Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

It's understandable why some fans of the original Ghost in the Shell might be furious about this new series, as it alters the original winning formula, so to speak. Besides a different voice cast (which isn't such a bad thing, to clarify), the somewhat predictable plot lines and - yes folks - product placement (Microsoft and Infinity, just to name two) contradict what made its source material so fresh and riveting. But as with all adaptations and reboots that diverge for the sake of validating its existence, not everyone will be satisfied for a number of reasons. What remains the same here is its maturity, so these new OVA's still render the Ghost in the Shell franchise unsuitable for children, whether it be due to the violence or its philosophical ideas. Amazon shoppers should also know that there are a few options to watch Borders 1 and 2 of Arise. As of the time this review is published, both episodes can purchased digitally on Amazon for $8 each in HD ($6 in SD, but you don't want to do that!). That being said, you can judge for yourself the better value, but do consider that this $34 Blu-Ray/DVD set is a physical copy with some TBA extras included. I've considered this reboot quite carefully, and I do agree there are some obvious pros and cons. But there's no questioning the painstaking update for today's otaku. Right from the first installment of Arise, you can see it in both the wonderful animation and effort to build an origin story that stands on its own. That is to say, both episodes included here are quite welcoming to the population that's never watched the original, or never even heard of it. By the same token, however, to please longtime fans, Arise may be too reliant on referencing the original. This is especially true in the second episode (heavier on action than the first), and it starts to become rather predictable. Fans with a keen eye will see it in scenes involving Motoko, the main character, and her tendency to lose a limb. Still, even at its cliched worst, Arise does manage to have advantages over other current animes due to its willingness to tackle themes like the nature of reality (episode 1) and modern terrorism (episode 2). Compared to the original, Arise does a decent job in building Motoko as less sexualized and more of a vulnerable, conflicted protagonist. I also enjoyed its gravitas and updated cyperpunk feel, and those two qualities may be enough to draw a new audience. As for fans of the original Ghost in the Shell, loving or hating this series will depend on your view of the aforementioned changes they made. So the likability of this reboot is almost akin to the franchise's intricate world itself: it's not that simple.