Appleseed Ex Machina

Shinji Aramaki's 2004 feature adaptation of Shirow Masamune's landmark manga "Appleseed" combined cel and computer animation with dynamic results. This sequel, co-produced by John Woo, turns to motion capture for movement and renders it in the distinctive anime style through the rounded dimensionality of CGI. The story is a classic conspiracy thriller set in a future where humanity and technology have merged (out of necessity) and a mad genius hacks the techno aspects in his war to purge humanity. Woo was more inspiration and support than creative partner, but you can feel his presence in the two-handed gun battles, slow-motion acrobatics, and spent shell casings waterfalling to the ground. Includes the behind-the-scenes featurettes "Team-Up: John Woo and Shinji Aramaki" (it's more Aramaki than Woo) and "Revolution: Animating Ex Machina" (both in English) and commentary by producer Joe Chou and anime historian Jerry Beck. The "Two-Disc Collector's Edition" comes in a metallic case and features bonus documentaries "Shirow's Journey: The Appleseed Chronicles" and "Appleseed Ex Machina: East Meets West," which delve further into the culture of manga and Shirow's work in particular. Also available in Blu-ray and HD DVD formats.