DVD Corner

Evangelion 1.01 You Are (Not) Alone DVD Review

Story problems aside, ‘Evangelion’ is still a fun watch.

GRADES:

CONTENT: B-

PICTURE: A-

AUDIO: A-

EXTRAS: D-

THE MOVIE:

The premise: A young boy named Shinji is recruited by the secret science organization NERVE to pilot a robotic weapon/synthetic humanoid (known as an Evangelion) to destroy the destructive creatures known as the Angels who are wreaking havoc upon humanity. NOTE: 1.01 is a remake of the first six episodes of the “Neon Genesis Evangelion” TV series. Animation from the original series has been mixed in with new CGI animation.

If you’re like me and enjoy seeing robot action then you’ll likely be thrilled by ‘Evangelion.’ Unlike many series where the writers take their sweet time getting to the action, ‘Evangelion’ doesn’t waste any time and gets right down to business. From the opening scene to the ending, the film is stuffed with beautifully animated and intense action scenes between the towering robot and the various Angel creatures.

Action aside, ‘Evangelion’ isn’t flawless. The main character (Shinji) is unquestionably one of the most unlikeable lead characters that I’ve seen in an anime film (or series) as of late. He constantly whines about everything and struggles to embrace his destiny as the pilot of an Evangelion robot. While his lifestyle change is understandably upsetting to him, you’d think the character would be able to toughen up and adjust to the situation instead of being a cry baby.

Another issue I had is that the story and characters are a bit underdeveloped. While I know this is just an introductory film and that more are on the way, I can’t help but feel a bit frustrated. I wanted to know more about the Angels, the intriguing character Rei and perhaps get more characterization between Shinji and his father.

Summary: ‘Evangelion’ fans should not hesitate to pick this disc up. Casual anime fans, however, should just give the movie a rent.

PICTURE AND SOUND:

The widescreen picture quality is worthy of praise. The explosive action, the robot and Angel designs, and the character models all look as sharp as nails.

‘Evangelion’ contains both English and Japanese 5.1 Dolby Digital audio tracks. The English track is so-so. The voice work (namely for Shinji’s character) is a bit obnoxious. The Japanese voice cast is clearly much more preferable.

EXTRAS:

The only extras are trailers for “D. Gray-Man,” “Spice And Wolf,” “Gunslinger Girl,” “Kabari No Ou,” “Tower Of Druaga,” “Vexille,” “Fullmetal Alchemist,” “Claymore,” and “Full Metal Panic! The Second Raid.”

http://www.amazon.com/Evangelion-1-01-You-Alone-Movie/dp/B002KYIAJ2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1258614849&sr=1-1

November 18, 2009 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 1 | Evangelion 1.01 You Are (Not) Alone DVD Review