Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence" offers a watching experience that, while not without its flaws, remains overall compelling for fans and newcomers to the franchise alike. Viewers will notice some visual imperfections such as occasional banding and aliasing, alongside a fairly consistent presence of noise, especially noticeable in certain scenes like the one around the 48-minute mark where it is visible on Batou's forehead. Although these issues might distract the most discerning of viewers, they do not significantly detract from the overall viewing experience. The film’s palette tends towards the drab and dreary, with colors appearing somewhat washed out; this aesthetic choice, while potentially off-putting to some, effectively complements the thematic elements of the narrative, adding to the film’s atmospheric quality.

Detail levels across the board are satisfactory, with foreground elements and character animations presenting with less finesse and appearing somewhat basic in their detailing. However, this is somewhat mitigated by the more intricately designed backgrounds and environmental elements that benefit greatly from the 1080p high-definition resolution, providing a level of sharpness and clarity that elevates the visual presentation. The color grading, favoring muted tones and a generally subdued color spectrum, contributes to the film's unique visual identity, though it may leave fans desiring more vibrancy in certain scenes. Black levels are another weak point, often appearing more gray than truly black, contributing further to the film’s overall lack of visual depth.

Despite these challenges in its video presentation, "Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence" on Blu-ray manages to hold its own, offering an experience that is both satisfying and visually coherent within the context of its narrative world. While it falls short of perfection in technical delivery, the film's artistic merits and the high definition clarity make it a worthy addition to any collection, provided viewers adjust their expectations accordingly. The detailed backgrounds and overall composition benefit from the clarity of 1080p HD, ensuring that the film's artistic intent and nuanced environmental storytelling are adequately conveyed.

The audio quality of "Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence" on Blu Ray is graced by twin Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless soundtracks, available in both the original Japanese and an English dubbed version. A slight inconvenience presents itself in the fact that listeners are unable to switch between these audio tracks directly with a remote control but must navigate back to the main menu to make their selection. This minor flaw aside, the auditory experience provided by either choice stands out as exemplary, showcasing an indistinguishable level of excellence between the two beyond the language barrier. Each soundtrack envelops the listener in a rich, expansive soundscape that beautifully utilizes the entire soundstage for an immersive experience.

Directionality within the audio mix is nothing short of impressive; it's easy to become engrossed in the world of the film through its sound alone. Dynamic effects such as helicopters in motion, speeding vehicles, and bullets in flight are portrayed with stunning accuracy across the soundscape. Action sequences benefit from precise detailing, where gunfire and explosions are both potent and meticulously placed around the listener, creating a truly enveloping experience. The attention to atmospheric sound fields further enhances various locations within the film, offering a comprehensive auditory environment that is as detailed as it is intriguing.

Moreover, the musical score and dialogue across both language tracks are given due care, with music spreading liberally across the front and integrating smoothly into surrounds for added depth. Dialogue, a crucial element, maintains a central focus ensuring that every spoken word is clear, well prioritized, and natural sounding regardless of the chosen language. This meticulous attention to audio detail ensures that "Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence" can be experienced as a pinnacle of auditory craftsmanship, bringing its animated world to vibrant, pulsating life through sound alone.

The Blu Ray extra presentation of "Ghost in The Shell 2: Innocence" enhances the viewing experience significantly, delving deep into the creation and philosophy behind this animated masterpiece. The inclusion of an insightful audio commentary by Director Mamoru Oshii and Animation Director Toshihiko Nishikubo offers a comprehensive exploration of the film from its conceptualization to the final product, discussing everything from the filmmaking process to specific visual and technical challenges. The "Making of Ghost in The Shell 2: Innocence" featurette further enriches understanding, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the animation process, character development, and the integration of digital work with traditional animation techniques. Viewers also get a glimpse into the creation of the film's music and voice work, making it a holistic overview for fans and newcomers alike. Additionally, the inclusion of original Japanese and other trailers offers a glimpse into the film's promotion. With a DVD copy of the film and a voucher for a UV digital copy included, this release is as generous as it is comprehensive.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Director Mamoru Oshii and Animation Director Toshihiko Nishikubo discuss the film's evolution and technical aspects.
• The Making of Ghost in The Shell 2: Innocence: A detailed look at the animation process, digital techniques, and creative choices.
• Japanese Trailer: Original trailer of the film.
• Trailers: Additional trailers from FUNimation titles.

Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence" continues the revered legacy of its predecessor, immersing viewers once again in its complex, cybernetic universe. This sequel intricately weaves philosophical musings on the essence of humanity with a visually arresting depiction of a future where technological and organic life have become indistinguishably merged. It delves deeper into the cerebral and existential themes that captivated audiences in the first film, challenging viewers with its contemplative narrative and dense thematic exploration. While its heavy reliance on philosophical dialogue and intricate plot may deter casual viewers, those enchanted by rich, thought-provoking material will find "Innocence" to be a meticulously crafted gem. The story progresses as Batou, now more cyborg than human, investigates a series of eerie murders with his partner Togusa, unraveling a complex web that questions the sanctity of human essence amidst technological dominance.

Despite its merits, "Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence" is not without faults, notably a tendency towards buddy cop clichés and an ambiance heavily reminiscent of "Blade Runner's" dystopian aesthetic. However, these elements do little to detract from its core achievement: a profound exploration of humanity through the lens of a society where digital and flesh are inextricably linked. The film's somber visual palette starkly contrasts with the vibrant hues typical of other anime, further underscoring its gravitation towards narrative depth over stylistic allure. The voice acting, although occasionally rigid in its delivery, effectively conveys the depth and complexity of the characters, particularly in their reflections on existence and identity. This sequel not only expands upon the foundational concepts introduced in its predecessor but also presents them in a manner that is both intellectually stirring and deeply engaging, solidifying its position as a laudable continuation of a celebrated franchise.

Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence" delivers a visually resonant and thought-provoking journey into a future where the dichotomy between human and machine is ever-vanishing. The film dives deep into philosophical introspections about what it means to be alive, gracefully balancing its thematic heaviness with a compelling narrative and breathtaking visuals. While its intricate plot and dense philosophical underpinnings might deter some viewers seeking lighter entertainment, those willing to engage with its complexity will find a rich tapestry of ideas and spectacle. The Blu-ray release by FUNimation presents this visionary sequel in a manner that fairly showcases its stunning animation and detailed world-building, supported by satisfactory video quality and robust audio that immerse the viewer in its meticulously crafted cybernetic universe.

The technical presentation of this Blu-ray edition brings the film's intricate details and vibrant colors to life, with the audio quality complementing the visual experience by delivering the film's haunting score and immersive sound effects with clarity and depth. However, it's worth noting that while the video quality is deemed fair, there could be moments where enthusiasts might long for a higher definition to fully appreciate the film's artistic nuances. The supplemental materials, though not abundant, provide meaningful insights into the making of this cinematic endeavor, enriching the viewing experience for fans and newcomers alike.

In conclusion, "Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence" on Blu-ray is an essential addition for aficionados of science fiction and anime, embodying a fusion of style and substance. Despite its philosophical density potentially limiting its appeal and minor quibbles regarding the perfectness of its video presentation, the release stands out for its ability to engage both intellectually and visually. It is a commendable sequel that not only expands upon its predecessor's themes but also enhances the franchise's legacy, making it highly recommended for those seeking more than mere entertainment from their viewing experience.