DVD : Ghost In The Shell - Stand Alone Complex - SAC 2nd GIG - Complete Collection [2005]

Rating: - Amazing
Both Stand Alone Complex series are absolutely stunning. Amazing art work, great (if rather complex plots), well thought out characters, this series has it all. Because of the complexity of the plot you can't afford to watch it half-heartedly. This however is one of the best anime series out there today and you don't really need to have seen any of the films either. I can't recommend it enough.
Suffice to say, this is so good even non anime fans may appreciate it. I shalln't go into detail but the story weaves intricatelly, incorporating all the main characters and little side stories that add to the whole plot. If you buy only one anime this year make it this one. Well the first series really, make this your second one!

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Rating: - GitS SAC just got even better!
They really have done a wonderful job with this the Second season of GitS SAC. Everything that made the first series an excellent watch has been improved. The Animation, the Storytelling & the Music have all gotten even better.

The main plot arc is about the refugees and the island then inhabit, which has two acts: The Individual 11 and the Refugees hope for independences through a charismatic leader, while in the background there is a master of information manipulate pulling all the strings. One could almost call him a puppet master of sorts, by soft hacking peoples' minds through disinformation warfare; be they cyberised or not. More time is devoted to the main plot unlike season one's Laugh Man case. But there's still room for background on the Major's childhood, but I'm sure some fanboys will be upset that she now is dressed more realistic and isn't walking around half naked all the time. But don't let that put you off. The Tachikomas are back (I love those little robot think-tanks) and they still have their shorts at the end of each episode. Still very hit and miss but all are worth the watch. Like the first season they have one episode that is completely theirs which I enjoyed in both seasons, can't get enough of these AIs.

Not much more to say without giving too much away. If you've watch the first series you must watch this as it keeps getting better and better. If you haven't watched the first series, while this is better you need to start there to appreciate this. My previous issue with season 1's "unsatisfactorily resolved moments" don't reoccur in this season and I was happy with how they ended the show for this run.

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Rating: - Amazing anime series!
I bought this in a hurry thinking it was about the Laughing Man case, and was disappointed when I found out I had the wrong series. I put in my DVD player, a little sceptical, but found I was not disappointed!

If you are new to anime, this may not be the best place to start out. At one end of the scale, there is a lot of fighting and violence, but in between the action scenes there is a lot of things to think about, such as the Tachikoma (futurist AI machines) talking about what makes cyborg humans, and AIs, such as themselves, different. Even after the series is ended, it will leave you thinking!

There is one main story, following the Section-9 team trying to protect Japan from the rioting refugees, which comes to a big, exciting finale. There are also many short stories moving away from the main plot, to keep you interested.

Other things about this DVD are great. Both the English and Japanese dubs are very good, as are the subtitles. The menu of the DVD looks awesome and really adds to the feel of this cyberpunk anime! The animation is very good too, I believe CGI is used in parts.

If you're looking for action, or looking for something that makes you think, you'll probably enjoy this great anime even if you haven't seen the films!

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Rating: - Excellent Manga
I bought this and the first series after reading favourable reviews on here and I'm really glad I did! The animation is superb and the stories thought-provoking. There is a good sense of continuity to the series that keeps you wanting to see more. The story is complex and philosophical at times, demanding some thought from the viewer to get the most out of it. That said, it's possible to just sit back and enjoy the wonderful animation without really thinking too much about it.

There are also charming short animations "Tachikoma Days" at the end, after the credits which you miss if you jump a chapter as the credits roll.

The only negative is the loss of the amazing "Inner Universe" opening music that the first series had.

Anyone who thinks they are somehow "above" animation is really missing out if they overlook this excellent series, but buy and watch series 1 first!

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Rating: - Intelligent, thoughtful, exciting, a show that grabs you from the start and doesn't let go
Stand Along Complex was something very special, it succeeded in giving us a police drama that was action packed, intelligent and thought provoking. The second series actually manages to improve on that foundation, taking a look at much deeper, controversial matters which we are faced with today.

As has been mentioned, the central theme is war: the ethics of it, who is behind it, who suffer from it, who fight it, and how we judge them. The amazing thing is that the series is not always so judgemental where western shows would be. Immigration, asylum, nationalism, terrorism, military and plitical power and their victims are all put under the glass for us to look at.

As with the first series, some episodes are stand alone stories (though for the most part, keeping to the series' theme) and some are part of the main story arc. Along with a complex and demanding plot, you will also find more musings on identity that have, again, some impact at the end. I just cannot fault this series at all - simply a must see item!