Customer Reviews

Ghost in the Shell SAC Complete 1st Season Collection Box Set

5 star:		(36)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I originally saw this series on the Cartoon Network Adult Swim segment back in 2005. Unlike most American cartoons this Ghost in the Shell (GITS) is geared towards a mature audience. It offers a good mix of police drama, philosophy and sci-fi all rolled into one.

The 26 episodes are divided into two categories Stand Alone and Complex. Stand Alone episodes are simply that, a self contained episode that is entertaining, but doesn't contribute much to the overall arcing storyline. These episodes can be skipped and you will still be able to follow the Laughing Man storyline. Complex episodes are part of the overall Laughing Man storyline; miss one episode and you miss some information.

GITS takes place in the year 2030; which is after the 4th World War, and revolves around Public Security Section 9, or simply Section 9. It is an elite anti-crime organization that specializes in cyber terrorism. The team is mostly comprised of cyborgs with the exception of one; Togusa who's only cyberization is a brain implant. Many of the initial episodes are Stand Alone, but eventually the main story arc begins to emerge when an unresolved six year old case called the Laughing Man case.

GITS is geared towards a mature audience because of the serious dialog. There are no "cute" talking animals like in other animes. However, to introduce a sense of innocence into an otherwise serious organization comprised of former military, Yakuza (organized crime), and police members are the Tachikomas. Tachikomas are lightly armored tanks with autonomous AI used by Section 9. When they speak they have the voice of small children which is in contrast to the more mature sounding adults. The Tachikomas represent an innocence that all members of Section 9 (or any adult for that matter) no longer have.

The basic philosophy around Ghost in the Shell is what a human being is and how your humanity will change as you upgrade your body using cybernetics. The title speaks for itself; "Ghost" is your soul, "Shell" is your body whether it is biological or cybernetic. A word of warning, unlike most cartoons made for the US audience, the dialog can become quite complex especially when dealing with philosophical issues and certain aspects of the Laughing Man case. Imagine the dialog between Neo and the Architect in The Matrix: Reloaded. Not something to hear every day; especially in cartoons geared towards kids. Speaking of the Matrix, the movie borrows a lot from Japanese anime and manga, including Ghost in the Shell.

The main story arc revolves around the Laughing Man. Who is he/she? Why did he/she initiate a series of industrial blackmail and suddenly disappear? Are there more than one Laughing Man? The companies that were blackmailed by the Laughing Man also received money from the government to maintain stock prices; is there some type of collusion taking place? What is the significance of the quote, "I thought what I'd do was, pretend I was one of those deaf-mutes" from the book Catcher in the Rye? As the main story arc unfolds, some answers are provided, but many new mysteries open up.

Not sure if it's worth buying? Then watch it or record it on the Cartoon Network who typically broadcasts the series at 2:00am and 5:00am Monday through Thursday. Unfortunately as of is writing (10-15-06) the Cartoon Network has re-broadcasted all episodes of GITS SAC season 1. They are currently broadcasting the episode of Ghost in the Shell - S.A.C - 2nd Gig which is season 2 of the series. A very good continuation of the series with an even more complex storyline.

Can't wait for the next movie (not season 3), Ghost in the Shell: S.A.C. Solid State Society, to be released in 2007 outside of Japan.

I stumbled on Stand Alone Complex completely by accident. I'd seen both previous films, and this new series caught me completely by surprise. With notable exceptions (Battlestar Galactica, Six Feet Under) this has more emotional and intellectual depth than almost any Western series you can think of. Every episode subtly and delicately raises important themes that are worth serious discussion and consideration.

But those themes won't be palatable to an audience if it isn't packaged in an eterntaining form - which this series is. It has everything - some great action sequences (the Terrorist takedown in the first episode), terrific character development (name any of them), and a standout kickass musical score. The score by Yoko Kanno deserves special mention, as it runs the gamut from 'cyberpunk techno'(sic?) to beautiful orchestral melodies. And the main themes for the series are serious attention-getters - one of the best I've ever heard.

All the characters are vividly drawn and beautifully realised. The DVD Boxset has both the original Japanese voices, as well as the English dub. It's fascinating to see the differences between Atsuko Tanaka and Mary McGlynn's rendition of the main character (Major Kusanagi). The Japanese voices emphasises the philosphical and intellectual issues being raised. While the western dub makes the characters more friendly and approachable. It lends a fascinating slant to the series.

The pace is much slower and more langurious than what action- or anime- fans are used to. As a casual viewer, that's just fine by me. It gives the viewer more time to digest the important concepts being raised, and also a chance to appreciate the tone and atmosphere of the amazing world that is being woven before our eyes.

There are a few films that have touched me intellectually, and there are a lot that have affected me emotionally and viscerally (LOTR, Doctor Who, Star Wars Original, Star Trek, etc...). Stand Alone Complex is the only series that has touched me on both an emotional and intellectual level. I absolutely love and adore this series. Strongly strongly recommended for the open-minded viewer looking for emotional and intellectual stimulation from their film and TV viewing.

This has to be one of the best anime ever. It blends cop drama, believable future gadgets and nice political twists that is better presented than most other TV shows and movies. I think it is sad to know that most people will categorize this series as a children's cartoon and pass it up. For the lovers of the movies, this has a lot more to offer and the final episodes round up things very good. You'll have to see it for yourself, but you wont be disappointed to pick up this series. The only negative part that I can think of is that after this, you wont be satisfied with any other Sci-Fi movie or TV series accept for Battle star Galactica and the DC cartoons (Batman TAS, Superman, Justice league etc.). I won't be going into many details for the episodes, seeing that this is a very loved series and has been reviewed before on this site. This is your chance to buy the whole series in one box set and for a very low price. I have been waiting a long time for this box set and I am very glad to be able to buy it when it arrives. I implore you to do the same.

I like Adult Swim stuff like Robot Chicken & Aqua Teen, which is how i found out about this anime since it was airing on Adult Swim. I DON'T like many other animes, I just find that after watching a few episodes of other animes the stylistic stuff can't hold the series up on its own, which is usually when i notice the plot/themes arent all that great.

Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex is completely different in that aspect. It does have top notch animation, music, and voice actors, but it also has amazing plot lines and themes. You can watch this anime over and over just like a good movie.

I would highly recommend this anime if your a fan of action/drama.

Side Note: After watching this and also watching The Matrix (the movie) it's a wonder how the Wachowski bros got away with taking so many stylistic stuff as well as other things from this. Granted, this anime borrows some things from classic movies like Taxi Driver.

There are a few pieces of Anime work that really stand out, Ghost in the Shell, Gundam Wing to name a couple. Very few animes make a great tv series, but this one is a masterpiece. It covers about every subject concerning humanity and the line between it and the machine age the story is set in possible. It also does not hold back on the money for the top notch animation during the show with lush details and vibrant backgrounds throughout the show. From the start of the show to the end you never really know what is coming and even if you think have it figured out, the writers throw a massive curveball at you. I won't ruin the story for anyone, but I will say it is one of the most well written pieces of work I have ever seen. If you have never seen Ghost in the Shell, I think you will still enjoy the series from start to finish.

In short, amazing story combined with awesome animation makes this a must have for any anime fan.

This is one of my favorite series of all time. There is really nothing bad with the exception of the episode titled 'Chat, chat, chat'. The show starts with a bang and does not let up as Mokoto and team move feverishly from case to case. The three main characters are wonderfully voiced in the English dub, surprisingly the Tachikomas sound better in the English dub also.

I like the fact that the episodes are usually self contained with the exception of the Laughing Man arc. This is a cerebral, intelligent series that forces the viewer to expand their perception.

FYI: Ghost in the Shell which is based on the Latin Deus ex Machina, in this series refers to the true protagonists: the Tachikomas. In the movie it was the Puppet Master who gained a 'ghost' or soul; in this series the Tachikoma's with thier superior artificial intelligence begain to show signs of a ghost, Motoko admits as much to them towards the climax. (no spoiler really)

The only real beef with this season as opposed to 2nd Gig is the lack of a strong antagonist throughout the Laughing Man arc. There are plenty of beautifully written and protrayed secondary characters who are a delight to watch, such as Serano (of Serano Genomics) and Jameson (the fun guy in the small metal box). Many of the episodes serve to further develop the main chatacters with references to their past and/or their struggles in the present.

Motoko is a brilliantly written heroine. I do approve more of her wardrobe in the 2nd gig, not because I didn't like her unitard but because she appears too feminine in the first series. The viewer is supposed to remember she is a woman, but in the 2nd gig you find yourself more involved with her character as the leader of section 9, not a chick in skimpy clothes.

Batou is actually my finacee'f favorite character. He is technically the second most important character in the series, though I argue that Togusa steals the show later. He seems so perfect and unflappable at times that I really enjoyed seeing him in his own story arcs such as in episode 16 'chinks in the armor heart'.

Togusa is my favorite and the only section 9 member without prosthetics. He also uses an antique revolver rather than the clip fed automatic pistol that is standard issue. His story arcs are much more involved and in depth and he actually 'stars' in more of his own episodes than any other character: episodes 4,11,20. In fact Togusa is who finally cracks the Laughing Man case and nearly pays the ultimate price as a result.

The next major character is really a set of many, the Tachikomas. They are the true protagonists and the characters whom the anime is actually named for. They are childlike and curious with programming capable of expanding as they gain experience in the world. They each begin to develop singular personality traits despite their 'sharing' of all information (one always reads, one always uses a wrench as a horn...)

Yoko Kanno is simply one of the greatest modern Japanese composers and the soundtrack is among the best ever written and produced. I highly recommend the CDs (many are included with the separate special editions).

This review is rambling a bit, but let me also point out that my fiancee had never seen anime when I met her, on our third date we stayed in and she inquired about my disgustingly large anime collection. I played this and now she is an addict. So I recommend this to first time anime viewers as well as die hard addicts like myself.

Pros: Masterfully written, great characters, lovely animation, stellar backdrops and scenery, music
Cons: Only the Special Editions have the DTS sound (it is pretty amazing)

Viewing Preference: English Dub - simply stated, this is the finest american voice cast I have encountered.

This is a great series, like some other reviewers this anime touched me on an emotional, intellectual and philosophical level.

Unfortunately alot of the original character and depth of the series is lost in the english through the subtitles and dubbing.

Anyone who really wants to experience it as the makers intended should seek out the Laughing Man Fansub version available on the internet. This was released by a Japanese native speaker who is also fluent in english.

The fansubber captured far more than the official subs/dubs ever could, keeping the Japan specific euphamisms and metaphors intact explaining them with on screen text. LMF also overlays english over japanese text for signs and captions which goes a long way to helping continuity and understanding.

The official dubs and subs gloss over so much in an attempt to simplify things, which for a series with such an intellectual leaning is sad.

The series based on the hit movie in 1997. It has one of the most detailed stories I have ever seen, anime or not. I saw this on tv and I literally couldn't keep up with quite a bit. I bought this DVD set and it's quite the marvel. You've got your audio options, 5.1 english or japanese, or 2.0 of either, and subs on or off. This has everything any anime fan could want, action, story, and humor. Oh did I mention extras? Interviews with actors and the makers!

Contrary to what the editorial review says, SAC is not an offshoot of the Oshii film but a complete reimagining from the original Shirow Masamune manga. In mid 21st century Japan and after wars which have splintered the world and the people, complete cyberization is now possible thanks to technological advances and cyberbrains and memory/sensory augmentations are commonplace.
SAC manages to be an excellent thriller/police procedural in a future that we can recognise. In a society where most people have access to cyberisation, this man-machine meld opens a wide horizon of possibilities but it also beckons hackers, intrigue, agents opposed to established power and plain old sadistic criminals. Humanity, in a word, is still humanity. This is the world cyber-crime specialists Section 9 move in daily.

For those coming from the movie, SAC is lighter on the mood but doesn't lose the philosophical and puts it all in a contect of conspiracy. It can be quite a change of pace and it took me a few episodes to adjust. The GITS movie was an exercise in mood and ambience, much like the great Kenji Kawai music it has. Most of SAC's music is a mixture of rock/electronica and its driving beats establish the mood. Fortunately for us, the music is done by the amazing Yoko Kanno who is quite frankly one of the best, most innovative artists working in Japan today. If you've ever heard the quite different soundtracks to Cowboy Bebop, The Vision of Escaflowne, Earth Girl Arjuna, Wolf's Rain or even the one-off Magnetic Rose, you'll know what I mean. It's one of my favorite anime/movie soundtracks.
Philosophizing is just now mostly done by little-girl voiced sentient spider-shaped tanks. It's AIs pondering of what makes human human. It's also humans living in machine bodies and how weird (or how natural) it can be. Very interesting stuff.

On a final note, as a woman I couldn't help but notice that the world of GITS: SAC is violently a world of men. As a rule with very few exceptions, all people in power are men, all sex objects (whether flesh and blood, machine or both) are women. Most women who appear on the series are either victims, foils for the men or are there to play second fiddle. There is only one woman in power who appears on 2nd Gig (the second season) and she's widely held to be a puppet of her hawkish party.
There is, of course, Major Motoko Kusanagi, the focus of the series, prime hetero male eyecandy and main gal whom the camera loves to watch lounging around her workplace in leotards and thigh-highs but who can pull back a helicopter with her bare hands. She could be much more but GITS can't shake its seinen roots ("geared towards males 18-30 years of age") most of the time.

Still, it's a classic whom anyone interested in the current future of science fiction should watch.
Very recommended.

ghost in the shell is a great anime no matter the storys lines used. It got alot to offer many fans. My only question would be how this older box set. Ghost in the shell SAC is 100 mins longer than the newer release. From my count thats like four whole shows missing from the newer released bot set. Anyone know what missing from the two? 100 mins seem like alot.

thanks