Rewind Review = GitS Solid State Society

Ghost in the Shell - Solid State Society
2007 Bandai / Shirow Masamune / Production I.G.

I will be honest, I grew up with the original film. It was dark gritty, and sometimes filled with layers a second watching was needed because of the depth within the story. I went through my collection to find my copy. It also happens to be the limited steelbook edition. It contains the (ova) movie, bonus disc, and film OST.

At the time, GitS reawakened in the mainstream after long being asleep. As of now Arise is a reboot of the said series, but in fact its actually a chapter Shirow-sama co-wrote to compliment what the fans enjoy about the series.

SSS is a means to an end, it ties loose ends from both seasons of the tv series. And retouches on the "puppet master" that was from the original manga and film. However it takes a different spin, where the "puppeteer" is more connected than ever before. Story wise its a political thriller, but more surrounding with Section 9 themselves, as a unit they work as a crew, but are more of a family than a team.

Taking place a bit after 2nd GiG, the story revolves around an S9 team without the Major. Conspiracy theories abound, Togusa is head of the squad unit (weird huh?) I am trying to summarize since I haven't watched it in awhile. But it is totally worth finding if you have missed out on classic storytelling.

I heard Arise was so-so. But I think I know why, it has a different rhythm. Where SAC chapter was more involved with fleshed out stories, and some neat concepts that rarely get touched in animation or live action. In fact the key point about GitS like many other well known series, is the music. And Kanno-san gave her all to this series, and the film OST is on so many levels, listen to each song and it delivers a different message.

Full info data page from my friends @ ANN.
If you are a longtime fan of animation, or just getting into the genre. This is a film you gotta see.
ANN GITS SSS film info page

Cowboy Bebop The Complete Series

Cowboy Bebop - The Complete Series
Release 1998 (original) 2014 (CS edition)
Multiformat (DVD/Bluray)  - Funimation (original released with Bandai Visual)

Introduction: It is the late 90's. and animation has been hitting strides overseas. Sure CGI may be a hit, but classic hand drawn had some energy left with it. From the mind of "Nabeshin" the nickname for the series creator (was known for his hair and directing style). Shinichro Watanabe (really cool cat btw( and his team developed a sci-fi western that has no rival. (make that its one of the very few that still stands out today)

Characters = Welcome the Bebop, home to a few bounty hunters, two gents, one lady, a smart dog, and a kid (who may have a boys mame, but is actually a girl, a tech wiz too). The poor ship takes her crew across the stars, and is in hopeless repair, but fear not Jet (the father) of the crew, is a mechanic (also an ex-cop). Spike, a wanderer with a mission (and usually gets in trouble, and has a dark past). Faye, a lovely lass who has some things undone, making a life for herself, a lady from the past. Ed, the whiz kid that can find anything within the digital cosmos. And Ein, the noble, cute, and smart cookie.

What made Bebop special? Well for one, the team on-board the Bebop feel totally real, people with problems from day to day just struggling to live, eat (lots of ramen). (oh and Ein does dig some good biscuts) They don't feel one-dimensional, its like a crew that is a family that can't stand each other, but manage to somehow. Its a funny thing how a band of strangers winding up together on some fun adventures.

Music - Oh are your listening ears for a treat. Awhile back, we fan Bebop fans loved the crisp clean sounds of the overwhelming harmonies. Better yet, the the new remasater delivers even more intense immersive sounds. The new cut dishes out more bass and tempo than ever before. Literally it feels like "The Seatbelts" are playing a live show in your very own home. (it has to be epxerienced!)

Sound design - Being retouched, not just the music, but the voices, and sound fx. Everything has been upgraded to the best darn quality possible. Your speakers will get a real workout. Plus there are some new sounds you might not have noticed before. On the plus side, everything you loved about the series is here in its purest form. And you might be able to bring in some new fans too.

*Bonus! Within the main menu of each disc is a hidden "jukebox" mode/ For each episode selected, and highlighted it will play sample teaser mix tracks from that specific title. Neat thing is, it even acts like its being played from a live radio station. Oh and there hidden tracks too, just keep it playing for awhile, might recognize a few tunes.

Extra goodies - Extra sessions, English dub team re-unities, and episode zero + Ein's summer vacation. That's a just a sample, but there is a whole lot more within this set. Btw there was a limted edition run of this set, packaged within a vinyl record casing, and it contained art cards and signed copies. **also noteworthy each disc within the collection is printed to look exactly like a classic vinyl record.

Closing beats - I have to be honest, I have been hunting down this series for years. And it was always alusive, and I am so thankful it has been re-released in a new format that will keep many Bebop fans dreams alive (and maybe some new ones).

*Special note - Turns out my grandma was quite a fan too, she even told me one time in the past she loved this series quite a bit. Especially the music, something she truly loved. Sadly she's with the other stars in the sky. But always a fun memory to share.

So be sure to snag a copy of this new edition of the series. You will not be disappointed, and you can watch this series with friends and family. And you know they're gonna love it.

Plus you can snag your copy from the kind folks @ Righstuf http://www.rightstuf.com/1-800-338-6827/catalogmgr/wEEbzc3zF5FHwcjjfk/browse/item/103323/4/0/0