Ghost in the Shell 2.0

Published in January 2nd, 2009

Posted by adenozin in Completed, News, Releases

Ghost_in_the_Shell_2.0_(2008)_[720p,BluRay,x264,DTS-ES]_-_THORA – 4000 mb
Video length: 83 min
Video: 1280×720, 23.976 fps, x264, 5200 kbps
Audio: Japanese DTS-ES 6.1 1536 kbps
English styled softsubs,
Torrent : here

Pics below. Click for full size version.

34 users responded in " Ghost in the Shell 2.0 "

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Chreo said, in January 2nd, 2009 at 1:35 PM

Thanks, as usual a great, quality, release, done the proper way. The difference 2.0 brings is remarkable. Any chance of a 1080p edition?

Ghorun said, in January 2nd, 2009 at 5:04 PM

Noticed this was encoded at level 4.1, just a one time thing or?

User_O1 said, in January 2nd, 2009 at 7:21 PM

Thank you!

First, I have found a great interest in many of the newer GITS stories (such as SAC and 2nd GIG,) but have felt discouraged from viewing the original GITS because it appeared “dated.”

Strange, I know, as I enjoy many B&W Films!

*** ATTENTION ***

I’ve since downloaded the torrent; however, I was interested to know if there would be any objections with uploading to RapidShare?

Though I appreciate the torrent, the accessibility of this title is limited via torrent, as much of ‘scene’ has moved to file hosting services.

I would make every effort to redirecting back these files back to Thor Anime with the appropriate documentation and password.

Thanks again!

User_O1 said, in January 2nd, 2009 at 7:51 PM

P.S. “Michiko and Hatchin” FTW!

The other two already have that “look and feel” that has actually driven many away and tired those that have stayed.

Where are the “real” characters with human conflicts!? What can the story tell about the “real” world, of “real” people, or of “real” problems!?

Michiko and Hatchin has a world-class production team behind it, including “Shinichiro Watanabe of Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo fame … as the music producer and music … composed by Kassin, a brazilian band.”

Thanks!

toph said, in January 2nd, 2009 at 10:48 PM

hmm, there’s a discouraging screenshots comparison at http://www.asianblurayguide.com/capture/324/ghost_in_the_shell_10_and_20_set_anime_japan/

chimera47 said, in January 3rd, 2009 at 4:16 AM

awesome!!
would also like to know if there’s a chance for a 1080p release

Levent said, in January 3rd, 2009 at 3:14 PM

Great…now I have a reason to watch this masterpiece one more time. Thanks.

(I have a request from you guys…not just for gits but for your all other projects. Original DVD-Bluray covers & labels scans with your releases would be awesome )

garekinokami said, in January 3rd, 2009 at 8:24 PM

Ugh, downloaded it, will seed to appropriate ratio and delete.

I’m sorry but, I’m just not up for this trashy remake of a classic with this god-awful, crappy, 90s quality CG — especially when the original had absolutely nothing wrong with it.

User_O1 said, in January 4th, 2009 at 7:45 AM

The original had everything wrong with it – but to whom is a matter of perspective! The audience that Anime has grown into today is not by any means the same audience it was even a decade ago. The marketing of Anime is very heavily weighed on *visual* presentation!

For a younger generation that found Anime appealing exclusively on the Prima facie basis of *visual* aesthetics, GITS 2.0 is a means for the original film to appeal to this new audience, whilst also to preserve its place within *contemporary* Anime culture; rather than slipping into the past as Anime history!

I for one *never* bothered to watch the original GITS (until 2.0) *because* I felt put-off by it’s dated visuals; however, I was absolutely involved with GITS:SAC and 2nd GIG!

This was mostly for the socio-political topics, but my attention was *first* established by the *visual* presentation!

In this way, early and later generations of Anime viewers can appreciate the quality of Storytelling and Animation (from both generations) with the release of these two films – something live-action films are mostly unable to provide for their audience. The Anime community should be so glad that can preserve the best of their art form in such a manner.

Thanks Again ThoraAnime!

AXT said, in January 4th, 2009 at 9:32 AM

@User_01

…And you consider yourself an anime fan? You just can’t remake a classic. GITS was revolutionary for its time as it set a new bar as far as visuals and production standards are concerned.

You can’t just slap on a bunch of new colors and redone scenes and expect it to be as good as the original.

I’m guessing you don’t like Star Wars either because the visuals are outdated. I guess we should remake Star Wars now for the younger generation? NO.

zxcvbnm6000 said, in January 4th, 2009 at 12:58 PM

For all the Ghost in the Shell fans out there, I seriously suggest you skip this one. The new CGI scenes add nothing to this movie, in fact, I personally think they destroy it.

Bandai should have either bit the bullet and remade the whole movie, or left it as is and just remastered it. The mixing of the two just looks terrible.

I also have to agree with garekinokami’s comment about the quality of the CGI; it is very poorly done.

THORA any chance of getting “The Sky Crawlers” bluray? (for those who don’t know, GITS 2.0 was done to hyper this film.)

Ghorun said, in January 5th, 2009 at 6:38 PM

Release date on Sky Crawlers is February 25, but I’m sure we’ll get a rip.

And the CG-scenes do annoy slightly, but to me this is interesting due to the remake of sound effects and especially the music. One of my favorite movie soundtracks and it sounds better than ever.
I would have been more happy if GitS got the same treatment as Patlabor with just updated sound and music.

User_O1 said, in January 5th, 2009 at 11:00 PM

@AXT

“I’m guessing you don’t like Star Wars either because the visuals are outdated. I guess we should remake Star Wars now for the younger generation?”

Absolutely NOT! In fact, the Star Wars prequels aren’t part of the Star Wars “canon”; but rather, are supplementary to the Original Trilogy *for* the purpose of making the Original Trilogy both appealing and accessible to later generations.

HOWEVER, you overlook a *critical* point in my argument, that the Storytelling and Animation (from both generations) can be preserved and made accessible…

“with the release of these two films – something *live-action* films are mostly unable to provide for their audience.”

This is important for commercial franchises (to connect earlier and later audiences) to maintain the socio-cultural relevance of their franchise, and thus, commercial viability.

The point is simple: Older viewers like GITS, and now younger viewers like GITS. Why they like GITS, or what established their interest, is the same and relevant to the tastes and interests of their respective generations.

Now everyone can enjoy the party!

EdZ said, in January 6th, 2009 at 7:26 PM

Wow, this really compares unfavourably with the original. It looks like they added a blur filter to remove the grain (and most of the fine detail), ramped up the contrast to dark-scene-obscuring levels, and added an orange filter to everything. The vast majority of the SFX have simply been hue-shifted rather than redone, and even the redone scenes look far less impressive than the originals.
If you’ve been living under a rock and have never watched Ghost in the Shell before, I HIGHLY recommend the original release over this. It is superior in every way.

User_O1 said, in January 6th, 2009 at 9:36 PM

The angry mob will never fall out of fashion, regardless of what century you encounter!

“I’m sorry but, I’m just not up for this trashy remake of a classic with this god-awful, crappy, 90s quality CG — especially when the original had absolutely nothing wrong with it.” – garekinokami

“You just can’t remake a classic.” – AXT

“The new CGI scenes add nothing to this movie, in fact, I personally think they destroy it.” – zxcvbnm6000

Yet when it came of national politics, such Puritans are nowhere to be found!

garekinokami said, in January 7th, 2009 at 2:56 AM

To quote User_01:

“The original had everything wrong with it – but to whom is a matter of perspective! The audience that Anime has grown into today is not by any means the same audience it was even a decade ago. The marketing of Anime is very heavily weighed on *visual* presentation!”

This remake has worse visuals as it is blurry, orange, and the CG is awful.

“For a younger generation that found Anime appealing exclusively on the Prima facie basis of *visual* aesthetics, GITS 2.0 is a means for the original film to appeal to this new audience, whilst also to preserve its place within *contemporary* Anime culture; rather than slipping into the past as Anime history!”

How does GitS 2.0 achieve that what with a 1080p release already out? The younger folks are spoiled on visuals and poor CG and blurry imagery does not cut it.

http://www.asianblurayguide.com/capture/324/ghost_in_the_shell_10_and_20_set_anime_japan/

Nothing has changed beyond a few altered scenes with different (with an orange tinge) lighting — the animation has not been redone completely. So really, what was wrong with the original? The green CG scenes? So now they’re orange and slightly improved in quality…

You compare us to an angry mob and Puritans in politics when we are simply stating what is very obvious to us and very obvious when viewed side by side: This is a bad remake of a classic anime.

zxcvbnm6000 said, in January 7th, 2009 at 8:39 AM

User_01:
Let me make this as simple as possible. IF you truly like GITS 2.0 compared to the original that is completely fine. Enjoy it to the fullest.

But for true fans of the original, it will always be the best. Nothing will change that. So please don’t make an argument over it, it is completely pointless. Simply agree to disagree.

—————————————–

As for the screenshot comparison, wow. I hadn’t watched the original in sometime. I can’t believe all the changes they made. Can’t wait to see the live-action version Hollywood produces.

toph said, in January 7th, 2009 at 10:42 AM

lol, liveaction seems about to reduce Motoko’s assets (#^_^) judjing by a wallpaper promo

User_O1 said, in January 7th, 2009 at 6:33 PM

Sci-Fi and Comic /Anime fans (read: Fanaticism) are ALL the same!

The Watchmen “fans” are ALL the same; the Star Wars “fans” are ALL the same; and the Anime “fans” are ALL the same — which is to say their ALL obsessive and intolerant little brats!

They easily forget that the ONLY reason the pretty pictures and drawings are on the screen is because DC Comics/ George Lucas/ Production I.G. was looking to make money (read: Commerce).

It’s a commercial product, not a sacred text!

Fanaticism: Fanaticism is an emotion of being filled with excessive, uncritical zeal, particularly for an extreme cause or in some cases with an obsessive enthusiasm for a pastime or hobby. The fanatic displays very strict standards and little tolerance for contrary ideas or opinions. (Wikipedia)

According to Winston Churchill, “A fanatic is one who can’t change his mind and won’t change the subject”.

On the topic of live-action remakes …

Production I.G has sold the rights for a live-action movie to DreamWorks under the direction of none other than Steven Spielberg.

(http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117984029.html?categoryid=1237&cs=1)

Leonardo DiCaprio has been talking about his big-screen, live-action updates of classic anime titles Akira and Ninja Scroll to MTV News.

(http://movies.ign.com/articles/929/929319p1.html)

… like with every franchise, of course the “fans” will pay to watch the live-action remakes! Be happy anyone outside of Tokyo even cares!

zxcvbnm6000 said, in January 7th, 2009 at 11:51 PM

toph:
What promo wallpaper? The GITS movie doesn’t have a screenplay or cast yet.

Ghorun: I completely miss your comment on my last reply, but my friend has a copy Sky Crawlers already. It is a bootleg copy, but was clearly ripped for bluray source. Has menus and all with a nice 720p.

toph said, in January 8th, 2009 at 2:03 PM

@zxcvbnm6000: ^_^ kinda this — http://mymoviesdatabase.blogspot.com/2008/04/spielberg-adapting-ghost-in-shell-into.html

Xiaopang said, in January 8th, 2009 at 3:52 PM

@user_01: you’re an utter moron. how can better visuals make a movie more accessible to newer generations? you’re acting like kids only feed on new stuff, while it sounds like you’re already retired, so how would you know what kids like?

also don’t act like kids didn’t even know what star wars was before the new movies came along. i’m young and i prefer the original star wars, not just over the newer trilogy, but also over the digital remake.

in the end, this has nothing to do with fanboyism, like you try to make it look, but only with clear judgment what looks good and what not. like people already said, the new gits 2.0 looks less detailed and more orange and that’s about it. if you need fancy graphics to watch a movie, because your low attention span hinders you to grasp a movie’s storyline just by solely concentrating on what is being shown and said instead of bitching about the graphics, then you’re welcome to ignore all the older good stuff that made anime what it is today. remakes will stay an exception and thank god for that.

how can you compare a lifeless computer animation like gits-sac with beautifully hand-drawn animation like the original ghost in the shell movie anyway?? this already shows that you have no basis of what to judge graphics on.

btw, how can you judge the quality of gits 1.0 if you never watched it? so anime fans are little brats, because they don’t agree with you, even though they made up their opinions AFTER watching BOTH movies?? what makes that you then? a biased asshole? or rather a pre-occupied hypocrite, because you seem to be an anime fan yourself…

zxcvbnm6000 said, in January 8th, 2009 at 10:50 PM

User_01: I find your argument of fanaticism very ironic, as works so easy to describe your views. However, you have a very sad existence if you can’t place any value on anything, such that you would fight to keep it the same.

And yes of course it is completely commercial. But it is still a work of art, that represents a time, place, artistic vision. Would you go to a museum throw out the painting and sculptures because they are boring to the new generation? Would change them because you didn’t like a brushstroke or color? Should they all be remade with CGI processes? Or do you leave it as is because, even if not perfect, the final piece was the artists intended goal?

Honestly there is zero point in arguing this topic further. It will not change anyone’s options, and GITS 1.0 and 2.0 will continue to exist like it or not.
—————–

toph: Thanks for the link. However neither of those pictures are for the live-action movie. The first is official art for GITS:SAC and the other one is from the PS2 games. But you are right about her not being “well endowed.”

silentvoice84 said, in January 9th, 2009 at 6:30 AM

omg guys you are writing articles this is comment section not forums !!!!

HiroProbot said, in January 9th, 2009 at 2:14 PM

@silentvoice84

And where exactly is the forum?

I appreciate the long well thought out comments. I find peoples views and opinions on these releases (or source material) interesting as well as informative. I would like to see a rip of the GITS 1.0 version. I surely do appreciate having the 2.0 version to view as well though. Great work as always THORA.

silentvoice84 said, in January 9th, 2009 at 4:16 PM

we don’t provide forums for that reason, comments are comments not to argue against others opinion.

i wish all of you to understand that.

kebrus said, in January 11th, 2009 at 10:25 AM

i just register to share some of my thoughts…

i never watched “gits franchise” before so when i saw this 2.0 version i thought of dl it, i’m glad i saw this comments here or else i would have watched it without knowing the differences, the thing is i actually enjoy remade/remake versions of animes that i like (or videogames) simply because while i like the originals the new version usually have better visuals, added bonuses, etc

sure the original is always the original and there are things that i’ll always remember kindly about it, but i would be lying to myself if i said i prefer the original when, for example, the new “New Theatrical Version” of Evangelion looks a ton better (at least for now while the story is the same), so if I’ve never watched something and i have these two choices why should i pick the that looks worse?

that said what is wrong with this gits 2.0 is simply that it looks worse than the original, i even got confused when watching the screenshots because i wasn’t sure which belong to 2.0 and 1.0… i only figure it out because of the 3d shots which imho looks far worse…

so yeah, these companies are only trying to make some more cash on it but i really don’t mind as long as its better than the original and as long as it doesn’t destroys it (like changing parts of the story)

PS: in evangelion though i’m one of those who didn’t really like the original ending so i’m actually looking forward to how the new version compares…

PS2: thanks for having this conversation here, because it opened my eyes, from now on i’ll give priority to the original version of animes…

plasmacutter said, in January 11th, 2009 at 11:26 AM

I’ve heard there is a special edition blu-ray with 2.0 and a properly cleaned up ORIGINAL VERSION.

http://sensasian.com/product.php/en/V17963J-B/

Think THORA could get their hands on this and release a proper 1080p edition of the original ghost in the shell?

Honestly, the obvious CGI makes 2.0 a monstrosity, but a proper blu-ray edition of the original will make it worth it.

This review has a screenshot of the redone GPS/tactical map from the beginning of the movie:

http://timmaughanbooks.com/2009/01/01/ghost-in-the-shell-20-2008-review/

The IG production team does not understand the concept of computer design, and I consider the original tactical map to be MORE futuristic because it provides the major and her team with much more immediately accessible and comprehensive information.

The way the original’s map phases from 2D to 3D only when necessary highlights the fact that their systems are fully capable by today’s most advanced standards, but only displays information of consequence to the characters involved.

They abandoned realistic scifi for CG flash, and in so doing weakened the scifi panoply of the original 1995 production.

If you can, THORA, I request you lay hands on the special edition (via physical copy or through iso) in order to release the proper blu-ray version of the original 1995 GITS.

plasmacutter said, in January 11th, 2009 at 11:47 AM

I’d like to add something.

Restoration of old landmarks always use original materials. Conservators didn’t revitalize the statue of liberty using glass and steel, they forged and hammered out copper in the exact same way the french did.

2.0 can be compared to using glass and steel to “fix” the statue of liberty.

User_O1 said, in January 15th, 2009 at 5:39 PM

@zxcvbnm6000

I see you’ve stolen my argument, used it against me, and then acted as if it were your own from the start. Too bad there’s a transcript!

“Honestly there is zero point in arguing this topic further. It will not change anyone’s options, and GITS 1.0 and 2.0 will continue to exist like it or not.”

That’s what I’ve been arguing since the start!

First, you “seriously suggest” that “all the Ghost in the Shell fans out there … skip this one.” You say that “the new CGI scenes add nothing to this movie,…” and then ADD that you “personally think they destroy it.”

THEN, you want to “make this as simple as possible,” and say that “IF you truly like GITS 2.0 compared to the original that is completely fine. Enjoy it to the fullest.”

But THEN … “for true fans of the original, it will always be the best. Nothing will change that.”

Then you insult and attack my character by saying: “However, you have a very sad existence if you can’t place any value on anything, such that you would fight to keep it the same.”

I’m not trying to keep it the same, I’m trying to show that GITS 2.0 deserves its place alongside the original and to compliment SAC and 2nd Gig. I find more value in BOTH versions now; while you think “The mixing of the two just looks terrible.” So much for placing value and artistic tolerance on your account.

THEN you say … “And yes of course it is completely commercial. But it is still a work of art, that represents a time, place, artistic vision.”

Ahhh! What’s wrong with you people? Exactly!

A work that represents a time, place, and artistic vision, like say, the artistic vision of NOW!?

I expressed this when I said:

“In this way, early and later generations of Anime viewers can appreciate the quality of Storytelling and Animation (from both generations) with the release of these two films – something live-action films are mostly unable to provide for their audience. The Anime community should be so glad that can preserve the best of their art form in such a manner.”

That doesn’t mean you throw the original out of the museum, BUT, if another artist wants to reinterpret that piece of art at another museum across town, that doesn’t mean you burn down or deny the creative license of the other museum, either!

No, you ALL remain ignorant to the message, which is that GITS 1.0 and 2.0 EACH deserve to be respected for their contribution. Oh wait, looks like you already admitted to that when you said that “GITS 1.0 and 2.0 will continue to exist like it or not.”

Wow. Good job turning my argument against me and acting as if it where your own from the start! Why must everyone be confrontational!?

Either way, I’m disinterested now. Have fun with whichever version of the “truth” you like best. The Communist will fix that later!

User_O1 said, in January 15th, 2009 at 5:41 PM

Honestly, whatever. Everyone try to get along.
No more arguments over all this anymore. Cheers!

Subtle-sama said, in January 15th, 2009 at 11:08 PM

I must say im with User_O1 on this one, while haven’t seen 2.0 yet i have seen the original and while some of the comments are warrented such as the bluring, i think the only one who made any sense in this discussion is User_O1.

I mean you sound like religeous fanatics, that have their beliefs attacked. Just look at: “how can you compare a lifeless computer animation like gits-sac with beautifully hand-drawn animation like the original ghost in the shell movie anyway??”, which makes zero sense. Stating GITS-SAC is lifeless animation is completely subjective, there is no formula on how much life some piece of animation has, so the whole statement is silly. Further: “this already shows that you have no basis of what to judge graphics on.” – So everything resolves around your beliefs and everyone who disagrees are wrong (whatever you intended, this is actually what you are saying).

The funniest part is tho, that User_O1 just said he found older anime less appealing due to their dated visuals. A totally personal opinion and not a direct attack against GITS or others opinion of GITS. And since when has that been something that needs to be attacked and argued against?

And really a movie doesnt need to have something “wrong” with it to be “remade”, but i guess you could discuss if it was proper to name it 2.0 as personally i find a “2.0″ something that has been drastically changed since its original release. And while this is true to the audio side (or so i hear, no pun intended), the video side is lacking, i would probably be expecting everything to have been redrawn, new charecter designs and what not.

I guess what it really comes down to is that the old and the new generations arent really compatible, the newer generation is more or less expecting computer generated animation and really nice CG. Becuase thats the standard today, so for them going back to jerky handdrawn animation is just appealing because for them its ugly, as they didnt grew up with that kind of animation style.
On the other hand, the older generation grew up with all the handdrawn stuff, so when they see something remade such as this, they hate it be default, as it changes something that they saw something they saw X years ago, and have been a part of their life for so long. It has some nostalgia in it, and they dont want it changed.

PS. Sorry Xiaopang, this isnt a personal attack againt you, you just happened to be the target of my internal RNG :p

Demosthenes said, in January 16th, 2009 at 4:43 AM

I assume that User_O1 is done with his temper tantrum now. (Seriously, wtf was THAT -> “The Communist will fix that later!”?)
It was interesting while it lasted though.

Anyways, onto the movie itself now…
Definitely wasn’t worth all the money that they put into redoing this movie. Minimal amounts of CG were added to the original, and they weren’t done all that well. Whenever they switched back and forth from 2D and 3D, it didn’t do anything to please the eye. Either do it all in 2D or 3D, not somewhere in between.

And as Subtle-sama said above, with the name 2.0 one would expect that “something that has been drastically changed since its original release”, but almost nothing was changed. With the amount of changes that were in this movie the title should have been 1.01; it can’t even be classified as a remake.

Also Subtle-sama, it’s not that people who feel nostalgia for this movie don’t want to see it changed, it’s just that this movie was a complete and obvious waste of effort.

silentvoice84 said, in January 16th, 2009 at 7:11 AM

This discussion went beyond the comments limits and moved to comment others opinion, everyone is free to like or not the movie and you can’t force the other to do the opposite.

it’s there for all.

closed

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