Takeshi Kusao
2 Films
Takeshi Kusao
2 Included Films
Director: Mamoru Oshii
2025 Japan 4K Blu-ray (crowdfunded project)
Director: Mamoru Oshii
2025 Japan 4K Blu-ray (crowdfunded project)
Director: Katsuhiro Otomo
Japan 4K Blu-ray beats the other 4Ks and includes English subtitles
Dynit IT Blu-ray
All 4K releases are upscales of the same master with a substantial amount of DNR.
1988 Pioneer JP LaserDisc for the original 1988 home video audio
2001 Dynit IT Blu-ray for the 2001 remix
2009 Bandai Visual JP Blu-ray / 2011 MHE UK Blu-ray for the Hypersonic remix
1992 Criterion US LaserDisc for the 1988 Streamline English dub
2013 FUNimation US Blu-ray the 2001 Animaze English dub
Due to budgetary constraints, the original theatrical mix was mono. It was replaced with Dolby Surround for all subsequent releases and was never re-released.
LaserDisc is the best souning version of the original home video mix, as all later releases attentuate bass significantly and lower dynamic range. Comparison
The Japanese audio was remixed in 5.1 twice, first time in 2001 for the DVD release, and second time in 2009 for the BD release ("Hypersonic" remix). While the 2001 remix remains mostly faithful to the 1988 mix, the 2009 Hypersonic remix is highly revisionistic. However, its fidelity is outstanding, and despite many changes made, it's a worthwhile alternative experience for fans of the film. The 4K release includes the Hypersonic mix, but with a tonne of unnecessary noise reduction and unbalanced levels.
Comparison between mixes, list of changes between mixes
Director: Katsuhiro Otomo
Japan 4K Blu-ray beats the other 4Ks and includes English subtitles
Dynit IT Blu-ray
All 4K releases are upscales of the same master with a substantial amount of DNR.
1988 Pioneer JP LaserDisc for the original 1988 home video audio
2001 Dynit IT Blu-ray for the 2001 remix
2009 Bandai Visual JP Blu-ray / 2011 MHE UK Blu-ray for the Hypersonic remix
1992 Criterion US LaserDisc for the 1988 Streamline English dub
2013 FUNimation US Blu-ray the 2001 Animaze English dub
Due to budgetary constraints, the original theatrical mix was mono. It was replaced with Dolby Surround for all subsequent releases and was never re-released.
LaserDisc is the best souning version of the original home video mix, as all later releases attentuate bass significantly and lower dynamic range. Comparison
The Japanese audio was remixed in 5.1 twice, first time in 2001 for the DVD release, and second time in 2009 for the BD release ("Hypersonic" remix). While the 2001 remix remains mostly faithful to the 1988 mix, the 2009 Hypersonic remix is highly revisionistic. However, its fidelity is outstanding, and despite many changes made, it's a worthwhile alternative experience for fans of the film. The 4K release includes the Hypersonic mix, but with a tonne of unnecessary noise reduction and unbalanced levels.
Comparison between mixes, list of changes between mixes
2 films

