Manga Entertainment is preparing to release the first of two Evangelion films based on the key anime science fiction TV series of the 1990s, Neon Genesis Evangelion.  Produced by Studio Gainax and directed by the extremely talented Hideaki Anno (Gunbuster, His & Her Circumstances), the Evangelion TV series was both a huge critical and ratings success.  Nevertheless, the series ended with censorship disputes and a couple of low budget episodes that mostly consisted of narration over still frames.  The 'real' ending eventually arrived in the form of two theatrical releases, which Manga will release in the U.S. over the 12 months.  The first Evangelion 'film,' entitled Evangelion: Death & Rebirth recaps the TV series 24 episodes and also includes the first portion of the saga's apocalyptic ending.   Manga Entertainment plans to release the first DVD of Evangelion: Death & Rebirth on July 30.  The 115-minute letter-boxed DVD contains both English and Japanese soundtracks and will retail for $29.95.

 

With its unique combination of stark psychological realism and giant robot battles Evangelion is a landmark in the history of anime.  Serious fans will want to have the TV series (which is available from ADV) as well as the Evangelion movies, which include startling new animated sequences and a not-to-be forgotten apocalyptic ending, while casual fans might prefer the movies which condense the television series into two feverish feature length films.  All the key roles in the English language version prepared by Manga Entertainment are played by the original voice actors, who performed the roles in the ADV adaptation of the TV series.