Ghost in the Shell: Arise - Borders 1 & 2by Sheena McNeilReviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk. Studio
Credits Grade: 10 Cyborg hacker Motoko Kusanagi is working to investigate a bombing, but she's being plagued with phantom memories. Then, she puts together her own team to take on a super-hacker, who is holding the city ransom.I love Ghost in the Shell, and this new storyline fits in well. It feels more modern, partially because of how the technology is taken for granted. The animation quality also helps; it's so smooth, with some really great vehicle chase scenes. My favorite parts are the physical fights between cyborgs. The animation really pushes the bounds of their reactions, so that the blows look appropriately devastating (and lethal if they were human) while not gaining any (pain) reaction from the cyborgs. I also love the army of young female cyborg clones who can transform into spider-form, and who blow up if you shoot them. They definitely add a creepy factor, while still being really cool. I like that the phantom memories and pain Kusanagi feels provide a really good mystery, while still being something that can be explained and fixed. I also like that the first episode / Border sets the stage with Kusanagi gaining ownership of her own cyborg body. The second Border is nice because it throws something truly challenging and dangerous her way, while still setting the stage for her to recruit some other cyborgs, whom she's currently fighting against, to her team. It's wonderfully paced and planned for excitement and enjoyment. Kusanagi is a great character. She's strong and smart, and she doesn't give up even when things are against her and losing could cost her everything. However, it's her "bodyguard" that steals some of the scenes. It's a giant robot / vehicle thing that's given a wonderfully cute (female) voice and personality (including the ways it moves, which work with its form while appearing unusual for something so bulky). It looks like there's a ton of extras on these two discs. Most are the typical fare: previews, trailers, clean openings / closings, commentary from the dub staff / voice actors, etc. However, there are also a couple interviews with the Japanese directors! Honestly, I didn't watch them in their entirety because they all looked like they felt incredibly awkward and most of what was being said was rather boring. However, very early in the first one is some interesting information. Ghost in the Shell: Arise has four long episodes (called "Borders") and five directors: one director for each Border and one head director over the whole thing and the other directors. That allows each Border to have its own unique flavor while still fitting together. The first two are handled quite well. I also very much appreciate that this does not change the animation style or the cast of characters. All four Borders have the same opening, but they each have a different closing. I love the ending song to the first Border; it's so pretty and subtly catchy while I was listening. The music in general is very nice, complementing the action. Also, both sub and dub are equally good; fans of both will be happy. I am so happy with Borders 1 & 2, and I'm looking forward to 3 & 4. It's a great expansion for Ghost in the Shell fans, but which anyone who likes sci-fi or cyberpunk will enjoy. Written: November 30, 2014
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