Ghost in the Shell Stand Alone Complex: Solid State Society – Snap Review
Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex 2nd Gig
© 2006 Production I.G.
Origin: Sequel to the Ghost in the Shell TV series
Studio: Production I.G.
Made in: 2006
Genre: Seinen / action / thriller
Premise: Two years after the end of 2nd Gig, a much-changed Section 9 investigates a series of suicides.
Who thought it up? Kenji Kamiyama directed and wrote it.
Show x Show: It’s Law & Order crossed with The Matrix
Length: 105 minutes
Is there a plot? Very much so. This is a talky movie, not unlike Mamoru Oshii’s films, though with a lot more action.
Does the end feel satisfying? The main mystery is resolved, but there are a number of open questions at the end. I felt a little confused, but satisfied.
Does Section 9 rock? They rock.
What about the Tachikomas? Highlight to reveal: Major Kusanagi reconstructs the original Tachikoma from the personalities they uploaded to the ’net, so they do show up.
How seinen is it? There’s a lot of talking, and some heads exploding in showers of blood and teeth.
Really, is it boring? I found myself a little tired of the talking scenes, which is rare for me and Stand Alone Complex. I never felt willing to stop watching, though.
Can I show it to my Mom? Nah, too violent.
Can I show it to my kid brother? Nah, not quite enough action.
Can I show it to a non-anime fan? Yes.
Sheet count (drawings per second): Downright movie-quality. No complaints whatsoever.
Believability of animation: Higher than the TV show, which had a bit of stiff movement at times. Delightful.
Does the art quality vary from shot to shot? Nope. Rock-solid.
Quality of action sequences: Very high, though I would’ve liked a bit more of them.
Music: Yoko Kanno. A mix of tracks from the TV show and some original music.
Editing: Excellent.
Direction (use of camera angles, etc.): Very interesting. Lots of varied camera angles.
Voices: The classic Ghost in the Shell cast. No duds in both the Japanese and English dubs.
Availability: Released by Bandai Entertainment as 1 DVD volume, easily available online.
