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Mamoru Oshii has described his film Angel’s Egg as a pitiful daughter that never found its audience. He shared this sentiment as the 4K remaster of the 1985 classic was announced for its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival.

The director hopes that will change with the film’s upcoming 4K remaster premiere at the festival.

Speaking about the film’s legacy, he reflected on how Angel’s Egg struggled to find recognition when it was first released as an Ova nearly 40 years ago.

“This work is like a pitiful daughter that I couldn’t properly introduce to the world. If this opportunity allows even one more person to see it, there is no greater happiness for me as a director. I would like to express my gratitude once again to the staff who endured the painstakingly detailed work,” he said.

When the movie originaly released, it was a...

Mamoru Oshii’s Angel’s Egg is set to return with a 4K remastered version premiering at the Cinéma de la Plage section of the 78th Cannes Film Festival, on May 13.

The 4K remaster, created under Oshii’s supervision, was developed using the original 35mm film negative and enhanced with Dolby Atmos audio.

This remaster, which was developed to commemorate the film’s 40th anniversary, will mark the first time the film is screened worldwide in such high quality.

The 78th annual Cannes Film Festival will take place from 13 to 24 May 2025.

Gkids had previously announced that the 4K version of the film will be screened in North American theaters in 2025.

Angel’s Egg is a Japanese art film original video animation (Ova) written and directed by Mamoru Oshii. Released by Tokuma Shoten on 15 Dec 1985, the film was a collaboration between artist Yoshitaka Amano and Oshii.

Mal describes the plot of...

The official website for the Cannes Film Festival 2025 has confirmed that the 4K restoration version of the classic 1985 Ova Angel's Egg ( Tenshi no Tamago in Japan) will screen in its "Cinéma de la Plage" section on May 20. "Cinema de la Plage" means "Cinema on the beach," and a giant screen has been set up on the sandy beach near the main venue, where anyone can watch the masterpieces shown every night at 9:30 p.m. free of charge. This ccreening will be the 4K version's world premiere. Visual for the Cannes screening Related: Angel's Egg Anime Releases Special Clip Featuring Soundtrack Music by Yoshihiro Kanno Angel's Egg was the first original Ova work written and directed by Mamoru Oshii ( Ghost in The Shell ) and also his first original collaboration work with internationally acclaimed illustrator Yoshitaka Amano . The 71-minute Ova released from Tokuma Shoten in Japan on December 15, 1985, and also received a limited theatrical run.

The Cannes Film Festival has unveiled the line-up for its public-oriented Cinéma de la Plage sidebar at its 78th edition kicking off next week.

The sidebar will screen a selection of films, many of which have past Cannes connections, on the big screen on the beach beside the Palais des Festivals.

The titles include Terrence Malick’s drama A Hidden Life about Austrian conscientious objector Franz Jägerstätter, which premiered at in Competition at the festival in 2019,

Older selections include King Vidor’s 1946 classic Dual in the Sun, presented and restored by Walt Disney Studios in association with The Film Foundation, with the participation of The George Eastman Museum and The Museum of Modern Art, and the involvement of Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg.

Further highlights include Japanese animation director Mamoru Oshii’s 1985 animated feature Angel’s Egg to mark the 40 th anniversary of its release, Oshii is best known internationally...

Japanese record company Tokuma Japan's official YouTube channel has started streaming a special clip featuring the soundtrack music of the classic 1985 Ova Angel's Egg , composed by Yoshihiro Kanno. The clip was posted to promote the release of the Ova's original soundtrack vinyl LP record and Uhqcd today on May 7. Under the supervision of the original composer, Kanno, the soundtrack was remastered using the latest technology. All tunes are now also available on digital platforms for streaming and download. Jacket illustration drawn by Yoshitaka Amano Related: Mamoru Oshii's Classic Ova Angel's Egg to Get 4K Remaster Edition Angel's Egg was the first original Ova work written and directed by Mamoru Oshii ( Ghost in The Shell ) and also his first original collaboration work with internationally acclaimed illustrator Yoshitaka Amano . The 71-minute Ova released from Tokuma Shoten in Japan on December 15, 1985. As previously reported , the anime's 4K remastered edition has been...

Thirty years ago, Mamoru Oshii delivered the iconic cyberpunk masterpiece Ghost in the Shell. The film was quite a sensation in the genre and is celebrated to this date. It set a benchmark for most anime in the category for years.

Additionally, the film boosted his popularity and stature as an esteemed filmmaker and director. His vision behind creating revolutionary films is often talked of among cinema enthusiasts. But this time, Oshii took a dig at yet another known animator.

To give some context, the director wasn’t quite impressed by Hideaki Anno’s work, as he revealed in an interview. He put forth his outlook on art, artist, and expressionism, which brings us to the question of the hour. What exactly constitutes a true artist?

Ghost in the Shell director isn’t impressed by Hideaki Anno

Ghost in the Shell is the crème de la crème in the cyberpunk genre.

It's been almost a year since fans discovered that the legendary anime series Ghost in the Shell was getting rebooted, and after virtually no news of the adaptation, Bandai Namco Filmworks decided to break radio silence and provide the first few details of the reboot series, which will be titled simply The Ghost in the Shell. The company announced the title and visuals through a teaser trailer and poster, and revealed a release window for the title: fans can expect to see the anime series in 2026.

The Ghost in the Shell will hail from a production committee that includes Bandai Namco Filmworks and Science Saru — the production company behind DanDaDan. The project will be directed by Moko-chan, who will make a directing debut after being a key animator at DanDaDan. Toh Enjoe (Godzilla Singular Point) will write and oversee screenplays and Shūhei Handa (Little Witch Academia) will serve as character designer and chief animation director.

Let’s face it when somebody tells us there’s going to be another Ghost in the Shell remake, a bunch of us either eye-roll or experience that icky ‘please don’t ruin this’ feeling. Mamoru Oshii’s 1995 film isn’t any old anime movie, it’s ‘the anime movie.’ It’s legendary. Those stunning visuals, that crazy cyberpunk setting, brain-melting philosophy, and that unforgettable music? You don’t mess with that perfection.

But then something unexpected happened. In May 2024, Bandai Namco Filmworks dropped some thrilling news: a whole new Ghost in the Shell anime is coming in 2026. And who is making it? Science Saru. Yeah, the same folks who just blew our minds with their insane work on Dandadan. Suddenly it was no longer ‘oh no, another remake.’ It was ‘Wait, this could be awesome.’

Ghost in the Shell by Mamoru Oshii. | Credit: Production I.G Bandai Visual Manga...

The restoration and release of Shinji Somai’s Love Hotel is no small occasion, and dovetails nicely with this show’s ambition to speak with people outside the well-known confines of film culture. Thus this new episode is an interview with Edward McCarry, whose work at Cinema Guild has made the Japanese master, by leagues and bounds, more accessible than was ever thought possible. In our conversation, McCarry shares his passion for Somai, the thrill of sharing his films with larger audiences, some particulars of successfully marketing work with so little commercial imprint, and a preview of the next filmmakers Cinema Guild hopes to give a greater platform.

Side note: the anime film McCarry refers to is Mamoru Oshii’s feature debut Urusei Yatsura: Only You, evidenced by this double-feature coupon.

Listen below and subscribe here:

Music courtesy of Lex Walton: “Love Theme From an Unreleased Film” from the album Giving It Up.

For fans looking into get into anime for the first time, free streaming service Tubi is honestly one of the best places to start. Although Tubi's anime collection isn't quite as big as what's available on designated anime streamers like Crunchyroll or Hidive, there's a library of eclectic anime series to stream.

In addition to recent series like One-Punch Man, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, and My Deer Friend Noko-tan, there's an especially impressive collection of anime from the 1990s and early 2000s: the original Japanese version of series like Sailor Moon and Cardcaptor Sakura that were never made available in English at the time they originally aired in North America, the cult classic English dub of the original Yu-Gi-Oh! and other classic series including Inuyasha, Naruto, Death Note and Appleseed.

One of the major gems available for free streaming on Tubi is the iconic and influential 1995 cyberpunk anime movie Ghost in the Shell.

Two decades have been kind to Ghost in the Shell: Innocence, the only animated feature to debut in competition at Cannes and recent recipient of a 20th-anniversary 4K restoration. But Mamoru Oshii isn’t done with his opus, having recently stated, “There is something I want to do for the third film. There is only one thing I have left to do. If I can do it, I would like to do it.” [Mantan Web]

The franchise’s significant cultural imprint across east and west alike implies a lay-up. (We can consider its predecessor’s unique Scarlett Johansson-led live-action remake a brief blip on the map.) Yet at last night’s Niigata International Animation Film Festival, Innocence‘s producer (and Production I.G. chairman) Mitsuhisa Ishikawa revealed that its production costs––2 billion yen, which amounts to more than $13 million Usd––have still not been recouped over two decades. Nevertheless, intention remains:...

Anime boasts an extensive catalog of films, offering something for everyone. Whether it’s a spin-off of a beloved shonen anime series, or a Studio Ghibli film, there’s always a film worth watching. Anime films showcase the brilliance of animation, allowing creators to express themselves in unique and powerful ways.

For those exploring Crunchyroll’s library, the platform offers a vast selection of anime films. From nostalgic classics that bring back childhood memories to gripping emotional thrillers that highlight the true impact of animation, there’s a perfect pick for any fan seeking a short yet unforgettable experience.

Black Jack: The Movie Is A Great Film for Fans of Medical Dramas Streaming on CrunchyrollImage Via Tezuka Productions

Black Jack: The Movie tells the adventures of the unlicensed but genius surgeon Black Jack from the anime series of the same name. Black Jack's design is immediately iconic, with the...

What Guillermo del Toro has done with Pacific Rim has made him a curious figure for anime fans. Every time an anime series too bizarre starts gaining traction and the live-action conversations are sparked, fans start wondering if del Toro would be up for the task. There’s one anime franchise that’s painfully underrated for how good it is.

It’s the Patlabor franchise that could compete with the best from the mecha world. There couldn’t be a better way to describe the Patlabor franchise than calling it a hidden gem. From the quality of the visuals to the myriad number of themes, the Patlabor anime and movies are a must-watch for fans who love exploring the older titles.

A still from Patlabor | Credits: Studio Production I.G.

The subject matter of the films is somewhat compatible with what del Toro usually dabbles with. This makes him the...

Doraemon the Movie: Nobita's Art World Tales , the 44th theatrical film from the Doraemon anime franchise, opened in 383 theaters in Japan on March 7 and made a first-place debut in its first weekend, according to Kogyo Tsushinsha. The film beat the award-winning American musical fantasy film Wicked , which ranked second in its opening weekend in Japan with 519 million yen (3.54 million Usd). The Doraemon franchise's 45th-anniversary film earned 703 million yen (4.78 million Usd) on 571,000 admissions between Friday and Sunday, which was 107 percent of that of the previous 43rd film, Doraemon: Nobita's Earth Symphony , released in March 2024 . Meanwhile, the film ranked third in Filmarks' first-day satisfaction ranking with an average rating of 4.16/5.0 based on 931 reviews. The Trillion Game live-action feature film based on the manga series written by Riichiro Inagaki and illustrated by Ryoichi Ikegami went to fifth in its fourth weekend, down two spots from last weekend . The film's official website confirmed that...

The Ghost in the Shell franchise is one of the greatest and unique anime film series. It explores the philosophy behind our consciousness and identity. In a heavily technologically advanced world, Ghost in the Shell asks what it means to be human. Where does the line between the physical body and the soul blur?

Ghost in the Shell. [Credit: Toho]

The franchise includes the original manga series, 2 animated films by Mamoru Oshii, 3 animated television series, and a controversial American live-action adaptation. Science Saru is producing a new Ghost in the Shell anime, and it is set to be released in 2026.

Oshii, the director of the more classic and beloved film franchise, has expressed his interest in directing a third Ghost in the Shell film. However, the mixed reviews of the second film have created doubt if the next one is a necessary addition.

Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence wasn’t...

The relationship between anime and its live-action adaptation has been volatile for a very long time. Only very rarely do we see a version that can do proper justice to its source material or inspiration.

Up until now, mostly historical live actions have been widely accepted, and the ones with fantasy elements, not so much. This becomes especially true with the Hollywood live-action adaptation inspired by the legendary Ghost in the Shell movie of 1995.

Motoko Kusanagi from Ghost in the Shell (1995) [Credits: Production I.G]

Scarlett Johansson’s version failed to perform greatly at the box office and also got slammed with negative reviews. This might have come as a surprise to its makers, but director Mamoru Oshii of the original film already saw it coming.

The power of voice acting in anime

In a recent talk event with Mantan Web, Mamoru Oshii, the director of Ghost in the Shell and...

After holding the number one spot for two consecutive weekend since its opening, the Trillion Game live-action feature film dropped two positions to third in its third weekend, according to Kogyo Tsushinsha . The sequel film to the 2023 TV drama based on the manga series written by Riichiro Inagaki and illustrated by Ryoichi Ikegami brought in 145 million yen (1.02 million Usd) over the three-day weekend with 112,000 admissions, another 50.35 percent week-to-week drop. The film's official X (formerly Twitter) confirmed the movie now has a 17-day cumulative of 1.44 billion yen (9.52 million Usd) earned from 1.05 million ticket sales. In its sixth weekend, the live-action film adaptation of Kengo Hanazawa's action manga series Under Ninja jumped up four positions to fifth place. It is the movie's second-highest weekend ranking, following its third-place position in its opening weekend of January 24-26 . The film's official X reported last Wednesday it has already surpassed the one billion yen mark in 33 days after release.

Even to this day, getting Scarlett Johansson to be The Major in the live-action Ghost in the Shellfilm is one of the strangest casting decisions ever made. The most obvious problem with casting an American actor like Johansson as The Major was that Major Motoko Kusanagi was a Japanese character. Even if the film explained this by revealing that Major Mira Killian was really Motoko Kusanagi all along, Johansson's casting understandably sparked controversy.

When Johansson's casting was announced, the film was accused of literal whitewashing before a trailer was even released. But even after the film hit cinemas and viewers finally learned of Major Killian's true identity, the backlash didn't die down. Because of this,Ghost in the Shell remains one of the most polarizing live-action anime adaptations yet. All of this could've been avoided if the film fixed its most controversial aspect instead of just ignoring it.

Ghost in the Shell...

Exclusive: Animation-focused sales company Gebeka International has unveiled new images for Little Amelie, adapted from Belgian writer Amélie Nothomb’s bestseller The Character of Rain ahead of an EFM push.

Tackling themes of self-awareness and child development, the work revolves around a child born in Japan to a Belgium family. It takes inspiration from the Japanese belief that until the age of three years old, all children are Gods, and then on their third birthday they fall from grace and join the rest of humanity.

Liane-Cho Han and Mailys Vallade’s Little Amelie is the first adaptation of Nothomb’s fictionalized autobiography tapping in her childhood in Japan.

For an intense 3 years, the young protagonist discovers language, her parents, brother and sister, a heavenly garden, passions (Japan and water), aversions (to carp), seasons and time, as she passes a period that will shape her life forever, in happiness and tragedy.

This year, Mamoru Oshii's bizarre, artistic Ova Angel's Egg turns 40. Plans are already underway for special screenings in Japan and overseas, but there's more to come—specifically, a new release of the film's soundtrack by Yoshihiro Kanno. The soundtrack will be released in two formats: Uhqcd and vinyl LP. The cover for the release has also been revealed: Related: Mamoru Oshii's Classic Ova Angel's Egg to Get 4K Remaster Edition The soundtrack consists of 14 tracks, all of which will be included in both release formats. Kanno himself oversaw the remaster of the soundtrack. Both versions will also include a reprint of the soundtrack's original liner notes, as well as new liner notes by Kanno, sound and visual writer Hidekuni Majeima, and musician and DJ Takuya Katagiri. Angel's Egg Music Edition: Dwelling in Water goes on sale in Japan on May 7. Source: Comic Natalie...

Ghost in the Shell remains a staple of cyberpunk anime, with the original animated movie adaptation still highly regarded by fans and filmmakers. Now, the director of the first two films is recalling a particularly sick sentiment that went into the second movie.

Speaking about the remastered 4K versions of Ghost in the Shell and Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence that are coming to theaters in a new statement via Mantan Web, director Mamoru Oshii noted the development of the second movie. Particularly proud of the film, this feeling came after a traumatic personal event. This all comes as the original film is celebrating its own major milestone, with the sequel having just reached a similar achievement.

RelatedLate Studio Ghibli Founder Gets Debut East Coast Movie Screening After Over 40 Years

Later this month, anime fans will have the chance to see the East Coast premiere of a pre-Ghibli feature...

There are currently two Ghost in the Shell anniversaries to celebrate: the 30th anniversary of the original Ghost in the Shell film, which was released in 1995 in Japan, and the 20th anniversary of Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence , which premiered in 2004. The 4K remastered version of both anime films will get a special two-week run in Japanese theaters to commemorate both anniversaries. Ghost in the Shell and Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence 4K Remaster Posters The 4K versions of both films were initially made for the Blu-ray release, but this will be the first time this remastered version of Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence will be getting a semi-wide theatrical release after the first film got a 4K screening in 2021 in both Japan and the U.S. Related: New Ghost in the Shell TV Anime Announced for 2026 The director of both films, Mamoru Oshii, released a comment...

In the world of manga, few creators can boast the longevity, cultural impact, and consistent success of Inuyasha and Ranma 1/2 author, Rumiko Takahashi. Dubbed the "Queen of Manga," Takahashi has been shaping the medium for decades, creating stories that resonate with readers across generations. Despite the fast-paced and competitive nature of the manga industry, her ability to craft universally beloved stories and characters has proved her status as one of the most significant figures in modern manga.

From her humble beginnings in the late 1970s to becoming Japan's richest woman, Takahashi's life and work are extraordinary. With three consecutive blockbuster series to her name, an achievement that few can claim, her influence extends far beyond the pages of manga. Her groundbreaking works like Urusei Yatsura, Ranma 1/2, and Inuyasha not only captured the imagination of millions but also redefined the standards of manga and anime adaptations.

Urusei Yatsura Was a Groundbreaking...

Anime is one of the most celebrated art forms in the world, with a history stretching back more than 100 years and a significant international cultural legacy dating back to the 1960s. After the legendary cartoonist Osamu Tezuka created the template that most anime would base itself on with the classic Astro Boy, the form exploded into a juggernaut that continues to dominate film and television.

One of the oldest and most venerated anime series of all time is Speed Racer, becoming one of the first series to be successfully imported into America. When the legendary American directors the Wachowski sisters were able to adapt the classic anime Speed Racer into a live-action film, audiences were stunned by how faithful the adaptation was to the original source material.

The Wachowski Sisters Understand How to Adapt Anime

After decades of living in development hell, Lana and Lilly Wachowski teamed up with producer Joel Silver,...

Artificial intelligence used to be a longtime science fiction fan's dream, and, to borrow a Mitch Hedberg joke, it still is, too. In fiction, AI occupies a realm of possibility that renews our questions about who and what we are, and dances with theologic philosophies about whether or not we can create synthetic life worthy of a soul. The reality of AI remains a far cry from those visions of Fritz Lang and Isaac Asimov, incapable of independent creation, emotion, or thought.

Generative AI remains a disappointment because it's a fancy PR dodge on the level of the grapeless Grape-Nuts. There's no intelligence in ChatGPT or its "artistic" cousins, and definitely no sentience; it's a Chinese Room experiment with dressed up outputs. But real AI isn't all bad, either. Machine learning is helping doctors hunt down cancer in new ways. Yet, the fiction of AI continues to call to us,...

Mamoru Oshii’s Ghost in the Shell is an anime classic and one that caters to both anime enthusiasts and cinema lovers. Whether it’s the visual appeal or excelling as a pioneer of cyberpunk, the movie passes the test of time with flying colors. At the center of everything great about Ghost in the Shell, there’s Motoko Kusanagi.

Motoko Kusanagi from Ghost in the Shell | Credits: Studio Production I.G.

The voice actor who brought a great character like Motoko to life was Atsuko Tanaka. Motoko embodies perfection while being leagues ahead of the stereotypical representation of female anime characters. Even though she doesn’t have any flaws outright, her character is full of depth and she exhibits many admirable qualities.

For those who are familiar with the movie, it’s hard to not like her as a character. And that wouldn’t have been possible if it...

Anime has a long and storied history, with the mecha genre standing as one of its most enduring and influential pillars. This naturally sparks the timeless debate: what is the greatest mecha series of all time? Spanning over 50 years, the genre features a wide range of iconic series and films, each striving to be named the best and captivating generations of fans globally.

The rise of Osamu Tezuka's Astro Boy in 1963 set the stage for the mecha genre. In 1972, Go Nagai's Mazinger Z introduced the concept of piloted mecha, sparking the genre’s popularity. This momentum led to iconic series like Mobile Suit Gundam (1979) and The Super Dimension Fortress Macross (1982). Over the years, mecha has evolved into diverse forms, including piloted, sentient, remote-controlled, transformable, biomechanical, and even biblical variations.

Patlabor is A World Politics Type of Suspense Thriller Patlabor: The Movie 2

Patlabor: The Movie 2 is a unique film,...

Even before knowing the difference between what’s categorized as animation and what’s considered anime, I was watching anime movies and shows like Pokemon, Digimon, Beyblade, and Dragon Ball on Cartoon Network. Thanks to Animax, my mind was exposed to Captain Tsubasa, Cardcaptor Sakura, Detective School Q, Inuyasha, and Yu-Gi-Oh! As much as I’d like to claim that I grew up with the works of Hayao Miyazaki, Satoshi Kon, Katsuhiro Otomo, Mamoru Oshii, and Hideaki Anno, that’s not the case at all, as I came around to their masterpieces later in my life. In addition to that, I’m aware of all the popular stuff like One Punch Man, Death Note, One Piece, Attack on Titan, etc. So, I guess I can say that I am pretty familiar with the medium and the genres that exist within its boundaries. And yet, when I saw Kenji Nakamura’s Mononoke,...

Mamoru Oshii’s 1995 animated film Ghost in the Shell, a visually spectacular and philosophically complex masterwork that set a high standard for the franchise, was originally based on Masamune Shirow’s 1989 manga. Upon the announcement of Hollywood’s Live-Action Adaptation of Ghost in the Shell series, fans were buzzing with high hopes. However, the anticipation soon turned into dust after the cast was revealed.

Ghost in the Shell (1995) | Credit: Production I.G

Particularly, the casting choice of Scarlett Johansson as Mira Killian, the protagonist originally depicted as Major Motoko Kusanagi, received major backlash due to the whitewashing accusation. However, despite the storm of backlashes, Scarlett Johansson found unexpected support from none other than the Ghost in the Shell creator Masamune Shirow himself, who praised her portrayal and clarified that there’s no requirement for an Asian actress for this role.

Masamune Shirow’s Surprising Defense of Scarlett Johansson

While Scarlett...

While it's well-known that Shigeru Ishiba, Japan's newest Prime Minister, once cosplayed as Dragon Ball Z's Majin Buu, what's less reported is how Ishiba embraced his inner geek, turning the cosplay into more than just a symbolic gesture. Instead, it became a powerful acknowledgment of Dragon Ball's status as a cultural icon.

In April 2018, the Kurayoshi Figure Museum opened its doors for the first time, not only to celebrate the fantastic world of figurines but also to showcase the repurposing of Japan's oldest circular school building, which had been converted into the museum's showroom and headquarters. It was a significant occasion for local politicians, including Shigeru Ishiba, then a parliament member, whose district encompassed Kurayoshi City, where the museum is located.

pic.twitter.com/JchWAfXSTg (@tottorimagazine) April 1, 2018

However, instead of just delivering a speech to highlight the event, Ishiba - a well-known otaku with a passion for building military...

The 2017 live-action adaptation of Ghost in the Shell sparked a huge controversy long before the film even hit theatres. At the crux of the debate was the casting of a white actress, the famous Scarlett Johansson, in the role of the central character, who in the original Japanese manga and anime, was a cybernetic human made in Japan named Motoko Kusanagi. Fans were outraged that the experience of portraying a Japan-based story was handed to a typically Western actress rather than diversifying and choosing a Japanese-born actress.

Scarlett Johansson as Major Motoko Kusanagi in Ghost in the Shell. [Credit: Paramount Pictures]

While the original director of Ghost in the Shell, Mamoru Oshii, defended her casting, Johansson’s own words back in 2015 have resurfaced and added fuel to the fire of the debate. In a world where the audience demands more diversity, Johansson claimed to be an ally and did not wish...

Japanese anime production company Genco -- responsible for producing one of the most beloved mecha anime franchises of all time, Mobile Police Patlabor -- will open its merchandise to fans globally through its newly revamped international online store.

Via a press release, Genco Inc. has announced that The Beenos Group's popular e-commerce service Buyee will handle international sales of its new online store, Genco Shop. The move will allow fans worldwide to order goods from Genco's animated productions, including one of the most iconic mecha series out there, Patlabor. This follows the recent announcement that Buyee will also handle overseas deliveries for one of Japan's biggest marketplaces, Mercari. Readers can check out some of Genco Shop's current goods and more information below.

Related Japan Reveals Its Biggest Anime Merchandise Winners for 2024 in Official Ranking

Major Japanese cross-border e-commerce service Buyee reveals its top-selling anime, J-pop, mobile game and tokusatsu merch for 2024 to date.

Quick Links Avalon Plot and Cast Why You've Never Heard of Avalon Should You Watch Avalon?

In terms of anime excellence that has defined the genre, it is hard not to look at 1995's Ghost in the Shell as one of the movies that brought the genre to the forefront of the West. While coming out several years after Akira, both films rose to prominence in the '90s and won over many fans as online made it more viable to check out and learn about international animation and films. It has made its creator, Mamoru Oshii, revered among anime and sci-fi fans, with subsequent projects by the director finding equal fanfare.

Yet, there is one project of Mamoru Oshii's that often goes overlooked, the 2001 live-action sci-fi thriller Avalon. We will look at why this movie has stayed relatively obscure, and whether it is worth checking out for yourself.

Avalon...

Originally released almost 30 years ago, the first Ghost in the Shell movie is an anime classic that has continued to be highly influential and beloved by many to this day. Now, it's set for a commemorative screening that celebrates the work of a departed cast member.

Via Oricon, set to air for just one week, the screening is in memory of Atsuko Tanaka, who recently passed away. Based on the upgraded version of the film, the movie will be available for fans to pay their last respects and enjoy the iconic film together. While it's so far set to only be a Japanese event, the legacy of Tanaka's character and voice is certain to live on across the world.

Related Cowboy Bebop Brings '90s Nostalgia Back to North America With Special Screening

Cowboy Bebop: The Movie is one of several film classics being screened in the U.S.

Ghost in the Shell has three main timelines: Original Movie, Stand Alone Complex, and Arise, each offering unique versions of the characters and story. The Original Movie Timeline delves deep into philosophy, exploring identity and consciousness in a future where human-machine boundaries blur. The Stand Alone Complex Timeline focuses on political conspiracies, cyber crimes, and complex themes like artificial intelligence and cyber warfare.

The Ghost in the Shell franchise is one of the cornerstones of cyberpunk anime and media in general, offering fans a unique exploration of technology, consciousness, and identity throughout its many timelines. Over the years, fans have been given various interpretations of this iconic universe that each present a wholly different version of the characters and themes. The three main timelines, which are the Original Movie Timeline, the Stand Alone Complex Timeline, and the Arise Timeline, are within different universes.

In the high-tech future of the Original Movie Timeline,...

Discotek Media announced a new slate of licenses at their Discotek Media Industry Extravaganza panel at Otakon 2024 today, including new releases of MxC: Most Extreme Elimination Challenge (the recut series of Takeshi's Castle which aired on Tnn/Spike TV), Gto: Great Teacher Onizuka , the live-action Ouran High School Host Club movie and more. Announcements made during the panel and stream are in alphabetical order. Android Kikaider : 43-episode Blu-ray release of the tokusatsu series in Japanese with English subtitles. Extras include a Daisuke Ban interview, vintage Hawaii stage event and retrospective video. Scheduled to release in 2024. Captain Harlock: Space Pirate : 42 episode Blu-ray release in upscaled 1080p of Leiji Matsumoto's classic series in Japanese with English subtitles. Scheduled to release in September 2024. Chie the Brat 2nd TV Series : First US release of the second Chie the Brat TV series, featuring all 39 episodes on Sd-bd in Japanese with English subtitles.

Animator Toshiyuki Inoue recently shared insights into the unique production process and director Kiyotaka Oshiyama’s dedication behind Look Back anime film during a stage greeting held on July 5, 2024.

Inoue explained that Look Back‘s animation process was not done in the typical manner where rough sketches by key animators are cleaned up by in-between animators.

“Key animation involves drawing the main points of movement, and in-between animation fills in the gaps. Usually, the lines drawn by key animators are rough and cleaned up by in-between animators. Normally, key animator lines don’t appear on screen as is,” Inoue said.

However, Look Back preserved these rough sketches by directly coloring and reflecting them on the screen. This approach maintained the hand-drawn feel, contributing to the film’s distinctive visual experience.

Highlighting the dedication of director Oshiyama, Inoue noted that in the last week of May, Oshiyama drew 1,000 frames.

He noted...

Tomorrow, the 23rd Neuchâtel International Fantastic Film Festival starts, bringing nine days of horror, fantasy and science fiction films from all over the world to a beautiful Swiss location. This year, the poster and trailer point to a general theme of a sudden switch, a plot twist which puts an audience on the wrong footing. The focus of its main retrospective programme, called "Eat the Rich" this year, is on the portrayal of elite classes in film. Titles shown here will be ranging from classics like Buñuel's The Exterminating Angel and Mamoru Oshii's Ghost in the Shell anime to cult films like Brian Yuzna's Society. A second retrospective, called "Forever Young", will focus on aging and will show films like Ron Howard's Cocoon. And adjacent...

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Scarlett Johansson ranks among one of the highest-grossing actors in Hollywood, thanks to her performance as Black Widow in the Avengers films and the wider MCU. Despite achieving critical and commercial success, her casting in the 2017 sci-fi film Ghost in the Shell, which sparked a controversy over whitewashing, remains one of the lowest points in Johansson’s career.

Avengers star Scarlett Johansson was criticized for Ghost in the Shell role (Credit: Marvel Studios).

However, long before Johansson’s whitewashing controversy, another Avengers star found himself in a similar situation. Actor Benedict Cumberbatch appeared in 2013’s Star Trek Into Darkness but was also embroiled in a whitewashing controversy. He was cast to play the role of iconic villain Khan Noonien Singh and here is how Cumberbatch emerged from the gig.

Avengers Star Benedict Cumberbatch Was Cast as a Whitewashed Character in Star Trek

Benedict Cumberbatch is known for essaying iconic characters...

At the end of 1995's Ghost in the Shell, Major Motoko Kusanagi, now combined into a single entity with the Puppet Master, stands on a precipice high above New Port City. As Major (melded with this AI born in the "sea of information") looks out toward the city lights, she contemplates her shared, open-ended future: "And where shall I go now? The net is vast and infinite."

Since Mamoru Oshii's first Ghost in the Shell -- adapted from Masamune Shirow's manga of the same name -- dug its hooks into audiences worldwide, its profound and confounding ending has been co-opted and, invariably, degraded by a surfeit of films that just don't scratch the same itch. The appropriations are a testament to the truly "infinite" possibilities of an open-ended finale, but an uplinked, jacked-in consciousness doesn't have the same pop with the glut of offerings that end similarly. Part...

The iconic follow-up to the first Ghost in the Shell anime film -- Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence -- will soon return to theaters throughout America for a limited time in a stunning 4K restoration.

Via a press release, Gkids is celebrating Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence's 20th anniversary via a new 4K restoration for theaters. The film returns for just three nights on June 23, 24, and 26 across over 400 theaters nationwide. Readers can check out Gkids' 4K-restored teaser and full trailers, stills, and the complete list of participating theaters below.

Related "All That Gets Made Is Isekai": Ghost in the Shell Arise Director 'Stunned' by Current Anime Trends

Ghost in the Shell: Arise director Kazuchika Kise reveals why he believes the isekai anime genre is nowhere near as compelling as regular fantasy.

Your browser does not support the video tag. Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence Gets...

Angel’s Egg 4K Remaster Is Coming to Cinemas in North America - Main Image

Gkids continues to bring more classic anime to the big screen. Aside from its recent Studio Ghibli Fest, Gkids announced that it will bring the Angel’s Egg 4K remaster to North American cinemas.

This anime film was released back in December 1985, though it has not gotten a major release in North America. That’s not too surprising given that Angel’s Egg is more of an art film that may not appeal to mainstream audiences.

Gkids Is Bringing Mamoru Oshii’s Angel’s Egg Remaster to North America

Angel’s Egg is directed by Mamoru Oshii, one of the most acclaimed anime directors of all time. Oshii is best known for directing the 1995 Ghost in the Shell movie, along with Patlabor 2: The Movie and the original Urusei Yatsura.

The film was also made in collaboration with Yoshitaka Amano,...

The 4K remaster of Angel's Egg is officially coming to North American theaters in 2025. Angel's Egg doesn't have a specific date for its theatrical release. The film, though less known than Mamoru Oshii's other works, has a loyal fanbase and the confirmation of a US release is great news.

Recently, it was announced that Angels Egg, a cult classic film by Mamoru Oshii of Ghost in the Shell fame, would be getting a 4K remaster for its 40th anniversary, with Oshii, himself, even overseeing the production. While not as well-known as Oshiis other works, the film has still maintained a loyal fanbase over the years, so theres a lot of excitement to be had following the announcement.

Angels Egg receiving a 4K remaster is great to see, and fortunately, American fans wont be missing out. While an American release wasnt part of the original announcement, it was recently announced...

Angel's Egg , a 1985 Ova written and directed by Mamoru Oshii and featuring character designs by Yoshitaka Amano, is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2025. Following the news earlier in May of a 4K restoration release in Japan, Gkids announced today the company will screen the film in North American theaters with the same 4K restoration. Further details about the Gkids release were not announced at the time of reporting. Related: Mamoru Oshii's Classic Oav Angel's Egg to Get 4K Remaster Edition Gkids also confirmed the acquisition of their North American rights includes a physical media release. The anime short was Oshii's first original Ova and collaboration with Amano. Tokuma Shoten originally released the anime in Japan on December 15, 1985. In addition to co-working on the original concept with Oshii, Amano was also in charge of art direction, including character design, image boards, art settings and color settings. Angel's Egg features animation production by Studio Deen.

Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence is celebrating its 20th anniversary with theatrical screenings by New York-based film distributors Gkids for three nights only: June 23, 24 and 26. Ticket for the screenings are now available for pre-order from the official Gkids website . Based on the original manga by Shirow Masamune, Mamoru Oshii writes and directs Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence at animation studio Production I.G. Hiroyuki Okiura provides the character designs and Kenji Kawai provides the music. The screenings for the film feature a new 4K restoration. Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence movie poster Related: Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence Anime Film Returns to North American Cinemas with 4K Restoration Gkids describes Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence : In the year 2032, the line between humans and machines has been blurred almost beyond distinction. A string of murders perpetrated by a prototype android model has drawn the attention...

Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence gets a 4K remaster for limited showings in American theaters. Fans can experience the film in English dub or original Japanese audio with subtitles. The rerelease celebrates 20 years since the original film in 2004, offering stunning visuals and cinematic experiences.

Ghost in the Shell has been a definitive franchise in crafting an elegant, lofty vision of a cyberpunk dystopia, and fans will soon get a chance to return thanks to a 4K remaster of Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence. Releasing as a celebration of twenty years since the film by Mamoru Oshii first released in 2004, Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence's 4K remaster will be available in American theaters on June 23-24 & 26, 2024.

As confirmed via press release from Gkids, this will be a brand-new way to experience the film for those wishing for more stunning cinematic experiences like in the first Ghost in the Shell film.

"Why are humans so obsessed with recreating themselves?" GKids Films has revealed a new official trailer for the 4K re-release of the sci-fi anime classic Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence, a highly regarded sequel to the seminal anime Ghost in the Shell (1995). This is one of the only animated movies to ever premiere in the Main Competition at the Cannes Film Festival, screening there in 2004 after first opening in Japan. In the year 2032, Batô, a cyborg detective for the anti-terrorist unit Public Security Section 9, investigates the case of a female robot – created solely for sexual pleasure – who slaughtered her owner. Acclaimed director Mamoru Oshii pushes further into the world and concepts first developed in his groundbreaking Gits. With its thought-provoking speculations on artificial intelligence, which have only become more relevant in our present world, Innocence celebrates its 20th anniversary returning to cinemas in a lustrous 4K restoration. With the voices of Akio Ōtsuka,...

It’s opportune timing for a 4K restoration of Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence, the only anime feature to debut in competition at the Cannes Film Festival. The 20 years since that premiere have been kind to Mamoru Oshii’s film, which has moved past such distinctions to endure as a landmark in both animation and sci-fi. GKids will rerelease Ghost nationwide on June 23, 24, and 26; ahead of this there’s a new trailer.

Here’s the synopsis: “In the year 2032, the line between humans and machines has been blurred almost beyond distinction. A string of murders perpetrated by a prototype android model has drawn the attention of Public Security Section 9, a unit specializing in counter cyber-terrorism. With none of the victims’ families pressing charges, suspicions arise regarding the nature of the androids and their production company. In the course of the investigation, the almost entirely cyber-bodied agent Batou, and his...

Kinoko Inu , a manga by Kimama Aoboshi about a strange dog / mushroom creature, is being adapted into a TV anime that will broadcast in Japan beginning in the fall season of 2024. A teaser visual, a commemorative illustration by Aoboshi, and a teaser video (below) have been released for the series. Additional details about the series – such as the staff, the cast, and exact release schedule – have not yet been revealed. Kinoko Inu teaser visual Commemorative illustration by manga author Kimama Aoboshi Related: Mamoru Oshii's Classic Oav Angel's Egg to Get 4K Remaster Edition The original Kinoko Inu manga was serialized from 2010 – 2022 in Tokuma Shoten's Monthly Comic Ryu seinen manga magazine, and the series was also published in 15 collected volumes in Japan. Described as a “heartwarming comedy”, the story follows Hotaru Yuuyami, a picture book writer who is brokenhearted after the loss of his beloved family dog, Hanako, until he...

Exclusive: Animation-focused sales company Gebeka International has acquired world sales rights to an upcoming 4K remastered version of Japanese animation director Mamoru Oshii’s 1985 animated feature Angel’s Egg.

Oshii is best known internationally for 1995 breakout Ghost in the Shell and Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence, which world premiered in Competition in Cannes in 2004, and the Patlabor sci-fi franchise.

Angel’s Egg was first released on video by Japanese publishing and media company Tokuma Shoten in 1985, and, with time, it has come to be regarded by anime fans as a masterpiece that holds keys to Oshii’s later works.

The surreal, allegorical work is set against the backdrop of an underwater city and revolves around a young girl who takes scrupulous care of a large egg in the belief it is an angel’s egg. When a boy with a gun arrives in search of a bird he saw in a dream,...