Given all the latest news about Ghost in the Shell Arise, many fans of the franchise have expressed their concerns/frustration over practically every aspect of the upcoming 4-part series (myself included). Some fans were hoping for a return to the original character designs and story of the manga; a hope that was fueled by the involvement of series creator, Masamune Shirow.

Even though that hope didn’t pan out this time around, fans can still take solace in re-watching the anime cutscenes from the late-90′s Ghost in the Shell PlayStation 1 game. This anime remains the closest adaptation to Shirow’s original character designs, including the Fuchikomas (which were redesigned and renamed Tachikomas in the TV series due to a copyright issue). Like all Ghost in the Shell titles, Production I.G. handled the animation. While the gameplay was nothing special, the cutscenes were absolutely epic, and still are today.

These videos were taken from the “making of” Laser-disc, courtesy of ILLHYHL021.

It has been long rumored that Flying Dog would release a Kanno-produced album this year. It has now been confirmed! Titled “Yoko Kanno produce Cyber Bicci”, the album will feature the vocal stylings of ILA (aka Ilaria Graziano), an Italian singer who gained massive popularity with her involvement in the soundtracks for Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, Cowboy Bebop, and Wolf’s Rain, among others.

This album will include a compilation of hits from Kanno’s previous works, plus a couple brand-new tracks. It it scheduled to be released on June 6th, 2011 for 2900 yen (about $34 after taxes). You can pre-order it on CD Japan now. Check past the break for the track list.

I’ve talked about some of the incredible Kinect hacks out there before. Hackers and tinkers sitting at home, messing around with the 3D camera’s code to create some incredible programs, effects, and games. Now, the Kinect’s non-intended uses are starting to find its way into Japanese marketing. As a bonus feature in a pop-up shop created to promote the upcoming 3D release of Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex: Solid State Society, technology firm Kayac created an interactive simulation of the series’ cyberspace using the Kinect sensor. Patrons can also interact with a Tachikoma while flying around. In GITS, the titlar character Motoko Kusanagi (aka “The Major”) repeatedly ‘dives’ through an iconic version of cyberspace in order to extract information to help solve crimes.

Now I don’t know about you, but after reading this, I can only say two words….DO WANT! I’m really hoping that this finds its way stateside eventually (maybe to promote the 3D re-release on BD, hint hint).

**UPDATE** We now have video footage of the simulator in action! Check it out after the break!

I have been waiting for these two series to start coming to Bluray ever since the format was announced. Looks like I have some saving to do for June. I am a bit sad that the movie versions of the GITS seasons are only available in BD this time around, let’s hope a full BD set of the series will come out at a later date. And honestly, how can you pass up watching Spike and Vincent battle it out in the Cowboy Bebop movie (in glorious 1080p) for less than $20?!?

(dates are tentative and prices are MSRP)

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Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex – Available June 21st, 2011. $34.98 each

The Laughing Man (1st season)

The Individual Eleven (2nd Gig)

Solid State Society (no word yet if it will include the 3D version)

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Cowboy Bebop: Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door – Available June 28th, 2011. $17.97!!!