Evangelion DVD
From the time that the Evangelion anime series aired on Japanese television in 1995 up until the newest Evangelion movie Evangelion Rebuild 3.0+1.0 in 2020 more than two decades have passed. Within this time Evangelion fans have been able to enjoy their favorite anime series at home in a variety of VHS and DVD box sets. Here is a brief history of the VHS and DVD releases of the Evangelion franchise in the Japanese and Northern American market. Also, release dates and information about the most recent Evangelion Rebuild movie series release on Blu-ray disc.
Many of the DVD release box sets come with a variety of special bonuses such as booklets and editor’s cuts that provided Evangelion fans with more in-depth details and information on the Evangelion series. Including cut scenes, voice cast commentary and theory booklets.
Original Japanese Releases
Here is a brief history of the DVD releases in the Japanese market.
Evangelion Anime Series on VHS
After the airing of the anime series on public TV in 1995, the first set of VHS were released between 1996 and 1998. The series was made into a total of 17 VHS tapes, with each tape containing 2 episodes of the anime. Each tape was labeled as Genesis with a number from 0:1 - 0:14. The final tape called Genesis 0:X was only available to buyers by mail who were able to provide a proof of purchase and collection of all prior volumes of the series.
First DVD Release
The Evangelion anime series was first released on DVD between 1997 and 1999. Each DVD volume contained 4 episodes with a total of 8 different releases. Each DVD is a 4:3 interlaced video and the volume 7 DVD contained episodes 25 to 26, along with an episodic version of The End of Evangelion.
Second Impact Box Set
The Second Impact Box set included the original DVD releases divided into three box sets. Each box set containing three DVDs. In addition this box set came with a bonus copy of the Girlfriend of Steel PC game, a visual novel game that introduces a new character Mana Kirishima and a side-story with about a possible infiltration of NERV.
2003 DVD Renewal
In 2003, the DVD series was updated with a new version that included completely remastered audio and video as a part of promotion of a Renewal of Evangelion campaign. The series was released on 10 DVDs in total, with each DVD containing 4 episodes. The 8th video consisted of the last two episodes, episode 25 and 26. So the rest of the DVD was filled with songs from the series soundtrack. The last two DVDs where a Feature Film and the Feature Film DTS Collector’s Edition.
DVD-BOX
On June 25, 2003, the singles were renewed in a 11 disc box set that contained each episode of the show. Also included both Evangelion films and on-air cuts of episodes 21 to 24. The DVD box set also came with a bonus disc with the Genesis 0:0 and 0:0' PVs and other trailers for the series
DVD-BOX '07 Edition
The DVD-BOX '07 Edition is a re-release of the 2003 DVD-BOX with a slimmer case.
North American Anime Series Releases
Here is a brief history of the DVD releases in the American market.
DVD Perfect Collection
In 2002, ADV films released the Perfect Collection Evangelion DVD collection that came with a box set of 8 DVDs. Bilingual subtitles and voice dubbing included.
Platinum Complete
In 2005, ADV films released the Platinum Complete Thinpak box with the anime series on 6 consolidated DVDs. Bilingual subtitles and voice dubbing included.
Platinum: Perfect Collection
In 2007, ADV films re-released the platinum set in a thinpaks box set with 7 DVDs. This release also came with a limited edition tin case. Bilingual subtitles and voice dubbing included.
Rebuild Movie Releases
ADV films was the distributor for the Evangelion anime series, however for the new Evangelion Rebuild movies, Funimation was given the license and rights to release the Evangelion Rebuild movies in the North American region.
Evangelion 1.01: You Are (Not) Alone (November 17, 2009)
Dolby 5.1 audio and 16:9 anamorphic video and comes in an Amaray case with slipcover. Bilingual subtitles and voice dubbing included.Evangelion 1.11: You Are (Not) Alone (March 9, 2010)
Dolby 5.1 audio and remastered 16:9 anamorphic video and comes in a digipak case. Bilingual subtitles and voice dubbing included. This release also included a bonus of 3 minutes of scenes integrated into the main feature. 2-disc set with "Rebuild of Evangelion 1.01", "Angel of Doom" PV, and trailers.
Evangelion 2.22: You Can (Not) Advance (March 29, 2011)
Dolby 5.1 audio and 16:9 anamorphic video and comes in an Amaray case with slipcover. Bilingual subtitles and voice dubbing included. A 2-disc set with "Rebuild of Evangelion 2.02", "I Would Give You Anything" scene (Noguchi version), trailers, omitted scenes (subtitled only) and English cast commentary.
Rebuild Blu-Ray Releases
The blu-ray releases of the Evangelion Rebuild movies included improved Dolby TrueHD 6.1 audio and remastered HD video.
Evangelion 1.11: You Are (Not) Alone (March 9, 2010)
Evangelion 2.22: You Can (Not) Advance (March 29, 2011)