I've always been looking for an excuse to dive in the Ghost in a Shell universe for some time now. So, when Netflix decided to post "Ghost in a Shell: Arise" on it's streaming site, I felt like it was the stars aligning for me. However, there is one small pickle. I'm a big believer in watching shows in their proper order, even if they're split apart into different series. And from what I've been able to dig up is that even that "Arise" is a prequel to "Stand Alone Complex."
So my question is this, am I losing any context jumping into the prequel first before watching the main series? Naturally, prequels should be watched first, but I can't shake the feeling that because of it's later release date, that there could be some fan service moments that might be down right confusing to the viewer unless coupled with previous knowledge.
So anyways, I just wanted to know if I would get a diluted experience watching Arise first.
"Here's another curse for you, may all your bacon burn." - Calcifer, Howl Moving Castle
hybreezy said: It's not a prequel, it's a reboot of the franchise that takes place during the formation of Section 9
You don't have to watch anything prior to it.
Exactly. And for the same reason, you don't have to watch Arise as a prior to any other part of the franchise. My recommendation is to go chronologically, from the original movie to Innocence, to SAC, to SAC:II and the SAC movies to Arise. The Mamoru Oshii movies, the SAC series and Arise are all different incarnations of the manga (and each is different from the manga) so... triple the fun. Enjoy!
If you want to enjoy Arise then it's actually better to not watch any SAC gig earlier. It's simply disappointing and falls short to original greatness.
Gr3g00r said: If you want to enjoy Arise then it's actually better to not watch any SAC gig earlier. It's simply disappointing and falls short to original greatness.
I've already watched the original movie, both season of the SAC and the SAC movie. So I can entirely ignore the Arise series?
GuidedCursor said: I've already watched the original movie, both season of the SAC and the SAC movie. So I can entirely ignore the Arise series?
You can if you wish too. As others have said above it's not a 'prequel' as such, rather a reboot of the franchise starting with the formation of Section 9, so it has no bearing on the other series/movies.
Bea is dead. In an alternate future she would've borne your son. In the future past of Space Quest 4, your son would've saved your life. But she didn't, so he couldn't -- therefore you aren't. - Space Quest 5 death scene