Groundbreaking synthesis of digital and traditional animation techniques; a complex story line; and heady expositions on the changing nature of life and existence in the information age make this only slightly-dated masterpiece a timeless gem - a benchmark few films, anime or not, can match.

A high-tech thriller, set against a backdrop that examines the distinction between intelligence and life (synthetic vs. organic), "Ghost" weaves a lot of threads together so seamlessly it's a wonder that the 1996 theatrical release wasn't wider.

Kusanagi, the tough-as-nails government operative, undergoes a startling metamorphosis as the story unfolds, although the rest of the cast really doesn't garner a second look. And the way Mamoru Oshii ties Kusanagi's fate to the rest of the story comes straight out of left field.

The aforementioned use of computer-generated effects meshed within the confines of human-wrought manga might seem like a gimmick ploy. Au contraire. The visual imagery - photographically realistic, but at the same time otherworldly - evokes the strangest sensation; akin to feeling déjà vu in unfamiliar territory. The cityscapes pass by in a dizzying mosaic of gritty urban decay and neo-futuristic glam, in one seamless loop.

Quality writing with some adroit translating of tech-lingo. Still the subtler nuances of conversational English are a little beyond the ken of Anime.

Well-done for the most part and, more-often than not, convincing. Despite the overall accomplished tone of the film, the laurels rest squarely on Mimi Woods. As Kusanagi, she displays a depth found lacking in the rest of the cast.

Nudity, albeit non-sexual, and a low gore factor make this one of the more "responsible" pieces out there. "Ghost" should be fine for most viewers who aren't disturbed by sporadic profanity.

Is it nudity, or is it art? As the debate rages, Masamune and company cloud the field just a little bit more - hell, this time it's not even human. Although the film is splashed with snippets of seemingly gratuitous nudity, just keep telling yourself: it's a cyborg. Does that count? Should it? If Marky Mark can flaunt a plastic wiener, than surely some naked cyborg booty is permissible.

Sound is an oft-neglected component of anime these days. Just as stunning as the visuals, the audio here is top-notch. The soundtrack (yes, the soundtrack) includes artists like U2 - and although it's unconfirmed, the audio credits list one Les E. Claypool as "Audio Post Supervisor." Strange? Yes. Possibly true? Ditto.

I never realized just how deeply Star Trek had embedded itself into our culture until "Ghost" slapped me upside the head with its tech-verbiage. When terms like "neutronium flux capacitor" warp by, we merely nod in a vague facsimile of comprehension. But once you take the lingo out of the Enterprise, it's amazing how quickly you have to adapt. "Ghost"? "Shell Wipe"? Scotty, beam me the hell out of here before my brain implodes.

Love it? Hate it? Buy it.