Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence (2004)

[Ace of Sevens]

Originally Posted by StingingVelvet

I don't know the answer but I would bet large sums of money it's the same exact disc as last time, so you can just read the review it's likely the same.

This is a different rights-holder now, so that's highly unlikely.

[PoshFrosh]

I already own this UK release (and this Hong Kong version) and am trying to figure out if I should triple dip on the upcoming american release. I usually watch this movie with the dub because it is so dense (don't judge me ). Look at the UK vs US release I see the aspect ratio is different, there's a digital copy & DVD in the US version, and one is dolby the other dts. If I don't care about these things, what else is there that we already know about? The sorts of things I would care about are something substantial, like a significantly larger bitrate or another thing which would cause a big PQ boost, a higher quality dub, etc...

[UseY0ur1llusi0n]

Originally Posted by shinobipopcorn

Batou has a voice two steps away from Darth Vader.

That wasn't intentional...

[shinobipopcorn]

Huh. I always assumed that they did it on purpose because he was a big guy. The more you know...

[MikeCL]

Got a notice that it shipped

[hazelwu]

What's new in this new version?
I do notice that it's BD50 vs the old BD25 so the audio got upgraded.

[reaperx187]

I have this pre-ordered since Saturday got email that it has already shipped should get it this week hopefully by tomorrow at the latest.

[StingingVelvet]

This has one of those glossy slips, for those who care. Though the blue band at the top kind of ruins the art IMO. Also it's an elite case.

[dr. wai]

Picked this up today at Best Buy. Can't wait to watch it.

[GasmaskAvenger]

Got it (alongside Desierto) waiting for pick-up at a local Best Buy.

I have a BD-R of the original US Bandai blu-ray, so i'll be able to compare both with screencaps later today.

[StingingVelvet]

This disc annoyed the shit out of me by having forced subtitles for the music lyrics. The music plays over some of the most beautiful or action-packed scenes and the subtitles are distracting. They stay on screen forever too, until the next lyric starts, rather than just flashing on screen long enough to read. There is no subtitle menu and for some insane reason subtitles are locked out so you can't turn them off with the sub button either. Insanity.

That aside... this was okay. Pales in comparison to the original and I dislike the CG/drawn combo personally, but it was still super pretty. Story was okay. Action was pretty good here and there. I wasn't a fan of the future world looking more warm and industrial but it still was super neat. Wouldn't call myself an anime fan or anything but these ones that are right in my taste wheelhouse are fun.

[Zen_Amako]

Originally Posted by StingingVelvet

This disc annoyed the shit out of me by having forced subtitles for the music lyrics. The music plays over some of the most beautiful or action-packed scenes and the subtitles are distracting. They stay on screen forever too, until the next lyric starts, rather than just flashing on screen long enough to read. There is no subtitle menu and for some insane reason subtitles are locked out so you can't turn them off with the sub button either. Insanity.

The reason for the forced subtitles when the Japanese audio is selected is to discourage reverse importation (people in Japan purchasing this release instead of the more expensive Japanese disc). Japanese licensors have been making this mandatory lately with a lot of anime titles. Most fans in the West don't notice or care, and it stops Japanese fans from buying the cheaper American import (a lot of U.S. anime releases are sold on Amazon Japan, since America and Japan are in the same region for Blu-ray).

The only way to watch the movie without forced subtitles is to select the English audio. This is why I would prefer to own one of the other releases of Innocence.

I was disappointed when they did this with Escaflowne, as it was a $200 Collector's Edition. But when the Japanese version of the set sells for twice that...

[MikeCL]

Originally Posted by dr. wai

Picked this up today at Best Buy. Can't wait to watch it.

Had I known that I would of not ordered from amazon


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Menteith]

How are the Engl. subtitles on the Japanese Edition? Only during the speaking parts?
I was holding off importing the Japanese blu, but now reading the above comment , am tempted cashing out some more for the japanese version.

[alexend]

Originally Posted by Menteith

How are the Engl. subtitles on the Japanese Edition? Only during the speaking parts?
I was holding off importing the Japanese blu, but now reading the above comment , am tempted cashing out some more for the japanese version.

I can check tonight and let know you, I could sell it to you if you want. I have the first japanese release (Not the OOP Absolute edition).

[ol_Dut]

Originally Posted by PoshFrosh

I already own this UK release (and this Hong Kong version) and am trying to figure out if I should triple dip on the upcoming american release. I usually watch this movie with the dub because it is so dense (don't judge me ). Look at the UK vs US release I see the aspect ratio is different, there's a digital copy & DVD in the US version, and one is dolby the other dts. If I don't care about these things, what else is there that we already know about? The sorts of things I would care about are something substantial, like a significantly larger bitrate or another thing which would cause a big PQ boost, a higher quality dub, etc...

I'm with you. I have the UK release which suits me fine but if there is a strong and compelling reason to upgrade I will, I just haven't really seen one yet. With so much other stuff to pick up, I'll likely sit tight with the UK disc and put the $20 toward the new series box sets.

[Ace of Sevens]

Does the new Funimation release have both English dubs and are they the correct pitch?

[MattmanAlpha]

Originally Posted by Ace of Sevens

Does the new Funimation release have both English dubs and are they the correct pitch?

Ditto on this question. And, if not, which English dub does it have?

My main hold-up on purchasing is that I want to be sure it has the Manga dub, which compliments the dub on the first movie. If not, I may as well keep the Bandai disc.

Thanks in advance!

[StingingVelvet]

Originally Posted by Zen_Amako

The reason for the forced subtitles when the Japanese audio is selected is to discourage reverse importation (people in Japan purchasing this release instead of the more expensive Japanese disc). Japanese licensors have been making this mandatory lately with a lot of anime titles. Most fans in the West don't notice or care, and it stops Japanese fans from buying the cheaper American import (a lot of U.S. anime releases are sold on Amazon Japan, since America and Japan are in the same region for Blu-ray).

The only way to watch the movie without forced subtitles is to select the English audio. This is why I would prefer to own one of the other releases of Innocence.

I was watching the English version, that's why it was so annoying. The original movie did not translate the music lyrics like that. Your explanation makes sense out of why they lock out the subtitle menu though. Wish I had an Oppo with the ability to ignore locks like that.

P.S. I did not hear any pitch or other issues, but I never watched the movie before so take that for what it's worth I guess.

[GasmaskAvenger]

I think the Funi disc only has the second English dub. The original Manga UK dub is not included, probably due to an oversight or legal reasons.

Still...you need to at least be thankful that Funimation was able to put the movie back in print here.