Evangelion: 2.0 You Can Advance - Blu-ray

Let me start out by saying that this film is just incredible. Dare I say...perfect? Yes I'd go as far as to call it the quintessence of perfection. I was absolutely blown away watching this. When a film can leave you feeling the same emotions of excitement and thrill that riding a roller coaster gives you, you know you're either crazy or it's just that GOOD. Hopefully it's the latter rather than the former. But being completely serious...this film is just ASTOUNDING in it's own right. The film starts off right where the last one (Evangelion 1.11 You Are (Not) Alone) ends, but in truth it skips episode 07 of the televised series so episode 08 and continues from there to episode 19. Now since this film was released I've picked up the first film mentioned above and loved it, it was enough for me to pre-order Evangelion 2.22 You Can (Not) Advance and also purchase the complete original series. What this film brings to the table is a mix of some new and refreshing plot with a mix of the classic Neon Genesis Evangelion storyline which isn't a bad thing. The film weaves the new story it's trying to tell with the old and does so in a way that makes it feel familiar while still being new and just as exciting. There's several additions to the Evangelion universe that they add in the film. One such addition is the new Eva pilot Mari who makes a great addition at that. The best way to describe her is well...crazy, but a good crazy she's just a blast to watch piloting and the scenes that do include her feel upbeat and fun. Let's just say she enters the story with a bit of a bang. Also the film changes some aspects that were pivotal in the series. For instance several new Eva's enter in the film while still being true to the series. The film also introduces Asuka Langley Shikinami, her surname changed from Soryu for some reason, but it's never clear why. Other than that not much changes between the main pilots from the original series which are: Shinji, Asuka, and Rei. The only exception is Toji is no longer selected as a pilot, which you'll later see why. Asuka is still the same old self-centered person who can't be honest with herself and her feelings, Shinji still needs a reason(s) to pilot the Eva and deal with his father complex, and Rei is still a mystery in her own right who needs help feeling emotions in my opinion. Between those 3 just like in the original show you have the tsundere (love hate) relationship between Asuka towards Shinji and the underlying relationship between Shinji and Rei the latter of which is more emphasized in this film rather than in the series where you have a lot of attention being focused on Asuka and Shinji. There's some minor changes to the film as well with the enemies or Angels that they face off against. For instance in the series the episode 09 "Both of You, Dance Like You Want to Win!", where you have Asuka and Shinji working together to take out an angel that has the ability to separate it's core into two. Instead you have a somewhat similar ending to the fight in the way that the Eva attacks the lone Angel which does not split it's core and looks completely different from what the series depicted. But you also have some similar Angels such as an Angel attempting to crush Nerv HQ by dropping itself from orbit which would vaporize Tokyo-III. Other than that there isn't much change to the Angels they face except for the last one before the film ends. There's a lot that feels new to this film that makes it stand out while still retaining the original NGE story feel. Another great aspect of the film is the voice acting, now I've watched the original series in the English dub and really liked the voices. A few have changed and some aren't for the better such as Kaji's voice which in my opinion doesn't suit him at all. But those that are present a lot in the film such as the pilots, their voice acting is spot on. The actors really came through with delivering each line making the full emotion they're trying to portray evident in the way they inflict each line. This ties into what I said about it being a roller coaster thrill ride to watch because the actors carry you through the film with such emotion that it gets you excited, or makes you feel whatever each particular scene is trying to convey. Now the film itself is also in my opinion just completely beautiful. The colors, the artwork, the environments, heck even watching an Evangelion run through the city is just amazing to watch. And I mean that last part, watching the simple animation of an Evangelion running was just spectacular. And it should be the development for these films is top notch and a great and honest homage to the series that it rebuilds. So from here my suggestion to you would be check it out or do a little digging and see for yourself. FUNimation has a channel on YouTube where they've posted about 8 clips of Evangelion 2.22 in HD of certain scenes in the movie. I've watched all of them and they range from anywhere to 2 minutes to 9 minutes. Even still you won't be spoiling much watching those, they really give you a sense of what the film has to offer without spoiling the plot. I still was surprised as to what happens even after watching Clip 6 *hint* *hint* it almost made me cry...really. Heck you can even purchase the first film Evangelion 1.11 in Blu-ray for around $10. If you do and you like that one then you'll absolutely love this. Period. Final words...this film is worth it to any long time standing Neon Genesis Evangelion fan for what it offers and what it does for the series. I personally feel as though I'm watching the televised series for the first time all over again as a kid (or really the full series about a month ago). The film has some minor changes but just enough to make it feel original but yet familiar at the same time. It really invokes a senses of nostalgia. The artwork, animation, voice acting, plot, everything about this film is just spectacular. I would recommend it to anyone even if you're not a fan, I think it'd be enough to turn you into one. So that's my say on the film.

Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance may just be one of my favorite films of all time. After watching It I felt like I needed a nap, the Intensity of everything from beginning to end was just an experience I wasn't ready for! Everything the first film did was outdone by the 2nd, drama, action, animation.. It was all there In a near 2 hour package of pure bliss. The stakes were higher, the action was high octane resulting In third degree burns from fight one to the last, very rarely am I ever so In tune with characters In an animated film, but Evangelion broke that barrier with It's middle and ending acts. First off, Animation : The animation was simply a thing of beauty, the attention to new details In this film was so spot on that I felt like I was there! Seeing the workings of Tokyo III was engaging and awe-inspiring! The Eva x Angel fights In this film was like clock-work.. textbook perfection! Sound : The film seemed to opt for some Godzilla sound-bites with the first angel's screams being reminiscent of Megaguirus and Misato Katsuragi's ringtone was King Ghidorah's roar, seems Hideaki Anno had an eye for Gojira long before the plans of Shin-Gojira. Again the sounds of Evas and Angels were fantastic and let off a more animalistic side of the Evas while the Angels were kept at a rather unsettling edge. Story : The story was heartbreaking, there was loss, blooming love, betrayal & then some. It was hard to watch a few scenes In both the action segments and non action segments, they hit really close to heart and.. honestly It was beautiful. Characters : I fell In love Rei and Shinji In this film. They both seemed to crack a bit out of their shells and what lead to the ending of the film had me In tears and yelling at the screen "GO GET 'EM SHINJI" I was completely Into the scenes with the two and It left quite the Impression. Of corse we were Introduced to a few new characters as well, such as Asuka Langley Shikinami the hot headed captain Eva pilot which the movie opens up with, she kicks some.. well ALL THE ASS and set the opening of the movie up PERFECTLY. Like to a damn T PERFECTLY. While her character did get under my skin a few times, seeing her evolve under the short amount of time was enjoyable! More so with her than your average "tough as nails" characters & the mysterious Mari Illustrious Makinami who came In out of nowhere! This character, she's Interesting to say the least! And what she was able to do with her Eva (at least before Shinji's final act) was baffling and left me speechless, Mari has guts and the potential to really carry a series all her own. Over-all : I'm keeping these reviews spoiler free, but leaving enough In them to get those who've yet to watch these films to make the attempt with them! I've honestly found a top 10 favorite movie by my sheer curiosity and holy hell do I mean that.. holy hell does It mean something. It takes a lot for me to like a movie, but to LOVE a movie.. this film managed to get me to that point at the 40 minute mark, both through characters and the action Implemented. Plus It helps that Utada came back yet again to give us the Acoustic Mix of Beautiful World which only added to the tears after the film's end. Evangelion 2.0 Is currently my favorite anime film of all time, yes before AKIRA & ALL of Ghibli's films.. this one just took the cake and ate It too. I can't help but sing It's praises. Rating : 5/5 Recommendation : Highest I could ever possibly stress. Watch these movies. You will NOT regret It.

Two years since the U.S. release of Evangelion 1.11 and now we finally have the release of Evangelion 2.22. For those who don't know yet, this movie is the 2nd of 4 movies making the Tetralogy of "Rebuild of Evangelion". This movie is a basically a retelling of episodes 7-19 from the original series but instead of minor changes like in the first movie, this movie is a COMPLETE retelling of the series episodes ultimately heading towards a brand new direction in the story. All the scenes in this movie are not replicated from the original series but rather inspired from the TV show. Major changes in the story include a new pilot named Mari from the Euro branch of nerv. While some Angels return, most are completely disbanded and replaced with a few new ones. This movie runs for about 2 hours and I have to say that this is one of the most beautiful Anime's I have ever seen, I cannot imagine what the last 2 movies will be like. Like I have mentioned before, this movie is a retelling of the series. Familiar scenes from the original series are present and fans of the Eva series will notice them right away, however severely changed in both tone and outcome of each situation. For example the scene where Asuka and Shinji are in bed together was originally Asuka sleep walking and accidently ends up in his bed, but in this movie Asuka voluntarily goes to Shinji and has a little pep talk with him, those little differences can drastically change the meaning and perception of the scene. The Major thing I noticed in this movie that differs from the series is the interactions between characters; in my opinion all the characters in the movie get along rather well, especially the relationship between Asuka and Shinji. All characters seem less insane and more focused, I actually prefer this change of pace and I'm actually loving the chracters more now. However, all characters still act basically the same, Shinji is still the shy one, Rei is still the secrative one, Asuka is still the same outgoing showoff (but actually less bitchy). Misato is actually the one that has changed the most, she is a much stronger character in the movie adaption and less confused probably because she no longer has a love interest in Kaji. The movie's progression is a bit fast pace but doesn't feel rushed at all, and that is a very good thing because while only a 2 hour movie, they have managed to cram everything perfectly. I am not going to spoil anything about the plot of the movie but I will say that I cannot wait till te next movie. Although this movie still has its dark and emotional side that made this series infamous, there is a great deal of comic releif that I absolutely love. NOW for the DVD itself. The important aspect of this release for me was the English Dub and how they have executed it. The one thing that dissapointed me with the release of Evangelion 1.11 was the English dub; I was pretty satisfied with it actually, however I could not overlook the laziness of some of the voice actors most specifically the actors for Shinji (Spike Spencer) and Misato (Allison Keith). These are the veteran actors from the original dub released by ADV films and while as a fan I am greatful that these 2 reprised their roles however in the last movie they seemed a bit uninspired, but I can't blame them since its been a while since these guys voiced these characters. BUT I am glad to say that in this movie Allison Keith and Spike Spencer have finally found their way back to the hearts of the characters and it feels at home again. Tiffany Grant has also reprised her role as Asuka and I'm finding the same problems with her as well but she is still as fiesty as ever and its just nice to hear her voice again, I can't imagine anybody else doing Asuka. This DVD has a more extras than the last release and that is a MAJOR improvement because Evangelion 1.11 had no extras whatsoever and I am a little confused on why they released it as a 2 disc in the first place. The packaging of this DVD is a bit different than the last relase as well, this DVD comes with a Slip through cover and the texture of the orange cover is pretty cool. The DVD comes with a 20 page booklet (similar to the last DVD) and if you ask me, thats where the real extras lie. The purchase of the DVD is well worth the 20 page booklet that comes with it. I am also glad that there is audio commentary available as well, the director interviews the major cast of the film and their perspectives of the new movies and the creative process behind the dubbing. The only complaint I have is that the 2nd disc (ONCE AGAIN) lacks any real extras that provide true insight behind the movie, but at least the commentary is a bit more informative but I just wished they talked more about he film itself and less about themselves .Evangelion 2.22 is well worth the purchase, it is one of the most technically outstanding animes I have ever witnessed so far and everybody should see it.

Most times, movie studios choose to make sequels because they either want to make a quick cash-in based on the popularity of a film franchise or continue the story the first installment established. Evangelion 2.22 is both yet it does not feel like a cheap quick-buck film nor does it feel rushed in regards to the pacing in its' story. The sequel expands on what the first film covered and continues to do so. To keep this review spoiler-free, I'll just explain what's already been known. We are introduced to new characters, specifically Mari Makinami, who you see at the very beginning of the film taking on one of the Angels, term given to alien beings that descend from space, in one of the most exciting and well-executed battles in the film. The second "new" character is Asuka Shikinami, who we see battle an angel around the first 15 minutes of the film. Like in the original series, Asuka sees herself as superior to Shinji and Rei concerning piloting an Eva and things don't start too well when they are first introduced. Meanwhile, Gendo Ikari, Shinji's father, is still just as secretive as he was in the series and in the last film but as we progress into the film, more details surface concerning what he has planned for Nerv headquarters and to the world population. The film loosely covers episodes 8-19 of the original series. Old fans will notice several references and changes to the story around the first hour but the film then takes a very wild and unique direction near the final 15 minutes. Believe me when I say this, you'll be eager to know what happens next and wonder how the director and producers will be able to top this. Take note that the film does not have an MPAA rating like the first film did. Evangelion 1.11 was released with a PG-13 rating; this was released unrated so I'll list what you need to watch for if kids younger than 15 are watching. Concerning content, this film is very violent and the battles between the Evas and the Angels can get quite bloody especially the fight between Eva unit-01 and Eva unit-03. There is some profanity, some of it is audible and some is covered with sound effects. There is [only] one audible F word at the very beginning of the film, before the movie title shows up. There is no sex whatsoever in the film but there are a few scenes with little nudity but it is not presented in a sexual manner. There are thematic elements throughout the film, focused mostly on Shinji's distant relationship with his father, Asuka's social detachment from people, and Rei's attempts to reach Shinji in a emotional method. Overall, this was an excellent film that will attract even non-fans of the series and individuals who are even remotely interested in anime. And blu-ray is the way to go! Highly recommended!

One of the greatest Giant robot fighting anime ever. Great Re:do of an already well made classic anime!

An excellent release! It’s a fantastic addition to one of the best anime series of all time. The REBUILD films take an alternative storyline, but with a satisfying ending that’s almost on a par with the manga. The release arrived in excellent condition. Highly recommended!

Whenever I see a movie get too much praise, I have a tendency to hate it just because of such--not true for Evangelion 2.22. While the series has been synonymous with the terms "overrated" and "pretentious" at times, that's not to say that such things are completely true. Partially, maybe, but not completely. I first watched the movie subbed (and in not the best of quality), having to sort through all the technobabble I was reading from the subtitles and piece together a story, resulting in not the best of experiences for me. That said, watching it dubbed made things significantly easier to follow on my part. Though, at the end of the day, both versions are essentially the same, the dub keeping as close to the original Japanese script as possible, while taking some liberties here and there for the sake of better expressing the characters for English-speaking audiences (ie: expressing Mari's character through stronger swears). As for the story itself, I am glad that things are finally stemming away from the original 26-episode series. The problem I had with the first "Rebuild" movie was how close it stuck to the scenes in the original anime, while keeping the pacing rather slow, especially during the sluggish buildup to the climax. This time around, we get a good mix of old material and new material, keeping oldentime fans as well as newbies on their toes as to just exactly what will happen next. And if the movie itself wasn't enough, the special features will definitely warrant the buy. Not only is there an audio commentary for the movie, but original Japanese trailers for the movie and DVD release, deleted scenes, and additional behind the scenes work, showing scenes as the make it from the drawing board to animated form. One minor complaint would be the inclusion of a "play all" option for the trailers, but not for other features, such as the deleted scenes. Being sent back to the main menu after 2 or so minutes only to select another 2 minute clip can be a pain after a while. The picture quality is also excellent--one of the few animated movies that deserves to be seen in high definition, what with its mix of 3D-style animation alongside detailed 2D backgrounds. Definitely worth the purchase!

I won't say much about the plot of the movie because it has been detailed here in the two hundred plus reviews, but as they have stated, it is intense, fantastic and you should pick this movie up and the first one, even if you don't like anime or animation, or just want to see what the medium is capable of. There is some nudity, but I assume you people are mature and won't have an aneurism over it. Besides, there isn't much. On the art and animation front; the scenes and characters are well drawn and consistent, with the animation and movement of the characters and sets being fluid and smooth. I didn't find any one part of the film that seemed lower quality than another. The designs for the Evangellion (the giant robots) are by my standards, cool and interesting to look at. I am going to preface the part about the voice acting by saying I am one of those people who generally prefer subs to dubs, and this movie is no exception. By no means is the dub for this movie "bad" by any stretch of the imagination (it' won't make your ears bleed), I just think that the original voice cast with subtitles is the superior version. Honestly if you like a good story, don't mind some minor nudity, and are willing to give something that is animated rather than live action a chance, Evangellion is the movie for you. Take the plunge, you won't regret it. The DVD also comes with a pamphlet that details key terms (such as what an AT field is and what the Second Impact was) as well as slight character background. included also is the design process behind the characters, Evangellions, and angels. All in all, it's a cool little extra that will help you get a basic understanding if you are new to the franchise. (Please note that this is the second movie in the Evangelion series and preceded by "Evangellion 1.11: You Are (Not) Alone), but if you read a synopsis of the first one it will make sense. Well, as much sense as "Evangellion" can be said to make) Tell your friends...

Came way faster than I thought. especially given the holiday season as well as the expected delivery date. Very good series. Good film as well. Must watch for EVA fans or anime In general. Even if you havent see 1.11 or 3.33 this stands on its own. It's better as a whole. words cant explain. Just watch this series if you're an anime fan. you will not regret it.

Comparer au précédent film, les choses se bougent carrément plus et cela même si il reprend des éléments de la série. Ce film comparé au 1er n'est pas juste une reprise des scènes importantes de la série et H.Anno fait d'une façon plus concrète ce qu'il avait fait il y a 20ans. Je veux surtout dire plus réussie, plus recherché tous en restant accessible, ainsi qu'une maitrise de la mise en scène doublé d'une parfaite maitrise de l'animation, et cela pas que grace aux CGI comparer au film précédent, dont il faut le dire les 2 premiers sont a voir ensemble même si la fin de 2.22 est le commencement d'une nouvelle façon d'interprété l'histoire des EVA(s), ce qui manquait quelque part au film précédent pourtant très bon, ce film en est aussi la preuve comparer a la série précédente. L'action est impressionante, les perso ne sont pas exploité en surenchère (comme Aska comparé a la série) et la relation de Rei et de Shinji est plus approfondis, donc plus intéressante. A savoir la scène finale est ce qui manquait a mon goût au film "The End of Evangelion" ! Je ne spoileraie pas plus ce film qui m'a finalement décidé a acheté la suite prochainement et cela malgré son prix (quand on aime on compte pas). PS : La VF comparé au film précédent est doublé par quasiment la plupart des doubleurs d'origine, a part pour Shinji mais ça on risque pas de s'en plaindre vue que le perso (même si il parait plus mature ds ce film) ressemble un peu trop a un enfant.

estaba preocupado con la calidad de este blu ray, pero la imagen es excelente sin ningun problema visual. eso si, zima deberia mejorar las portadas de sus blu ray ya que se ven algo baratas como si de una pelicula pirata se tratara, pero fuera de alli el producto es excelente, me gusto el arte del disco, y pues muchos se quejan de los extras pero para mi el poder tener esta pelicula en blu ray y original es suficiente, ademas de que el doblaje esta bien hecho, mucho mejor que la version renewal de animax, pero no tanto como el primero de locomotion. esperemos que zima termine de lanzar la 3.33 y en un futuro la 4ta pelicula tambien

Following on from Evangelion 1.11: You Are (Not) Alone, Evanglion 2.22: You Can (Not) Advance continues the story of a group of teenage mecha pilots in their fight to protect humanity from the giant being called Angel who want to destroy the world. Unlike the previous film which was basicly a retelling of the original TV series from episodes 1 through 6 with new elements added in, EVa 2.22 is a complete remake with key elements from the series. Asuka is finally introduced in this movie, with the surname 'Shikinami' instead of 'Soryu' and a slight change in personallity. She still the bitchy red head who goes out to kick butt whenever she can, but she also more anti-social compared to the TV series. She's basicly more of your tipical Tsundare. A new addition to the Eva cast is Mari Illustrious Makinami, who is introduced at the start of the film as the pilot for the new Eva Unit 05 where she battles against a new type of Angel. The film does make use of elements from the series such as Eva 03 going out of control and eventual destruction by Shinji's Eva 01 and the Angel Zerul's attack on Nerv headquaters. All and all, the film is a must to any anime collection. The animation is top quality,the story telling well paced and the action scenes are outstanding. Eva 2.22 does a great job of reimagining the Eva series, and with the third movie Evangelion: You Can (Not) Redo coming to Japanese cinemas this year, the franchise is only going to get better.