What's Happening?
The Criterion Channel has announced that it will begin streaming the iconic anime series 'Neon Genesis Evangelion' starting September 1. This release will include all 26 episodes of the original series, along with two feature-length companion films, 'The
End of Evangelion' and 'Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death & Rebirth'. Notably, the series will be available with its original English dub, which is making its streaming debut on the platform. This move comes as part of Criterion's effort to expand its anime offerings, with the titles being distributed by North American distributor GKIDS. The series, created by Hideaki Anno, is set in a post-apocalyptic world where teenagers pilot giant robots called Evangelions to protect humanity from mysterious beings known as Angels.
Why It's Important?
The addition of 'Neon Genesis Evangelion' to the Criterion Channel is significant for anime fans and collectors, as it marks the first time the original English dub will be available for streaming. This version of the dub is highly regarded by fans and differs from the one released by Netflix in 2019, which featured a new cast and translation. The availability of this classic series on a prestigious platform like Criterion highlights the growing recognition of anime as an important cultural and artistic medium. It also reflects the increasing demand for diverse streaming content, catering to both nostalgic audiences and new viewers discovering the series for the first time.
What's Next?
While Criterion has not announced a physical release of 'Neon Genesis Evangelion', the streaming debut could pave the way for future physical editions, potentially including additional features or collector's items. Meanwhile, a new Evangelion series is in development at Studio Khara and CloverWorks, with NieR creator Yoko Taro involved as series composer and scriptwriter. This ongoing interest in the Evangelion franchise suggests that fans can expect more content and adaptations in the future, keeping the series relevant and engaging for both long-time followers and new audiences.
