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So, lets say that you have been taking this advice to heart from the beginning and you already snatched up the first three volumes when they were released, and now your gonna be walking into the old DVD store for this little beauty when it streets a couple days after Christmas. Let me prepare you for this one right up front...there are only three episodes on this disc! That's right, just episodes 15 through 17 appear here, which raises some questions for you I'm sure. First off, no, ADV is not trying to fleece you out of your hard earned cash by suddenly cutting what has been four or five episodes per disc down to a mere three. If anything, I praise these guys for putting this set together in much more digestible and fitting volumes than it ever has been before, with each release acting as a "chapter" of sorts in the saga.
First up was the saga of Shinji, with insights into this main character and what would drive him for the series. Second, we took a trip into Rei's head and saw a bit more about her past experiences with NERV and even some glimpses into her future...even if both of these things only made her more of an enigma! Then in the third collection of episodes the fiery redhead Asuka came raging into the series like a brush fire; consuming everything in her path and altering the landscape where she has already gone. So this fourth volume, even with only the three episodes, takes us deep into a few different directions; each a journey into secrets and buried truths..
Misato, Kaji, Ritsuko and Shinji's father Ikari are all holding onto some very important secrets, each one a part of the great puzzle that lies buried in the recesses of NERV. Some of these secrets now begin to emerge, making these three episodes a pivotal point in the series; in fact, I actually watched episodes 16 and 17 a second time through right after my first viewing...just to really wrap my brain around what was being revealed and what was being further cast into shadow. If you have just begun collecting/watching Neon Genesis Evangelion, then this is the volume which will show off the true power and emotional depth of this fantastic show...and if you are a returning fan, there are still some treats in store.
Last review I mentioned that we would discuss some of the translation issues that were gone over in these Platinum Editions, and in no other set of episodes is proper translation so important. In the first VHS releases of Neon Genesis Evangelion, the original translations were not always entirely accurate, which didn't so much lead to misdirection or confusion as much as it led to a limited understanding of what was unfolding. Neon Genesis Evangelion is a series that says much with a few words, and entire episodes of information can be overshadowed or completely undone with only a single line. Realizing the importance that hung on each and every word of dialog, ADV has now gone through and corrected any and all translation mishaps and even cleared up a few correctly translated, yet hazy bits of dialog. All this plus a new double check of the subtitles and a few minor tweaks here and there for clarification or effect means that these Platinum Editions are the closest you will ever get to understanding Evangelion exactly as it was meant to be.
Evidence of this re-working can be found in the change to the episode titles from what they have been known by in the past. Astute readers and fans will notice that most of these were simply conjunction issues or a change in plurality, but that a few were changed when originally brought to VHS in the States...no doubt due to the fact that most American audiences would not be immediately comfortable with asking their friends if they had seen episode "Those women longed for the touch of others' lips, and thus invited their kisses" yet. It is good to see even these smallest of details being paid attention to.
With just the right info being passed to you in perfect sound and attached to perfect visuals, the Platinum Editions of Neon Genesis Evangelion are proving over and over again that they are the end al and be all for those that call themselves "fans" of the most popular anime title of its time. And through their release, ADV is proving that they care for the anime they are releasing and don't mind taking a look into the past now and then...a definitive break from their usual forward thinking ways! Applause goes to both ADV and these discs for making Evangelion what it always should have been! Episode 15 – Those Women Longed For The Touch Of Others' Lips And Thus Invited Their Kisses Slowly, the facts behind the NERV project are beginning to work their way to the surface. Kaji has been investigating the truth behind the Marduk Institute as well as the other companies involved with NERV, and these corporate dealings are nothing more than a sham. Shinji has a meeting with his father, but not before consulting Rei on what type a person he is since father and son have had limited dealings over the years. Misato and Kaji begin to discover more but each other, and he reveals some of the horrible truth behind NERV to her. Episode 16 – Splitting Of The Breast Ritsuko continues with the harmonics test, and Shinji outscores his two fellow pilots. However, his ability and potential are about to be tested when the twelfth Angel, Leliel mysteriously appears from no where above Tokyo 3 and Asuka decides that the Third Child should lead the offensive strike. However, Leliel is like no angel they’ve fought, and Shinji and his EVA are quickly swallowed by its shadow, finds himself in a strange world that he cannot escape from. Running low on life support, he must find a way to out or face being destroyed. Episode 17 – Fourth CHILD The UN summons Misato in to question her on the events that transpired during their encounter with the twelfth Angel, however there is no conclusive or substantial evidence available on the Angel itself. Shinji’s abilities are also called into question, but Misato still feels he is fit for duty. Meanwhile, in the Nevada desert, the second branch of NERV is destroyed with no real source being discovered and the new experimental S2 engine that was being tested there is also lost. And, the fourth child is finally found, but the mysterious new pilot is Shinji’s classmate, Toji, and this knowledge has varied reactions from those closely affiliated with the NERV project. -aaron-
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