By
Julie Gray
November 16, 2006 - 03:59
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| Ghost in the Shell SAC Second Gig Vol 7 DVD Cover |
Ghost in the Shell Stand Alone Complex Second Gig Volume 7 is the last DVD in the Stand Alone Complex second season. There are two more special DVD’s released after volume 7 but they are volumes with a history and behind-the-scenes look at Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex and more like collectors items than a continuation of the story.
Created in 1990, author Masamune Shirow has received critical acclaim for his work on the manga and Ghost in the Shell anime. Although the series has lasted a long time, the story is one that that has kept fans interested and intrigued since the very early days.
This DVD has 3 episodes; episode 24 titled ‘Nuclear Power’, episode 25 titled ‘This Side of Justice’ and episode 26 titled ‘Endless Gig’. The DVD begins with Section 9 infiltrating the area with both Major and Batou leading two separate assaults. The Prime Minister has now been taken into custody and everything really begins to heat up in episode 24.
The animation of Ghost in the Shell has always been stunning and really pays tribute to the work of Masamune Shirow. The transition from manga to anime should be smooth and barely noticeable. That’s exactly what this animation is like. It’s detailed and fluid on screen and looks amazing.
When a season comes to an end, you can’t help but feel a little disappointed, especially if the anime is as good as Ghost in the Shell, Stand Alone Complex. We’re sure many GitS fans are feeling the same. The story behind Ghost in the Shell is one of the best things about this series but what really gives this anime its solidity is the characters behind the story.
The characters in GitS S.A.C Second Gig Volume 7 maintain the attributes that made them so likeable throughout the SAC series. The most famous of all characters in this series would have to be ‘Major’ or Motoko Kusanagi. With her cybernetic body and stoic persona, she is in essence what makes this story gritty, interesting and action-packed. Major’s constant companion, Batou, is also one of the more likeable characters and has remained one of the most popular. The character development is another aspect of what makes this anime appealing to so many diverse audiences.
The Ghost in the Shell TV series was not a continuation from the original movie, released in 1995. The anime that was created after the manga and the first movie called ‘Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex’ was released in 2003. This series of the anime is the latest in the SAC series and it’s very easy to get confused between the titles and the timeline.
It would be hard to picture the manga or anime industry without Ghost in the Shell. Its influences have spawned many manga, anime and even movie characters and this is the true testament of the greatness of its creator. Production I.G has another winner on its hands with this title and also an impeccable anime series to date. It doesn’t get much better than this.
Ghost in the Shell S.A.C Second Gig Volume 7 comes with Japanese and English Dolby Digital 5.1 Audio, Japanese and English Stereo Audio, English subtitles, an interview with Kenji Kamiyama (Director) and two of the Japanese voice actors.
Animation: 10/10
Story: 10/10
DVD Extras: 7/10
Contact the author: Julie@thecomicbookbin.com
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