http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b360/ResOGlas/Innocence.png

The Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence Japanese Blu-Ray came in the mail today from Play-Asia. It is encoded in Mpeg2 and has uncompressed 7.1 PCM audio, as well as 6.1 Dolby Digital EX and 6.1DTS ES. There are 6 different subtitle languages available, and yes English is one of them. The transfer is 1080p of course and the aspect ration is 1.85:1, filling your screen on a calibrated display. The transfer is excellent with no digital noise and some subtle natural film grain. To simply put it, the PQ is amazing. It's like you're looking at framed anime cels and backgrounds in person, but animated. This disc has a virtually constant bitrate of 37Mbps. You heard me correctly, constant 37 Mbps. At the absolute worst I saw the bitrate drop to the high 35s for a mere second, on average staying steady around 37.2 and fluctuating between the high 36s and low 38s. Considering the bitrate has possibly the largest impact on Animation compressing and regular DVDs top off at 10Mbps, maybe you can imagine the clarity.

Since HD DVD couldn't ever have bitrates this high, as an animation fan I consider this at the least the one reason that it would be a shame if Blu-Ray didn't win this format war.

I give Anime on Blu-Ray a rating of 11/10.




Here's the US website for the film:
http://www.gofishpictures.com/GITS2/main.html

What the bitrate of the Audio, i guess close to 7.5mbits?

I couldnt believe the quality on this one -- I havent seen anything as nice as the "parade" scene in this movie.

I did notice some noise/grain during the animated portions (opposed to the CG parts) but overall it looked fantastic. Even the subtitles were improved over the US DVD release (which contained subtitles for all "noises" throughout the film) but the price was still a little much. The price comes to about $70USD before the raised import fees.

The price comes to about $70USD before the raised import fees.

I was gonna give this a shot until I read that. :(

Yesasia are duty free in USA and Canada

What the bitrate of the Audio, i guess close to 7.5mbits?

6.1 Mbps.

is there any mention of REGION CODING on back cover ?

I would like to import it hmm

thanx for any info !

Marek

is there any mention of REGION CODING on back cover ?

I would like to import it hmm

thanx for any info !

Marek


Japan is Region A, the same as the US.

Audio is 6144kbps. Video is STELLAR! Audio is even MORE stellar!!! Well worth the $70 I paid! :D

That means that the bitrate for the video is only about 30Mbps, and given that this is a MPEG-2 release you could probably match the video quality using VC-1 or AVC at an average of around 20 or so. Couple that with a DTS-HD MA or TrueHD soundtrack and you could probably have the same quality on HD DVD. Not knocking this release at all, just stating that just because something is at that high of a bitrate doesn't mean it needs to be to look and sound that good.

Another thing is, just because something has a high bitrate doesn't mean it will be good. The master is the biggest link. You can have all the bitrate in the world but if the master isn't that great, it won't matter. Lots of anime tends to have banding in it that is intrusive. And most of that is inherent in the master.

On another note I'm dying to own this disc but I still cannot justify $70 for a movie. Just can't do it. Especially when we will see this one here in the states eventually and for a far more reasonable price. Glad to hear it looks and sounds great!!

Japan is Region A, the same as the US.

yes, I know that, but you have many titles now marked as A,B,C ALL REGIONS, or you have several titles with region A mark, and they are playing without problem on region B players, that's why I asked :)

Marek

So is this right?

37Mbps for the video + 7.5Mbps for the audio = @45.5Mbps total average bitrate?

If so, then that in pretty close to Blu-ray's max of 52Mbps! :eek: Ususally only Blu-ray demo discs run at that high of a bitrate. It doesn't get much better than this! But 70 bones, ouch! I might have to get it though, just for the eye candy. This may sound like heresy to the harecore Oshii fans out there but, no joke, I often put on the DVD of GitS2 when I can't fall asleep. Works every time! :D Almost all of his films are sloooooooow. But I still love his work.

yes, I know that, but you have many titles now marked as A,B,C ALL REGIONS, or you have several titles with region A mark, and they are playing without problem on region B players....

Marek
My apologies, thank you for pointing that out to me.

However, this disc is indeed marked for Region A.

So is this right?

37Mbps for the video + 7.5Mbps for the audio = @45.5Mbps total average bitrate?

If so, then that in pretty close to Blu-ray's max of 52Mbps! :eek: Ususally only Blu-ray demo discs run that this high of a bitrate. It doesn't get much better than this!


37.2 for video
6.1 for Audio

43.3Mbps total average bitrate

Bitrate for video is about 36-37 constant. Only dips when it's all black, and at that, it's still 32. Audio bitrate is 6mbps, unless PowerDVD is lying.

My apologies, thank you for pointing that out to me.

However, this disc is indeed marked for Region A.

you are welcome !

now, I need somebody to test it :) but it is quite expensive test hmm $70

and here is page where can find which titles are so far region free or not...
http://bluray.lindsite.dk/ or check big thread about region free titles :)
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=743121&page=1&pp=30

Marek

The scene in the grocery store is just pure audio reference :D Even though it's short.

That means that the bitrate for the video is only about 30Mbps
No offence, ResOGlas, but I'm goin' with Kris on this. ;)

Well Kris is WRONG! I have the disc too! Doesn't even dip to 30 at all!

Bitrate for video is about 36-37 constant. Only dips when it's all black, and at that, it's still 32. Audio bitrate is 6mbps, unless PowerDVD is lying.
.....or maybe not! :D Kris? Care to settle this?

Well seeing as how he doesn't OWN the disc, he has no input at all. Sorry, but Kris is wrong!

The scene in the grocery store is just pure audio reference :D Even though it's short.
Absolutely! In fact, DTS used it on their Surround 9 demo disc.

It was settled before this thread even began. ;)

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=760714

Scanned Calculated
Title Codec Length Movie Size Disc Size Total Bitrate Video Bitrate Video Bitrate Main Audio Track
----- ------ ------- -------------- -------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- -----------------
Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence MPEG-2 1:39:05 35,336,583,168* 44,426,311,738 47.5513314287 36.59 38.8743314287 LPCM 7.1 6144Kbps


Amazing.

Thank you very much for the calculated specs.

Exactly, as I said, Kris is WRONG!

Good to see that you're using PowerDVD. In that case I was wrong. Most people base their bitrate claims on the PS3 or Sony BD player which is displaying total bitrate, not just video. I have no issue at all saying I'm wrong if I am.

Doesn't it seem silly to anyone else that this title uses 32Mbits for a black out? Wonder if they told the encoder that the floor is around there and not to go below there. It certainly would have made encoding easier since you have more bits to work with from the get go so hand tweaking would have been very minimal I expect. One could call it a waste of space but personally it wouldn't matter to me so long as audio and video are all that they could be!!

OP: Would you be kind enough to post screens? I'm thinking very hard on this as I have been waiting on Anime on BD for a very long time but it's a bit pricey.

Amazon.co.jp has this for about ~$62 shipped. I'm also thinking of getting Brave Story which they have for ~$40 shipped. :D

Doesn't it seem silly to anyone else that this title uses 32Mbits for a black out? Wonder if they told the encoder that the floor is around there and not to go below there. It certainly would have made encoding easier since you have more bits to work with from the get go so hand tweaking would have been very minimal I expect.
It probably also helped with banding on the rise-from-blacks and fade-to-blacks that occur thoughout this movie.

Must show restraint..... :)

Well worth the purchase :D

Now, has it been determined that this has 8 individual channels (with split stereo back surrounds) by someone with a decoder that accepts 8 channel PCM via HDMI? There are a couple Lionsgate 6.1 PCM tracks that are output with duplicated mono back surround channels and show up on the receiver display as 7.1 PCM audio.

Dan

Months ago I made a review in Spain for this title.

It is a Tier 0 without question.

http://img462.imageshack.us/img462/2459/inocaraov1.jpg

http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/4268/ino2ju3.jpg

http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/4194/carnavalek1.jpg

http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/5153/ino1xn1.jpg

http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/1529/inomenutw4.jpg

Demo material for sure.

When the first film is released I will get excited. I'll pay big $ for that one.

This disc looks pretty good, but it's not as perfect as people are making it out to be. There's quite a bit of color banding and a smidge of noise here and there. The DVD also has a nice transfer that upscales very well. The Blu-ray's improvement over it is much smaller than I expected.

The audio is stellar. No complaints there.

Subtitles have the correct theatrical translation with no closed captioning cues. For what it's worth, the DVD's subtitles were also corrected in subsequent pressing runs, and the studio offered an exchange program (I have one of the fixed discs).

HMV Japan (http://www.hmv.co.jp/product/detail/1235107) has the best price on this disc. 6552 yen comes to $56 USD currently. I forget how much shipping was, but it still wound up cheaper than YesAsia or other sources.

I personally don't think this is a good a disc PQ wise as people make it out to me. Like benes mentioned, very early on (a few minutes) into the movie you can see some blocking, even with the ridiculously high bitrate (which is strange considering an underwater scene later on is fine). It's not particularly sharp all around, especially the CGI in the parade scene which just doesn't seem as good as it could have been. It's also intentionally grainy (not really a problem, but I'm not a fan of doing that for added effect in anime). It's by no means a bad disc, just not as good as people make it out to be (and especially in the context of other HD anime). The AQ was very nice though. But despite that I don't think it's worth the money. If they released the same disc in the US for $25-30 (or you could get it second hand for cheaper) I'd say buy it, but it is definatly not worth $70+.

Oh, and there's an issue with the subtitles as well (seems to be ever a problem with GitS2), at least on my Samsung (with latest firmware). Certain letters are rendered a font higher than the rest, can get annoying (think it was p's, g's... been a while since I popped the disc in).

If this was the first movie I would have probably bought it for such a high price, but I was not a fan of the 2nd movie at all. I am personally going to hold off till I see what happens when it is released in the US. If they mess up the US release like they did the DVD version of this film then I'll probably import this then.

GitS:SAC and SAC 2nd Gig are one of the few anime series I actually like the English dub of. I wonder how they will deal with dual audio. Hopefully with 2 DTS-HD MA or TrueHD tracks. I don't think they'll be able to work out 2 x 7.1 LPCM tracks + 2 DD 640k tracks.

I was gonna give this a shot until I read that. :(

I got mine for free, though it took my friend a couple of weeks to mail it after he got back from Japan. I got it on Tuesday and still haven't had a chance to watch it.

Most anime have banding, even more in CGI, seem to me that they render some part in 16 bit or something. It's very rare for a anime not to have banding even at cinema..

Oh, and there's an issue with the subtitles as well (seems to be ever a problem with GitS2), at least on my Samsung (with latest firmware). Certain letters are rendered a font higher than the rest, can get annoying (think it was p's, g's... been a while since I popped the disc in).

This is the standard Japanese method of rendering English subtitles. The characters have a fixed bottom baseline, so any letters that would normally dip below that (g, j, p, q, y) are pushed upward. It's mildly distracting at first, but easy to ignore.

If only we were able to add fansubs, it'd be MUCH better :)

When the first film is released I will get excited. I'll pay big $ for that one.
Only if it gets a true remaster from a clean IP. The "remastered" DVD looked exactly like the original, so Manga needs to start with a fresh master in order for them to justify re-releasing it in HD. Otherwise, it will be The Fifth Element all over again! :eek:

True. I also want AKIRA, without the gobs of edge enhancement on all SD-DVD's.

True. I also want AKIRA, without the gobs of edge enhancement on all SD-DVD's.
Word! The remaster of Akira was excellent, but as you mentioned, was definitely limited by the DVD format. It will look incredible in HD!

Word! The remaster of Akira was excellent, but as you mentioned, was definitely limited by the DVD format. It will look incredible in HD!Akira the movie is cool, but if you want a real mind blowing experience read the Dark Horse graphic novels. IMO they are truly the best graphic novel series ever written.

The books shares little in common with the movies. You will recognize the characters and locations, but beyond that, not much. The translation is a real work of art as well. You can tell Dark Horse put lots of love into it. I highly recommend it.

The only downside is that it's almost all black and white. Unfortunately the series is so long it would have cost a fortune to publish all in color so only the first few pages of each book is in color. Even so, it's still a masterpiece...

Word! The remaster of Akira was excellent, but as you mentioned, was definitely limited by the DVD format.

The edge enhancement problems on Akira had nothing to do with limitations of the DVD format. It's all about the master, which Pioneer did a lousy job with. That disc has more e.e. than just about any other DVD I've ever seen. Literally every single line in the artwork of every single frame has a halo.

Do you really think the EE is on the HD master itself? Hopefully it was just added to the SD master for the DVD.

Oh yeah, nice review of the Toshiba XA2 on HighDefDigest.

Do you really think the EE is on the HD master itself? Hopefully it was just added to the SD master for the DVD.

It's a THX disc, and THX likes to add e.e. to their masters.

It is very likely that some EE is present on the master.

It's a THX disc, and THX likes to add e.e. to their masters.
DAMN YOU, Lucas!....damn you....

I've finally gotten around to writing up a full review of the Innocence disc:

http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/read.php?ID=27238

I finally received this disk from HMV Japan yesterday. After waiting for them to get it in stock for a few weeks they sent it out on the 11th and I got it on the 13th...a SUNDAY no less!! All the way from Tokyo. The reviews regarding the picture quality are a little harsh because I found it to be a very solid looking BD but it is not perfect. It was certainly sharper than the SD disk but the added grain and blur effects in some scenes do obscure some of the detail. The 7.1 PCM sound track was worth the price of the disk though. Easily some of the best I have ever heard. I don't know if the rears were true stereo but it sounded so good it was a quasi religious experience. I am a huge fan of the movie though. Worth the $60 odd dollars I spent on it from HMV Japan.

$64.52 delivered from HMV.

Personally I have a hard time spending 64.52 on a single movie that isn’t even in English. I am a huge fan...don’t get me wrong. I have both seasons of SAC and both movies. I agree with those who said the remaster of the 1st was not noticeably better. What a waste!

I may haft suck it up though...it is one of the most intellectual, mind bending movies I think I have seen.

Anyone have any idea as to when this title is actually going to be released in the US? I'm particularly interested in the Manga UK version with the english dub.

i loved the first movie but found this one to be a bore, good hear it looks and sounds good. but I gotta pass

Anyone have any idea as to when this title is actually going to be released in the US? I'm particularly interested in the Manga UK version with the english dub.

I didn't know that there was a dub for the movie at all, I think the US dvd release was sub only and if I recall right it was closed captioning subs.

Anybody know about the English subs on the Japanese Blu-Ray?

The initial run of the DVD incorrectly used closed captioning subtitles. It was later reissued with the correct english subtitles and Dreamworks had a free exchange program. The english subtitles on the BD are correct although the text font looks a little funky in a few spots.

I loved this movie a lot, but $60+ is just beyond my spending limit, especially when there's so much else to try out these days.

Am I the only one who was really dissapointed by the PQ of this Blu-Ray?
I like the film a lot and loved the Dvd (which looked pretty good even on a big screen)
But the Blu-Ray offers little to no real big difference picture wise (at least thats how i felt) so I would think twice about spending so much money on this

I want it but I'm not paying the price of a new game for a movie. Hopefully Manga will get the rights to this movie and release the BR with the English dub found on the Euro DVDs...

Bleh on English dubs!

I want it but I'm not paying the price of a new game for a movie. Hopefully Manga will get the rights to this movie and release the BR with the English dub found on the Euro DVDs...
Now in all seriousness... can we expect Manga to do anything but find every possible way to shortcut and screw up their release of the title, or have they outgrown that little problem of theirs?

Doubtful. Manga's news section on their website hasn't been updated since 1-1-06! But I believe Dreamworks has the rights to this title in the US, so hopefully it will come out sooner than later.

I am praying for the first (and vastly superior) film to be released sometime in this lifetime with at least DD5.1 Japanese audio and subtitles.

Availability: 2007/08/24 Ships from and sold by Amazon.co.jp.
No really a lifetime ;)

I am praying for the first (and vastly superior) film to be released.

I like both movies, but they're both flawed. The first movie is less talky and has more action, but the story ends abruptly with no 3rd act. The sequel is better constructed and frankly has a lot more interesting ideas in its head, but as mentioned it's extremely talky and slow. I couldn't call either one of them "vastly superior" to the other.

Loved them both. With repeat viewings they only get better.

I am praying for the first (and vastly superior) film to be released sometime in this lifetime with at least DD5.1 Japanese audio and subtitles.

Looks like you got your wish :)

Link (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2007-05-16/bandai-visual-japan-confirms-blu-ray-hd-dvd-dates)

AnimeonDVD.com reports that Bandai Visual Japan has revealed the schedule for the high-definition disc releases of several of its biggest titles. Wings of Honneamise and the first Patlabor movie will be released on both Blu-Ray and HD DVD on July 27. On the same date, Akira will be released in Blu-Ray only. Patlabor 2 (Blu-Ray and HD DVD), Ghost in the Shell (Blu-Ray) and Steamboy (Blu-Ray) will follow almost a month later, on August 24. Another month later, on September 25, the Blu-Ray releases of Avalon and Jin-Roh will conclude the slate.

According to Bandai Visual's website, Akira, Wings of Honneamise, Ghost in the Shell and both of the Patlabor movies will each have an English dub and English subtitles on the disc. The specifications for Steamboy, Avalon, and Jin-Roh do not list an English dub, although Steamboy does list English subtitles. The corresponding DVD listings of these movies also list the same language options for dubbing and subtitles.

Update: The Bandai Visual website now lists Avalon and Jin-Roh with English subtitles, and Steamboy with just Japanese subtitles.

So is this right?

37Mbps for the video + 7.5Mbps for the audio = @45.5Mbps total average bitrate?

If so, then that in pretty close to Blu-ray's max of 52Mbps! :eek: Ususally only Blu-ray demo discs run at that high of a bitrate.

doubt we'll ever see any movies at that bitrate unless it includes only the feature film and 1 audio track.

I saw a few clips of this at Kris's yesterday on his JVC-RS1...

what is the big deal? It looks OK, I mean I guess they did a good job capturing film grain?

I didn't even know anything about this release until yesterday, just casually checking it out. All I saw was animation that had some film grain.

I would definately be see using this as an audio demo piece well before one for PQ, esp to a J6P. Maybe there were other scenes?

I have definately been out of the forums and into the rest of my life for awhile now and I find it quite amusing how there are so many people who seem to have such a vested interest in either BD or HD-DVD winning. I fail to see how this release has now made a clear line in the sand why BD is so much better...I would expect that something LOTR, if BD comes with lossless audio (or one disk) and HD-DVD doesn't would make a case.

For the record, I have a PS3 mainly for a BD player, and prefer movies on BD as it is nicer than the add-on on my 360.

Anyone found this below $60? I want it but not at YesAsia prices.

Anyone found this below $60? I want it but not at YesAsia prices.

Try www.hmv.co.jp

Try www.hmv.co.jp

It's $55 from them shipped which is better, but still pricey.

i have a dumb question.

is the first ghost in the shell released in blu-ray yet ??

Thanks

It is, but only in Japan so far, and it's really expensive (http://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B000OPP8KI).

It is, but only in Japan so far, and it's really expensive (http://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B000OPP8KI).

how is the quality ?? what kind of soundtrack ?? PCM ?? got englisg sub ??

Thanks alot

Search, my friend...

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=908690

Since HD DVD couldn't ever have bitrates this high, as an animation fan I consider this at the least the one reason that it would be a shame if Blu-Ray didn't win this format war.

Just want to point out that a bit rate that high wouldn't be needed if it wasn't MPEG2 video. Just switching to AVC video would have saved a huge amount of bitrate and if anything, delivered a superior picture! The BD Vs HD DVD comment really isn't informative!

So let me get this straight. The menu and the pop-up menu items are entirely in Japanese? How easy is it to select English subtitles?

So let me get this straight. The menu and the pop-up menu items are entirely in Japanese? How easy is it to select English subtitles?

Here is the review and answer to your question
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film2/DVDReviews32/ghost_in_the_shell_innocence_blu-ray.htm

Just want to point out that a bit rate that high wouldn't be needed if it wasn't MPEG2 video. Just switching to AVC video would have saved a huge amount of bitrate and if anything, delivered a superior picture! The BD Vs HD DVD comment really isn't informative!


Please don't tell me you're another Mpeg-2 hater...

Anyway, you're right, AVC would be more efficient. That's not to say that a talented Mpeg2 compressionist couldn't do better than an average AVC compressionist.

HD DVD's peak bitrate disappoints me, that is the relevance. Informative? Sure is if this exact same feature were to be encoded for HD DVD in Mpeg2 as well. Bitrate easily plays a role when compressing animation.

Res, Trevor wasn't hating on MPEG2, he made a fair point. Assuming same quality, a more efficient codec wouldn't need the same bitrate, that's just math. Assuming same quality being the key phrase. Codecs aren't format-specific so it's nothing but a neutral and factual observation. I own the disc and love it btw, in case this also comes across as a potential slight.

Please don't tell me you're another Mpeg-2 hater...

Anyway, you're right, AVC would be more efficient. That's not to say that a talented Mpeg2 compressionist couldn't do better than an average AVC compressionist.

HD DVD's peak bitrate disappoints me, that is the relevance. Informative? Sure is if this exact same feature were to be encoded for HD DVD in Mpeg2 as well. Bitrate easily plays a role when compressing animation.

No, I don't hate MPEG2 -- I have a film library full of it :)! But I do feel that studios limit their work when they choose to use MPEG2 over AVC (thinking more in terms of potential image quality than size) -- perhaps a cost issue?

I get your objection to the HD DVD bitrate :)! However, I do suspect that given modern CODECs, this title could look and sound no less excellent on the "competing" format. Still, it really doesn't matter one way or the other. I'm glad to hear the title turned out well, thanks for the update :)!

I just wanted to say that having never seen GHOST IN THE SHELL 2 before I went ahead and rented it from Netflix. Unfortunately, it does have the hearing paired subtitles, so obviously they never exchanged it. That being said, this sequel is a decent followup. It's certainly better than the 3rd film (God, that sucked).

Sometimes the storytelling is confusing and of course, it's just flat out weird at times, which is typical of Japanese film. But the finale is so well done in regards to pacing, music, suspense and the look of everything that I can forgive its faults. The first film is superior in all ways but the animation. The obvious killer budget and improvements in 2d anime married with CGI is in play with GitS2.

The Japanese 5.1 track is killer! I can only cream my pants when I think about how good the 7.1 PCM must be on the Japanese BD. But, at nearly $9, it just is not worth it. That is too much money for me. I'd do it for the first film is it had a better Japanese track, but the 2.0 sound on that film really is tiny sounding compared to the English dub's amazing 5.1. :(

Visially GitS2 must be amazing in High Def. I've got a 720p capture on a portable drive, but am just not technical enough to create a home made HD-DVD. My DVHS equipment is no longer hooked up to my system, so tape is out. If anyone can help me out... ;) :D

Visially GitS2 must be amazing in High Def.

It is. I saw it theatrically in Tokyo, and the BD does full justice to it (on a 120" screen . . .)

BB

I just wanted to say that having never seen GHOST IN THE SHELL 2 before I went ahead and rented it from Netflix. Unfortunately, it does have the hearing paired subtitles, so obviously they never exchanged it. That being said, this sequel is a decent followup. It's certainly better than the 3rd film (God, that sucked).

I'm familiar with the first two films, but haven't seen "Solid State Society" yet. What was it about the third film that you disliked so much?

This was covered in another thread, Trevor, but summing up: The script was trite, not so smart, downright stupid at times and of course it was made for TV so everything about it seemed cheap. There was a complete lack of suspense and at no time did I have the feeling of wonder or amazement that the first two gave me. Not to mention the design of some "dangerous" robot tanks that were about as scary and threatening as a stuffed bunny.

Matt, "Solid State Society" is not a sequel to the Ghost in the Shell feature films. It's a follow-up to the "Stand Alone Complex" TV series. The movies and TV series follow entirely different continuities.

Solid State Society wasn't great, but I didn't think it was terrible. Yeah, that tank thing wasn't exactly a practical weapon, though. :) I'm thinking it was meant as a piece of construction equipment that the guy was using to attack, but that certainly wasn't explained in the movie very well.

I gather from that there is no third "Ghost In The Shell" feature film yet, the last being Innocence. I was confused on that point -- thanks for the clarification. (I think many/most of the online reviewers are confused on that too :).)

I gather from that there is no third "Ghost In The Shell" feature film yet, the last being Innocence. I was confused on that point -- thanks for the clarification. (I think many/most of the online reviewers are confused on that too :).)

It's admittedly a little confusing if you don't follow it closely. The same studio (Production I.G) produces both the movies and the TV series, the character designs are identical, most of the voice cast is the same, and they're pretty similar in tone and style. It's easy to assume that they're directly connected, but in fact they're completely separate (a stand alone complex itself, if you will :) ).

Both feature films were directed by Mamoru Oshii, and I wouldn't be surprised if it were ever announced that he's deliberately avoided watching the TV show. Innocence is a direct sequel to Ghost in the Shell. The Stand Alone Complex series is a parallel adaption of the same source manga by Shirow Masamune. Innocence directly contradicts the continuity of Stand Alone Complex.

Solid State Society was a direct-to-video sequel to Stand Alone Complex.

So how is the TV series? I hated that SOLID STATE SOCIETY with a passion. The music was good, but other than that I couldn't stand it.

Stand Alone Complex? Moves faster, heavy on the complex political intrigue and action. Treats the same kind of material in a less overtly cerebral fashion. Less moody but no less talky. Has an element that could put off more serious viewers initially: Tachikoma, little robots with squealy anime voices (in Japanese at least) providing comic relief on the light side of the machine with a soul theme (i.e. the kids). Plays more like a futurustic political thriller with philosophical themes than a philosophical meditation with a movie theme.

Loved it personally, but don't know Solid State Society. Music was incredible in this too, though, so maybe it's similar.

I may have to give it a shot. I can rent it, so it won't bust my bank.

I gather from that there is no third "Ghost In The Shell" feature film yet, the last being Innocence.

Actually, there is a third film in the works, and it's going to be a live-action major-Hollywood-studio film! :rolleyes: Some early casting rumors are that Jessica Biel will play Motoko and Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson will play Batou. :eek: Yes, this could totally suck, but if a really good director is selected who understands GitS and can keep the story faithful to the original and keep the actors from going over-the-top, this could turn out to be pretty damn good! We shall see. :cool:

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117957858.html?categoryid=14&cs=1&query=ghost+in+the+shell

Actually, there is a third film in the works, and it's going to be a live-action major-Hollywood-studio film! :rolleyes: Casting rumors are that Jessica Biel will play Motoko and Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson will play Batou. :eek: Yes, this could totally suck, but if a really good director is selected who understands GitS and can keep the story faithful to the original and the actors from going over-the-top, this could turn out to be pretty damn good! We shall see. :cool:

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117957858.html?categoryid=14&cs=1&query=ghost+in+the+shell


Don't even get your hopes up... it will be a terrible movie that just goes "WOAEZ TEH BIEL IN TEH BIKINI GO SEES IT!"

Haven't seen Innocence yet, but I love the first movie.

would get if it was 1/3 of the price.... $70 is just way too much...

haven't even seen the first one yet.... seen the series but some are a bore to watch... fell asleep on a couple of episodes....

is the animation as good or better than appleseed remake? can't wait till that gets on bluray... the opening scene rocked in sd-dvd with dts....

Actually, there is a third film in the works, and it's going to be a live-action major-Hollywood-studio film! :rolleyes: Casting rumors are that Jessica Biel will play Motoko and Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson will play Batou. :eek: Yes, this could totally suck, but if a really good director is selected who understands GitS and can keep the story faithful to the original and the actors from going over-the-top, this could turn out to be pretty damn good! We shall see. :cool:

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117957858.html?categoryid=14&cs=1&query=ghost+in+the+shell

I'm not sure I'd really consider it a "Ghost In The Shell" sequel if it's not by the same director -- and this almost certainly won't be. Sounds like another Hollywood adaptation.

My interest in SSS was it coming from the same source as GITS and Innocence, however that turns out not to be the case. A live action film might be an interesting curiosity, but I doubt it'll qualify as the next installment.

Oh God, I am sick to my stomach about the news of a live action film version. :(

I'm not sure I'd really consider it a "Ghost In The Shell" sequel if it's not by the same director -- and this almost certainly won't be. Sounds like another Hollywood adaptation.

True. It will most likely be a remake of the original GitS anime. Oshii has stated that he himself will never make a third GitS movie but that doesn't completely rule out the possibility of another GitS feature-length anime. And I don't consider GitS:SSS a true GitS 'movie'. To me, it was just a big-budget episode of SAC, and not a very good one at that. :o

Yeah, Ghost in the Shell starring Jessica Biel will totally happen.

Just like Ninja Scroll, Vampire Hunter D, Lupin III, Kite, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Dragonball Z, Battle Angel, and any other anime titles that have been licensed in Hollywood without any filming dates to speak of several years after the rumors have worn thin... the only one to have anything that wasn't a load of nothing so far is Speed Racer, and that's a whole different issue at this point.

Don't even get your hopes up... it will be a terrible movie that just goes "WOAEZ! JESSICA BIEL IN A BIKINI! I GO SEES IT!"

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Any movie that has Jessica Biel showing off that incredibily shaped body (and butt!) of hers instantly becomes a cinematic masterpiece in my book! :D

I have zero interest in a live action GITS but I am interested in a test video of Jessica in the thermal optics......:D

Yeah, Ghost in the Shell starring Jessica Biel will totally happen.

Just like Ninja Scroll, Vampire Hunter D, Lupin III, Kite, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Dragonball Z, Battle Angel, and any other anime titles that have been licensed in Hollywood without any filming dates to speak of several years after the rumors have worn thin... the only one to have anything that wasn't a load of nothing so far is Speed Racer, and that's a whole different issue at this point.

LOL! :D So true! And are the Wachoskis really turning Speed Racer into a film?! Those boys...er, I mean, boy and girl :eek: had their pick from any of the titles above, and then they decide to make a big-budget film about Speed Racer?! I seriously think both of them have lost their minds!!

I have zero interest in a live action GITS but I am interested in a test video of Jessica in the thermal optics......:D

That would be the ultimate Easter Egg on the BD/HD-DVD! :D:D:D

Actually, there is a third film in the works, and it's going to be a live-action major-Hollywood-studio film! :rolleyes: Some early casting rumors are that Jessica Biel will play Motoko and Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson will play Batou. :eek: Yes, this could totally suck, but if a really good director is selected who understands GitS and can keep the story faithful to the original and keep the actors from going over-the-top, this could turn out to be pretty damn good! We shall see. :cool:

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117957858.html?categoryid=14&cs=1&query=ghost+in+the+shell

Biel is totally hot, but this sounds like my worst nightmare :mad:

Actually, there is a third film in the works, and it's going to be a live-action major-Hollywood-studio film! :rolleyes: Some early casting rumors are that Jessica Biel will play Motoko and Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson will play Batou. :eek: Yes, this could totally suck, but if a really good director is selected who understands GitS and can keep the story faithful to the original and keep the actors from going over-the-top, this could turn out to be pretty damn good! We shall see. :cool:

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117957858.html?categoryid=14&cs=1&query=ghost+in+the+shell

You have GOT to be kidding me...

It's $55 from them shipped which is better, but still pricey.

How are you getting this price? I added the disc to my cart and went through the checkout process. The price was more like $65 (7440 yen) shipped.

Should I be doing something differently? Thanks.

Also, has anyone heard when this title might be released in the U.S.? I sure would like to pay a little less for this one.

Also, has anyone heard when this title might be released in the U.S.? I sure would like to pay a little less for this one.

Dreamworks distributes the movie in the U.S., so if it were to come out it would be on HD DVD. No announcements or hints have been made.

Dreamworks distributes the movie in the U.S., so if it were to come out it would be on HD DVD. No announcements or hints have been made.

Thanks Josh. I'm on the fence with this one. It's a great movie that looks excellent, but I don't know if it's worth $65.

Although I do have the Spider-Man trilogy on Blu-ray pre-ordered. Maybe I'll cancel that and get this instead....

Bandai Entertainment announced that there will be a US Blu-ray release of Innocence this year. They're currently working on a new English dub with the cast of the Stand Alone Complex TV series.

http://innocence.bandai-ent.com/
http://www.animeondvd.com/news/news.php?news_view=13891
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-04-19/bandai-entertainment-adds-ghost-in-the-shell-innocence

Being a "Dub fan", I would love to see Innocence in english (the DVD release was also subtitled-only, but I believe a dub was produced for overseas).

With that said, I seem to recall Bandai being quite expensive with their releases ($150 for Yukikaze, $40 MSRP per 'episode' of Freedom, $80 a piece for Jin Roh or Honneamise). I paid about $65 for Innocence and unless the next titles they release are considered a "must have" with a significant A/V increase over the DVD (another problem that some of their discs have had)) I probably wont be buying anymore. Release some $30-40 anime movies (or include more than a single episode per disc) and they've got themself a deal!

Being a "Dub fan", I would love to see Innocence in english (the DVD release was also subtitled-only, but I believe a dub was produced for overseas).

With that said, I seem to recall Bandai being quite expensive with their releases ($150 for Yukikaze, $40 MSRP per 'episode' of Freedom, $80 a piece for Jin Roh or Honneamise). I paid about $65 for Innocence and unless the next titles they release are considered a "must have" with a significant A/V increase over the DVD (another problem that some of their discs have had)) I probably wont be buying anymore. Release some $30-40 anime movies (or include more than a single episode per disc) and they've got themself a deal!
Luckily Bandai Entertainment != Bandai Visual :D

Bandai Entertainment announced that there will be a US Blu-ray release of Innocence this year. They're currently working on a new English dub with the cast of the Stand Alone Complex TV series.

http://innocence.bandai-ent.com/
http://www.animeondvd.com/news/news.php?news_view=13891
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-04-19/bandai-entertainment-adds-ghost-in-the-shell-innocence

Thanks for the info, SneakerPimp. It might've got lost in the mix if you hadn't noticed.

OK, great, but no mention of subtitles? Look, I won't spend a DIME on a release that does not include the original soundtrack and subtitles.

And that means the dubbed sound cannot be in a superior format to the original soundtrack. God forbid they pull that kind of crap on us.

Nervous...

It says right there on the official splash page that it's going to have Japanese audio and subs. Besides, Bandai Ent. have been in the anime business for a long time, they aren't that dumb.

As for the live action movie rumor, it would have been great a few year back if it would have star the same actress that was in the Mamoru Oshii movie Avalon. That actress would have been perfect as Kusanagi. Of course you would have it in polish with subtitle then :-)

It's too bad that Bandai Visual continues to charge Japanese prices for HD anime in North America. I can't wait to see if this will cost as much as Jin-Roh does or what.

Innocence was not a good film, too much of everyone standing around discussing philosophy and not enough of anything actually happening. It was gorgeous to look at though.

Innocence was not a good film, too much of everyone standing around discussing philosophy and not enough of anything actually happening. It was gorgeous to look at though.

I like a 'smart film' as much as the next guy, that might actually mean I like it more. But I agree with you. The conversations and topics in SAC offer a lot more for your mind to chew on, without boring you.

Now where do I email Bandai about that SAC BD set?;)
I'll pay Japanese prices in a heartbeat for that.

Now where do I email Bandai about that SAC BD set?;)
I'll pay Japanese prices in a heartbeat for that.

Well, there's these...

http://us.yesasia.com/en/PrdDept.aspx/code-w/section-index/pid-1010703655/

I have 2 problems with these.

1. They are the condensed, 2-hour-moviefied versions of SAC 1st and 2nd GIG, they are not the complete seasons.

2. They cost $290. No, seriously. $290? I know the Japanese have more money than they know what to do with compared to Americans, but do they actually pay this kind of money for anime in Japan and like it?

Well, there's these...

http://us.yesasia.com/en/PrdDept.aspx/code-w/section-index/pid-1010703655/


2. They cost $290. No, seriously. $290? I know the Japanese have more money than they know what to do with compared to Americans, but do they actually pay this kind of money for anime in Japan and like it?

I wonder if they're upset about something... What could it have been?:rolleyes:
(Sorry if that offended anyone)


Now where do I email Bandai about that SAC BD set?;)
I'll pay Japanese prices in a heartbeat for that.

Well. Maybe not.:o
My response to that set:mad::confused::rolleyes::(
Who do they think they are charging outrageous prices for chopped up material? Fox?

It's too bad that Bandai Visual continues to charge Japanese prices for HD anime in North America. I can't wait to see if this will cost as much as Jin-Roh does or what.
Then it's a good thing that Bandai Visual isn't releasing this then, isn't it?

For the umpteenth time, Bandai Visual is NOT the same company as Bandai Entertainment. Here's an easy chart for future reference:

Bandai Visual USA: Insane prices with only Japanese audio (apart from a few exceptions.)

Bandai Entertainment: Sane prices and most of the time includes both subtitles and dubs.

With that said this is their first Blu-ray release so we don't know what kind of price point they're looking at, but I'm pretty sure it won't be in the crazy range.

http://www.amazon.com/Ghost-Shell-2-Innocence-Blu-ray/dp/B001K98MFU/

The disc is MSRP 39.99 and priced at 24.99 at amazon.

I preordered mine.

Interesting.

Any clue if it is 7.1 like the Japanese release?

Well, there's these...

http://us.yesasia.com/en/PrdDept.aspx/code-w/section-index/pid-1010703655/

I have 2 problems with these.

1. They are the condensed, 2-hour-moviefied versions of SAC 1st and 2nd GIG, they are not the complete seasons.


I'm confused...
I know "The Laughing Man" and "Individual Eleven" are the condensed moviefied versions of the SAC seasons... but isn't "Solid State Society" it's own real standalone movie? I ask because I own Solid State Society, but have not yet watched it because I haven't watched SAC 2nd Gig all the way through.

I'm confused...
I know "The Laughing Man" and "Individual Eleven" are the condensed moviefied versions of the SAC seasons... but isn't "Solid State Society" it's own real standalone movie? I ask because I own Solid State Society, but have not yet watched it because I haven't watched SAC 2nd Gig all the way through.

Yes, Solid State Society is an entirely new story just for the movie, not a condensed version of the series episodes.

Preorder on amazon.

I'm looking forward to the Dub, anyone know the specs? is the Dub lossless?
Don't get me wrong, I've watched tons of anime subtitled (I maintain that Excel Saga cannot be watched with the english dub, it's just not the same show), however, I have only seen GITS: Innocence once, when it came to the local indy theatre here, and I have no idea what the movie was about! The visuals were so stunning that I couldn't read the subtitles. I never got the dvd cause I just knew I had to wait for a (hopefully) quality dub. Finally, I can watch this movie in HD and know what's going on!

None of the tracks are lossless, they're all DD: http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film2/DVDReviews43/ghost_in_the_shell_innocence_blu-ray.htm

edit: I've heard from some people who watched it dubbed that it's actually more confusing than watching it subtitled, because the translations of some of the philosophical lines, etc. aren't quite correct. YMMV.

Shame on you dubbed folks..

No way for a "real" film lover to watch a movie :D

None of the tracks are lossless, they're all DD: http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film2/DVDReviews43/ghost_in_the_shell_innocence_blu-ray.htm

edit: I've heard from some people who watched it dubbed that it's actually more confusing than watching it subtitled, because the translations of some of the philosophical lines, etc. aren't quite correct. YMMV.

No lossless? Aww crap. Now I have to decide to order the domestic for $23 or the Ultimate Japanese Edition with THD and MA for $60.

Shame on you dubbed folks..

No way for a "real" film lover to watch a movie :D

I hate anime elitests, or in this case film elitest. One of the main reasons I want this movie is because I have one of the first print DVD copies that has messed up closed captions instead of subtitles. If the dub of this movie features the same cast as the SAC series then there is no concern over the quality IMO.

I once met an anime elitist (I jokingly refer to her as the anime Nazi now), who said subtitles were evil and if you didn't speak Japanese you didn't deserve to watch anime. She was a rich white girl who just happened to spend a couple years in Japan as a child. I told her, so she would never, ever watch any Korean anime or Hong Kong movies? She was speachless.:p
Anyway, I've seen horrible dubs that I had to turn off before, but I've also seen horrible subtitles too (I avoided the GITS Innocence DVD for the CC debacle.)

No lossless on the US release is a bit dissapointing. I don't think I'm prepared to pay the price for the import though. I enjoyed the visuals, but I'm afraid it's not worth more than 25$ for me.

The lack of high end audio is surprising. That really is a shame. But the price is right. This is a film that is good and bad for me. Some of it really is too serious and artsy for its own good. But the finale really does punch it up ten notches, making it all worthwhile.

Now bring on the original, please. :cool:

Dolby Digital tracks only? Really??? I mean, wtf???!!!!

After jumping through hoops to get a properly subtitled version of the SD-DVD, I can't believe I'll have to pay Japanese-import prices to get a proper release of the BD with (ahem) hi-res audio.

Bandai... they want to confuse, frustrate and infuriate their fanbase, yes?

No lossless? Aww crap. Now I have to decide to order the domestic for $23 or the Ultimate Japanese Edition with THD and MA for $60.

Will the import still be $60 now that there is a US version? I doubt it...

Me thinks the import will drop to $35-40 real soon.

I will pay the extra $10-15 for the luxury of uncompressed audio.

How the image quality of this US version?

Will the import still be $60 now that there is a US version? I doubt it...

Me thinks the import will drop to $35-40 real soon.

I will pay the extra $10-15 for the luxury of uncompressed audio.

smart thinking!

Will the import still be $60 now that there is a US version? I doubt it...

Me thinks the import will drop to $35-40 real soon.

I will pay the extra $10-15 for the luxury of uncompressed audio.

Based on the price of anime in Japan, it will probably remain $60 for some time to come. Hell, thats a deal compared to some of the movies out there! :rolleyes:

Based on the price of anime in Japan, it will probably remain $60 for some time to come. Hell, thats a deal compared to some of the movies out there! :rolleyes:
Agreed, at the very least it's standard pricing. It will not drop in price unless it's re-issued again, maybe in a few years, and it will have nothing to do with the US release.

How the image quality of this US version?
Pretty much the same as the Japanese version (see here (http://www.asianblurayguide.com/news/344/gits_2_innocence_bandai_visual_buena_vista_comparison/)).

I ended up caving on the Disney JP release after I found out the US release of this was being handled by Bandai Entertainment (not the far superior Honneamise/Bandai Visual studio).

On amazon.co.jp, you can get the Ghost in the Shell 2.0 boxset (the 2.0 "refresh" of GITS1 + the original GITS1) and GITS2: Innocence Ultimate Edition for $166 shipped, which breaks down to around $55/movie and is a lot cheaper & more reliable than yesasia or places like that.

Will the import still be $60 now that there is a US version? I doubt it...

Me thinks the import will drop to $35-40 real soon.

I will pay the extra $10-15 for the luxury of uncompressed audio.

Japanese releases don't have any tendency to drop in price when a U.S. release is out, they pretty much keep their price at the same level all the time. 20-30% discounts from MRSP are usually the best price levels available in Japanese online stores and there aren't any cheaper sources for Japanese releases usually. The best discounts are actually often in the pre-order phase.

Nobody has really commented on this, so I'll give some quick thoughts.

Sat down to watch the entire film on BD today and comparing it directly withthe DVD on a 47 inch 1080i HD set, one can clearly see the huge improveent in detail and color depth. This BD may not be tier 0 or 1 quality, but it still detroys the DVD releases. Because of the way it was filmed images are not as razor shark as one would find on say Sleeping Beauty or Wall-E, but to my mind this reflects what was seen in theaters, now without the ugly softness and EE of standard def DVD.

This must look amazing on a projector. How I miss my 95 inch screen. :(

Sound may not be uncompressed, but it's exceptionally good. No complaints at all.

Subtitles are too large for my tastes. On a projector they would be obscene. I wish studios would include seperate, smaller subtitle tracks for those of us who are not blind.

Extras suck.

At 37% off retail, it was well worth the perice of admission. Cannot wait to one day experience this on a large screen.

Matt,

Thanks for your thoughts on this title.

I'll pick it up and see how it holds up on a 116" screen.

That must blow to not have access to a PJ right now.

I ended up caving on the Disney JP release after I found out the US release of this was being handled by Bandai Entertainment (not the far superior Honneamise/Bandai Visual studio).

On amazon.co.jp, you can get the Ghost in the Shell 2.0 boxset (the 2.0 "refresh" of GITS1 + the original GITS1) and GITS2: Innocence Ultimate Edition for $166 shipped, which breaks down to around $55/movie and is a lot cheaper & more reliable than yesasia or places like that.

Wow. That sounds like a better deal than yesasia for sure.

I might go that route instead of the crappy US release.

I didn't find GiTS2: Ultimate Edition on Amazon.co.jp only see the Absolute Edition: link (http://www.amazon.co.jp/%E3%82%A4%E3%83%8E%E3%82%BB%E3%83%B3%E3%82%B9-%E3%82%A2%E3%83%96%E3%82%BD%E3%83%AA%E3%83%A5%E3%83%BC%E3%83 %88%E3%83%BB%E3%82%A8%E3%83%87%E3%82%A3%E3%82%B7%E3%83%A7%E3 %83%B3-Blu-ray-%E6%8A%BC%E4%BA%95%E5%AE%88/dp/B0018BL6SU/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1233100781&sr=8-9)

Can you post a direct link?

I believe this is the one:

link hopefully works... (http://www.amazon.co.jp/GHOST-SHELL-%E6%94%BB%E6%AE%BB%E6%A9%9F%E5%8B%95%E9%9A%8A2-0-Blu-ray-%E3%80%90%E5%88%9D%E5%9B%9E%E9%99%90%E5%AE%9A%E7%94%9F%E7%94 %A3%E3%80%91/dp/B001DSX4Q0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1233112906&sr=1-1)

It looks like it's 9945 yen, which is $111 US. Not bad for 3 films.

It looks like it's 9945 yen, which is $111 US. Not bad for 3 films.
It's basically one film in two different versions. This set does not include Innocence. :)

Can someone provide a link as to what's contained on the "GITS:2.0" box?

Can someone provide a link as to what's contained on the "GITS:2.0" box?
There are some pictures here (http://blog.affenheimtheater.de/en/2008/12/22/ghost-in-the-shell-20-kurzreview-und-bilder-vom-japanischen-limited-edition-boxset/). You get the original Ghost in the Shell, the 2.0 version, a bonus disc (without subtitles), a CD with some kind of remixes/audio clips, a booklet (in Japanese) and a box.

Blasst, moving out of CT and now living in NYC has meant downsizing everything and yeah, it sucks. Going from 95" to 47" is painful.

Anyone from New York City remember a store in the Village (on 4th Street btween B'way and Lafayatte) called ANIME CRASH? They would import a whole bunch of Japanese items like Mangas, DVDs, posters, robots/figures, etc.

Whatever happened to it? Is there another place that sells import Japanese items similar to ANIME CRASH in New York?

Anyone from New York City remember a store in the Village (on 4th Street btween B'way and Lafayatte) called ANIME CRASH? They would import a whole bunch of Japanese items like Mangas, DVDs, posters, robots/figures, etc.

Whatever happened to it? Is there another place that sells import Japanese items similar to ANIME CRASH in New York?

Oh man, what a mind trip. There was an Anime Crash in Harvard Square that I used to go to often, and yeah they were chock full of all kinds of Japanese goodies. (Unfortunately, I discovered a little too late that the anime soundtrack CDs they offered were all Taiwanese bootlegs--I bought a copy of the Ghost in the Shell OST from the pirate label SonMay from that place, and have since disowned it for the genuine product.)

Unfortunately, they went out of business several years ago, though earlier this decade they tried to make a comeback as an anime DVD label. Their only title IIRC was Geisters: Fraction of the Earth, and it barely saw the light of day. (I have a demo disc of it from one of my trips to Anime Boston.) Since then, nothing. They seem to have fallen off the face of the earth.

I don't know about who might serve as a replacement for them in New York, though you might try the Kinokuniya Bookstore if it's still in the area, at least for some stuff. I used to get the English volumes of Five Star Stories from them before the title broke wide. Otherwise, just do a search on anime stores in the area and you might come up with a few.

Anyone from New York City remember a store in the Village (on 4th Street btween B'way and Lafayatte) called ANIME CRASH? They would import a whole bunch of Japanese items like Mangas, DVDs, posters, robots/figures, etc.

Whatever happened to it? Is there another place that sells import Japanese items similar to ANIME CRASH in New York?

I remember it. It was across the street from the Barnes and Noble. It's on the same side as the Starbucks on the corner, right?

There's an Anime place near Hearld Square. 30th-31st street. Name escapes me though, my apologies.

Just saw there is a Hong Kong BD version with DTS-HD Master Audio sound, but can't find more information about this release. http://www.yesasia.com/ghost-in-the-shell-2-innocence-blu-ray-english-subtitled-hong-kong/1020422891-0-0-0-en/info.html
Also available from play-asia.com.

There's also anupcoming UK release (http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001U3EONA/) in September. No details on lossless audio yet though.

I remember it. It was across the street from the Barnes and Noble. It's on the same side as the Starbucks on the corner, right?

There's an Anime place near Hearld Square. 30th-31st street. Name escapes me though, my apologies.

Image Anime
http://www.imageanime.com/

Manhattan New York City 242 West 30th Street, between 7th & 8th Ave (closer to 8th Avenue).

I've bought a couple of models from them. Pretty good selection for those and the action figures. Prices range from very good to typical 100% markup.

The Kinokuniya bookstore in manhattan is no longer at Rockefeller center.
It moved to

New York Main Store
1073 Avenue of the Americas (Bet. 40th and 41st St), New York, NY 10018
phone: 212-869-1700/ fax: 212-869-1703
Store hours: 10:00am - 8:00pm (Mon-Sat)/ Sun 11:00am - 7:30pm (Sun)

I have a question regarding the myriad of Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence releases out there that's pretty simple state, but apparently difficult to answer: Namely, which is the best?

As I understand it, the US release has no lossless audio and terrible sub- or dub-titles. The Korean has lossless audio, but I am seen conflicting reports on the quality of the subtitles. Finally, I can find precious little on the Japanese release. Does it offer anything in terms of picture and audio quality or subtitle correctness to justify the extremely high price in comparison with the Korean release?

Thanks a lot!

US release has correct subtitles but no lossless audio. UK release is the one that has crappy subtitles. AU release seems to be identical to UK. JP release is lossless and has correct subtitles, but as you say is expensive. HK (I assume this is what you were referring to) release I have no idea about. I'd also like to know if the subtitles are good on that one, since then it would be the best option.

US release has correct subtitles but no lossless audio. UK release is the one that has crappy subtitles. AU release seems to be identical to UK. JP release is lossless and has correct subtitles, but as you say is expensive. HK (I assume this is what you were referring to) release I have no idea about. I'd also like to know if the subtitles are good on that one, since then it would be the best option.

lol Wow. I really screwed that up. :D Thanks for the information! I am anxious to hear about the HK subtitles as well.

US release has correct subtitles but no lossless audio. UK release is the one that has crappy subtitles. AU release seems to be identical to UK. JP release is lossless and has correct subtitles, but as you say is expensive. HK (I assume this is what you were referring to) release I have no idea about. I'd also like to know if the subtitles are good on that one, since then it would be the best option.

I found out a bit more information about the HK subtitles form a post by singhcr on blu-ray.com:

I have the HK edition and have seen the US edition.

The subtitles seem to be the same, although there are a few typos in the HK subs and the HK subs do not show song lyrics which the US subs do.

I don't speak Japanese but I did not notice any glaring errors like you mentioned in the UK version.

So it looks like it comes down to whether song subtitles (US) or lossless audio (HK) is more important to you. I watched GitS 1.0 from the Japanese Gits 2.0 boxset last night, and I don't recall the songs having subtitles. So the Japanese GitS 2: Innocence BD may not either, though I obviously cannot say for sure. Decisions, decisions...