Rating: 
Summary: Confusion, Doom And A Slow Loss Of Control...
Review: The fourth disc of Neon Genesis Evangelion marks a turning point in the series, although it may be one that's not immediately noticeable. From here on out the characters begin to lose control of their lives, surroundings and the world as the series speeds up to its conclusion in disc eight.If disc number three marked the calm before the storm, disc four is the light, overcast sprinkle that hints at the coming hurricane. The first episode on the disc is much like those seen previously, but it's obvious that the characters' hopes of a proactive campaign against the Angels are slowly turning more defensive and desperate. The second episode highlights that even more as we see very little of Shinji, Asuka and Rei, but instead focus on a completely different Angel attack that leaves NERV only moments away from destruction. The third episode (number 14 of 26), though, marks the real break with the first half of the series. The minimalist style of flahsbacks, on-screen text and slow addition (and subtraction) of questions about the series is a style that the director, Hideaki Anno, will use more and more frequently as the series progresses. While this episode may seem to be the typical 'midpoint-of-the-series' recap that so many other anime series have, it also marks a serious shift in focus, style and priority in the series (not to mention an increasingly dwindling budget on the part of the production studio). Nonetheless, this disc is every bit as good as the three preceeding it, if not better. As the direction and tone of the series continue their curve into the frantic, the series truly begins to separate itself from virtually any other anime series ever made. Technically, this disc is as minimal as its predecessors. The video and audio, though, remain first-rate. As with the other discs, I would eventually love to see a version with more extras and episodes, but for now I am content to simply own it on DVD. As with disc three, I do not recommend starting with this disc, but if you for some reason felt the need to skip the first half of the series, then definitely get this DVD. "Evangelion" continues to improve on itself throughout the course of the series and this volume is no exception. With the sole caveat that there are no special extras save a minimal character biography section, I wholheartedly recommend this DVD of "Evangelion" just as much as the previous ones.
Rating:
Summary: "If you should betray the chapel of your memories"
Review: The three episodes on this DVD (12 thru 14) take us to the midpoint of the Evangelion series. The preliminaries are over, we have been introduced to the players, and have become fully engaged in the efforts of three young people to stop a steady flow of attacks on the earth by strange creatures known collectively as 'angels.' Even so, we really know very little. In particular, the whys elude us. With each episode, we have been granted a tiny hint that something truly momentous lies just under the covers, that this is much more than an up-to-date space opera. Kabalistic symbols have danced in the air from the beginning, but now there are whispers of prophecies from the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Lance of Longinus. Just what is Gendo Ikari's true agenda? In Episode 12, 'The Value of a Miracle,' Misato's promotion to major grants us a sudden insight into her own motivations. However, any festivities must come to an end when a new angel (Sahaqiel) appears in the skies over NERV head quarters. Asuka, Shinji, and Rei must stop it from crashing to earth like another meteor. Then in 'Angel Invasion' a strange spreading corrosion turns out to be a nanotech angel (Ireul) intent on infecting the Magi - the three supercomputers that support NERV and Tokyo 3. Ritsuko Akagi, NERV's chief scientist, must battle the ghosts of her mother to keep the Magi from self-destructing. After two episodes of monster slaying, Episode 14, 'SEELE, Throne of Souls', is an entirely different piece of work. It officially ushers in the second half of the series with a brief recap of past victories. Rei's own philosophical questions about her own identity are counterpoint to a nearly disastrous experiment with the EVA. In the background, the increased role of the mysterious SEELE committee raises more questions than it answers. Hideaki Anno has proved himself a master at the subtle references that raise suspense and provide a continuous sense of mystery. Even as he allows his characters an increasing level of humanity, he starts the process of questioning exactly what that humanity really is.
Rating:
Summary: "If you should betray the chapel of your memories"
Review: The three episodes on this DVD (12 thru 14) take us to the midpoint of the Evangelion series. The preliminaries are over, we have been introduced to the players, and have become fully engaged in the efforts of three young people to stop a steady flow of attacks on the earth by strange creatures known collectively as 'angels.' Even so, we really know very little. In particular, the whys elude us. With each episode, we have been granted a tiny hint that something truly momentous lies just under the covers, that this is much more than an up-to-date space opera. Kabalistic symbols have danced in the air from the beginning, but now there are whispers of prophecies from the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Lance of Longinus. Just what is Gendo Ikari's true agenda? In Episode 12, 'The Value of a Miracle,' Misato's promotion to major grants us a sudden insight into her own motivations. However, any festivities must come to an end when a new angel (Sahaqiel) appears in the skies over NERV head quarters. Asuka, Shinji, and Rei must stop it from crashing to earth like another meteor. Then in 'Angel Invasion' a strange spreading corrosion turns out to be a nanotech angel (Ireul) intent on infecting the Magi - the three supercomputers that support NERV and Tokyo 3. Ritsuko Akagi, NERV's chief scientist, must battle the ghosts of her mother to keep the Magi from self-destructing. After two episodes of monster slaying, Episode 14, 'SEELE, Throne of Souls', is an entirely different piece of work. It officially ushers in the second half of the series with a brief recap of past victories. Rei's own philosophical questions about her own identity are counterpoint to a nearly disastrous experiment with the EVA. In the background, the increased role of the mysterious SEELE committee raises more questions than it answers. Hideaki Anno has proved himself a master at the subtle references that raise suspense and provide a continuous sense of mystery. Even as he allows his characters an increasing level of humanity, he starts the process of questioning exactly what that humanity really is.
Rating:
Summary: W...O...W
Review: There is nothing else I can say. I've almost run out of things to say about this series, and this is only the 4th item of it I've reviewed. The series' power is beyond what any other anime series I've encountered has. Series like Gundam Wing and Robotech are good, but they don't grab you by the mind and affect your thoughts. The DVD quality is just a great as others. As I always say, BUY IT!
Rating:
Summary: Pasts are explored and more questions are raised.
Review: These are some of the shorter episodes, but they are extremely worth the buy. Episode 12 is by far the best exploring the past of Misato and having an extremely cool Angel fight at the end. Ritsko's story is told in episode 13 and further explains the MAGI super-computers. Episode 14's first half is a summary of the last 13 Episodes. The only problem I had with these episodes is that a lot of the characters seem to hate their parents and it gets a little repetative. Depending on your kind tastes of anime, you may like or hate these episodes. Gainax forces you to watch every detail if your going to want to understand anything about the story. But in my opinion, that is what makes "Evangelion" much more rewarding than most other shows.
Rating:
Summary: For the in depth person
Review: These episodes begin to focus not on the superficial happenings of Tokyo-3, but rather with the mental states of the pilots, and the pasts of each of the characters. This is my favorite part of the series, save the very end, because it is a time in the story when all is relatively well, and you are familiar with the the character's quirks. Yet still it comes before the series' ultimate end. I would reccomend the entire evangelion series (26 episodes) to everyone on Earth. It surpasses every film I have seen to date. Currently though I think this is the most farthest that ADV has come in their conversion to DVD of the series, and still I have yet to see even the first collection in a brick-and-mortar store.
Rating:
Summary: great...
Review: this is a great dvd. the story really starts to heat up here and is the main turning point. this is a great title for any anime fan.
Rating: 
Summary: Horrible translation, ADV, you still haven't learned yet.
Review: This is an Americanized variation of the original EVA, which could be said to be common sense, since we are Americans, but you loose a lot of the original sense of show and entertainment by altering it this way, which was done. The translations in the subtitles are still flawed to some extent, and what is even worse, the visuals have not improved much over the original. This being that ADV Films' contract for this series was for the TV/broadcast variation, instead of the edition released to VHS and region 2 DVD, which is far superior. They were given the option, but having to pay a little more money, they declined. It might make sense from a business point of view, but the cost wouldn't be that bad in the long run. If you have a region 2 DVD player, and understand Japanese, or are willing to watch subtitles, then to reaffirm my statements, watch one of the releases Gainax/Panasonic put out in Japan of this series. You will definetly see a difference.
Rating:
Summary: Don't regret not seeing this anime after life
Review: This is quite possibly the best fantasy ever devised on the face of the planet. It has large unique mecca, nifty technology, emotional byplay, philosophical questions, great characters, unique music, great artwork... you name it it's got it. If you love anime watch it! If you hate anime watch it! Be warned though it looks deceptively simple at first. To get its full effect you must be willing to watch the entire series.
Rating:
Summary: Just beautiful!
Review: This volume reveals more about Misato and Dr. Akagi. I especially loved Rei's poem in Episode 14. So much that I taped it to my tape recorder to listen to a lot of the time. Great charater profiles too.
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