Unlike the popular movie of the same name that was released over five years prior "Ghost In the Shell:SAC" is what it is. It stands alone from the continuity of the first two "Ghost In the Shell" movies and establishes its own interpretation of the story and characters in an alternate continuity.The show was produced by Production I.G and lasted for two seasons with 26 episodes each. The story follows the alternate universe where Major Kusanagi never merged with the "Puppet Master" and Section 9 deals with cyber crime, terrorism and political intrigue thru out the course of two seasons.The story is very meticulously and well written by director/writer Kenji Kamiyama who creates a plausible depiction of 2030 where everyone is connected in the internet except for those who cant afford cyber implants or prosthetic bodies and terrorism has moved into the internet. The animation is stunning and mixes CG and 2D animation flawlessly. Yoko Kanno does the entire soundtrack music soundtrack and its one of the best soundtracks I've ever heard for an anime TV show.Voice acting is very top notch for both Japanese and English dubs. But I prefer the dub because of Mary Elizabeth McGlynn as Major Motoko Kusanagi.I feel that this is one of the best interpretations of "Ghost in the Shell" and an excellent cyberpunk anime TV series.

Like its predecessors, this series hits the high notes extremely well. Everything you love about the first two films is here with Motoko and the gang facing new threats in a world that's almost a mirror image of our present-day society. It's not hard to realize that technology in GITS: SAC may someday become a reality rapidly, but onto the series itself, as Roger Ebert once stated "it's unusual and challenging sci-fi aimed at smart audiences", that statement alone clearly describes it all. I must say though I enjoy the series, however the plot is a little confusing and complex but upon repeated viewings I appreciated it even more. Not too many anime series have that kind of depth and replay value which is why I'm not a huge fan of anime in the first place; this series grew on me and I'll be looking forward to seeing more of this highly engrossing cyberpunk universe that our heroes dwell in for years to come. Highly recommended if you like deep and thought-provoking high quality stories and art.

The second improves greatly upon the animation standards. Although the drawing is done to geometric accuracy, too much CGI is used and looks weird at many places. It in fact, does not even look as good at the GITS movie. Technically speaking, the GITS series may be the best animated in the world but as far as the final perspective is concerned, it certainly does not look that or look that realistic or deep. It sometimes looks quite bland and more like computer rendering meaning that the CGI is way too obvious. Those flaws have been fixed to certain extents in the 2nd Gig which also pays homage to the original movie through certain scenes which should look familiar. The new intro is not great though.

The great writers at Production IG in Japan have done it again, not only have they made a great production in terms of storyline, and animation quality. They have even manage to give a in-depth view into a few of the major characters backgrounds (E.G. Motoko Kusanagi), and also how Public Security Section 9 was formed.As usual there are a few episodes which are stated as Complex, meaning that they fit together to form a large scenario, and Individual episodes, which are stand alone stories. The main feature of this sequel are the return of the ever lovable SPOILER! - Tachikomas - which have been fully restored and are now stated as active members of Public Security Section 9. For those who have not watch the 1st Gig or 1st Season or any of the Ghost In The Shell Movies, do not worry, you don't have to have watch either of these to enjoy this exciting 2nd installment of Ghost In The Shell Stand Alone Complex.Truly a must have or watched for any Ghost In The Shell, anime, Shirow Masamune or S-F Fan.