Customer Reviews

Neon Genesis Evangelion, Collection 0:3 (Episodes 9-11)

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Virtually any review you read of "Neon Genesis Evangelion" on Amazon.com or anywhere else will tell you what an incredible, unique, magnificent series it is. Well, the people who say this are all correct, but the focus is usually on the later, darker, more complex (and more bizarre) episodes - or even on the earliest episodes where so much of the series is hinted at, but so little is understood.

For me, these three episodes represent the best of the series. They are the happy midpoint after we have introduced all of the main characters and are getting to know them. They take a moment to revel in the world that Hideaki Anno (the director) and Gainax (the production company) have created before spiralling events take control out of everone's hands. In the truest Japanese sense, these are the perfect blossom between the unfolding and the inevitable wilting of the world that has been created. Needless to say, they are my favorite episodes of the series.

The disc itself is quite lovely and the video quality of the series remains incredible. While the DVD extras are, at best, minimal, the sheer fact that these are now available on DVD is reason enough to buy the series. I would eventually like to see ADV release a version with more episodes per disc and a lot more bells and whistles, but I will be happy with this for the time being.

"Evangelion" is not really a series that one ponders over getting the next volume of, but if for some reason you are wondering whether to continue after the second DVD, I most definitely recommend doing so. Watch the disc and enjoy the pure simplicity of the storytelling. This disc represents the calm before the storm and the pace and story only grow more frantic from here.

(I don't own the DVD, but the VHS versions of the same episodes) DVD Volume 3 contains Eva episodes 9, 10 and 11. All three are exceptional episodes, focusing on the (slowly) developing teamwork between the three pilots. "Both of you, dance like you want to win!" contains an incredible musical sequence that will take your breath away, "Magma Diver" gives all the fanboys out there a chance to see Rei and Asuka in their swimsuits, And "The Day Tokyo-3 Stood Still" has some of the best writing/editing I've ever seen, real or anime, and the action sequence is just great. I highly recommend the entire Evangelion series, and for Pete's sake, watch them in order. You'll be happy you did.

If you are a serious fan of anime you should make it your mission to get these series. Evangelion is a true masterpiece, filled with deep phylosophical questions counterpointed by great hillarity and spirit. There is only one reservation i have; this dvd contains only 3 episodes. This is very unexpected and totally out of "standard", set for anime on dvd. Since it would make no sense for ADV to put more episodes in the future releases. We can expect these series to take at least 8 dvd's not 7 as was originally expected, and definitely not 6. I am very dissapointed in ADV it is obvious they dont care about the fans. Although we already knew that. Of course if you are a fan and have cash it doesn't make that big of a difference. But if you are broke like me you might be better off exploring other options like, buying an import dvd box set.(all region coded of course.) Which obviously wont have an english dub but will have english subtitles.

Out of all the DVDs of Evangelion, this by far is the most hilarious one. After Auska's arrival, things get weird. First, Shinji and Auska have to doulbe team an angel which means they have to live together. The next epiosde is even more entising as Auska shows off her new bathing suit to Shinji. And things get a little perverted at the spa. However, if your looking for a less silly epiosde, episode 11 on the disc is a little better. Tokyo goes completely out of power and NERV is hot and in the dark. The only silly moment I could find in this episode was when Auska kicked Shinji for looking up her skirt. This volume is more of a charcter devolpment rather than intrique. But you might as well relish it. After this point, there is bearly any silliness at all. There is the most popular scene on this disc though where Shinji and Auska fight to classical music. That was the best part on the whole disc. I do not know what Bios are going to be on the disc, but I can assume that there will be bios on Gendo and Kaji. I hope ADV continues in this tradition.

On this third collection of Evangelion (episodes 9 through 11), Asuka commands most of the attention. Which is no surprise, considering that the young woman from Germany is still looking to prove she is the best of the three pilots. Her interplay with Shinji and Rei shows that her overweening pride is simply a mask to hide deeper insecurities, yet her fierce bravery is undeniable in these episodes.

The first of the three tales finds Asuka and Shinji pitted against an Angel (Israphel) who can magically duplicate itself when it is under attack. After a failed first effort, the two EVA pilots must learn to coordinate their efforts perfectly. Considering how little they like each other this may be harder than destroying the Angel. It certainly is funnier.

Next, NERV scientists discover an Angel embryo (Sandalphon) deep in the lava of an active volcano. Asuka, deprived of a chance to go on a class trip, is determined to destroy it on her own... If she can just get over the embarrassment of her special heat-resistant suit. Misato's determination puts Asuka in severe danger and the outcome is in doubt to the very end.

The final episode finds NERV headquarters in darkness due to human sabotage. Without power, Shinji, Asuka, and Rei must break into NERV to get to the EVAs before they can face an acid wielding Angel (Matriel) determined to liquefy Tokyo-3.

These episodes show the EVA pilots at their best and their worst. We do get a tiny glimpse of whatever it is that motivates Asuka's abrasive bravado, and how this balances and contrasts with Rei's calm acceptance and willingness to do whatever is needed. Poor Shinji, cursed with a brilliant but cold and distant father finds himself attracted and bewildered by both. Writer/director Hidako Anno again uses short glimpses, rather than long exposition to build interest. This enables him to accomplish a great deal of layering of story, development and symbol in the sparse context of the Anime medium.

I've read people complain about the quality of the DVD menues, etc. Don't let that stop you from purchasing this DVD. This story is wonderfully written, and the animation is superb. It is definately worth your tie even if you don't like this particular genre. The characters are very in depth and well written. I enjoyed this series thuroughly. I bet you would too.

Hey, lookin' for the continuation of the best anime series of all time? Well, I was, and I wasn't disappointed! Collection 03 of Evangelion is much lighter and fun than the rest of the series, and I think that's important for those of us who're kinda weirded out by the deep messages in Evangelion, which had the potential to be a REAL slug-fest. This DVD ALMOST lived up to the slugfest potential, and treats us to a dance-like fight scene where Shinji and Asuka work together!! (Never thought you'd see that, eh?) A little of Asuka's past is explained, but not too much. It's not a meaningful DVD, but the characters really develope their relationships. The jealousy Asuka has for Rei steadily climbs. On the lighter side, Asuka moves in with Shinji, and a bit of humor ensues. Asuka sleepwalks, and the results mess with Shinji's head - mentally and by Asuka's abuse! As for action, there's an Angel battle in all three episodes on this DVD! These're definetley the best battle scenes so far. Eva fans and non-Eva fans alike will all enjoy this DVD!

The NGE series is, in one word, amazing. It is a completely original take on the Christian myth of the Apocalypse. Based on an amazingly insightful interpretation of the entire body of mideval christian scholarship, the dead sea scrolls, and post-modern theory, NGE is haunting, beautiful, and insightful. It is visually amazing, emotionally challenging, and spiritually astounding. As a Christian, I dare to say that this helped me explore and expand my faith. As a fan of Japanese cartoons, I say that this is pretty damn cool. As a human being, I say that this is mind-blowing. It is too easy today to say that nothing more can be said about God, Man, or their relationships. Neon Genisis proves that there is indeed something new under the sun.

This would be a 5 but.... There are only 3 episodes on this DVD. AD Vision is milking anime fans, Again. There is no reason to put only 3 instead of 4 eposisodes on this. It is not like they included lots of extra features! I Have this entire series on (fansub) but I am tring to support Ginex and U.S. distibuters of anime. It is not like it is hard to get in Tokyo. Bottom line is__ If you want to watch a very good series. You are going to get tail piped by AD Vision.

ADV does it again! Evangelion volume 3 is top-notch. Although you only get 3 episodes, as opposed to the previous 4, it's still worth it, because these are some of the best. Each one features an great angel battle, and has plenty of character moments - including the obnoxious (or adorable, whichever you think) Asuka.

The picture and sound are largely unchanged, but there are now no overlays on the Japanese writing to the dismay / relief of viewers, keeping it closer to the original version. Extras are a bit on the thin side, but they're better than most anime DVDs.

Its really worth getting this and the others, because Evangelion as a whole series is excellent, and you really need to know whats going on for when the film comes out because it concludes the whole series (and is brilliant, may i add).