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intereact!Directors: Kazuya Tsurumaki, Hiroyuki Ishidô, Hideaki Anno
Actors: Yûko Miyamura, Kôichi Yamadera, Tomokazu Seki, Tetsuya Iwanaga, and Junko Iwao
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Retail Price (not our price): $169.95
Release Date: 2002-04-09
Studio: Adv Films
Run Time: 650 minutes
Format: Array
Format: Animated, Box set, Color, DVD-Video, NTSC
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Discs: 8
Editorial Reviews (supplied by Amazon.com):
1) Amazon.com essential video
A benchmark series in the history of anime, Hideaki Anno's Neon Genesis Evangelion is one of the most widely discussed in anime. It's not the first series to combine mecha (futuristic machines, especially robots) with theology and a character-driven story, but it does so exceptionally well. The designs of the robots by Ikuto Yamashita are strikingly original; the questions raised about the future of the human race stimulate viewers' imaginations and the characters show a depth of personality rare in anime. The story is set in 2015, 15 years after a cataclysmic explosion in Antarctica that caused the ice cap to melt, killing a large portion of the Earth's population. Although it was reported as a meteor impact, the explosion was caused by human interaction with Adam, the first of a series of powerful, sentient creatures known as "Angels" to appear on Earth. To defend against their depredations, humans rely on NERV, a secret agency dedicated to destroying the Angels with their gargantuan robot suits called Evas. Only teenagers with special psychic powers can pilot the Evas, and the best pilot is the repressed 14-year-old Shinji Ikari, who is a more interesting, believable character than standard mecha pilots. The two final chapters of the Evangelion series (which originally ran in 1995-96) are highly philosophical ruminations that satisfied neither Anno nor the viewers. The episodes were remade as the theatrical features; however, only the original 26 episodes appear in this set. Not rated; suitable for ages 14 and up: Brief nudity, violence, sexual humor, and complex adult themes. --Charles Solomon
Customer Reviews (supplied by Amazon.com):
Average Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5
1) Watch it again.......In it's entirety. [Rating: 5 out of 5]
Please understand that you will need to purchase this box set and the 2 disk set "Death and Rebirth" and "End of Evangelion" DVD to truly understand why people love this Animae so much. I admit, it was hard for me to watch the "End of Evangelion". If you don't understand it, then you might benefit from reading the wikipedia.org explanation of the many facets of the series. If you just bought this and you didn't shell out for the last two DVD's, I can see why you were disapointed. Get the Platinum Edition instead of this one and then get the 2 disk ending set mentioned above and you will understand what this series is all about and you will love it.2) A Masterful Work of Artistic Storytelling [Rating: 5 out of 5]
*OVERVIEW and EPISODE REVIEWS:Neon Genesis Evangelion (NGE) starts out simple enough. A story about a boy named Shinji Ikari coming to a futuristic city and using giant robot-like Evas (Unit-01 himself) to fend off the invading enemies called Angels. Along the way he meets a mysterious girl and pilot of Unit-00, Rei Ayanami, the fiery pilot of Unit-02 Asuka Langley Soryu, Director of Nerv Operations Misato Katsuragi, the brilliant scientist, Ritsuko Akagi and his estranged father and Nerv's Commander, Gendo Ikari. There's also an intriguing cast of minor characters including friends from his school, Toji and Kensuke and Nerv's Vice Commander Fuyutsuki. But it ends in a completely different place than where it began, with so much filling its creamy center that it's hard to know what to cover in a review.Yes, it indeed starts out simple enough: Through the first 8 episodes you probably couldn't distinguish NGE from any other giant robot anime ever made. These episodes, while entertaining, are as straight forward as anime gets. Then, slowly but surely from episodes 9-13, the characters are given to more detailing. We get to know them better as more of their stories and histories are revealed. A beautiful example of this is in episode 9 when Asuka falls down, asleep, next to Shinji, who is then tempted to kiss her before something makes him stop. The story is expanded upon as more secrets are revealed, which leads to more questions.But then, during episode 14, which starts out as a boring "recap", half way through we get the first glimpse of what this series is really about. After the title card we hear the voice of Rei, giving a surreal and beautiful monologue with similar images following on the screen. This bit is practically visual/audio poetry working together, and gives the first hints of what's to come. The psychological and philosophical leanings of this episode would start to become more prominent throughout the series.Episode 15 is really where the gears shift. The story has slowly built our interest in the characters and the many secrets up to this point, with as much humor and light heartedness as seriousness. In 15 though things takes a more mature, complex, and somber turn - with the end being the catalyst for the brilliant episodes to come. Indeed, episodes 16 and 18 are two of the most dramatic works of fiction I've ever experienced, with 17 being the calm interlude between them.But then 19 comes along and trumps them all. If I could describe the chills I had when watching that episode for the first time... simply put, I don't think dramatic storytelling gets any better. Episode 20 is one of the deepest and complex, further diving into the psychology and symbolism behind the show. 21's back stories are woven so intricately you forget that you're watching an anime as the breadth given to the characters are incredible. 21's finale also serves as one of the most emotional in the series.22 is one of the most disturbing episodes, diving into the psychology of Asuka this time in a way that will leave you feeling a bit shocked. 23 does what 22 did for Asuka and applies it to Rei. It also has the biggest, most stunning revelation in the series at the end of the episode, as one of Nerv's big secrets is revealed. These episodes also bring much of the "bigger" picture between Nerv, Seele, and the secrets behind the Angels and 2nd Impact into focus, which leads to the climax. That climax hits with episode 24, with the introduction of the last angel Kaworu. While one of the most perplexing episodes (due to its cryptic plot and dialogue), its magnificent finale - played out appropriately to Beethoven's final movement of his monumental 9th Symphony - serves as an outstanding closure to the main series before the final two episodes.The final two episodes completely forego the story that's been building up, and focuses instead on the psychology and philosophy behind the show and its characters. These two episodes are brilliant in their own right. Episode 26 in particular, with its deconstructing of the meanings of reality and freedom, and examining of so many psychological hot points in the show (one's self worth, for instance) is an artistic high point in anime. They are not completely un-story related though, as the "melding of minds" in these episodes are a major plot element. But this works out great for the director Hideaki Anno who probably loved being able to get many of these feelings out through this series and these two episodes in particular.For those wanting a closure to the story of NGE, "The End of Evangelion" is the grand finale to end all grand finales. While it won't answer everything in a nice, neat way (this is not a show that hands you answers on a silver platter), it provides an astonishingly powerful and poignant conclusion to the story and to the NGE series. I can understand the frustration of fans after watching the series and then the final two "series" episodes, thinking this was the end. In reality, the movie was MEANT to be the conclusion, but because of budget and time problems it couldn't be completed in time. The "series" finale will still stand on their own as the alternate take, but they're an essential alternate take as this is an anime whose meanings stretch far beyond the mecha-sci-fi, boy-saves-world genre. But the film sets a new standard in the art of closing a series on the perfect note.*SERIES REVIEWWhile the layers of psychology, philosophy, and symbolism would crush most shows under their own weight and seeming pretentiousness, Anno handles them with adeptness and acute direction. He skillfully weaves them into the story to the point where everything makes complete sense in relation to the characters and storyline. In fact, if you really take time to analyze the story, the characters, and the relationship between the dialogue and visuals with the psychological, philosophical, and symbolic meanings, you'll see this series does indeed have more depth than almost all others that have attempted to tackle similar subjects. In fact, this is a series which almost has to be viewed several times, as there are recurring motifs (both visually and in the dialogue) which link important thematic elements strung throughout. And if you're not watching carefully, you'll miss them the first and maybe even second time around.I think the reason these ideas become so important is very simple, and that's because of the characters. Anno doesn't just create a random bunch of soulless, mindless, anime characters. He creates characters that everyone can relate to on some level. Because these characters have such range and depth, we begin to really care about them and their struggles. In the end their struggles become our own and they literally become mirrors of our own psychological profiles and problems. We begin to grieve as we watch them deal with such (self) destructive behavior caused by their circumstances and consequential frames of mind. It's because of this that the viewer actually cares about the more portentous moments, no matter how grandiose they become. I think it's very important for those out there to understand that all the elaborate complexities of NGE wouldn't matter without the characters that carry the weight and meaning of it all.NGE is a show of extremes. Ranging from scenes of palpable, viseral power that inspire shock and awe, to the most quietly surene, surreal, and beautifully touching moments. These scenes are woven together as fine and eloquently as the Beethoven Symphony they play in episode 24 itself. And like that symphony, even though the parts are outstanding, the whole is much greater than the sum.I believe this is a work of resounding artistic depth. I'd go as far as to say it's one of the absolute greatest pieces of fiction ever made in any medium. This may sound like hyperbole, but there have been few - if any - fictional works that have effected me both emotionally and psychologically like NGE has. If you put in the time and effort to actively watch this series, it will reward as many repeat viewings as you care to give it, as new layers and meanings will be uncovered each time. And I think that is, if nothing else, the first sign of a work of artistic genius.*DVD REVIEW:The Platinum Edition is far and away better than the Perfect Collection. The remastered visuals and audio are extraordinary. It doesn't get better than watching the big explosions in 5.1 Surround Sound! The remastered visuals are equally as striking. The reduced frame shake and jitter is a phenomenal improvement from the previous edition. It seems like they almost went back and re-animated parts of the show, making almost every scene look more vivid, life-like and alive. The Subtitled translations is another thing worth noting, as these translations are, by and large, more accurate. Even though I now hate the English translation of the song doesn't match the melody (always found it funny why it did on the Perfect Collection), this is a more accurate translation. The packaging is the only disappointment. The box is nothing special, the DVD cases themselves contain no booklets or notes, and there's no extras on the DVDs. But you get what you pay for as the price is a bargain. If you want all the other stuff you have to buy the Platinum Collection 1+Box and the rest of the collection separately.3) so overated its funny. [Rating: 3 out of 5]
[NOTE: every thing said here refers to the dub version and not the sub, as i have only seen the dub version].I almost bought this set, but when I saw the entire series at my local rental store I decided to rent it first and see if it's any good. It took me about two weeks to get though the whole thing because I rented them 1 at a time, but I have finally come to the end. I just have to say right now that those that say this are the best anime ever have got to be smoking something. Best ever? No way, not ever. Doesn't even come close. This series can be VERY good at times, so good in fact that it rivals any anime I've ever seen. But at other times it's just a silly mech series. We are introduced in volume one to Sinji, probably the wimpiest character you will EVER see in ANY movie, series, book, whatever. I found myself absolutely hating him because he wasn't able to put aside his hatred for his creepy dad in order to save humanity. I mean really, he is the only one who can save the world and he's whining about his dad. What the hell? And it's not just him I end up hating. Captain Katsoagi (sp), who is Sinji's guardian, is nothing but a drunken whore the entire first half the show, and is a sober whore for the second half. That's when she's off work, when she's at work however she's a no nonsense commander who yells a lot. And since when is it okay for military personnel to look like sluts in their military uniform? Gahh, shoot me. Okay, I'll try now to make sense of this series. ---The Good--- Pretty much everything good that happens in this series happens in volumes 2, 6, and 7. Volume 2 is okay, not great, but okay. But volumes 6 and 7 are amazing. They are so full of drama and emotion that I was literally left in shock. They were GREAT, and this coming from a guy who was starting to hate the series before this point. These volumes are pretty much long in-depth background histories on some of the main characters, and they are great. Especially the one for Auska. before seeing her past I just thought of her as a whiny little brat who hated everyone, but afterwards I thought she was a whiny little brat who hated everyone, but with a good reason. I finally had a character who I could sympathize with. Her depression at the end of the series was so well done that I started shaking. Wow, what a story, what a powerful scene. Too bad none of the other characters were any good. I tried to sympathize with Rei earlier but she never opened up, never changed, never really did anything at all. She reminded me a lot of Lala Ru from Now and Then, Here and There (Complete Collector's Boxed Set) but Lala Ru was ten times more interesting than Rei. One more thing though, nobody told me this series was so darn funny. I mean really, some parts were so funny I busted out laughing and rolling on the floor. A lost is perverted hummer, but it's still funny. Here's an example. Sinji, Auska and Katsoagi go over to a hot spring after a long mech battle to relax. Sinji is separated from the girls by a large wooden wall. When Auska asks him for some soap or something he throws it over and hits her in the face. Then Katsoagi comes over to Auska (we can only hear them) and then we hear this."Here, let me see that""No, don't' touch me there, ha-ha""Oh, come here you...""Ha, no, don't put anything in there. Ha-ha""No wait, let me show you something"The whole time Sinji is hearing all of this. Either you find this funny or you don't, but I found it hilarious. ---The Bad--- Characters. Oh God, where to begin. As I've said before, almost all the characters are either whinny little pieces of (need to keep it G rated, sorry), stupid fools, drunken whores, or insane nuts. All of them fall into one of these categories. It's insane; did the directors of this show WANT us to hate these people? If so than they succeeded.Repetition. The entire first half of this series is just one cheesy mech battle after another and they always follow the same formula. People going though crises of varies degrees, idiotic looking angle with unbeatable power shows up, angle beats initial defense, people yell, everything breaks down at exactly the wrong time. More yelling. Then everyone takes a 2 hour coffee break as the angle just sits around and the humans come up with an impossible plan that ALWAYS has a 0.002% chance of working. Of course they execute the plan flawlessly and kill the angle, only for the same exact thing to happen the nest episode. I just have to ask, why doesn't anything ever work? Every time an angle shows up the EVA's break down and nothing on them seem to work. This gets old after, oh say, the SIXTH TIME!!!!!!Ending. Yes, I know, EVERYONE hates the ending. Well so did I. the last three episodes are so bad I almost fell asleep. It wasn't QUITE as bad as I was expecting, but it was still terrible. But there was a really funny sequence in the last episode were we get to see all out main characters in different roles. Sinji has all the self confidence he could ever want, Auska is his childhood friend, Rei is a fun loving loud mouth who doesn't like people looking at her skirt, and Katsoagi is a hot school teacher. Other than these REALLY funny 5 minutes though, the ending sucked. Unanswered Questions. There are too many questions that are never answered here, like WHY THE HECK WERE THEY FIGHTING ANGLES IN THE FIRST PLACE? What were the angles? Why did they only come to Japan? What exactly was second impact? What was that spear thing? How did a drunken whore get be commander of the most important weapons on earth? I would have settled with knowing why the angles wanted to wipe out mankind, but I didn't even get that. Naked People Everywhere. Yes, this is a classic example of adult only anime. There are so many shots of naked people its embarrassing. Do these people have any sense of modesty? Their all a bunch of sex freaks who don't own any cloths. Yuck. Soundtrack. its the same song every time an angle shows up, the same song every time something sad happens, and that's about it. the opening song, although a little annoying at first, does kind of grow on you after a few listens, but the ending song, as is normal in anime series, is less than noteworthy.i really wanted to like this series but I just couldn't do it. Face it people, IT ISN'T REALLY AS GOOD AS THEY SAY IT IS!!! its just okay, not great. if you read this review, please leave a comment (i know there are a lot for this review, but i always like to get comments from new people).4) ITS REALLY BAD... as in NOT good. [Rating: 1 out of 5]
How so many people give this anime series anything beyond 1 star is mind bottling. yes, i said mind bottling as opposed to mind boggling which it is that too. i have so much frustration and pent up anger with this freakishly over-hyped series that when I hear of anyone who liked it let alone loved it, my mind feels like its trapped in a bottle because there is so much emotion that wants to break out and punch the individual in the gonads. Be that as it may, I consider myself an anime nerd and to prove my worth, the following are some of my favorite anime series in no particular order...1) Cowboy Bebop2) Trigun3) Rurouni Kenshin4) Ghost in the Shell S.A.C.5) Gundam Wing + SEED6) Outlaw Star7) Full Metal Panic (especially Fumoffu and T.S.R.)As you can see, some on the list consist of mecha type anime which NGE could be considered as. So I am not foreign to this genre but the crap that came out of NGE becoming a cult classic is beyond my understanding when there were better animes even at that time like Gundam Wing or the Macross Plus OVAs. Here's the review breakdown... Story/plot: Horrible and purposely filled with plot holes by the director/creator. But before I go on any further, I must note that I am a Judeo-Christian, why? Because the story attempts to put a twist in the old Adam and Eve biblical story and of the end times. And let me say, as a Christian, I felt offended by the undertone of the storylines ending. The message the drunken creator portrays is very un-Christian like, but I'll let you decide that one IF you decide to embark on this hellish ride. Anyway, moving on, like others have mentioned before, the story *seemingly* develops until you reach what I can only describe as an incoherent psychadelic cesspool of flabbergast starting in episode 24 and onward. I have no desire to see the movie which I've read is supposed to fill in the gaps for the ending so no comment on that one. The story is basically about the end of the world and the godzilla-esque angels who bring it about and the human struggle to survive by fighting them with organic mechs. where, why or how these angels come about is a mystery, just another plot hole amongst many others. Assistant Director Kazuya Tsurumaki said of the series, "If a person who can already live and communicate normally watches it, they won't learn anything." I take that to mean, "only retarded individuals will get something out of watching this." Hey, he said it not me.Characters: There are plenty, none of which you can relate to (at least I hope not) cuz they're all crazy granted the main characters are 14 year olds but my goodness, I would not wish any kid to be anything like any one of those characters. Even so, the adults are crazy too. But the thing that gritted my teeth throughout the series was the lack of character development. I hated Shinji's character in the beginning and I hated him in the end. He's the main character but there's nothing to like about him. He's a whinny, cowardly, cry baby and he stays that way all the way to the end. Rei is emotionless but ironically undergoes the most development but her character is riddled with plot holes and is boring anyway to care. Asuka is an annoying loud mouth who likes to show-off her sub-par abilities but suffers from an inferiority complex since she is apparently not as good as either Shinji or Rei in the Evas (mechs). Which reminds me, the story likes to blurt out snych ratios throughout the series refering to the characters connection with their evas that always seem to be in the 0.00XXX range and they always say it as "zero point zero zero blah blah blah and this connection is at zero point zero zero blah blah blah" and so on... it gets annoying real fast. Animation: This is really the only redeeming factor in NGE. The animation is great and probably the best anime had to offer for a TV series of that time making it unprecedented. This is the only reason why I gave it a 1 star rating. I would have given it a half star but amazon doesn't work that way. So folks, it is this reviewers angry opinion that you will not only waste, but gain a negative experience by watching this series. If by chance you happen to like the series, then im sure you hate my guts but if I saved many people from wasting away by watching this series, then i've done them a service.5) Great Collection [Rating: 5 out of 5]
For all the fans of Neon Genesis Evangelion this DVD Collection comes fully loaded...