GKIDS announced today that in celebration of the film’s 20th anniversary, it will bring Mamoru Oshii’s acclaimed animated feature Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence to theaters nationwide in a new 4K restoration next month. The limited cinematic event will run three nights only: June 23, 24 and 26.
The studio also unveiled the official trailer for the restored version, which recently debuted at the Chicago Critics Film Festival at the historic Music Box Theatre. (Watch below)
Ghost in the Shell 2 20th anniversary screenings will be held in both the English language dubbed version, and in its original Japanese language with new and improved subtitles for the 4K restoration. Tickets are on sale now.
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 still human partner Togusa embark on a journey through a technological dystopia, taking on ferocious Yakuza thugs, devious hackers, government bureaucrats, and corporate criminals to uncover the shocking truth behind the crime.
First released in 2004, the film is director Oshii’s standalone follow up to his 1995 feature Ghost in the Shell, based on the manga created by Shirow Masamune. The film celebrated its international debut in competition at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival, becoming the first and only anime in history to compete for the Palme d’Or.
Like with the original film, Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence was produced by Production I.G, and features a score by composer Kenji Kawai. The film is produced by Production I.G co-founder Mitsuhisa Ishikawa, producer of the original 1995 feature, who is joined by Academy Award-winning producer and Studio Ghibli co-founder Toshio Suzuki for the sequel.
