Neon Genesis Evangelion - Collection 0-1

Rating:
Summary: It's impossible to say enough good things about Evangelion
Review: This series is a classic. It revolutionized Japanese TV completely-it was almost banned 3 times for graphic violence and adult situations. Although this is really a robot show, it doesn't seem to emphasize that. The robots seem to be there to create character-to-character interaction, such as that between Asuka and Shinji. The only problem with this show is that the ending is rather dissapointing, but MANGA has licensed the recut versions (they should be available later this year). I am one of those who like to watch only SHOJO anime, and I love EVANGELION. I recommend this to anyone who likes a good story, with or without robots.

Rating:
Summary: Volume one to the greatest story ever told
Review: Evangelion is without a doubt, my favorite animated series ever made. The story is beyond compare: it is the year 2015, in a post-apocalyptic setting. Creatures called Angels are attacking the city of Tokyo III, and the only way to combat them is with massive and mysterious robots called Evangelions, which can only be piloted by a 14-year old Child, born during the Second Impact. Confusing, right? Well throw in some incredibly deep philosophical ponderings, and religious ideologies, and you have a show that will drop your jaw with it's action-packed battles, stir you with it's intricate dramatic storyline, and ultimately change your life forever. Volume One has the first four Evangelion episodes, which basically introduce you to the story and the main characters: Shinji, Katsuragi, and Rei (unfortunatly, my favorite character, Asuka, isn't introduced until later episodes). The DVD features both the English version, and the Japanese subtitled version (as well as Spanish and French versions), and of course, enhanced picture and sound as well as some other goodies, making this the ultimate Eva. Now I can't wait for the others.

Rating:
Summary: Not completely original, but no less great
Review: For people who have never seen this show... consider it a mix of Robotech, X-Files, and Twin Peaks. The mecha of Robotech, the conspiracy plots of X-Files, and the wierd and spiritual effects of Twin Peaks. Basically, an existentialist piece that battles the question 'What is self?' while fighting off aliens from somewhere else. The animation and effects are great and the storylines are capivating, IF YOU WATCH THE WHOLE. If you watch the latter or earlier episodes and miss the other ones, you will miss something. Also, The End of Evangelion movie coming soon gives a different,simpler explanation to events in the series. Unfortunately, the dub voice actors are pretty awful, I recommend watching subtitled. Also not recommended for those who do not enjoy watching giant robots kick butt.

Rating:
Summary: I Love this show
Review: I wrote a reviews earlier and said this show was horrible, but that's before I watched the show I love it now I am so sorry for saying that stuff before.

Rating:
Summary: Decent Start to the Series
Review: I heard recently on National Public Radio that Neon Genesis Evangelion is "one of the most popular, and most controversial anime of all time." I have seen the first two volumes of Evangelion. So far it is not very controversial nor particularly riveting. The animation is so-so. The characters are not terribly likeable.

This DVD moves pretty slowly, although it has five episodes, a lot for one DVD. The story takes place in Japan after the Second Impact. The Second Impact was an event that wiped out most of Earth's population. Now the surviving population is trying to fight strange beings called "Angels," who want to destroy the rest of humanity. Depressing, right? Yes, it is.

The main character, Shinji, is recruited to pilot a huge Mecha called EVA 01. This creatures, for some reason yet unexplained, can only be piloted by fourteen year-olds. ????? Also depressing is the cruel and horrifying emotional treatment of Shinji by his father, the brilliant scientist behind NERV, the organization that created and maintains the EVAS. There are two EVAS we know about so far. One is piloted by Shinji, the other by a girl named Rei.

In this volume, Shinji is beat up by a boy at school, shunned by his father, and screamed at and verbally abused by his female NERV captain. I am sticking with the series for now, as it is becoming a little more intriguing in volume two.

Rating:
Summary: how do i say this nicely
Review: Picture & sound are remastered to perfection. This is THE GREATEST ANIME OF ALL TIME buy it. Sadly this is the worst commentary i have ever heard (hey try actually commenting on the film... not just one scream in it...). I was hoping for deep insight, instead i got voice actors recalling better days... anecdotes are fine but not the end all be all... this was the best anime of all time it deserves more.

Rating:
Summary: Like a double-edged sword...
Review: After watching the remastered DVD, I must say that I am impressed with the picture and sound quality of the materials. And the additional materials are welcome, although it does not give much difference when compared with the earlier version of the release.

I do have some grudge against the release, though. The earlier English make-overs were pretty clean, and watching the platinum version, looking at the japanese letters where there were English letters before looks rather awkward (but that could be just me). Also, people who have watched the earlier versions will notice that the translations are different, which is to say that they have gotten somewhat worse. And don't even mention the English dubs. Those are horrible with a capital H.

I haven't decided whether I should collecting this series or to keep my perfect collection and end at that. But here is what I think of it:

If you're new- it's up to you, really. I suggest Perfect Collection, though, since they are much cheaper. But if you do collect the Platinum, it's okay too; you won't have the awkward moments over difference between two versions like I do.
If you prefer better quality overall- go platinum.
If you prefer better translation- go with the Perfect Collection.
If you are a fan- Get it. This thing has better quality overall.

Rating:
Summary: So what do you *really* get for your money ?
Review: I've been an Evangelion fan for quite some time and because of that I decided to start collecting the Platinum series in addition to my current EVA collection (Perfect Collection, Death/Rebirth, End of Evangelion and the two Director Cut DVD's) but with all products I see 2 kinds of reviews: in favor of the product or against it. But never something descriptive, so now I'm having a shot at it.

So what is the Platinum collection... Its a re-make of the original Neon Genesis Evangelion series. The sound dub's have been re-mastered (and in some cases re-done, for example the Japanese 5.1 dub) and the animation itself has been enhanced. This enhancement consists of a re-creation of the original picture (you can see this very clearly when comparing the original with this version) as well as newly added material. In contrary to what most people (including Amazon) say this DVD does hold new material, even though some of it consists of scenes which only last for 1 or 2 seconds. And if you've seen the original you can see that these small extra's really can enhance the overal experience.

This release also makes it quite clear that its aimed toward collectors. The DVD comes in a (cardbord) box which is shaped in the same way as the "Perfect Collection" box, it only has a different print and uses a different color (silver/grey). The box has room to house all 7 DVD releases. The DVD box is inserted in a silver cardbord box which has some very nice decorations on it. This one features a line-drawing of Shinji standing in front of some powerlines (as can be seen in the first episode) at the front, the back tells you what episodes are on the DVD. The DVD box itself comes with a very nice booklet which explains whats on the DVD and also has some nice Evangelion artwork. And to finish up; you'll get your own "Nerv Parking Permit"; a shine-through sticker which you can stick on the inside window of your car. All in all: its very clear that this isn't just an ordinary Evangelion DVD.

However, although the Platinum collection is a very good DVD its not as good as the original. Its like comparing a book with a movie: the book describes details and leave you to make up your own image of the scenes. In the original Evangelion serie not everything was drawn in precise detail, thus leaving it up to the viewer to form the complete picture. In my opinion this adds a lot to the whole experience. Things don't always have to be perfect in order to be experienced as perfect.

So is the Platinum collection worth it ?

If you are a fan of the series I'd say yes. Even if you already own the original series I'd still advice you to consider this one as well (a bit like Star Wars and the later released extended version) simply because of the extra's it offers and is going to offer.

However, if you just want to get an impression of the "Evangelion experience" then I'd advice you to seriously consider as to what you really want. If you just want a peek then this is a good DVD: cheaper than the original, holds 1 more episode than the original release 0-1 and has some nice collectors items.

But if you're new and plan on getting the whole serie then I'd advice you to start with the "Perfect Collection". Its cheaper, its original material and by the time you've finished that one you can always consider getting the Platinum collection. I'm pretty sure that a whole boxed set will eventually be released, which will probably cost you a lot less than collecting every DVD seperatly.

But... For fans this is really a must have collection.

Rating:
Summary: Neon Genesis Evangelion - Platinum Colletion 01 DVD
Review: I bought this DVD with some skepticism as my previous experiences with ADV's release of the Evangelion series was less than stellar. The first editions featured edited animation and terrible mastering/picture quality. With this Platinum edition these mistakes have been corrected.

All Japanese text has been left intact and is now appended with English subtitles rather than outright deletion and replacement in the earlier editions. This in itself is something to celebrate for Eva purists.

The picture is superb. NGE has never looked this nice. Derived from the Eva-reissue in Japan about 2 years ago, the picture quality on these discs is excellent. Color and sharpness stand up to intense scrutiny on HDTV(Sony KV-32HS510).

The remastered audio, I only listened to the Japanese track, is a mixed bag. I really enjoy the sparse and spartan use of sound in Eva. Quite a few flourishes have been added to the new audio track found here. Then again I'm one of the few people I know who prefers the original eps 20-24 than what was remixed and released for LD in Japan.(recently released in the US by ADV as Director's Cut I believe?)

For Eva fans, I cannot endorse this edition of the series highly enough. The only downside is that it seems unlikely the US market will get the remastered versions of the three films because Manga owns the rights to those...By three films I mean:

<UL>
<LI> Evangelion Death : Evangelion Rebirth
<LI> The End of Evangelion: Air/My Pure Heart For You
<LI> Revival of Evangelion (which features Evangelion Death True 2 --note this is the version of Death released to the US market)
</UL>

Then again the Japanese box set that includes all that goes for between $600-1000 depending on your luck and has no subtitles.


Rating:
Summary: Prepare to see Evangelion again.
Review: Let's face it: Hideaki Anno's masterpiece, Neon Genesis Evangelion was probably one of the most successful anime series of all time. However, this is the beggining of a better version of this series. The video and audio have had major improvements. There was some footage from the original cut that didn't make it the first time. And there are some rather informative commentaries done by the cast and crew of the English version.


Now, the series itself can be very intriguing, but weak in some areas. And the unexpected plot changes can leave you confused. Other than the fact that it's confusing, Neon Genesis is an excellent series, and should be watched by all anime fans, even if you already have the original version.