GKIDS Films Acquire Theatrical Rights to 'Ghost In The Shell 2: Innocence'
GKIDS Films seems to be on a mission, not only to bring us the best new animation from around the world, but also the best from years past. We already know that The End of Evangelion and Mamoru Hosoda's first four films will get their biggest ever theatrical releases through the company. Now, they have revealed, via social media, that they have obtained the rights to Ghost In The Shell 2: Innocence.
The 2004 film saw director Mamoru Oshii return to the world of his 1995 original Ghost In The Shell. The films are based on the original cyberpunk manga by Masamune Shirow (Appleseed, Dominion Tank Police) but are very definitely Oshii films. Both films are much more serious and philosophical in tone than the original comics and the Ghost In The Shell: Stand Alone Complex TV series. They also have a much more realistic, less manga-influenced visual style. Innocence got a much more mixed reception than the original GITS movie, but maybe now 20 years later people will be able to appreciate it more. Especially if they get the chance to watch it on the big screen, as it was meant to be seen.
This time the focus on Batou, a side character taking the lead role for the first time. Along with his fully human (ie he has no cyber enhancements or implants) Togusa and his beagle dog, he investigates a series of murders committed by a prototype android model.
Innocence was written and directed by Mamoru Oshii and produced by Production I.G.
The film was originally released in the US with English subtitles by DreamWorks' short-lived label Go Fish, and shortly after in the UK by Manga Entertainment with a newly commissioned English dub. It's been re-released a couple of times since, most recently by the late lamented Funimation. It was also previously available on the Funimation streaming service. GKIDS have only announced that they have North American theatrical rights. This could mean that Crunchyroll, as the inheritor of Funimation's assets, could still hold the home video and streaming rights. Let's hope someone plans on releasing it on Blu-Ray and maybe even 4K!
Ghost In The Shell 2: Innocence will return to North American cinemas in a brand new 4K Restoration, to celebrate the film's 20th anniversary this summer. The new version of the film will premiere at the Chicago Critic's Film Festival.
You can visit the film's website to sign up to be notified of any future announcements.
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