Neon Genesis Evangelion: Platinum Collection

*OVERVIEW and EPISODE REVIEWS:Neon Genesis Evangelion (NGE) starts out simple enough. A story about a boy named Shinji Ikari coming to a futuristic city and using giant robot-like Evas (Unit-01 himself) to fend off the invading enemies called Angels. Along the way he meets a mysterious girl and pilot of Unit-00, Rei Ayanami, the fiery pilot of Unit-02 Asuka Langley Soryu, Director of Nerv Operations Misato Katsuragi, the brilliant scientist, Ritsuko Akagi and his estranged father and Nerv's Commander, Gendo Ikari. There's also an intriguing cast of minor characters including friends from his school, Toji and Kensuke and Nerv's Vice Commander Fuyutsuki. But it ends in a completely different place than where it began, with so much filling its creamy center that it's hard to know what to cover in a review.Yes, it indeed starts out simple enough: Through the first 8 episodes you probably couldn't distinguish NGE from any other giant robot anime ever made. These episodes, while entertaining, are as straight forward as anime gets. Then, slowly but surely from episodes 9-13, the characters are given to more detailing. We get to know them better as more of their stories and histories are revealed. A beautiful example of this is in episode 9 when Asuka falls down, asleep, next to Shinji, who is then tempted to kiss her before something makes him stop. The story is expanded upon as more secrets are revealed, which leads to more questions.But then, during episode 14, which starts out as a boring "recap", half way through we get the first glimpse of what this series is really about. After the title card we hear the voice of Rei, giving a surreal and beautiful monologue with similar images following on the screen. This bit is practically visual/audio poetry working together, and gives the first hints of what's to come. The psychological and philosophical leanings of this episode would start to become more prominent throughout the series.Episode 15 is really where the gears shift. The story has slowly built our interest in the characters and the many secrets up to this point, with as much humor and light heartedness as seriousness. In 15 though things takes a more mature, complex, and somber turn - with the end being the catalyst for the brilliant episodes to come. Indeed, episodes 16 and 18 are two of the most dramatic works of fiction I've ever experienced, with 17 being the calm interlude between them.But then 19 comes along and trumps them all. If I could describe the chills I had when watching that episode for the first time... simply put, I don't think dramatic storytelling gets any better. Episode 20 is one of the deepest and complex, further diving into the psychology and symbolism behind the show. 21's back stories are woven so intricately you forget that you're watching an anime as the breadth given to the characters are incredible. 21's finale also serves as one of the most emotional in the series.22 is one of the most disturbing episodes, diving into the psychology of Asuka this time in a way that will leave you feeling a bit shocked. 23 does what 22 did for Asuka and applies it to Rei. It also has the biggest, most stunning revelation in the series at the end of the episode, as one of Nerv's big secrets is revealed. These episodes also bring much of the "bigger" picture between Nerv, Seele, and the secrets behind the Angels and 2nd Impact into focus, which leads to the climax. That climax hits with episode 24, with the introduction of the last angel Kaworu. While one of the most perplexing episodes (due to its cryptic plot and dialogue), its magnificent finale - played out appropriately to Beethoven's final movement of his monumental 9th Symphony - serves as an outstanding closure to the main series before the final two episodes.The final two episodes completely forego the story that's been building up, and focuses instead on the psychology and philosophy behind the show and its characters. These two episodes are brilliant in their own right. Episode 26 in particular, with its deconstructing of the meanings of reality and freedom, and examining of so many psychological hot points in the show (one's self worth, for instance) is an artistic high point in anime. They are not completely un-story related though, as the "melding of minds" in these episodes are a major plot element. But this works out great for the director Hideaki Anno who probably loved being able to get many of these feelings out through this series and these two episodes in particular.For those wanting a closure to the story of NGE, "The End of Evangelion" is the grand finale to end all grand finales. While it won't answer everything in a nice, neat way (this is not a show that hands you answers on a silver platter), it provides an astonishingly powerful and poignant conclusion to the story and to the NGE series. I can understand the frustration of fans after watching the series and then the final two "series" episodes, thinking this was the end. In reality, the movie was MEANT to be the conclusion, but because of budget and time problems it couldn't be completed in time. The "series" finale will still stand on their own as the alternate take, but they're an essential alternate take as this is an anime whose meanings stretch far beyond the mecha-sci-fi, boy-saves-world genre. But the film sets a new standard in the art of closing a series on the perfect note.*SERIES REVIEWWhile the layers of psychology, philosophy, and symbolism would crush most shows under their own weight and seeming pretentiousness, Anno handles them with adeptness and acute direction. He skillfully weaves them into the story to the point where everything makes complete sense in relation to the characters and storyline. In fact, if you really take time to analyze the story, the characters, and the relationship between the dialogue and visuals with the psychological, philosophical, and symbolic meanings, you'll see this series does indeed have more depth than almost all others that have attempted to tackle similar subjects. In fact, this is a series which almost has to be viewed several times, as there are recurring motifs (both visually and in the dialogue) which link important thematic elements strung throughout. And if you're not watching carefully, you'll miss them the first and maybe even second time around.I think the reason these ideas become so important is very simple, and that's because of the characters. Anno doesn't just create a random bunch of soulless, mindless, anime characters. He creates characters that everyone can relate to on some level. Because these characters have such range and depth, we begin to really care about them and their struggles. In the end their struggles become our own and they literally become mirrors of our own psychological profiles and problems. We begin to grieve as we watch them deal with such (self) destructive behavior caused by their circumstances and consequential frames of mind. It's because of this that the viewer actually cares about the more portentous moments, no matter how grandiose they become. I think it's very important for those out there to understand that all the elaborate complexities of NGE wouldn't matter without the characters that carry the weight and meaning of it all.NGE is a show of extremes. Ranging from scenes of palpable, viseral power that inspire shock and awe, to the most quietly surene, surreal, and beautifully touching moments. These scenes are woven together as fine and eloquently as the Beethoven Symphony they play in episode 24 itself. And like that symphony, even though the parts are outstanding, the whole is much greater than the sum.I believe this is a work of resounding artistic depth. I'd go as far as to say it's one of the absolute greatest pieces of fiction ever made in any medium. This may sound like hyperbole, but there have been few - if any - fictional works that have effected me both emotionally and psychologically like NGE has. If you put in the time and effort to actively watch this series, it will reward as many repeat viewings as you care to give it, as new layers and meanings will be uncovered each time. And I think that is, if nothing else, the first sign of a work of artistic genius.*DVD REVIEW:The Platinum Edition is far and away better than the Perfect Collection. The remastered visuals and audio are extraordinary. It doesn't get better than watching the big explosions in 5.1 Surround Sound! The remastered visuals are equally as striking. The reduced frame shake and jitter is a phenomenal improvement from the previous edition. It seems like they almost went back and re-animated parts of the show, making almost every scene look more vivid, life-like and alive. The Subtitled translations is another thing worth noting, as these translations are, by and large, more accurate. Even though I now hate the English translation of the song doesn't match the melody (always found it funny why it did on the Perfect Collection), this is a more accurate translation. The packaging is the only disappointment. The box is nothing special, the DVD cases themselves contain no booklets or notes, and there's no extras on the DVDs. But you get what you pay for as the price is a bargain. If you want all the other stuff you have to buy the Platinum Collection 1+Box and the rest of the collection separately.

Like the title says, I'm an Inuyasha fan and I've been looking for quite a while for something that has a story to match, good characters, decent artwork, etc. Most of all it had to be something I could afford. I looked for 5 hours straight and just realized nothing could compare (yes I already know about Fullmetal Alchemist), until I remembered that "weird mech show" I had seen a few times on adult swim. I looked it up and bought it and was not dissapointed. It truly has a thought provoking storyline, great EVA vs. ANGEL battles, some humour (hooray for Pen Pen!), and besides it's length (once again I'm an IY fan so I'm not used to 20-something episode animes) is probably my third favorite anime now (1. Inuyashsa 2. Fullmetal Alchemist). I thought the packaging was very nice with Rei and Asuka on the cover of a nice solid cardboard case, and the thinpaks are well-protected. While this anime DOES contain some pretty graphic violence, some sexual themes (is that what you call them?), and more swearing than I expected, I find no reason why younger audiences shouldn't enjoy the story. If it makes you feel better watch it with your kids and yell "BEEP!" every time they're gonna swear. whatever floats your boat, I personally hate censorship of any kind but that's not the point. note: the subtitles sometimes don't work on Xboxes or Computers (I find 3/10 work on xbox and 8/10 pc). They work fine on regular DVD players but I don't know about PS2 or Xbox 360. Another note, the opening song is incorrectly subtitled. ADV films took so many liberties altering it so it would follow the beat of the song that they changed it altogether. These are the real lyrics obtained from [...]Like a cruel angel,young boy, become the legend! [2][Short Instrumental Intro]A blue wind is nowknocking at the door to your heart, and yetyou are merely gazing at meand smiling.Something gently touching--you're so intent on seeking it out,that you can't even see your fate yet,with such innocent eyes.But someday I think you'll find outthat what's on your backare wings that are forheading for the far-off future.The cruel angel's thesiswill soon take flight through the window,with surging, hot pathos, [3]if you betray your memories.Embracing this sky [universe] and shining, [4]young boy, become the legend![Instrumental] [5]Sleeping for a long timein the cradle of my loveThe morning is coming when you alone will be calledby a messenger of dreams.Moonlight reflects offthe nape of your slender neck.Stopping time all throughout the worldI want to confine them, but...So if two people being brought together by fatehas any meaning, [6]I think that it is a "bible"for learning freedom. [7]The cruel angel's thesis.The sorrow then begins.You held tight to the form of lifewhen you woke up from that dream.You shine brighter than anyone else.Young boy, become the legend!People create historywhile weaving love.Even knowing I'll never be a goddess or anything like that,I live on.The cruel angel's thesiswill soon take flight through the window,with surging, hot pathos,if you betray your memories.Embracing this sky and shining,young boy, become the legend!Translator's Notes:[1] "TE-ZE" is the Japanese spelling/pronunciation of "these," which is German for "thesis."[2] The word "shinwa" actually means "myth" ("legend" would be "densetsu"), but I think it sounds better as "legend."[3] "Atsui" (hot) can also mean "intense, passionate." "Pathos" is "the quality or power in life or art of evoking a feeling of pity or compassion; pity; suffering; sorrow."[4] "Sora" (sky) is the reading given for the kanji for "uchuu" (universe).[5] In some versions of this song, there is singing in this part. Unfortunately, I can't tell what they're singing (there's too much overlap). I think the last thing they sing could be "ai ga fusei," which can be roughly translated into "Love is a sin (wrongdoing)." If you have any idea what they're singing, please e-mail me. Arigatou![6] The kanji used for the "a" in "aeta" is not the normal kanji used in "au" (to meet). It's the first kanji in "ouse" (encounter, tryst) and has more of a connotation of meeting by fate or being brought together by fate, not just meeting. (Interestingly, a dictionary I have gives the meaning of "au," when written with this kanji, as "to meet (with drama or pathos)")[7] The "watashi wa sou" is probably "watashi wa sou omou." And "bible" in this case isn't referring to *the* Bible. "Bible" can also mean "guide book, how-to book, a book valued for its use as a reference," like in "a handyman's bible," or "a bird-watcher's bible."NOTE: Yes, this translation is different from the one presented on the Evangelion videos & DVDs produced by ADV. There's a reason for that: mine is more literal and correct. When ADV "translated" this song, they decided to change the words so that the English "translation" could be sung to the beat of the original song (this is commonly called dubtitling). But in the process of changing the "translation" to fit the beat of the song, they had to take rather big liberties with it, until their "translation" was no longer correct. The essence of the meaning remains, but it is largely incorrect. I, on the other hand, did a true translation, not a "dubtitle," so my translation on this page is, indeed, more literal and correct than ADV's translation that they put on their Eva tapes and DVDs.This is not my translation and was obtained from [...]Thank you and I hope you like Evangelion!

***First, I wanted to suggest you people in Canada who wish to get this item go to Amazon.com (the U.S. based Amazon) and check out the price of the exactly same item there - you will be completely blown off - as noonies soaring past U.S. dollars, $60 of difference is just a complete rip-off!!!!Don't buy this item here, go to Amazon.com or get it from the independent sellers here. You save about 150% (110-50=60, 60/40=150%) there! Check it out yourself*****Now, NGE itself...It's, absolutely, a masterpiece., period.No matter how you look at any aspects of it, it just stands out of the crowd.Animation/Graphics + Sound - I'd give 4.5/5 . This is obvious. The original series was made in 1997, if you look at some of the anime made around that time, you'll see how totally outstanding Evangelion's graphics are. Totally outstanding. You HAVE to admit that some of the animes made nowadays have worse graphics than the original series. Plus this platinum edition has a remastered graphics as well as sound (surround Dolby 5.1 for both Japanese and English dub). However, the graphics and sound are not perfect, still some distorted faces/shapes occasionally showing up - well, I bet every anime series have this kind of problem.Storyline/Characters - 4/5. Evangelion is probably one of the weirdest anime ever made . It has a storyline that is extremely hard for some to perceive and understand, many "broken" scenes and sometimes even episodes that feel like coming out of nowhere. However, you have to watch the entire series, even with the two movies, to be able to see the whole grand scheme of things. The various aspects of psychology, religions, politics as well as common human relationships, etc. that are involved in it are the core of this anime. Shinji, Rei, Asuka, Commander Ikari, Misato... - every character in it has some different not-so-pretty past and they all ended up in some different paths. Nevertheless, the storyline/character development in this series is very depressing and sometimes "maddening" - a bit too "dark" theme.

今回、6,000円＋αで購入できました。いろんな業者の方が見えるので選ぶ楽しさもあるかも知れませんね。今回、この評価を見ていて、この商品は果たして再生できるかどうかが一番の心配でした。結論は、DELL　inspiron 15R Special Edition CORE i5 では、再生OKでした。但し、最初にリージョンコードの変更画面（５回まで変更可らしい）が出てきます。OKを押すだけですが・・・。ほかのPCでは試していません。そして、PanasonicDIGA　DMR-BRT220では「地域の問題」で再生NGでした。商品自体は傷もなく、とてもきれいなものでした。上記PCにおける再生も問題なく、Epson プロジェクターへのHDMI接続時でもきれいに再生できています。映画からファンになった者ですが、これはとても良い商品だと思います。安価ですので、英語の学習教材としても皆さんにおすすめしたいです。

Evangelion is the most stylish. most strikingly original anime in the medium in the last 10 to 20 years. With a heavy dosage of Christian and Jewish Symbolism and a Heart wrenching story with flawed characters in an equally flawed world the viewer is pulled threw what might be the most utterly amazing 26 episodes of television ever filmed. Yes as one reviewer noted the ending is ambiguous, but it is not truly the ending. Ganiax the studio that produced the anime became embroiled in tax fraud and funding for the final episodes of the series were slashed, thus resulting in the animators being forced to use left over concept art and what little they could pull off to animate the "end".Luckily they were able to create a movie to complete the series entitled, "the end of evangelion" required viewing for anyone who watches the series. This to has an ambiguous ending which includes the main character having long discussions with... well with himself and an ending that is left up to the viewers own interpretation. But this only add's to just how truly awesome in scope evangelion is, from its amazing animation to its incredibly detailed and heart wrenching story. It is truly required viewing for any anime fan.

表に綾波レイ、裏にアスカをあしらったボックスの中に薄型ケースで全話が収納されています。フリー・リージョンのDVDプレイヤーを所有していれば、価格的に大変お得だと思います。各話の予告が、きちんと付いています。サービス、サービス!

Incredible story line, amazing character development, it does go very dark into some issues (no spoilers). If you aren't aware of the general topics of the show before watching be prepared for a bit of a heavy emotional ride. I went into this totally unaware of what it was about and had to watch it twice to really catch and understand the imagery and depth of the story.