First Blu-ray Neon Genesis Evangelion has a release date, pre-orders

Neon Genesis Evangelion is coming to Blu-ray in North America for the first time, thanks to distributor GKids, who will release an 11-disc Ultimate Edition collection of Hideaki Anno’s influential anime series this December. The Neon Genesis Evangelion The Ultimate Edition box includes the original 26-episode TV series and two follow-up movies, Evangelion: Death (True) ² Y The end of Evangelion.

Advance orders for Neon Genesis Evangelion Ultimate Edition will be available Thursday through GKids online storeand it costs $ 274.99. (That’s the pre-order price, mind you; the standard price is a whopping $ 349.99 and goes into effect on December 7, 2021.) The collection will launch on December 8.

GKids describes the Blu-ray Ultimate Edition release of Neon Genesis Evangelion as a limited run set; only 5,000 copies will be released in North America, the distributor said.

The Neon Genesis Evangelion Ultimate Edition will include dual locations from the series and films: the “Classic” dubbing and subtitles from the original home video release, and the “Official” (read: the version used for the streaming version of Evangelion on Netflix) dubbing and subtitles. The launch of Ultimate Edition, like the launch of Netflix, do not features the song “Fly Me to the Moon” over the end credits of the television show.

Image: khara / Project Eva / Gkids

In addition to the original series and two follow-up films, Neon Genesis Evangelion Ultimate Edition will offer more than seven hours of additional features, GKids said in a press release. There will also be a host of physical bonuses, including a 156-page book filled with promo posters and artwork, a glossary of Angels and EVA units, and full credit lists for each episode. The collection also includes 11 double-sided art boards, measuring 12 inches by 12 inches, that replicate character artwork from Japanese LaserDisc releases.

Also included are a resin paperweight inspired by Sachiel, the third angel to debut in Episode 1, “Angel Attack,” and a NERV ID card with lanyard to access secret underground facilities (don’t try this).

Image: khara / Project Eva / Gkids

Everything is packaged in a “premium rigid board shoulder box” decorated with Asuka and Rei illustrations that were previously included in the Japanese LaserDisc release. Also included are two folding disc holders, with LaserDisc illustrations of Shinji and Gendo on one with Misato and Kaji on the other.

The Neon Genesis Evangelion The Ultimate Edition collection, while pricey, may be the best option for serious Eva fans who want to closely replicate the original anime streaming and home video releases (excluding music options) in physical form. For fans who are comfortable with the streaming versions, the original TV series, Evangelion: Death (True) ², Y The end of Evangelion they are currently streaming on Netflix. The Rebuild of Evangelion quadrilogy, including the most recent release, Evangelion 3.0 + 1.01 three times one time, are streamed through Amazon Prime Video.