‘Neon Genesis Evangelion’: The Complete Series Collector’s Edition Blu-Ray Review – Anime At Its Finest

In 2015, Tokyo-3 is under attack from “Angels,” extraordinary beings that possess various special abilities. Multipurpose Humanoid Decisive Weapon, Evangelion is the only method to counter these Angels, and Shinji Ikari is chosen as its pilot. The battle for the fate of humankind has begun. Exactly what are the Angels? What is destined for the young pilots? And what will become of humanity?

Presented on Blu-ray for the first time in North America, this groundbreaking, action-packed series from creator Hideaki ANNO has been hailed as one of the most important anime series of all time – a remarkable fusion of genres, and a powerful examination of the relationship between man and machine.

The NEON GENESIS EVANGELION Collector’s Edition is a deluxe 11-disc set presented in a rigid case, containing a 40-page book, 8 art cards, the Official Dub and Subtitled versions, and the bonus Classic Dub and Subtitled versions. The Collector’s Edition set contains over seven hours of bonus features including animatics, TV commercials, music videos, Japanese cast auditions, trailers, and more.

This set includes the original twenty-six episode television series, NEON GENESIS EVANGELION, as well as the films EVANGELION:DEATH (TRUE)2 and THE END OF EVANGELION.

For thoughts on Neon Genesis Evangelion: The Complete Series Collector’s Edition, please check out our discussion on The Video Attic: 

[youtube https://youtu.be/mpIRV9Y4wVs?si=Jj4DKGVxjbgBCykW&t=3323]

Video Quality

Neon Genesis Evangelion: The Complete Series comes to Blu-Ray courtesy of GKIDS and Shout! Factory with a splendid 1080p transfer for the first time in North America. This release obliterates any previous DVD release of the series with carefully preserved masters from the 16mm negative which are simply dynamite. The one exception is episode 16, which had to be derived from a 35mm internegative due to the loss of the original elements. Due to the workflow of this process, this one episode had to be upscaled to HD from standard definition. The release features 26 half-hour episodes on four discs, along with the two films on an additional disc. Released in the middle of the ‘90s, it is clear that there have been advances in animation since that time, but this particular aesthetic is timeless and never fails to leave our jaw on the floor. From the very beginning, you will note an absence of age-related anomalies that would make this production feel dated in any way. 

Every episode delivers a thrilling new step along this journey filled with dynamic character designs, distinct environments and experimental artwork that renders with impressive detail and textures. The character designs are replete with subtle details in the facial features and the mech suits. Every location utilizes depth which goes beyond what you expect from traditional 2-D animation. Hideaki Anno has a gift for treating his environments like lived-in spaces, and it elevates the series on every level. Line detail is incredibly crisp with any original texture from the animation left in the source instead of being scrubbed out. The wondrous colors on display are captured admirably within this transfer with hues radiating off the screen. Black levels are deep with no hint of compression artifacts or digital anomalies of the sort. This Blu-Ray presentation is stunning from Shout! Factory and GKIDS. 

Audio Quality

The Blu-Ray comes with a DTS-HD 5.1 and 2.0 Master Audio lossless track in its original Japanese along with a dubbed English version with optional English, English (Songs & Signs Only) and English SDH subtitles. We always encourage audiences to choose the original language to be the go-to track, but from spot-checking the English language version we can say that the performers really brought something special to their interpretation of the material. We understand why the option to have the original voices as a part of the Collector’s Edition would be such a big deal for so many fans. 

The show and the movies know when they need to dig deep, and the audio track provides the appropriate support for these momentous clashes of pure power. Each altercation is filled with a distinct sonic texture that provides a robust sounding experience that you desire with this narrative. Dialogue comes through crisp and clear at all times without being overwhelmed by the music or any other environmental sounds. The heartfelt music maintains peerless fidelity in its deployment as it washes over the audience. GKIDS has ensured that fans have all of their bases covered with this one. 

Special Features

Standard Version

• Title Free Opening: The minute-and-a-half opening is presented without text.

• 30 Second Next Episode Previews: A nearly ten-minute collection of Next Episode Previews are provided. 

• Commercials

• • Japanese VHS Release (1:34)

• • Original Soundtracks (0:30)

• • Sega Saturn Game (0:17)

• • Magazines (0:31)

• • Japanese Blu-Ray Box (2:02)

• TV Premiere Promos: A minute-long collection of promos are provided. 

• Japanese Voice Auditions: A five-minute collection of voice clips from auditions for the Japanese voice cast are provided with subtitles. 

• Genesis 0:0 In The Beginning: A 30-minute promotional piece which shows clips from the first few episodes of the series. 

• Image Board Collection: A nearly five-minute collection of design artwork is provided.

• Music Video – The Cruel Angel’s Thesis: The four-minute music video is provided. 

• Animatic Collection: There is an option to watch each of these episodes in their rough animatic form.  

• • Episode 9 – Both of You, Dance Like You Want To Win! 

• • Episode 15 – Those women longed for the touch of others’ lips, and thus invited their kisses. 

• • Episode 18 – Ambivalence

• • Episode 19 – Introjection

• • Episode 20 – Weaving A Story 2: Oral Stage

• • Episode 21 – He was aware that he was still a child. 

• • Episode 22 – Don’t Be.

• • Episode 23 – Rei III

• • Episode 24 – The Beginning of the End, or “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” 

• • Episode 25 – Do you love me? 

• • Finale – Take care of yourself.  

• Genesis 0:0 The Light From The Darkness: Another 27-minute promotional piece which has a couple of interviews scattered among some clips from the show. 

• The End of Evangelion

• • Deleted Live Action Scene: An 11-minute unused live action scene is provided in standard definition without subtitles.

• • Making of Live Action Scene: A nearly 17-minute piece which takes you behind the scenes of the production of the aforementioned live action scene. 

• • Theatrical Teaser (1:19)

• • Theatrical Trailer (0:15)

• • TV Spots (0:30)

• • Final Scene Alternate Take: A three-minute alternate version of the final scene is provided. 

• • Full Song – Musunde Hiraite (1:22)

• • Episode:25’ Love is destructive. (Partial Animatic): A nearly 18-minute partial animatic of this installment is provided. 

• Music Videos

• • Soul’s Refrain (5:11): An option is given to play with only the music or with SFX sounds included. 

• • Thanatos – If I Can’t Be Yours (4:51): An option is given to play with only the music or with SFX sounds included. 

• • Armageddon (4:55): An option is given to play with only the music or with SFX sounds included. 

• • Memories of Heaven (6:10): An option is given to play with only the music or with SFX sounds included. 

Collector’s Edition

• Classic Dub & Sub Version (5 Discs): Every episode and included movie is provided with the original dubbed English and Japanese that fans first experienced in DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio optional English and English (Songs & Signs Only) subtitles. 
• Episode:25’ – Love is destructive. (Video Format Version): In LPCM 2.0 Japanese with optional English subtitles.

• One More Final: I need you. (Video Format Version): In LPCM 2.0 Japanese with optional English subtitles.

Final Thoughts

Neon Genesis Evangelion is one of the most rewarding anime narratives one can embark upon. While there are familiar elements such as mecha battles, the series goes beyond the expected as it touches upon theological and philosophical elements that allow the experience to solidify itself in your consciousness. It is not uncommon to find yourself wrestling with and debating some of the larger themes at play, and the heady script is complemented by characters that you grow to truly love. Every element of this production is being executed at an enviable level of difficulty. GKIDS and Shout! Factory have released a Blu-Ray with a tremendous A/V presentation and a rich assortment of special features. The Collector’s Edition is worth it if you are truly in love with this series. This is one of the all-time great anime showcases. Essential

Neon Genesis Evangelion: The Complete Series is currently available to purchase on Blu-Ray in a Standard Version and a Collector’s Edition. 

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: GKIDS and Shout! Factory 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.