GKIDS is most known for their work in bringing some of the world’s iconic animated works to North American markets, with some recent works including the Studio Ghibli suite, Lupin III: The First, Mary and the Witch’s Flower, and Weathering With You to name a few. But by the end of this year they will be publishing one of Japan’s most iconic animated franchises across western markets. For the first time ever, Neon Genesis Evangelion will be available on Blu-ray in North America – with three editions on offer: Ultimate, Collector’s and Standard.
Available both via a dedicated website and select anime retailers such as RightStuf – the Standard Edition is due to ship out from 9 November 2021, with plans to distribute the Collector’s and Ultimate editions the week commencing 6 December 2021. These Blu-ray discs will feature all episodes in 1080p High-Definition with English and Japanese audio. They will be limited to region A however, and due to “legal reasons”, will not be compatible with players in Japan.
On the note of legal reasons, sadly, none of the international editions will feature the original ending theme, Fly Me to the Moon.
Information on all three editions can be found below, although keep in mind that the Ultimate Edition has already sold its quota for North America. Stock is still available in the United Kingdom and Australia as of writing, being distributed by All the Anime and Madman Entertainment respectively.
Ultimate Edition
Price: $274.99
# Units Created: 5,000
The NEON GENESIS EVANGELION: Ultimate Edition was created by fans as the definitive celebration of one of the most important and influential anime series of all time, featuring exclusive artwork, merch, a 156-page book, and over 7 hours of bonus features. Spread over 11 discs, this set contains the Official Dub and Subtitled versions, and bonus Classic Dub and Subtitled versions.
Contents Include:
- Limited Edition Artwork
- Bonus Classic Dub and Subtitled Versions
- 156-Page Book
- Art Boards
- Sachiel Resin Paperweight
- NERV ID Card w/ Lanyard
Collector’s Edition
Price: $174.99
The NEON GENESIS EVANGELION Collector’s Edition is a deluxe 11-disc set presented in a rigid case, containing a 40-page book, 8 art cards, the Official Dub and Subtitled versions, and the bonus Classic Dub and Subtitled versions. The Collector’s Edition set contains over seven hours of bonus features including animatics, TV commercials, music videos, Japanese cast auditions, trailers, and more.
Contents Include:
- 7+ Hours of Bonus Features
- 40-Page Book
- 8 Art Cards
- Bonus Classic Dub and Subtitled Versions
Standard Edition
Price: $45.99
The Standard Edition is an essential five-disc set that will contain over five hours of bonus features, including animatics, TV commercials, music videos, and more.
This set includes the original twenty-six episode television series, NEON GENESIS EVANGELION, as well as the films EVANGELION:DEATH (TRUE)2 and THE END OF EVANGELION. This release includes English and Japanese audio tracks as well as English, English SDH, Songs & Signs subtitles.
Please note that this edition does not include the Bonus Classic Dub and Subtitled Versions featured on the Ultimate and Collector’s Edition.
