LOS ANGELES, Nov 20 ― With Scarlett Johansson's action-packed "Ghost in the Shell" heading to cinemas in 2017, perhaps it's time to catch up on a franchise you've maybe never even heard about before. But with six animated movies and TV shows to choose from, which are unmissable touchstones and which are merely trivial?

Essential viewing: ‘Ghost in the Shell’ (1995) Animated film, 1h23m

Setting standards for not just its own franchise, but animé as a whole, and several live-action movies (most famously the Wachowskis' "The Matrix" and Steven Spielberg's "AI.") Blending traditional and computer-generated animation techniques in a visually arresting display, its cyborg heroine Major Motoko Kusanagi leads security team Section 9 in pursuit of a terrorist hacker. Its ending may seem off-pace, but only because "Ghost in the Shell" is as obsessed with wrapping up conceptual themes as it is with action and story.

A great follow-up: Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex (2002), S.A.C. 2nd Gig (2004) TV show, 26 x 42m episodes each.

Section 9 deals with a different threat to Niishima city each season, while solving other crimes supposedly separate from the main story -- but usually connected in one way or another. Notoriously high production values and an injection of humour (not least through the team's inquisitive Tachikoma robots.) Also available as greatly abridged, slightly adjusted 2h40m movies, "The Laughing Man" and "Individual Eleven." Concludes with a 1h48m animated film "Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex — Solid State Society."

A rewarding challenge: "Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence" (2004) Animated film, 1h40m

A direct movie sequel in which the Major is indisposed and loyal right-hand man Batou leads Section 9 in her absence. "Innocence" is even more of a visual spectacle, but because of a heavy emphasis on philosophical and ethical discussion, is perhaps the most demanding "Ghost in the Shell" adaptation outside of the original comics.

Completionists only: "Ghost in the Shell 2.0" (2008) Animated film, 1h23m

A remastering of the 1995 movie, replacing several elements with obviously CGI sequences. Typically viewed as being a less satisfying and largely unnecessary revisitation of the superior original.

Above average: "Ghost in the Shell: Arise" (2013) Original video animation, 5 x 50m

As a Section 9 origin story, it both frequently homages and contradicts earlier films and shows, avoids their discussion of heavier themes, and is much more generic. However, that may yet be in its favour for franchise newcomers. TV series "Arise: Alternative Architecture" breaks it up into ten 24m episodes with some extra material thrown in; at 1h40m, "Ghost in the Shell: The New Movie" adds a much-needed layer of personal motivation to the subfranchise.

― AFP Relaxnews