NEON Genesis Evangelion

I've been an Evangelion fan for quite some time and because of that I decided to start collecting the Platinum series in addition to my current EVA collection (Perfect Collection, Death/Rebirth, End of Evangelion and the two Director Cut DVD's) but with all products I see 2 kinds of reviews: in favor of the product or against it. But never something descriptive, so now I'm having a shot at it.So what is the Platinum collection... Its a re-make of the original Neon Genesis Evangelion series. The sound dub's have been re-mastered (and in some cases re-done, for example the Japanese 5.1 dub) and the animation itself has been enhanced. This enhancement consists of a re-creation of the original picture (you can see this very clearly when comparing the original with this version) as well as newly added material. In contrary to what most people (including Amazon) say this DVD does hold new material, even though some of it consists of scenes which only last for 1 or 2 seconds. And if you've seen the original you can see that these small extra's really can enhance the overal experience.This release also makes it quite clear that its aimed toward collectors. The DVD comes in a (cardbord) box which is shaped in the same way as the "Perfect Collection" box, it only has a different print and uses a different color (silver/grey). The box has room to house all 7 DVD releases. The DVD box is inserted in a silver cardbord box which has some very nice decorations on it. This one features a line-drawing of Shinji standing in front of some powerlines (as can be seen in the first episode) at the front, the back tells you what episodes are on the DVD. The DVD box itself comes with a very nice booklet which explains whats on the DVD and also has some nice Evangelion artwork. And to finish up; you'll get your own "Nerv Parking Permit"; a shine-through sticker which you can stick on the inside window of your car. All in all: its very clear that this isn't just an ordinary Evangelion DVD.However, although the Platinum collection is a very good DVD its not as good as the original. Its like comparing a book with a movie: the book describes details and leave you to make up your own image of the scenes. In the original Evangelion serie not everything was drawn in precise detail, thus leaving it up to the viewer to form the complete picture. In my opinion this adds a lot to the whole experience. Things don't always have to be perfect in order to be experienced as perfect.So is the Platinum collection worth it ?If you are a fan of the series I'd say yes. Even if you already own the original series I'd still advice you to consider this one as well (a bit like Star Wars and the later released extended version) simply because of the extra's it offers and is going to offer.However, if you just want to get an impression of the "Evangelion experience" then I'd advice you to seriously consider as to what you really want. If you just want a peek then this is a good DVD: cheaper than the original, holds 1 more episode than the original release 0-1 and has some nice collectors items.But if you're new and plan on getting the whole serie then I'd advice you to start with the "Perfect Collection". Its cheaper, its original material and by the time you've finished that one you can always consider getting the Platinum collection. I'm pretty sure that a whole boxed set will eventually be released, which will probably cost you a lot less than collecting every DVD seperatly.But... For fans this is really a must have collection.

I purchased this and the rest of the individual dvds and I must say...I am very satisfied with this collection. it cost some money yes, but I love this series too much. watching the eva 1.11 and 2.22 made me fall in love again.I figured I'd write up a quick summary of what the differences are amoung the FOUR platinum sets that are available to purchase. It took lots of research and surfing reviews and evangelion forums to distinguish the small differences.I'll begin with the platinum collection slim pack. Its a great buy for someone that has not seen the series or is begininng to start a collection and whats to save money/shelf space. But, you will get what you pay for. There are NO extra features i.e commentaries, background info etc. yes, the director cuts are included.The second one is the evangelion: complete platinum collection. It's the same as the slim pack, only it does NOT contain individual slim cases. Instead its the bulky case that has all the dvd's inside one case. Honestly, you are better off with the slim pack. Atleast it has cool art design per case and the pricing is better.The next two are arguable as to which is considered the top tier collector item. The argument stems from what I've read in forums, but up to the buyer to decide. In myopinion it's the individually built platinum collection set which i will describe below. I own it aswell, cost a pretty penny but worth it.The third set is actually self built. Meaning you have to buy the the dvds individually. eva: platinum collection 1 comes with a collector art box which you can insert the rest of the dvds in. It comes packed with extra features, commentaries and the last dvd #7 contains a special feature entitled, "mythology of evangelion" couple guys give their take on what the eva story is about. just food for thought and interesting to think about. what makes this set unique are the silver slim cases that comes with each dvd and the 12 page booklets in each case that contains back stories on all the eva's/angels/characters/significant events and some cool still pictures.the fourth set is the Evangelion Platinum: Perfect Collection which comes in a large tin/metal colletor case housing all the original individual platinum dvds i described up top. this set contains all the features but does not come with the informative booklet OR the slim silver box per dvd. since the case is large your dvds will slide around.hope this helps you narrow down your choice on which set to purchase and i hope you really enjoy the series as much as i have.

So what do you get for your money ?Well for a start episodes 1 - 4 of the excellent series Neon Genesis Evangelion. Specifically "Angel Attack", "The Beast", "A transfer" and "Hedgehog's Dilemma".The series can be summed up as "young boy must use big robot to destroy big aliens". However this is really really unfair. Big robots fighting each other does play a part in the same way war plays a part in a film like Saving Private Ryan or Band of Brothers. Yes its there and plays a part but it is only a fraction of the story. The episodes on the disk are character driven focusing around Shinji Ikari, the main character.The video can only be viewed in 4:3 i.e. not wide screen and the soundtracks are Dolby Digital Stereo only so no surround sound. However since this was originally a T.V. show this is understandable but I would have preferred the option of surround sound. You do get a choice of soundtrack though either English, Spanish or Japanese. There are optional English subtitles.The episodes themselves serve as a nice introduction to the series with almost all the main characters introduced and some of the major plot themes started. If you are unfamiliar with the series its helpful to see these early episodes as the plot does get quite sophisticated later on. If you are familiar with the story then you might skip this one as a lot of introductions happen however there is a lot of other things going on that make it worthwhile if you have not seen it.All the episodes on the disk are nicely drawn and the voice acting, in English, is good and gets better.The disk also contains a few extras. A sort of postcard with an advert on the back is included in the box. On the disk there is character bios section with 6 entries. A bunch of trailers for "Sin : The Movie", "Samurai X", "Gasaraki" and "Martian Successor Nadesico". It also includes the opening and closing credits without subtitles. Once you have flicked though theses once you probably will never look at them again.On the whole I give Evangelion 5 stars despite the poor extras and limited video an audio. If you have a home cinema setup you might want to take off a star for this but what you do get is great and more than makes up for these minor niggles.

This DVD contains the first four episodes of Neon Genesis Evangelion, in my opinion the best Anime series to ever come out of Japan. The episodes are Angel Attack, Unfamiliar Ceiling/The Beast, A Transfer: The Phone That Never Rings and Rain, Escape And Afterwards/The Hedgehogs Delimma.These opening episodes introduce usa to the world of EVA. The story is set in the year 2015AD. Mankind is under threat from the Angels, mammoth creatures posessing both incredible combat power and impenetrable defences. They can only be stopped by the Evangelions massive weapons that must be piloted by young children. In these opening episodes we are introduced to Shinji Ikari, the young pilot of EVA Unit-1, as he is foced into his first battle with an Angel.These first episodes are much lighter in tone than the rest of the series as there are comic moments in the second and third episodes.To the people who have never seen anime I say this, Buy It Now! You will not regret this decision.

This series is great the episodes are great this anime series is perfect for any anime collector I love this anime the story is great and action is great my only complaints are that the profile booklet was missing and the DVD ended too soon but adv probably did that too keep the tension up.the DVD contains episodes 1 to 5 not much bonus stuff oh and amazon picture of this DVD is not the same as the cover on the DVD I highly recommended this anime too anime collector or starter.

I love Neon Genesis Evangelion Ep.1-4.

Good kids stuff, but not a serious sci-fi film.There are some wonderful artistic shots but the plot is weak, the characters underdeveloped and the artwork is basic.Earth is under attack by large mechanoids (Angels) and the only defense is a similarly large mechanoid that must be piloted by a compatible teenager. The boy in question has little self confidence, but the show must go on...