Evangelion ascends: criterion channel serves up anime masterpiece

Hideaki Anno’s Neon Genesis Evangelion is finally getting the prestige treatment it deserves, arriving on the Criterion Channel September 1st. This isn’t just another streaming drop; it’s a carefully curated presentation of a series that fundamentally reshaped anime and continues to haunt the cultural landscape.

A descent into trauma, beautifully rendered

The Criterion Channel’s selection of the original twenty-six episodes, alongside The End of Evangelion and Evangelion: Death (True)², represents a significant moment. Originally released in 1995 and 1996, Evangelion wasn’t merely a mecha anime; it was a brutal, unflinching examination of teenage angst, psychological trauma, and the isolating nature of human connection—themes that resonate with unsettling clarity even today. Criterion, predictably, isn’t offering a simplified viewing experience. They’re presenting both the original Japanese audio and the iconic English dub – a decision that’s been years in the making and promises a new level of engagement for long-time fans.

GKIDS, the North American distributor, is behind this collection, ensuring a high-quality presentation. But the real value here lies in the context Criterion is providing. The accompanying descriptions emphasize the series’ boundary-pushing narrative, its shift from explosive action to introspective character study. It’s a deliberate move to elevate Evangelion beyond the realm of ‘just another anime’ and firmly establish it as a cinematic achievement.

Beyond Evangelion, the Criterion Channel continues to build a surprisingly robust library of anime, including titles like Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex and The Garden of Words. But this launch signals a clear commitment to showcasing the genre’s artistic and intellectual depth. It’s a calculated move, positioning Criterion as a serious player in the burgeoning anime market. And let’s be honest, the anticipation for this particular arrival is palpable.