Release Date Set for First Volume of Evangelion Director’s Cuts
By The Eva Monkey on Friday, November 14th, 2003
ADV’s first director’s cut volume for Evangelion appears to be set for a January release according to Anime Nation. It will contain the original broadcast and directors cut edition of episodes 21-23, an interview with Richard Taylor of WETA, and some “never before seen” production images.
Source: Anime Nation
I’m excited to see that these Director’s cuts are moving along swiftly all things considered. I’m a bit unnerved at the fact that they are marketing the final two episodes as director’s cuts. They are somewhat different, but they are by no means as different as the director’s cuts. For a while, ADV was adapting Eva from the DVD releases, but eventually caught up and was forced to use the TV masters, and for that reason, the episodes towards the end of the series are somewhat different between the ADV DVDs and the Japanese DVDs. But, remember… they aren’t Director’s Cuts, more like a different edits.
I’m also interested to see that there is going to be material from the production of the Live Action Eva movie included in the director’s cuts. Given that fact, its most likely that it will be the next bit of info for quite a while.
ADV’s official press statement:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE SET FOR NEON GENESIS EVANGELION: DIRECTORS’ CUT
FIRST VOLUME OF DIRECTORS’ CUT OF LAST SIX EPISODES OF ACCLAIMED TELEVISION SERIES IN STORES JANUARY 13, 2004; INCLUDES EXCLUSIVE FOOTAGE
HOUSTON, November 5, 2003-ADV Films today announced a January 13, 2004 release date for Resurrection, the first of two Directors’ Cut volumes of the enormously influential anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion. The Directors’ Cut is not just a remaster, but a revised and re-edited special edition produced under the careful supervision of creators Hideaki Anno and Gainax to include amazing new footage never before available outside of Japan. The first volume contains Evangelion episodes 21-23 in both the extended Directors’ Cut versions and the original broadcast versions, allowing fans to see the creative progression of this seminal title’s final moments.
In addition to the Directors’ Cut episodes, ADV has obtained special DVD extras that are sure to fuel the excitement for this highly anticipated release. Resurrection will include an exclusive 25-minute interview with Richard Taylor, co-founder and head of Effects and Creatures at Weta Workshop, the multiple Academy Award-winning (for The Lord of the Rings trilogy) special effects studio currently working on the Neon Genesis Evangelion live-action feature. Also included are numerous never-before-seen production images from the theatrical release.
Neon Genesis Evangelion is the story of a reluctant young hero, called upon to pilot an immense robotic weapon in battle against alien invaders in the year 2015. As the remnants of the human race cower in subterranean cities, a deadly war is being waged on what is left of the planet. On one side are the mysterious beings known as Angels; on the other, the special agency NERV and mankind’s last hope, the awe-inspiring Evangelions. Piloted by a special team of teenage warriors, these giant bio-mechanical humanoids are the only thing that can withstand the force of the Angels’ defense fields long enough for the pilots to tackle the invaders themselves in hand to hand combat! With the lives of every soul on the planet at stake, these few youngsters must reach down deep inside themselves to find the strength and courage necessary to meet the Angels head on in a desperate attempt to save mankind.
Neon Genesis Evangelion: Directors’ Cut-Resurrection ($29.98 SRP) includes episodes 21-23 in both director’s cut and original broadcast versions. In both English 2.0-languange and Japanese 2.0-language versions, with English subtitles. Includes ADV previews.