to film this. Supposedly, he will play Tetsuo.

Interesting.

I actually think he has become a good actor.

 

[j_garcia]

For those interested, this one is $8.99 at Frys (in store only), and $10.99 on Amazon.