From legendary director Hideaki Anno, EVANGELION:3.0+1.11 THRICE UPON A TIME is the fourth and final installment of the REBUILD OF EVANGELION films, bringing an epic conclusion to the story of Shinji and his fellow Eva pilots, with the stunning visuals and thought-provoking storytelling that has made EVANGELION a global pop culture phenomenon.
Misato and her anti-NERV group Wille arrive at Paris, a city now red from core-ization. Crew from the flagship Wunder land on a containment tower. They only have 720 seconds to restore the city. When a horde of NERV Evas appear, Mari’s improved Eva Unit 8 must intercept. Meanwhile, Shinji, Asuka, and Rei (Provisional Name) wander about Japan.
For thoughts on Evangelion:3.0+1.11 Thrice Upon A Time, please check out our discussion on The Video Attic:
[youtube https://youtu.be/Kzb-KRvQnOg?si=XrfMtynbAgxdAzsY&t=1231]
Video Quality
Evangelion:3.0+1.11 Thrice Upon A Time comes to 4K UHD Blu-Ray with a stunning 2160p SDR transfer that looks extremely pleasing. While it is somewhat unusual for 4K UHD to not implement some form of High Dynamic Range, those who view this disc will never feel that the colors are lacking in depth and nuance. The wondrous colors truly dazzle as you traverse various different environments and times. The textures of the character design and the environments are at their most impressive as they breathe life into the project. Each character design is very distinct from the humans to the Evas and the antagonists. The subtle elements that are added to each individual introduce a dynamic touch that makes the world feel less sanitized. This extends into the care and precision put into each environment which renders perfectly here.
The included Blu-Ray is a beauty, but when comparing side-to-side we can see some minor deficits when compared with the 4K UHD presentation. The 4K UHD release eliminates some of the minor banding that can be found in some backgrounds of the Blu-Ray. Highlights are a bit more firm with nothing blooming even at their most luminous. The black levels are nice and deep, never allowing any details to crush or digital noise to impede the experience. This 4K presentation spotlights how the format can subtly enhance all of the strong aspects for the best overall viewing experience. It is unlikely anyone will call this a night and day difference, but anyone who desires the absolute best presentation on the market will delight in this.
Audio Quality
The DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio lossless track is presented here in its original Japanese and with an English dub with optional English, English SDH, Spanish and French subtitles. It would have been nice to be given a Dolby Atmos track here, but this sonic onslaught is no slouch and is unlikely to displease most fans. From the opening moments of the story, the world feels suitably expansive as this epic story is given room to breathe. In addition to the more docile, dialogue-driven scenes, there are moments of epic confrontations that are given the power they deserve. The track employs some formidable activity in the low end when things get destructive.
Dialogue comes through perfectly clear at all times without being drowned out by any of the clashes or the score. There are some really thrilling panning effects in the rear channels that add a necessary element to the story. The score is a valuable part of the film that is precise in its placement throughout the room as it envelops the audience. There is also a nice amount of sonic detail in the surround channels in the gentle moments that conjure a fully realized world. The English-language cast does a decent job but we suggest sticking with the original Japanese language for maximum enjoyment. This is a grand release from GKIDS.
Special Features
Collector’s Edition Exclusives
- Booklet
- 5 Art Cards
- Mini-Poster
Blu-Ray Supplements
Special 01
- Teaser (2:53)
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- Teaser 1
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- Teaser 2
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- Teaser 2.5
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- Teaser 2’
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- Teaser 3
- Trailer (6:04)
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- Trailer
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- Trailer Updated
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- Trailer Updated 2
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- Trailer Updated 3
- Additional Trailer (2:56)
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- Additional Trailer A
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- Additional Trailer B
- TV Spot (1:59)
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- 15sec A
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- 15sec A Updated
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- 15sec A Updated – Kinro :2.22
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- 15sec A Updated – Kinro :3.33
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- 15sec A Updated 2
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- 15sec A Now Showing
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- 15sec B
- :3.333 – Trailer Updated (1:41)
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- :3.333 – Trailer Updated
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- :3.333 – Trailer Updated 2
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- :3.333 – Trailer Updated 3
- Promotional Reel for SNS (2:27)
Special 02
- Character Promotional Reel (2:06)
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- Shinji Ikari
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- Rei Ayanami / tentative name: Rei Ayanami
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- Asuka Shikinami Langley
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- Mari Makinami Illustrious
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- Kaworu Nagisa
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- Misato Katsuragi
- [Current Evangelion]: A minute-and-a-half recap and trailer.
- Message for Kinro: A minute-and-a-half series of videos discussing the delay of the movie due to the declaration of a state of emergency.
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- Megumi Ogata Ver.
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- Megumi Hayashibara Ver.
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- Kotono Mitsuishi Ver.
- Message for ANN: A 30-minute collection of audio messages in which the creative figures discuss their experiences with the movie, their characters and more.
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- Maaya Sakamoto
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- Kotono Mitsuishi
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- Yuriko Yamaguchi
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- Fumihiko Tachiki
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- Motomu Kiyokawa
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- Tomokazu Seki
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- Tetsuya Iwanaga
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- Junko Iwao
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- Miyuki Sawashiro
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- Koichi Yamadera
Special 03
- Stage Greetings: An 18-minute panel with Executive Director Hideaki Anno, Director Kazuya Tsurumaki, Assistant Director Mahiro Maeda, and actor Megumi Ogata who discuss their gratitude for the success of the film, how they felt when production was finally finished, the division of roles among the creative team, the creative process and much more.
- :1.11, :2.22, :3.33 – Trailer for 4D (0:31)
- Rebuild of Evangelion:3.0+1.11: A 16-minute look at the visual effects development of various scenes.
- Evangelion:3.0 (-46h) ((5.1 and 2.0 Audio): An 11-minute piece of original animation is provided with optional Dolby Digital 5.1 or 2.0 audio in the original Japanese with optional English subtitles.
- Evangelion:3.0 (-120min) (5.1 and 2.0 Audio): A seven-minute adaptation of the manga is provided as part motion comic and part animation with optional Dolby Digital 5.1 or 2.0 audio in the original Japanese with optional English subtitles.
- :3.0+1.11 – TV Spot (0:17)
- :3.0+1.11 – Promotional Reel (2:47)
Final Thoughts
Evangelion:3.0+1.11 Thrice Upon A Time is an epic conclusion to this interpretation of the beloved material which finds new and rewarding places to take the series. This is by no means an easy entrypoint for newcomers to the franchise, but those who have been along for the ride will be thrilled – and those who have not been should fix that. GKIDS and Shout! Studios have delivered a terrific Collector’s Edition set with a gorgeous 4K UHD Blu-Ray disc and a deep array of special features. The packaging for this Collector’s Edition is simple and elegant, and it offers up many treats that fans of the series will love. If you are someone with a deep appreciation for this film, this Collector’s Edition delivers the ideal way to engage with it. Recommended
Evangelion:3.0+1.11 Thrice Upon A Time 4K UHD Blu-Ray Collector’s Edition will be available to own on October 17, 2023. The film will also be available on Blu-Ray on the same date.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: GKIDS and Shout! Studios have supplied a copy of this set free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.
Dillon is most comfortable sitting around in a theatre all day watching both big budget and independent movies.