GKIDS Reveals Evangelion Ultimate Edition Details
Just days after announcing registration was open on the long-awaited Neon Genesis Evangelion Ultimate Edition Blu-Ray, GKIDS Films have spilled the beans on the forthcoming release. Not only that, but it's now available to pre-order.
And if you want to get your hands on the fancy-pants new edition, you'll have to be quick. The Ultimate Edition will only be sold via The GKIDS Store, and will be strictly limited to 5000 copies for North America. GKIDS have confirmed that the release will include the full 26-episode 1995 TV series and the accompanying Death and Rebirth and End Of Evangelion movies. This will be the first time the series and original movies are available on Blu-Ray in North America.
The Ultimate edition will also include an exclusive 156-page book featuring exclusive artwork and over seven hours of bonus features. Old-school dub fans can rest easy, as it has been confirmed that the set will also include the full series and both movies with the classic ADV dub, as well as the new Studio Khara approved 'official dub' produced for the Netflix release in 2020. No release date has been confirmed but they are expected to start shipping in December.
NEON GENESIS EVANGELION Ultimate Edition Details
Limited Edition Artwork
The Ultimate Edition is encased in a premium-quality rigid-board shoulder box featuring artwork never before released in North America. These renderings of Asuka and Rei were previously featured on the Japanese LaserDisc release, and are further accented with a hi-build UV treatment on the title and characters, with micromotion on the LCL around Rei. The set also includes two sturdy fold-out disc carriers featuring LaserDisc artwork of Shinji & Gendo on one with Misato & Kaji on the other.
In addition to the Official Dub and Subtitled versions, there is an extra set of discs including the bonus Classic Dub and Subtitled versions for the twenty-six episode series, as well as the films EVANGELION:DEATH (TRUE)2 and THE END OF EVANGELION.
156-Page Book
A perfect-bound 156-page book collects promotional posters and artwork, a glossary of Angels and EVA units, a timeline of key moments in the release of NEON GENESIS EVANGELION, full credit lists for each episode, detailed surveys of all 26 NEON GENESIS EVANGELION episodes, and more.
Art Boards
Eleven double-sided 12x12” art boards are a high-quality replication of the full character-based artwork from the famed Japanese LaserDisc release. Printed on sturdy cardstock, these art boards are ready for wall display or additional framing.
Sachiel Resin Paperweight
A limited-edition resin paperweight modeled on Sachiel, the 3rd Angel. Sachiel is the first Angel to appear in NEON GENESIS EVANGELION and emerges from the sea in EPISODE:1 ANGEL ATTACK. This paperweight was created exclusively for the Ultimate Edition.
*Please note, the paper weight in the packshot is a sample image.
NERV ID Card with Lanyard
Recreated from its appearance in NEON GENESIS EVANGELION, this double-sided guest ID Card features the NERV organization logo and includes a reusable 450mm lanyard adorned with the Magi System’s signature “EMERGENCY” indicators. This ID Card and lanyard are created exclusively for the Ultimate Edition.
SYNOPSIS
In 2015, Tokyo-3 is under attack from “Angels,” extraordinary beings that possess various special abilities. Multipurpose Humanoid Decisive Weapon, Evangelion is the only method to counter these Angels, and Shinji Ikari is chosen as its pilot. The battle for the fate of humankind has begun. Exactly what are the Angels? What is destined for the young pilots? And what will become of humanity?
Presented on Blu-ray for the first time in North America, this groundbreaking, action-packed series from creator Hideaki ANNO has been hailed as one of the most important anime series of all time – a remarkable fusion of genres, and a powerful examination of the relationship between man and machine.
You can order your copy now for $274.99. Orders are limited to one-per-person. The set will also be released in the UK via Anime Limited and in Australia and New Zealand via Madman. The UK edition sold old in less than 24 hours, but AL have secured extra units. If the ultimate edition is too pricey, news on alternate editions is also promised for August 30.
[UPDATED Aug 20 with updated information on UK release]
