Ghost in the Shell 2.0 Blu Ray - BB exclusive - Blu-ray Forum

iamsometal · 10-28-2009, 05:47 PM

Best Buy has an exclusive early release of Ghost in the Shell 2.0 (Region 1). As of today (10/28/09) it looks like it is pretty readily available at most Best Buys.

I was wondering if anyone has picked this up and watched it yet, and if so, what are your thoughts on the PQ and AQ? How different from the original theatrical release are the 'enhanced' visual effects?

Any input would be appreciated!

cathexist · 10-28-2009, 06:03 PM

Here's a thread on it, one guy that picked it up at Best Buy

https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=118920

iamsometal · 10-28-2009, 06:06 PM

Thank you cathexist!

cathexist · 10-28-2009, 06:10 PM

No problem. I want to pick it up myself

bhampton · 10-29-2009, 11:04 PM

Mine's waiting at my local store,... I'll get it tomorrow.

Pretty excited about this Blu.

-Brian

iamsometal · 10-30-2009, 12:42 AM

Picked it up right after work yesterday. BB had 2 left and I was excited to get such a great release for $13.99!

Though a review has already gone up on this site, here are my thoughts on how much bang for your buck you get:

As far as PQ goes, the 2.0 redux is pretty stunning. Just compare the first 5 minutes of the original (found in the bonus or set-up submenu's) to the new version. Yes, the new CGI takes a bit of getting used to, but it looks absolutely beautiful. The remastered original footage is a VAST improvement over the original. If you watch any version of the original, you will see an incredible amount of macro-blocking, dirt, specs, and total lack of detail. The remastered footage in 2.0 just looks like an entirely new GITS. Yes, with the increased detail, the hazy parts of the film look that much hazier (i.e., the market chase scene). But this is indicative of the source, so you can't really fault this transfer for it. There is a bit of color banding that can be noticed in several scenes, but that is my only complaint. Detail is just insane in this transfer. The newly added CGI also gives the film some visual continuity with GITS 2: Innocence (which is AMAZING to have both on blu now).

The AQ is a total revelation. Gone are the original sound effects and original dialogue/music mix. The new mix gave my sub a serious workout. I honestly didn't notice a huge change in the way of dialogue, but I'd have to go back and A/B some scenes. The re-done music sounds amazing, and the surround mix is pretty intense. Alot of gun fire and environmental ambience can be heard in the rear field now (more so than before). It's strange that the packaging doesn't say the disc contains a DTS-HD MA 6.1 track, because both the English and Japanese tracks are exactly that. I viewed with the English DTS-HD MA, and it just blew me away. I didn't sample the PCM 2.0, but I'll give those a shot with my next viewing.

All together, I'd have to call this the best value blu ray all year. For $13.99 you can not beat this package. The extras are basically the original GITS dvd, including the documentary. Awesome buy.

kono · 10-30-2009, 08:02 PM

I agreed with you! Awesome BUY!!! I also picked up "BLOOD" anime, another fantastic release by MANGA!! can't wait for "Ninja Scroll"!! O_O

Quote:

Originally Posted by iamsometal

Picked it up right after work yesterday. BB had 2 left and I was excited to get such a great release for $13.99!

Though a review has already gone up on this site, here are my thoughts on how much bang for your buck you get:

As far as PQ goes, the 2.0 redux is pretty stunning. Just compare the first 5 minutes of the original (found in the bonus or set-up submenu's) to the new version. Yes, the new CGI takes a bit of getting used to, but it looks absolutely beautiful. The remastered original footage is a VAST improvement over the original. If you watch any version of the original, you will see an incredible amount of macro-blocking, dirt, specs, and total lack of detail. The remastered footage in 2.0 just looks like an entirely new GITS. Yes, with the increased detail, the hazy parts of the film look that much hazier (i.e., the market chase scene). But this is indicative of the source, so you can't really fault this transfer for it. There is a bit of color banding that can be noticed in several scenes, but that is my only complaint. Detail is just insane in this transfer. The newly added CGI also gives the film some visual continuity with GITS 2: Innocence (which is AMAZING to have both on blu now).

The AQ is a total revelation. Gone are the original sound effects and original dialogue/music mix. The new mix gave my sub a serious workout. I honestly didn't notice a huge change in the way of dialogue, but I'd have to go back and A/B some scenes. The re-done music sounds amazing, and the surround mix is pretty intense. Alot of gun fire and environmental ambience can be heard in the rear field now (more so than before). It's strange that the packaging doesn't say the disc contains a DTS-HD MA 6.1 track, because both the English and Japanese tracks are exactly that. I viewed with the English DTS-HD MA, and it just blew me away. I didn't sample the PCM 2.0, but I'll give those a shot with my next viewing.

All together, I'd have to call this the best value blu ray all year. For $13.99 you can not beat this package. The extras are basically the original GITS dvd, including the documentary. Awesome buy.

E_I · 10-30-2009, 08:24 PM

So, the 2.0 version is awesome, whereas the 1.0 version (which is included) is complete **** is terms of PQ and AQ?

benricci · 10-30-2009, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E_I

So, the 2.0 version is awesome, whereas the 1.0 version (which is include) is complete **** is terms of PQ and AQ?

I wouldn't go that far. I looks like it could be an upconvert - I A/B tested it against my old Manga DVD and it looks better, but isn't quite as sharp as a 1080i transfer should be. Audio was absolutely fine on the 1.0 version.

The PQ quality on the 2.0 version is a huge upgrade, though. Both 2.0 and 1.0 versions of the film feature uncompressed audio tracks.

bhampton · 10-30-2009, 08:27 PM

I can't wait to watch this but will have to wait till tonight.

I've got a fair DVD of the original film. I have no doubts the blu ray version of the original film is better than any previous DVD but ... I guess I'll find out.

For $13.99, I found this to be simply not resistible.

I'm having a hard time not going back for Blood but I've over-bought Blu like crazy this week.

=Brian

bhampton · 10-31-2009, 01:07 AM

Wow,... Awesome... I'm very happy with this one.

Normally I'm against the notion of editing something like a masterpiece but I found it easy to get into 2.0

Now... The original film looks like it could have been done better. When you see unchanged scenes in 2.0 and compare them with the original you see that what's offered here is not fully restored and remastered.

Still... I'm very happy with both features!! This is a great disc!

maxsterling · 11-03-2009, 03:55 PM

Hi new to the forums a bit, not sure if it goes here. I wanted to compliment the review and add of course my 2-cents in the user reviews but the site won't let me do it until it's regular release date. Is there any way the site can adjust the date settings/other settings to allow for user reviews on titles released sooner at exclusive outlets. I think this would be valuable to people who read the user reviews to help decide to buy/not buy a title. Well here's my review: Packaging 0/5 Contents for extras aren't correct and to my recollection the Original Version is not listed in the back, a big bonus to those who wanted to double/triple-dip from vhs/dvd. Movie 3.5/5 I've seen alot of anime and while this one was deemed revolutionary at the time they lost too much from the original Manga/Comic. I know the director is revered and philispohical material is rare/highly praised when done well. If you have the chance check out the vids from the PSone video game, the character designs are more analagous to the original manga, as is the humor which the movie lacks. Also if you can find the dvd Black Magic M-66 from the sam author its short/sweet and just get to the point. Extras 3/5 I love commentaries, of course with subtitles if in another language, and the packaging states it has it, it doesn't. Also the making-of is the original not a making of the 2.0. If you want to see a prime example of a commentary in anime check out Paprika, or if you can find it the Manga DVD release of the Wings of Honneamise, a superior film IMO. Video 3.5-4/5 Wish they made the original look better since the new materials kind of take you out of the moment in the 2.0, oops! Audio 2-4/5 Original should have got the royal treatment here however the 2.0 is the superior. Overall 3/5 I would rate it higher if the Starz/Manga/Anchor Bay knew how to correctly do packaging and of course the original was present but with better treatment. Hope Starz/Manga/Anchor Bay prints corrected packing for the subsequent prints and they treat their future anime blu-ray releases better than this, one of thier anime crown jewels. Btw this title has always made them money it deserves better.

maxsterling · 11-03-2009, 04:10 PM

oh i forgot to say the one thing i wanted to differ from the review was that this is not really a good into to anime flick. Akira-better for philisophical, detail is gorgeous, then of course Macross Plus (DVD only darn) for love triangle and tranforming planes (stealth blows- cheap imitation), since Ninja Scroll isn't on blu for cool chambara action check out Sword of the Stranger. Also i'm kind of baised against Oshii version of GitS but a better movie from him is (dvd only) Urusei Yatsura Beautiful Dreamer which Groundhog Day rips off (ha!), it's a real treat.

10-28-2009, 05:47 PM	#1
iamsometal Expert Member Member since:Oct 2009 Location:Charlotte, NC 4K collection:161 Blu-ray collection:626 Blu-ray reviews: 1	Ghost in the Shell 2.0 Blu Ray - BB exclusive Best Buy has an exclusive early release of Ghost in the Shell 2.0 (Region 1). As of today (10/28/09) it looks like it is pretty readily available at most Best Buys. I was wondering if anyone has picked this up and watched it yet, and if so, what are your thoughts on the PQ and AQ? How different from the original theatrical release are the 'enhanced' visual effects? Any input would be appreciated!

10-30-2009, 08:24 PM	#8
E_I Special Member Member since:Dec 2007	So, the 2.0 version is awesome, whereas the 1.0 version (which is included) is complete **** is terms of PQ and AQ? Last edited by E_I; 10-30-2009 at 08:26 PM.

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10-28-2009, 06:03 PM	#2
cathexist Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Jul 2007 Location:Aurora, CO 4K collection:302 Blu-ray collection:1253 DVD collection:73 Blu-ray reviews:2 Trading Score:8	Here's a thread on it, one guy that picked it up at Best Buy https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=118920

10-28-2009, 06:06 PM	#3
iamsometal Expert Member Member since:Oct 2009 Location:Charlotte, NC 4K collection:161 Blu-ray collection:626 Blu-ray reviews: 1	Thank you cathexist!

10-28-2009, 06:10 PM	#4
cathexist Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Jul 2007 Location:Aurora, CO 4K collection:302 Blu-ray collection:1253 DVD collection:73 Blu-ray reviews:2 Trading Score:8	No problem. I want to pick it up myself

10-29-2009, 11:04 PM	#5
bhampton Blu-ray Count Member since:Aug 2007 4K collection:981 Blu-ray collection:2537 DVD collection:67 Blu-ray reviews: 6 Trading Score:18	Mine's waiting at my local store,... I'll get it tomorrow. Pretty excited about this Blu. -Brian

10-30-2009, 12:42 AM	#6
iamsometal Expert Member Member since:Oct 2009 Location:Charlotte, NC 4K collection:161 Blu-ray collection:626 Blu-ray reviews: 1	Picked it up right after work yesterday. BB had 2 left and I was excited to get such a great release for $13.99! Though a review has already gone up on this site, here are my thoughts on how much bang for your buck you get: As far as PQ goes, the 2.0 redux is pretty stunning. Just compare the first 5 minutes of the original (found in the bonus or set-up submenu's) to the new version. Yes, the new CGI takes a bit of getting used to, but it looks absolutely beautiful. The remastered original footage is a VAST improvement over the original. If you watch any version of the original, you will see an incredible amount of macro-blocking, dirt, specs, and total lack of detail. The remastered footage in 2.0 just looks like an entirely new GITS. Yes, with the increased detail, the hazy parts of the film look that much hazier (i.e., the market chase scene). But this is indicative of the source, so you can't really fault this transfer for it. There is a bit of color banding that can be noticed in several scenes, but that is my only complaint. Detail is just insane in this transfer. The newly added CGI also gives the film some visual continuity with GITS 2: Innocence (which is AMAZING to have both on blu now). The AQ is a total revelation. Gone are the original sound effects and original dialogue/music mix. The new mix gave my sub a serious workout. I honestly didn't notice a huge change in the way of dialogue, but I'd have to go back and A/B some scenes. The re-done music sounds amazing, and the surround mix is pretty intense. Alot of gun fire and environmental ambience can be heard in the rear field now (more so than before). It's strange that the packaging doesn't say the disc contains a DTS-HD MA 6.1 track, because both the English and Japanese tracks are exactly that. I viewed with the English DTS-HD MA, and it just blew me away. I didn't sample the PCM 2.0, but I'll give those a shot with my next viewing. All together, I'd have to call this the best value blu ray all year. For $13.99 you can not beat this package. The extras are basically the original GITS dvd, including the documentary. Awesome buy.

10-30-2009, 08:27 PM	#10
bhampton Blu-ray Count Member since:Aug 2007 4K collection:981 Blu-ray collection:2537 DVD collection:67 Blu-ray reviews: 6 Trading Score:18	I can't wait to watch this but will have to wait till tonight. I've got a fair DVD of the original film. I have no doubts the blu ray version of the original film is better than any previous DVD but ... I guess I'll find out. For $13.99, I found this to be simply not resistible. I'm having a hard time not going back for Blood but I've over-bought Blu like crazy this week. =Brian

10-31-2009, 01:07 AM	#11
bhampton Blu-ray Count Member since:Aug 2007 4K collection:981 Blu-ray collection:2537 DVD collection:67 Blu-ray reviews: 6 Trading Score:18	Wow,... Awesome... I'm very happy with this one. Normally I'm against the notion of editing something like a masterpiece but I found it easy to get into 2.0 Now... The original film looks like it could have been done better. When you see unchanged scenes in 2.0 and compare them with the original you see that what's offered here is not fully restored and remastered. Still... I'm very happy with both features!! This is a great disc!

11-03-2009, 03:55 PM	#12
maxsterling Member Top contributor Member since:Jan 2009 Home Theater Gallery:1 4K collection:253 Blu-ray collection:844 DVD collection:261 Blu-ray reviews: 10	Hi new to the forums a bit, not sure if it goes here. I wanted to compliment the review and add of course my 2-cents in the user reviews but the site won't let me do it until it's regular release date. Is there any way the site can adjust the date settings/other settings to allow for user reviews on titles released sooner at exclusive outlets. I think this would be valuable to people who read the user reviews to help decide to buy/not buy a title. Well here's my review: Packaging 0/5 Contents for extras aren't correct and to my recollection the Original Version is not listed in the back, a big bonus to those who wanted to double/triple-dip from vhs/dvd. Movie 3.5/5 I've seen alot of anime and while this one was deemed revolutionary at the time they lost too much from the original Manga/Comic. I know the director is revered and philispohical material is rare/highly praised when done well. If you have the chance check out the vids from the PSone video game, the character designs are more analagous to the original manga, as is the humor which the movie lacks. Also if you can find the dvd Black Magic M-66 from the sam author its short/sweet and just get to the point. Extras 3/5 I love commentaries, of course with subtitles if in another language, and the packaging states it has it, it doesn't. Also the making-of is the original not a making of the 2.0. If you want to see a prime example of a commentary in anime check out Paprika, or if you can find it the Manga DVD release of the Wings of Honneamise, a superior film IMO. Video 3.5-4/5 Wish they made the original look better since the new materials kind of take you out of the moment in the 2.0, oops! Audio 2-4/5 Original should have got the royal treatment here however the 2.0 is the superior. Overall 3/5 I would rate it higher if the Starz/Manga/Anchor Bay knew how to correctly do packaging and of course the original was present but with better treatment. Hope Starz/Manga/Anchor Bay prints corrected packing for the subsequent prints and they treat their future anime blu-ray releases better than this, one of thier anime crown jewels. Btw this title has always made them money it deserves better.

11-03-2009, 04:10 PM	#13
maxsterling Member Top contributor Member since:Jan 2009 Home Theater Gallery:1 4K collection:253 Blu-ray collection:844 DVD collection:261 Blu-ray reviews: 10	oh i forgot to say the one thing i wanted to differ from the review was that this is not really a good into to anime flick. Akira-better for philisophical, detail is gorgeous, then of course Macross Plus (DVD only darn) for love triangle and tranforming planes (stealth blows- cheap imitation), since Ninja Scroll isn't on blu for cool chambara action check out Sword of the Stranger. Also i'm kind of baised against Oshii version of GitS but a better movie from him is (dvd only) Urusei Yatsura Beautiful Dreamer which Groundhog Day rips off (ha!), it's a real treat.

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