Which do you prefer?

Which version of Ghost In The Shell do you prefer? The original? Stand Alone Complex? Arise? Let all know.

 

For me it's the Stand Alone Complex. Mainly in part due to it being the first exposure I had to the franchise. There is always something about that first time exposure especially when it was a good experience. So thank you Toonami/Adult Swim for airing it all those years ago. Still I suppose I won't base my decission off that alone. It had great story-building and time to develop the characters. Don't get me wrong the other pieces and versions are great as well. It just makes it hard to declare a version people prefer when there are so many that have arisen over the years.

You got the manga which started it all clear back in either 88-89. If you ever get a chance to read them you should as the Major is portrayed and depicted quite differently. Guess if I had to put words to that she wouldn't be quite as robust. Then the next step beyond the Manga you've got the 1995 film which I think did the most for establishing the franchise as a whole. Sure it was just a single sub-plot point taken from the manga but it was done in a manner with great attention to detail and directive.

At that point in time the action sequences were outstanding, maybe to the point of motivating as I can't recall many animated films that compete on that scope given the time period. It's very iconic for good reasons. I think many would argue this to be the version they'd prefer. It's clear to understand why so after I went back to watch it after finishing Stand Alone Complex.

The last piece you mentioned was Arise which I don't feel impacted fans in the right manner. It was a 4 part OVA prequel which for the most part set it apart from everything. Sure the Studio attempted to make it fit but ultimately was handled incorrectly. With Ariise showing us how Section 9 began and showcasing histories that are different from those any of the films it's apparent why it sets it's self apart. Things didn't help it either as Production I.G aired this in two parts each instead of a whole. And of course with the second part if my memory serves they ridged that to the film. So if not for it being handled in that fashion I think it could be higher up for peoples preferred version. It's not mine but I won't deny that it had some marvelous episodes with great story telling.
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Well I have a soft spot for the Original Movie.

 

Yeah, I had a hard time with Arise too. So many inconsistencies. It was ok, but I really didn't get into it. For me, it was the first movie. I remember I had it on VHS.