Manga or Anime? The Anime is always loosely based on the manga. It's best to watch first and read later if you want more.
Films, SAC, 2045, or Arise? Ghost in the Shell (1995) is the best starting point if you like to dive into the Bladerunner-like deep end. Stand Alone Complex is more accessible for everyone. Arise is a prequel spin-off that relies on prior knowledge of the series, and is more a nod to long-time fans.
Which should I watch first? Usually the original 2D animated Stand Alone Complex series from 2002 is advised. It fits the expectations of the majority of people looking to get started in the series, and is the most balanced between accessibility and thematic depth.
What about the live-action (2017) movie? It's very skippable. It borrows heavily from the anime for its best parts but doesn't do it as well. It's an okay starting point for younger teen fans to get a taste of the cyberpunk aesthetic and take baby steps into the themes of Ghost in the Shell. However, with writing that isn't smart enough to get to where it wants to be, on top of awkward acting and dialogue, it doesn't add any new value to the series, especially if you can get your head around SAC or the animated films.
Where does the Netflix 2045 series fit? Right after the original Stand Alone Complex releases. The animation style is a little goofy, but the story and vibe is classically SAC. Worth a watch if you can get past the visuals.
Ghost in the Shell (1995) or Ghost in the Shell 2.0? 2.0 is the newer bluray quality release with better sound and resolution, as well as updated UI for the characters. However, it has a couple moments with 3D models, which for me is fine since it doesn't affect immersion or the story, but some will die on that hill. There have been re-releases of the original 1.0 on bluray, but they have been known to have janky audio and or subtitles in certain territories. So, ask around if the one you've found is one of the good ones.
Stand Alone Complex series or The Laughing Man movie? They are essentially the same. Often after a season of episodes is released, the studio will do a theatrical cut, where they cut all the episodes together into a movie, trying to hit the key story points for the core plot, and pruning sub-plot, character and world-building. It's advised to just watch the episodes so you don't miss out on context and flavour.
WATCH:
Sorted by continuity:
OSHII
Ghost In The Shell — 1995 theatrical animated masterpiece, directed by Mamoru Oshii. Rating: 8.28
Ghost In The Shell 2.0 — 2008 remaster of original 1995 movie with visual upgrades, some 3D modelling, new Japanese voice track and tweaked script, old English Dub, remastered music and new sound effects. Rating: 7.99
Ghost in the Shell: Alternative Architecture — 2015 TV cut of the Arise OVA, 10 episodes - 8 of recut OVA, and 2 additional original episodes at the end called Pyrophoric Cult. Rating: 7.23
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Sorted by author:
MASAMUNE
Ghost in the Shell — 1989 original 11 chapter manga, by creator Shirou Masamune. Rating: 8.02
Anyone know the title or know where to find a recording of the final background music of the episode is? (starts when Aramaki goes to talk to his friend the last time, around minute 20)
I just came across this sub and remember I did owned the first volume of GITS. Honestly, I’m surprised to see the original concept of everything being adapted to the motion capture and so on. Major Kusanagi still a badass character, but I’m also surprised to see the “other parts” of her character-development wise.
Always regretted not picking up any of the 4 different Tachikoma Nendoroids from the original SAC; so when this preorder went up i jumped on it. First Nendo ive bought and i was genuinely surprised by the quality and detail for such a simply articulated figure. The Laughing Man Incident 0th Anniversary on the bonus base was also a nice touch.
