Ghost In The Shell - Individual Eleven
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Ghost in the Shell: Individual Eleven is just a re-cut version of Ghost in the Shell Stand Alone Complex – 2nd Gig. Bandai Entertainment did the same exact thing a few months ago with their Laughing Man release. I for one do not understand why they are doing these re-cut releases. They are not bringing anything new to the table. In fact, all they are really doing is just snipping out whole chunks of footage that made the original series so great. I guess Bandai must have a need for money or something.

Now just because it was re-cut does not mean it’s unwatchable. There are some positive aspects to this release. For the American fans the dialogue has been greatly tightened. They don’t sound as much like mindless robots anymore. And I’m sure some people will be excited by the length. You can either spend 10 hours watching the original series or you could spend 2 ½ watching this. It’s like Cliff Notes.

The story itself revolves around Major and her Section 9 wetworks team as always. Once again, there is a major threat to Japan if not the world. The year is 2030 and we are now six years past World War Four. As you might expect the rabid exodus of refugees into Japan has caused it’s share of problems.

The worst of which are terrorists. Now their has been spotty terrorist activity since the war, but none as vile as the cell Individual Eleven. They begin to delve into coordinated bombing attacks with ambitions of nuclear armaments. It is up to Major and Section 9 to put an end to the tomfoolery.

You already know your going to get the same tight graphics and animation that you’ve come to expect from Bandai Entertainment. The musical score was appropriate and the voiceovers were quite technically advanced. I just found the whole production to be rather blah and redundant. There are so many great places the writers could take this series. Yet they wallow in their own success’s which shit out new mediocrity.

Can’t rightly say I’d recommend this one. Whereas Laughing Man was at least far superior technically then the original, Individual Eleven is much the same as it’s predecessor. I don’t much see a point unless you need to see the season but just don’t quite have the time.

Added:  Tuesday, February 05, 2008
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