Search - Ghost in the Shell: Anime Legends 2nd Gig on DVD

Fantastic

Tim Lasiuta | Red Deer, Alberta | 09/24/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As one of the premier Manga series internationally, Ghost In the Shell aka S.A.C., has introduced North American animation fans to a dangerous view of the future.

While S.A.C. occurred in the `near' future, 2nd Gig, and the annotated film, Individual Eleven takes place in 2032. Prior to the dissolution of Section 9, and the resignation of Major Kusangi, the world experienced two `world' word from 2000-2015, and 2015 to 2024. The use of nuclear weapons marked the end of WWIII, and the consequent threat by the American Empire to do so again had kept the global forces in Japan at bay. As Section 9 winds down, a new threat rises. The increase in independent states and sovereign regions that grew from the chaos of the last 30 years has led to a divided planet with major questions on sovereignty and administrative jurisdiction.

As the director said in an interview, "In other words, we simply couldn't ignore the way society had evolved since the events of 9-11 That was the approach we decided to take, and I tried to illustrate a 21st century (near-future) war. But to tell you the truth, I couldn't avoid feeding back into modern reality." Given the war torn climate in Section 9 and the circumstances the Japanese people find themselves in a complex discussion of the reactions and actions of both the military and militants was the only possible scenario for the series.

The complexity of the 26 episodes, 2nd season, is simplified in the motion picture, "Individual Eleven". While the original episodes contain a more dynamic, more in-depth plot flow than the 160 minute film, the full 700 minute presentation is equally spectacular. With such a complex storyline, the editing and directoral decisions required for the short version must have been hellish. The resulting 160 minute `short' is riveting, and leads viewers through a nightmare world of politics, survival, semantics, and loyalties. As in any time of war, there are aggressors and defenders, and the forces led by the Togusa struggle with suicides, random acts of violence, and seek to uncover the "Puppet Master".

Amidst the intense plot driven "Individual Eleven" and "2nd Gig", several sub plots wind through the main tapestry.

With Section 9 investigating the machinations of the "Puppet Master", the Tachikoma's appearance adds another layer to the story. Similar to the Q Collective in Star Trek, they are robots endowed with sophisticated AI with a little free will and philosophical discussion thrown in. Ultimately, their sacrifice paves the way for the successful conclusion of the conflict that Kuze controls.

That brings us to another interesting plot line. Kuze, the lone survivor of the Eleven, fled to the refugee camps and soon became a magnet for other survivors. His silence, and ability to make cranes with his left hand, served as therapy and those around him offered their life stories. He disappeared from view, and his relationship with Kusangi was resurrected as both were cybertized.

There are so many themes and plot threads running through this series that a book can be written on them. Intelligent animation has the power to inspire, and SAC is very intelligent! The animation style is worthy of an Academy Award, and should be recognized as such.

Look for this amazing series and film at your local video dealer or go online at [...]

I remain,
Fully alive

Tim Lasiuta
"

Another great set

Timothy Stewart | New Bern NC | 01/29/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This was an outstanding buy for the money. Disks came in a very ingenious box that helps save space on my DVD rack. Fitting 7 DVDs in a double-size DVD case is great. The quality of the set is just top notch. Crisp video and audio. This was an awesome addition to the original SAC set. Another great deal from Amazon."

More "concrete" than Series One

Paul W. Shuster | Tampa, FL | 01/24/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex series one, the primary villains of the series act through proxies and never really reveal themselves.

In season two, we are introduced to a real villain, a product of future Japan's equivalent of the CIA.

Much as in series one, series two involves a shadow war between the good guys (represented by Section 9) and the bad guys (who also have their own place in the government of Japan).

I would say that the main difference between the two series is that series two is less focused on flashy technology (highly advanced technology is a big mover in the plot) and more on John le Carré type shadow warfare between the powerful Section 9 and their adversaries who may be even more powerful in their mastery of the future's complicated technology.

Anyway, I certainly recommend this series to fans of the Ghost in the Shell universe, and too people who like their spy stories with a healthy dose of grimness."

Great Series

M. Hehe | Gas City, IN United States | 03/21/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a great series. If you like the movie or the manga you should enjoy this. Make sure you watch the first season first though. I liked the firs season a little better, but it was very close."