GHOST IN THE SHELL. (DVD Artwork). ©Paramount.

By ANGELA DAWSON

Front Row Features

“Ghost in the Shell” arrives on 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack, Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack, Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and On Demand Tuesday July 25 from Paramount Home Media Distribution.  It also is available on Digital HD.

Adding to her growing roster of strong, self-reliant characters (“Avengers’” Black Widow, Silken Floss in Frank Miller’s “The Spirit,” the title character in “Lucy”), ubiquitous actress Scarlett Johansson stars in this sci-fi action film, based on the Japanese manga by Masamune Shirow. As Major, Johansson is a special ops, one-of-a-kind human-cyborg hybrid, who leads an elite task force called Section 9. Devoted to stopping the most dangerous criminals and extremists, Section 9 is faced with an enemy whose singular goal is to wipe out Hanka Robotic’s advancements in cyber technology. As she faces this formidable new enemy, Major also discovers some hidden truths about her past.

“Ghost in the Shell” also stars Takeshi Kitano, Michael Carmen Pitt, Pilou Asbaek, Chin Han and Juliette Binoche. The 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray 3D and Blu-ray Combo Packs are loaded with more than 50 minutes of fascinating special features. Johansson, director Rupert Sanders and other cast and crew take you behind-the-scenes to talk stunts, special effects and intricate fight sequences. Plus, take an in-depth look at the real-life science behind robotics; discover how cyber-enhancements give each character specialized super–soldier abilities and learn about the original anime as well as the inspirations behind the visually stunning view of the future.

“With Great Power: The Stan Lee Story,” a feature-length documentary exploring the vivid life and imagination of Stan Lee from his depression era upbringing though the Marvel Age of comics and beyond, returns to digital and DVD Tuesday July 18 from Well Go USA Entertainment. Arguably the most recognized name in comics, the legendary comic book writer has co-created over 500 iconic pop culture characters including Spider-Man, Fantastic Four, X-Men, Iron Man, Thor, Hulk and many more and his name appears on more than one billion comics in 75 nations in 25 languages.

The film uncovers original footage, photographs, documents and stories of Lee’s fascinating journey from his early years at Timely Comics, his service in WWII, the rise of the Marvel bullpen, the comic book industry’s censorship battle of the 1950’s through the dawn and explosion of Lee’s legendary co-creations. Featuring interviews with both Stan Lee and colleagues including Kevin Smith, Patrick Stewart, Samuel L. Jackson, and Eva Mendes. It’s the story of one man’s determination to tell incredible stories that have enchanted the world for over 40 years. Bonus features include a filmmaker commentary, more than 90 minutes of featurettes, extended interviews and galleries of more than 500 characters Lee co-created.

Minnie and Daisy are here to tackle adventures big and small! “Minnie’s Happy Helpers” will be making its Disney DVD debut on Tuesday July 25.  When these besties aren’t racing around Hot Dog Hills, they’re helping their friends with fun, odd jobs as The Happy Helpers. No task is too big or too small for them to tackle. With a quick spin in their Turn-Styler, the Happy Helpers are ready for anything that comes their way. Whether they’re babysitting an egg that’s about to hatch, planning the perfect luau for a client, or fixing London’s Big Ben just in time for tea, Minnie and Daisy are ready to go the extra mile, with a song and a smile. Voicing the animated characters are Russi Taylor as Minnie Mouse; Tress MacNeille as Daisy Duck; Bret Iwan as Mickey Mouse; Daniel Ross as Donald Duck; April Winchell as Clarabelle Cow; Jim Cummings as Pete and Bill Farmer as Goofy.

Suffering from post Comic-Con withdrawal? Front Row Features has got you covered! We’re giving away a copy of “With Great Power: The Stan Lee Story” to five lucky readers on DVD so they can learn about the man who helped create some of the greatest superheroes of all time, including Spider-Man, Iron Man, Thor and Hulk. To enter the contest, simply email socalmovieeditor@aol.com by Tuesday Aug. 2 for your chance to win. Good luck!

Show your kids what friendship is really about with the all-new Disney Junior DVD, “Minnie’s Happy Helpers.” Front Row Features is giving away a copy of the animated release to one lucky reader so their kids can watch best friends Minnie Mouse and Daisy Duck go the extra mile when it comes to helping out their friends and neighbors. To enter the contest, simply email socalmovieeditor@aol.com by Tuesday Aug. 2 for your chance to win. Good luck!