Neon Genesis Evangelion Arrives on Criterion Channel
Fans of groundbreaking anime rejoice! The Criterion Channel has officially announced a monumental addition to its esteemed streaming library. Starting September 1, subscribers will be able to stream the original 1995 Neon Genesis Evangelion television anime alongside its critically acclaimed films, Evangelion: Death (True)² (also known as Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death & Rebirth) and The End of Evangelion. This marks a significant moment for one of the most influential and discussed anime franchises in history, making these seminal works more widely accessible than ever.
A Long-Awaited Return to Streaming
The journey for Neon Genesis Evangelion to find stable, broad availability in North America has been a long one. For years, the original series and films were largely out of print, making them difficult for new fans to discover and for veterans to revisit legally. ADV Films’ last release, the “Platinum Edition” DVDs, dates back to 2004 and 2005, before the company's closure in 2009 left a void.
GKIDS stepped in during 2020, securing the licenses for the original television series and the two aforementioned films. This acquisition paved the way for recent theatrical screenings, with GKIDS and Fathom Events presenting Evangelion: Death (True)² and The End of Evangelion in theaters on July 21 and 22, allowing a new generation to experience these cinematic masterpieces on the big screen. Prior to this, Netflix began streaming the 1995 television anime in June 2019, reintroducing the series to a global audience.
The Enduring Legacy of Evangelion
Neon Genesis Evangelion is not merely an anime; it is a cultural phenomenon that reshaped the mecha genre and pushed the boundaries of storytelling in animation. The series plunges viewers into A.D. 2015, where Tokyo-3 faces relentless attacks from enigmatic entities known as the Angels. Humanity's last hope rests with the Humanoid Decisive Weapon Evangelion, piloted by a reluctant young protagonist, Shinji Ikari. The narrative delves deep into psychological themes, existentialism, and complex character development, exploring the true cost of heroism and the nature of humanity itself. Its profound impact has inspired countless spinoffs, merchandise, and collaborations across various media.
The Rebuilds and Future of the Franchise
Following the original series, director Hideaki Anno founded Studio Khara in 2006, embarking on the ambitious Rebuild of Evangelion tetralogy. These films reinterpret and expand upon the events of the original series, offering a fresh perspective while maintaining the franchise's core essence. The tetralogy began with Evangelion 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone in 2007, followed by Evangelion 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance in 2009, and Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo in 2012. The grand finale, Evangelion: 3.0+1.01: Thrice Upon A Time, premiered in Japan in March 2021, achieving massive box office success and later debuting worldwide on Amazon Prime Video in August 2021. GKIDS also brought this final film to U.S. theaters in December 2022.
The Evangelion universe continues to expand, with mentions of a new series and a recent anime short that premiered at the “Evangelion:30+;” festival and officially started streaming in March. This ongoing creativity ensures that the franchise remains a vibrant and evolving part of anime culture.
Criterion Channel's Growing Anime Collection
The addition of Neon Genesis Evangelion is part of Criterion Channel's ongoing commitment to enriching its anime offerings. The service has been steadily expanding its anime catalog, recently adding significant titles such as Gunbuster: The Movie, the first season of Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex in March, Gatchaman The Movie in April, and the K-ON! film in May. With Evangelion now joining this impressive lineup, Criterion Channel is becoming an indispensable destination for anime enthusiasts seeking classic and influential works.
Mark your calendars for September 1 and prepare to delve into the complex, thrilling, and emotionally resonant world of Neon Genesis Evangelion.
