Neon Genesis Evangelion: Complete Series Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		5.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.0

Neon Genesis Evangelion: Complete Series Blu-ray Movie Review

One of the all time great anime classics.

Reviewed by Neil Lumbard December 21, 2021

Neon Genesis Evangelion is one of the most compelling and original series in anime history. A classic produced by Gainax (Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water, Gurren Lagann), Neon Genesis Evangelion stands as a definitive mecha production. Featuring animation produced by Studio Tatsunoko (Speed Racer, The Irresponsible Captain Tylor), Neon Genesis Evangelion is produced by Noriko Kobayashi (Naruto, Revolutionary Girl Utena), Yutaka Sugiyama (Bleach, Blue Seed), and Joseph Chou (Ghost in the Shell SAC_2045, Knights of the Zodiac: Saint Seiya). Originally broadcast on TV Tokyo in Japan, Neon Genesis Evangelion was created by Hideaki Anno (Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone, Evangelion 3.0+1.0: Thrice Upon A Time).

Tokyo-3 is a city on the brink of total chaos. Several years following an apocalyptic cataclysm that threatened the survival of all of humanity, Shinji (Megumi Ogata) is summoned by his father Gendou Ikari (Fumihiko Tachiki) to pilot a mecha named Evangelion and combat strange alien creatures known as Angels. Working with the special op known as Nerv, Shinji is accompanied by Nerv officer Misato Katsuragi (Kotono Mitsuishi), a rambunctious and highly spirited woman who runs operations for the team.

As the Nerv crew expands, Shinji is joined by two teenage girls piloting their own mecha fighters: the shy and quiet Rei (Megumi Hayashibara) and energetic talent Asuka (Yuko Miyamura). Fighting the Angels together, Evangelion and the other mecha suits fight for the survival of Tokyo-3. The battle wages on.

One of the best things about Neon Genesis Evangelion is the characters. The series has a great cast that helps the storytelling unfold. Shinji is a wonderful lead character – full of charisma, charm, and personality. Rei provides the series with a sense of depth with her sense of introspection. Asuka is entertaining in her outspoken and bubbly personality – providing the series with a comedic backdrop. Misato is one of the best characters on Neon Genesis Evangelion and she imbues her cool personality into every frame.

An anime epic.

The animation on Neon Genesis Evangelion is spectacular and absorbing to behold. The art direction is by Hiroshi Kato (Angel Links, Asura). The animators on the production did a wonderful job. This is a stunning anime series with great character designs by Yoshiyuki Sadamoto (Summer Wars, Wolf Children) and mecha design by Hideaki Anno and Ikuto Yamashita (Blue Sumbarine No. 6). A wonderful effort from all involved – and the background art is well realized.

The cinematography by Yoichi Kuroda (Only Yesterday, Perfect Blue) is a stunner – providing Neon Genesis Evangelion with a unique visual style. The style of cinematographic lighting on the Neon Genesis Evangelion impressive and unique. Kuroda imbues the series with creativity and the production has a cinematic quality to it. The visuals are extraordinary.

The music composed by Shiro Sagisu (Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance, Shin Godzilla) is epic in every sense of the word. The score and music selections provide Neon Genesis Evangelion with a wonderful sense of imagination. There is something inspiring about the score and its majestic grace.

Directed by Hideaki Anno and Kazuya Tsurumaki (FLCL, Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo), with head screenwriting duties handled by Anno, Neon Genesis Evangelion is an anime masterpiece. The series tells an amazing story – one that continues to reward audiences. An exemplary achievement, Neon Genesis Evangelion is exciting from beginning to end. Whether revisiting the anime classic or seeing it for the first time, don't miss Neon Genesis Evangelion. A gem.

Neon Genesis Evangelion: Complete Series Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from GKids Entertainment, Neon Genesis Evangelion is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition in the original broadcast aspect ratio of 1.33:1 full frame. Theatrical features on the release are presented in 1.78:1 widescreen. The release looks altogether splendid. Colors "pop" with considerable beauty. The animation comes to life with a vivid splendor. The encoding looks impressive as well – showcasing Neon Genesis Evangelion in all of its glory. The presentation has a nice sense of depth to the image. Neon Genesis Evangelion looks naturally filmic on the release. The release isn't burdened by detrimental DNR (digital noise reduction) and the like – the picture quality is stunning.

Episode 16 is the one exclusion to the impressive picture-quality: the original 16mm negatives for the episode were lost. As a result, restoration work was done from a 35mm internegative and color work was done from that source. The results were completed in standard-definition – and the end result is this episode is upscaled for the high-definition presentation. The picture-quality on Episode 16 has been reproduced to be faithful to the original source but the loss in image fidelity is easily apparent.

Neon Genesis Evangelion: Complete Series Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release includes a plethora of lossless audio options. The set includes English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, and Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. The standard discs include the Netflix produced English dub and new subtitle translations. The original dub and subtitle options are not included on the release. The high resolution audio sounds impressive on the release. The score soundtrack is beautifully reproduced. Dialogue is clear and well reproduced. The surrounds are well engaged and the soundstaging is impressive.

Neon Genesis Evangelion: Complete Series Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Disc 3:

Title-free Opening (HD, 1:30)

30 Second Next Episode Previews (HD, 9:34)

TV Commercials (Japanese VHS release) (SD, 1:34)

TV Commercials (Original soundtracks) (SD, 00:30)

TV Commercial – (Sega Saturn game) (SD, 00:17)

TV Commercials – (Magazines) (SD, 00:31)

TV Premiere Promos (SD, 00:47)

Japanese Voice Auditions (HD, 4:58)

Genesis 0:0 In the Beginning (SD, 29:23)

Image Board Collection (SD, 4:43)

Japanese Blu-ray Box Commercial (HD, 2:02)

Music Video: The Cruel Angel's Thesis (SD, 4:04)

Disc 4:

Animatic Collection -

Episode: 9 – Both of You, Dance – Like You Want to Win! (SD, 20:46)

Episode: 15 – Those women longed for the touch of others' lips, and thus invited their kisses. (SD, 20:43)

Episode: 18 – Ambivalence (SD, 20:42)

Episode: 19 – Introjection (SD, 20:42)

Episode: 20 – Weaving a Story 2: oral stage (SD, 20:46)

Episode: 21 – He was aware that he was still a child. (SD, 20:46)

Episode: 22 – Don't Be. (SD, 20:46)

Episode: 23 – Rei III (SD, 20:41)

Episode: 24 – The Beginning of the End, or "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" (SD, 20:46)

Episode: 25 – Do you love me? (SD, 20:51)

Finale – Take care of yourself. (SD, 20:56)

Disc 5:

Main Feature: Evangelion: Death (True)² / The End of Evangelion (HD, 2:41:24)

Genesis 0:0' The Light from the Darkness (SD, 26:52)

The End of Evangelion -

Deleted Live Action Scene (SD, 10:51)

Making Of Live Action Scene (SD, 16:31)

Theatrical Teaser (SD, 1:19)

Theatrical Trailer (SD, 00:15)

TV Spots (SD, 00:30)

Final Scene Alternate Take (HD, 3:10)

Full Song – Musunde Hiraite (HD, 1:22)

Episode 25: Love is destructive. (Partial Animatic) (SD, 17:32)

Music Videos -

Soul's Refrain (Music Only / With SFX) (SD, 5:11)

Thanatos – If I Can't Be Yours (Music Only / With SFX) (SD, 4:51)

Armageddon (Music Only / With SFX) (SD, 4:55)

Memories of Heaven (Music Only / With SFX) (SD, 6:10)

Neon Genesis Evangelion: Complete Series Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Neon Genesis Evangelion is one of the most important achievements in anime history – and indeed, the medium of animation on the whole. One of the most respected masterpieces in the genre, Neon Genesis Evangelion is an entertaining mecha classic that has withstood the test of time.

A masterpiece and one that shouldn't go overlooked by any anime fan. The Blu-ray release features a stunning restoration of the series.

Please Note: The standard-edition doesn't include the original dub (nor does it include the original subtitle translations). These discs are only included in the limited edition and ultimate edition. Recommended.