Neon Genesis Evangelion, Collection 0:4 (Episodes 12-14)

Even so, we really know very little. In particular, the whys elude us. With each episode, we have been granted a tiny hint that something truly momentous lies just under the covers, that this is much more than an up-to-date space opera. Kabalistic symbols have danced in the air from the beginning, but now there are whispers of prophecies from the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Lance of Longinus. Just what is Gendo Ikari's true agenda?

In Episode 12, 'The Value of a Miracle,' Misato's promotion to major grants us a sudden insight into her own motivations. However, any festivities must come to an end when a new angel (Sahaqiel) appears in the skies over NERV head quarters. Asuka, Shinji, and Rei must stop it from crashing to earth like another meteor.

Then in 'Angel Invasion' a strange spreading corrosion turns out to be a nanotech angel (Ireul) intent on infecting the Magi - the three supercomputers that support NERV and Tokyo 3. Ritsuko Akagi, NERV's chief scientist, must battle the ghosts of her mother to keep the Magi from self-destructing.

After two episodes of monster slaying, Episode 14, 'SEELE, Throne of Souls', is an entirely different piece of work. It officially ushers in the second half of the series with a brief recap of past victories. Rei's own philosophical questions about her own identity are counterpoint to a nearly disastrous experiment with the EVA. In the background, the increased role of the mysterious SEELE committee raises more questions than it answers.

Hideaki Anno has proved himself a master at the subtle references that raise suspense and provide a continuous sense of mystery. Even as he allows his characters an increasing level of humanity, he starts the process of questioning exactly what that humanity really is.


Confusion, Doom And A Slow Loss Of Control...   February 5, 2001
Carl Malmstrom (Monument, CO USA)
15 out of 18 found this review helpful

The fourth disc of Neon Genesis Evangelion marks a turning point in the series, although it may be one that's not immediately noticeable. From here on out the characters begin to lose control of their lives, surroundings and the world as the series speeds up to its conclusion in disc eight.

If disc number three marked the calm before the storm, disc four is the light, overcast sprinkle that hints at the coming hurricane. The first episode on the disc is much like those seen previously, but it's obvious that the characters' hopes of a proactive campaign against the Angels are slowly turning more defensive and desperate. The second episode highlights that even more as we see very little of Shinji, Asuka and Rei, but instead focus on a completely different Angel attack that leaves NERV only moments away from destruction.

The third episode (number 14 of 26), though, marks the real break with the first half of the series. The minimalist style of flahsbacks, on-screen text and slow addition (and subtraction) of questions about the series is a style that the director, Hideaki Anno, will use more and more frequently as the series progresses. While this episode may seem to be the typical 'midpoint-of-the-series' recap that so many other anime series have, it also marks a serious shift in focus, style and priority in the series (not to mention an increasingly dwindling budget on the part of the production studio).

Nonetheless, this disc is every bit as good as the three preceeding it, if not better. As the direction and tone of the series continue their curve into the frantic, the series truly begins to separate itself from virtually any other anime series ever made.

Technically, this disc is as minimal as its predecessors. The video and audio, though, remain first-rate. As with the other discs, I would eventually love to see a version with more extras and episodes, but for now I am content to simply own it on DVD.

As with disc three, I do not recommend starting with this disc, but if you for some reason felt the need to skip the first half of the series, then definitely get this DVD. "Evangelion" continues to improve on itself throughout the course of the series and this volume is no exception. With the sole caveat that there are no special extras save a minimal character biography section, I wholheartedly recommend this DVD of "Evangelion" just as much as the previous ones.


A darker volume   January 29, 2001
10 out of 12 found this review helpful

At this point, Evangelion really starts to get going. First, a little bit of Misato's past is explained as well as some more fan service for her. The second episode has the three pilots testing in their EVAs with no clothes. But that only part B. Part A of the story is the Angel which is a virus threatening to take over the MAGI system. This episode also gives fan service to Ritsuko and her past as well. The last episode has Shinji and Rei testing in opposite EVAs, but to know prevail. The majority of the episode is mostly spent on recapping all that has happend thus far. Overall, these episodes will leave many wanting more and more. But I guess thats what makes Evangelion so great. It gives you a small taste and keeps you coming back for more. And if you think there isn't any reason to buy the DVD if you have VHS, your wrong. There is still the nicely dubbed versions of Spanish and French dialoge. The DVD will definetely contain Bios on Angel #10 and #11. This is also the turning point in Evangelion where everything starts getting shown. So if you are a new comer to EVA, you must see this volume. And how about ADV speed up they're releasing on this. Come on, the Evangelion movie comes out this summer. Lets hustle.