Anime Boredom - Neon Genesis Evangelion anime reviews

Neon Genesis Evangelion Reviews

Related Reviews & Articles

Neon Genesis Evangelion Director's Cut (anime)
Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death & Rebirth (anime)
Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion (anime)

Neon Genesis Evangelion Platinum Edition Volumes 1-7

It's been over 10 years since Neon Genesis Evangelion took the world by storm. Arguably the finest anime series ever made, Neon Genesis Evangelion is also sometimes a difficult pill to swallow. Even die-hard fans of the series cannot completely defend it, because director Hideaki Anno delivers a few hard blows throughout the course of the series. By the same token, non-fans of the series must offer it grudging respect, if only for the sheer scale of spectacle it creates and psychological depth it achieves. This is the reason behind the wide recognition Neon Genesis Evangelion received then and receives now. The debate will no doubt continue with fuel enough to rage on for decades.

No matter which side of the argument you support, you cannot debate Neon Genesis Evangelion's staying power or popularity. ADV Films has recognized Neon Genesis Evangelion's classic status and delivered a remastered version of one of its flagship title. If you have yet to watch this seminal anime series, there's no question that this Platinum Collection is the version you'll want to seek out. Fans who own the previous DVD release have a trickier question to answer: to upgrade or not to upgrade?

This really is the question. Most people who read this will know already the background and the storyline of Evangelion. But this is my first review of Evangelion and I cannot justify just writing a review of the differences between the perfect and platinum editions. I will try my best to write and introduction for the new people and hopefully something for the seasoned Evangelion fan also.

On Sept. 13, 2000, a giant explosion occurred in Antarctica, wrecking havoc on the environment and mankind. Second Impact, as it came to be known, is responsible for the demise of half the world's population, both from the event itself and the ensuing chaos. The general public is told that a meteorite that collided with Earth at close to the speed of light caused Second Impact, but the truth is clouded in secrecy.

Flash forward to 2015. Remarkably, humanity has rebuilt, but the newfound peace and normality is threatened by mysterious beings, called Angels, attacking Earth. An organization called NERV leads the fight against the Angels. Their main line of defence? Giant robots called Evangelions (or Evas for short). Shinji Ikari, the latest Evangelion pilot recruit and the 14-year-old son of NERV commander Gendo Ikari, has just been picked up by Captain Misato Kutsuragi, head of NERV operations, to report to NERV headquarters in Tokyo-3. Unfortunately for both them, they get caught in the middle of an Angel attack.

Eventually they make their way to NERV headquarters. Shinji initially balks at piloting the Evangelion to fight the angel, but agrees after seeing that the only other pilot, Rei Ayanami, is badly injured. He fares poorly in his first battle and is about to be defeated until he goes into a berserk rage, destroying both the Angel and the surrounding buildings. He wakes up afterward in a hospital bed, with little memory of what happened.

Shinji moves in with Misato, and she becomes his guardian. (His father, Gendo, is emotionally distant and disinterested in living with him, and his mother died when he was young.) He continues to fend off the Angels, along with the two other Eva pilots, Rei and Asuka Langley Soryu, and the help of Misato and NERV's head scientist, Ritsuko Akagi (who is also close friends with Misato). Shinji and the others all struggle with their own demons as the Angel attacks become more frequent and dangerous; and the truth behind the Second Impact, NERV, the Angels, and the Evangelions slowly comes to light.

If you are unfamiliar with Neon Genesis Evangelion and have yet to watch it for the first time, you're in for a real treat it truly is an emotional roller coaster. On the surface, Neon Genesis Evangelion is a basic mecha series with a host of teenage pilots controlling monstrous beasts called Eva’s. The lead character is a reluctant hero trying to live up to his father's expectations while saving humanity at the same time.

If not for Hideaki Anno's penchant for delving deeply into themes of inhumanity and religion Neon Genesis Evangelion could possibly be referred to as a basic Mecha anime. However in reality Neon Genesis Evangelion contains rich subtext that elevates it way beyond a mere mecha story. This subtext accounts for Neon Genesis Evangelion's artistic merit and clearly demonstrates the Passion for the production of this series. This however results in a tale, which is delivered without sympathy for the viewer. Anno spares no emotion in his exploration of the human condition. Viewers are at times manipulated, coerced and chastised throughout the course of the tale.
Fortunately we are rewarded with one of the most heart wrenching and involving plotlines ever told. This in my opinion, is well worth the roller coaster of emotions felt when experiencing Neon Genesis Evangelion.

Most of this heavy stuff is not as prominent in the opening episodes, and so we are able to focus on this glorious new transfer and other technical improvements. ADV and GAINAX have conscientiously remastered Neon Genesis Evangelion to provide us with the definitive DVD experience. There have already been many different releases of this series and most people will just be interested in what the differences between these previous releases and this one are.

The difference is immediately apparent. Each episode opens with the power-pop tune "Thesis of the Cruel Angel," a theme song that eventually becomes dear to the hearts of Neon Genesis Evangelion fans. The opening notes strike you and you can instantly hear the newfound clarity, then it opens up with the supporting instruments. I've heard it over one hundred times, but "Thesis of the Cruel Angel" has never sounded so amazingly dynamic. It doesn’t need mentioning that the sound quality doesn’t only improve the opening theme. The increased sonic depth continues into the episodes. Battles are naturally the prime beneficiaries, but all aspects of the show get a new lease of life. Metal creaks in older versions, but in this version it squeals and reverberates.

The boost in sound quality is impressive but not unexpected, because the earlier DVD release of Neon Genesis Evangelion had a very good 2.0 soundtrack. Honours for most noticeable improvement belong to the video transfer. Previous incarnations of Neon Genesis Evangelion were gleaned from video masters, which introduced numerous technical glitches. To make a long story short, the previous DVD release had washed-out colours that were not particularly stable. Black levels were weak. The image jumped frequently and was not detailed.

The Platinum Collection is a brand-new transfer from the original masters, which means we are literally seeing Neon Genesis Evangelion as closely as it was made to be seen. Virtually every video annoyance is reduced. Colours are bold and bright; edges are crisp. The black levels achieve greater depth, giving Neon Genesis Evangelion an even darker tone. The jitter and focus problems are gone, replaced with absolute stability. EVA 01 goes from a lavender grey and weak green to deep violet and bright green.

The new colour depth is not without victims, however. Because of the increased black levels and saturated colours, some details are harder to perceive. This effect is most notable in the Evas and internal shots of NERV headquarters, where equipment tends to blend into banks of dials. The colour red suffers most, approaching maroon. When the head case of EVA 01 is smashed in "The Beast" and the bloodlike fluid shoots up and down, it is bright red in the previous release and almost black in this one. However, given the vast overall improvement these concerns are negligible.

Matt Greenfield's commentary informs us that some of the English dubbing was redone to bring it more in line with the original meaning. The Japanese vocal cast does a fine job, employing some of anime's best voice actors. The English dub is great simply because the cast put much effort into the dub. On the whole it is a worthy alternative to the original language. And personally I prefer to watch Neon Genesis Evangelion in the English Dub.

Die-hard fans that have invested in the previous release have a clean transfer and updated sound to sway them toward purchasing the Platinum edition, but the deciding point is often the extras. ADV has provided more extras than most anime releases will ever see. However, some fans may not think it enough. There are two episode commentaries, one with Matt Greenfield and one with Matt Greenfield and Spike Spencer. The former is interesting in the early stages, with Matt discussing the challenges of dubbing Neon Genesis Evangelion. He makes good points about the story arc and evil hidden in plain view. The commentary soon devolves into a detailed synopsis of the voice actors and which series dubs they participated in. If you are really into following voice actor pedigrees, this commentary is for you.

Spike brings a measure of enthusiasm to the second commentary that livens things up, but this commentary soon turns into reminiscing about inside jokes and Spike's voice acting pedigree. Spike is a fine voice actor and an entertaining guy, but I like a bit of variety in commentary topics. The extras conclude with clean credits, thorough liner notes (which provide several interesting titbits about the production).

That concludes the technical presentation; how about the episodes? The following episode comments make the assumption that you have seen Neon Genesis Evangelion all the way through at least once. If you have not, skip past them, bookmark this review, and come back to the episode comments when you have seen the series and pondered it for yourself.

The Episode structure is different in this Release of Neon Genesis Evangelion, the break down of episodes throughout the disks is as follows below also included is the episode content As displayed on the rear of each volume of Evangelion Platinum Edition it is brief, but it may contain spoilers.

Shinji Ikari is summoned to NERV by his cold father, Gendo; Ikari, who tells him he has a use for him. At the same time, a giant being known as an "Angel" also arrives in New Tokyo-3, which is met by the ineffectual offence of the U.N. Shinji must pilot the equally giant Evangelion Unit-01, but at what cost?

The city is saved and cleaned up and rebuilding begins. Now needing a place to stay, Shinji is taken in by the beautiful Misato Katsuragi who has been his guide since his arrival. They begin their awkward relationship joined by the hot spring penguin Pen Pen, while Shinji's memory of battling the Angel comes crashing back.

A heavy regimen of training inside Unit-01 begins, and more secrets about "Second Impact" and the Angels are revealed. Shinji starts his first day at his new school and meets two classmates who will become his good friends. The Fourth Angel arrives, and a rage-filled Shinji goes against orders to defeat it.

Shinji runs away from Misato and NERV after hurting each other in their attempt to be closer. Their relationship is described as the "hedgehog's dilemma," wherein the closer they become the more they can hurt each other. Shinji is finally captured by NERV and discharged, but his need for others keeps him from boarding the outbound train.

Rei Ayanami begins the second activation experiment with Unit-00 after a disastrous activation 22 days previously. Much like Gendo, she displays little emotion, even after being seen naked by a flustered Shinji. Study begins on the fallen Fourth Angel revealing its DNA to be identical to humans.

Eva-01's first encounter goes badly with the fifth Angel. While Shinji heals, Misato displays her tactfulness by organizing Operation Yashima, which involves utilizing all the electrical power in Japan to power a prototype rifle. The success hinges on the teamwork of both Eva-00 and Eva-01.

The mystery around Second Impact and the Evas is partially revealed. Misato and Ritsuko head off to see the activation of the pilot-less robot Jet Alone. However, the giant nuclear powered robot mysteriously runs amok, and it's up to Misato and Shinji to stop it before it melts down.

Misato along with Shinji and classmates Touji and Aida fly to a navy battle group, which is transporting the newly assigned production model Eva-02. The group meets the new pilot, the spirited Second Child Asuka Langley Sohryu;, before the sixth Angel appears.

Asuka and Shinji face off against the seventh Angel, which ends up being able to split into two halves. Their only way to defeat it is by vigorously training to perform a perfectly synchronized ballet-like attack.

The three Children take time off at a NERV pool, where Asuka teaches Shinji about thermal expansion. Inside the volcano Mt. Asama, the eighth Angel is discovered in its larval form. Eva-02, outfitted with Type-D armour, is sent deep inside the magma to retrieve it before the Angel can hatch.

The day starts off with everyone doing normal chores, but things are cut short when the power mysteriously goes out in Tokyo-3. The three Children must find their way back to headquarters with the overconfident guidance of Asuka. While Hyuga is in the city above, he hears from a U.N. plane-flying overhead that another Angel is approaching and makes his way to NERV to start the manual activation of the Evas.

Episode 12 : She said, “Don’t make others suffer for your personal hatred.”

A flashback to the Second Impact shows a young Misato being placed into an escape capsule as the area is decimated. Back in the present, Misato is promoted to Major, which prompts Kensuke and Touji to throw a party. The 10th Angel is detected high above Earth's atmosphere zeroing in on Tokyo-3, where it will fall and collide directly.

Ritsuko begins running a series of diagnostics on the three MAGI supercomputers: MELCHIOR, BALTHASAR, and CASPER. She then tests the three children's output inside simulation Evas. Some corrosion is detected during the test, but is ignored for the moment. As the tests continue, the corrosion becomes worse.

The members of SEELE hold a meeting to go over the events that have happened so far, recapping the encounters with each Angel. They give Gendo; a warning about following their plans using the Dead Sea Scrolls. Ritsuko performs another test by having Rei inside of Unit-01 and Shinji inside Unit-00, but Unit-00 goes berserk.

Platinum: 04
Episode 15 : Those Women Longed for the Touch of Others’ Lips, and Thus Invited Their Kisses

Kaji makes a trip to Kyoto for a secret meeting, as Asuka goes out on a blind date and Shinji and Rei stay after class to clean up. The next day Shinji visits the grave of his mother with Gendo, the first time in 3 years. Misato, Ritsuko and Kaji attend the wedding of a friend and reminisce about their past, while Asuka and Shinji find something to pass the time.

While going through another series of synchronization tests, all three Eva's are launched when the 12th Angel makes its appearance. Conventional weapons prove useless as Unit-01 sinks into the Angel's shadow. After much research Ritsuko calculates Shinji is inside a "Sea of Durac" in the Angel, but destroying it is almost impossible. Shinji begins to slip into unconsciousness as the life support systems run out of power.

Misato is interrogated by SEELE about the latest encounter with the Angels. It is learned the second branch of NERV in Nevada has vanished when a prototype S2 engine was installed into Eva Unit-04, afterwhich the U.S. government request to transfer Unit-03 to the Japanese branch. Touji and Shinji make a trip to Rei's apartment to bring some school papers, while the fourth pilot of Unit-03 is chosen.

As Eva Unit-03 is flown into Japan, Misato and Ritsuko await its arrival. Kaji is left to take care of Shinji and a distraught Asuka while Misato is away. With the reluctant Fourth Child aboard, Unit-03 goes berserk during a routine test, casing a giant explosion at the remote testing facility. Reclassified, the thirteenth Angel easily disables Asuka's and Rei's Evas leaving the fate of the Fourth Child in Shinji's hands

After the traumatic events with the thirteenth Angel, Shinji refuses to leave Unit-01, forcing Gendo; to render him unconscious. Vowing to never pilot again and facing criminal charges, Shinji leaves NERV once again. His departure is cut short by the arrival of the most power Angel yet. Despite a valiant effort, Asuka and Rei are defeated, forcing Shinji to decide what is most important to him.

The aftermath of the last Angel attack has left NERV and the Evas completely disabled to dismay of SEELE. But while Rei and Asuka are safe, Shinji has disappeared inside his Eva. It is believed he is still alive in a different form, and Ritsuko uses all of her experience to come up with a way to save him. Shinji awakens in his new form, and as time passes, the Eva is repaired, and Ritsuko prepares the salvage operation.

Platinum: 06
Episode 21 : He was aware that he was still a child.(On Air Version and Directors Cut)

Vice-Commander Fuyutsuki has gone missing, and Misato is held captive with Kaji as the prime suspect. Fuyutsuki is being questioned by SEELE, who recounts his first involvement with Yui Ikari and Gendo Rokubungi and the events afterward. The histories of Misato, Ritsuko and Professor Akagi are also recounted.

A flashback shows Asuka as a child and the death of her mother. In the present her synch ration is falling to the concern of Ritsuko and Misato. She takes out her frustration on Rei in an elevator while her synch ration continues to drop. Another Angel appears above Earth's atmosphere and begins to attack Asuka in Unit-02 directly through her mind.

As Misato mourns the loss of Kaji, Asuka becomes more withdrawn from the world. The sixteenth Angel shows up and Rei is launched to fight it, but when Shinji arrives to help, she makes the fateful decision to self-destruct to save him. SEELE reveals that only one Angel remains, while Ritsuko shows Misato and Shinji the dark secrets of NERV.

Episode 24 : The Beginning and the End, or “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” (On Air Version and Directors Cut)

Shinji is depressed over the ruin of Tokyo-3 and all his friends who have left. A boy appears nearby who reveals himself to be Kaworu, the fifth Child. They become close friends as Kaworu excels at synch ration tests. But as suspected, Kaworu is the final Angel and takes control of Unit-02, with Shinji as the only one who can save humanity from being destroyed.

With the final Angel destroyed, Shinji struggles with his decision to kill Kaworu. He ponders why he pilots Eva; is it for the sake of mankind or simply to receive sympathy from others? Disappearing into nothingness, Gendo tells Shinji that this is simply the return to the state of the beginning, the primal womb that was lost. Misato tells him this is Instrumentality, and Shinji's wishes have shaped the world into a place of nothingness.

As Instrumentality continues, Shinji feels he can disappear from existence because he is unwanted. Without piloting Eva, he is useless, without an identifier. Now in a world of nothingness, with no restrictions, he can do anything, but without others he has no identity. After a glimpse at one possible existence, he realizes that the way the world is seen can change through different perceptions and that there could be value in living.

Despite its many irritatingly overzealous fans, detractors, and imitators, Neon Genesis Evangelion is brilliant. A stunning achievement that's deservedly earned every inch of praise thrown at it.
At its heart, Evangelion is rooted in classic mecha series like Macross and Mobile Suit Gundam. It has all the usual anime hallmarks, like neon-bright colours, blue-haired girls, and an up beat J-pop theme song; the pacing and structure should be immediately familiar to anyone who has ever watched an action anime series before.

Even most of the later, less conventional episodes tend to follow the common "enemy of the week" formula. Using these traditional anime elements works well in establishing a foundation, but what makes Evangelion special is how it builds on that foundation in innovative and creative ways.

Without a doubt, Evangelion has one of the finest cast of characters in all of anime. Shinji can be very polarizing as a protagonist, especially towards the beginning. In the first episodes, he's almost disgustingly cowardly and weak. Later on he starts to grow in both confidence and as a person, becoming more courageous, assertive, and personable. Insight into his traumatic past and strained relationship with his father also helps to make him more sympathetic. He is layered, nuanced, and flawed; above all, he is an ordinary teenager, not an all-powerful superhero.

Misato, who is in many ways as much of the main character as Shinji, has a personality that's practically the polar opposite of his—and, as a result, she's far easier to warm up to. She's outgoing and flirtatious; she guzzles beer and lives on instant ramen in her messy apartment. In contrast to her personal life, she's highly professional and focused on the job. Her seemingly normal behaviour masks her emotional troubles, which adds a vulnerable humanity to her bubbly exterior. Her considerable sex appeal, accentuated with frequent "fan service," doesn't hurt either.

Shinji's fellow Eva pilots, Rei and Asuka, are like two sides of a coin. Rei is socially withdrawn, quiet, and emotionally distant. She's almost mechanical in her measured composure. Asuka is loud-mouthed and egotistical, as fiery as her bright red hair. She's the typical irritating yet irresistible hothead, compulsively likable in spite of (and because of) her overbearing brashness. They both share unusual relationships with Shinji. Rei forms a unique attachment to Shinji that's more platonic than romantic, possibly with maternal elements. On the other hand, Shinji and Asuka have a standard love/hate relationship, which usually manifests itself in their never-ending squabbling.

Evangelion is rife with references to Christianity, psychology, and philosophy. The religious allusions are more decorative than profound; the way the Angels are named after Christian angels that represent their methods of attack is clever, but ultimately inconsequential to the overall story. Psychology and philosophy play far deeper roles.
Both stem from writer-director Hidaeki Anno's four-year battle with depression prior to creating Evangelion and what he learned while fighting it. From a philosophical standpoint, it's an overtly existentialist show; particularly in the way its characters wrestle with their anxiety, their alienation, and their search for meaning in their lives.

The importance of parental influence viewed through the lens of Freudian theory is a major component of the show's psychological themes. While classifying it as an Oedipal complex would be an oversimplification, Shinji's complicated parental issues are at the core of his problems. Shinji bears deep resentment and anger towards his father for abandoning him and is tormented by the loss of his mother. Similarly, Misato, Asuka, and Ritsuko all have unresolved conflicts with their parents that impede their ability to form complete, stable identities. Nothing makes the connection more explicit than the Evas themselves: Upon entering an Eva, pilots are immersed in LCL, a liquid similar to amniotic fluid; in order to function, Evas must be attached to an "umbilical cable" connected to an external power source. This is really focused upon in the commentary and they describe a constant battle for men, do you view the image of woman as a mother, lover or wife?

Evangelion's 26 episodes can be roughly divided into two parts. The first half of the series is action-packed and upbeat (at least in relation to later episodes), with generous servings of comedy and "fan service." It's basically a traditional mecha action series, albeit an unusually ambitious and complex one.
After the initial rush of the first episode, the pace slows down a bit to allow for some character development and background to develop. But by the time Asuka makes her first appearance, the show has kicked into high gear for a stunning run of near-perfect episodes.

"Both of You, Dance Like You Want to Win!" is a brilliant symphony that seamlessly weaves laughs, inventive mecha fight sequences, and sexual tension. After Shinji and Asuka fail to destroy an Angel, it's determined that only an expertly coordinated simultaneous attack from both of them will be able to beat it. They're forced to work together to learn how to execute the battle plan, a tightly choreographed dance that requires they be in synch. Meanwhile, Misato reunites with Kaji, her old lover from college, and finds herself drawn to him again, despite her better judgment. Shinji and Asuka finally launch into action to dispose of the Angel, their moves set to music in a masterful minute-long ballet.

All three pilots work together for the first time in "The Day Tokyo-3 Stood Still," when all the electricity in Tokyo-3 (including NERV headquarters) is mysteriously knocked out. A higher-up in NERV comments that it would be disastrous if an Angel happened to attack right now. Guess what happens! Shinji, Rei, and Asuka are walking home from school together when the blackout hits, and they need to make their way to NERV so they can fight the Angel. Their adventure travelling underneath the city provides a rare chance for all three to converse and interact with each other. Laced with tense humour, the episode also has a subplot with Misato and Kaji getting stuck together in an elevator.

A darker, more cerebral mood dominates the second half of Evangelion. Battles with Angels become increasingly dangerous, with many close calls and casualties. The show's naughty sense of humour all but disappears. Characters turn towards introspection, especially Shinji. When Shinji is swallowed inside an Angel that's comprised of a large nebulous shadow that sucks up everything in its path in "Splitting of the Breast," he contemplates his existence in a series of abstract visions. From then on, these sequences increase in frequency, culminating with a controversial conclusion that alienates and disappoints many viewers.

Much has been made of the final two episodes, which primarily deal with Shinji's psychological problems and, by all appearances, take place entirely in his mind. While they don't provide the sort of neat, satisfying resolution that fans crave, they are in line with the rest of the series, particularly the second half. Despite consisting of crude or recycled animation, these episodes carefully and intelligently explore Shinji and his mental state.

There are countless interpretations about the ending, and the only thing they have in common is that they obstinately insist they're right and all the others are wrong. It may or may not be a more metaphorical interpretation of the events in End of Evangelion, the "alternate ending" movie released after the series. It could be a reflection of events happening in the "real world," thoughts going through Shinji's head, or something else entirely. There has never been an "official" explanation, so no one knows for sure.

The ambiguous conclusion isn't necessarily the problem, though. What's most frustrating about Evangelion's ending isn't its actual content—it may be weird and vague, but that's true of a lot of show—so much as the feeling that it's the end of a chapter, not the whole story. If it's meant to be representative of End of Evangelion's far more literal and definitive ending, it's not made clear. If it's just Shinji resolving his issues and becoming a happier, more confident person, then it's an inadequate way of wrapping up a show so rich in possibilities.

Quibbles about the ending aside, there are just so many things Evangelion does right that elevate it beyond generic anime. The world is so alive and well-developed, right down to the smallest details (like the way cars run on batteries instead of gasoline, as one would expect in a future following global disaster that would limit access to fossil fuels). Even the minor characters, like classmates Toji and Kensuke, are remarkably fleshed out. The way Misato's mature (but dysfunctional) relationship with Kaji contrasts with the teenagers’ awkward, tentative steps towards romance is brilliant. In other words, Evangelion pulls off the remarkable trick of feeling tantalizingly real, an exceedingly rare accomplishment in anime (and animation in general).

It is the type of anime to divide audiences. For every viewer who's enthralled by its mix of classic anime action, convoluted philosophy, psychological angst, and religious imagery, there's another who finds it pretentious and ponderous. With a live-action movie potentially in the works, Evangelion is in position to reach a whole new audience. Also later this year another manga title is to be released with another spin on the storyline, very similar to the last episode. Asuka and Shinji are childhood friends and Rei is a new class member, and Misato is the teacher. NERV are just beginning experimentation with the children to fend of the Angel threat.

Neon Genesis Evangelion is so vast in scope that summarising it is a nearly impossible task. It's a visionary work of art, filled with dense, heady mythology and an unpredictable, labyrinthine plot; every viewing brings about new revelations. The quality of the show is certainly not in doubt, but whether or not this Release is for you depends on what you're looking for.
For the curious newcomer who just wants to see what the fuss is about, Neon Genesis Evangelion: Platinum Edition is an ideal choice for the original introduction, but if you would rather save a little money then pick up the original release. Hardcore Evangelion nuts would be better off Picking these up for the audio and Video quality alone, but also to be taken into account are the improvement in the packaging and the bonus features available on these disks.

I hope I have put a fair view of Neon Genesis Evangelion across in this essay? (it started out as a review honest) This is probably my favourite anime series of all time, and I wanted to do it justice. I think that it is in this release, finally complete. The final episode is virtually the same as in the movies, and ties everything together nicely. Until this time Neon Genesis Evangelion had always left a bitter taste in my mouth when it came down to the ending. And to be perfectly honest I would probably watch the episodes up until the final volume of the old release and watch End of Evangelion instead. Now that is not an issue, I love the ending of this show in this release. Although the ending is not too different to the original release of the series, it certainly makes a difference.

If you own the original series only you can make decision whether to buy this. As an avid fan I would take that plunge, but I wont tell you to do it. There is a newly released platinum collection that has been released in thinpac DVD for the US audience. This may well be released in the UK also, but who knows. But even if it is and it is cheaper, you only get 6 disks and the special features are somewhat reduced.

ADV and Gainax, Thank you! This collection is definitely the best ever. The episodes look and sound much better than ever before. The detail on all these looks like this is a whole new anime series. This is the one to go for. The series is one of the greatest ever, and this collection is definitely the one to go for.

R2 DVD Notes

Features: Platinum 01 12-page Profile Booklet Commentary with Matt Greenfield (ADR Director) and Spike Spencer Clean Opening and Closing Animation ADV Previews Platinum 02 12-page Profile Booklet Full Length Animatics for Episode 9 Commentary with Tiffany Grant and Allison Shipp Clean Opening and Closing Animation ADV Previews Platinum 03 12-page Profile Booklet English REmix Process Commentary with Tiffany Grant, Matt Greenfield(ADR Director) and Wade Shenwell Clean Opening and Closing Animation ADV Previews Platinum 04 12-page Profile Booklet Full Length Animatic for Episode 15 Commentary with Tiffany Grant and Matt Greenfield (ADR Director) That Little Red-Haired Girl Clean Opening and Closing Animation ADV Previews Platinum 05 12-page Profile Booklet The Mythology of Evangelion Full Length Animatics for Episodes 18, 19 and 20 Commentary with Matt Greenfield(ADR Director) and Sean McCoy Clean Opening and Closing Animation ADV Previews Platinum 06 12-page Profile Booklet Full Length Animatic for Episode 23 Commentary with Matt Greenfield(ADR Director) Tiffany Grant and Sean McCoy Clean Opening and Closing Animation ADV Previews Platinum 07 12-page Profile Booklet The Mythology of Evangelion Full Length Animatic for Episode 24 and 25 Commentary with Matt Greenfield(ADR Director) and Sean McCoy Clean Opening and Closing Animation ADV Trailers

Release information: ADV All 7 volumes are available now

Notes: The audio for this release is presented in both English and Japanese 5.1 versions. I listened primarily to the English track. The new 5.1 mix is amazing. Effects during the limited action scenes are more focused on the front soundstage, but are still impressive to listen to. There were no noticeable problems with either track. Presented in its original 1.33:1 full-frame aspect, the remastered video is clean, Bright and Vividly Colourful this all adds to produce a startlingly better quality than the original DVD release. There were no apparent encoding problems. Both a standard case & a silver slipcover are provided with these releases. Both covers feature an paired image, and vary from disk to disk. Episode titles are listed along one edge of the keepcase's front cover. The back of the slipcover has ADV's promotional blurb, episode titles & screenshots and the disc's technical info panel, while the DVD case has episode descriptions and screenshots. The menus are Bright and Colourful, it has a great background orchestral music & the sound of running water Options are presented in the usual ADV style - each episode is selectable from the main menu, with sub-menus available for extras, language set-up and chapter select. The simple layout makes them quick & easy to navigate through. All in all a fantastic quality to both the program and the Packaging.

Neon Genesis Evangelion Highly recommended

Neon Genesis Evangelion Reviews

Related Reviews & Articles

Neon Genesis Evangelion Platinum Edition Volumes 1-7

R2 DVD Notes

Neon Genesis Evangelion Images