Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death
A 1997 compilation film that recaps the first 24 episodes of Neon Genesis Evangelion with new animation sequences.
Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death is a 1997 Japanese compilation film that serves as a recap of the first 24 episodes of the television series Neon Genesis Evangelion. Directed by Anno Hideaki and Masayuki, the film was released as the first part of Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death & Rebirth on 15 March 1997.
The film presents an edited compilation of scenes from the television series, interspersed with new animation sequences featuring the main characters performing as a string quartet. Rather than following the chronological order of the series, Death presents the story thematically, focusing on individual character development and the psychological struggles of the protagonists.
Synopsis
Death retells the story of the first 24 episodes of Neon Genesis Evangelion through a non-linear narrative structure. The film opens with new footage of the main characters—Shinji Ikari, Rei Ayanami, Asuka Langley Soryu, and Kaworu Nagisa—performing as a string quartet, with each character representing different aspects of the series’ themes.
The compilation covers the major story beats of the television series, including Shinji’s arrival at NERV, his relationships with fellow pilots Rei and Asuka, the battles against the Angels, and the psychological deterioration of the characters leading up to the final episodes. The film emphasises the internal struggles of the characters, particularly Shinji’s battle with depression and his fear of human connection.
New animated sequences were created specifically for the film, including additional character moments and extended scenes that were not present in the original television broadcast. These sequences help bridge the narrative gaps and provide additional context for the series’ complex mythology.
Development
Conception
Following the controversial reception of the final two episodes of Neon Genesis Evangelion, which aired in March 1996, Gainax announced plans to create theatrical films that would provide an alternate conclusion to the series. The project was initially conceived as a single feature film but was later split into two parts due to production constraints and the amount of material that needed to be covered.
Death was conceived as a way to refresh viewers’ memories of the series before presenting the new conclusion. Director Anno Hideaki wanted to create more than a simple clip show, instead crafting a thematic retrospective that would highlight the psychological journey of the characters.
Production
Production on Death began in late 1996, with Masayuki serving as director under Anno’s supervision. The film was created by re-editing existing footage from the television series and adding new animated sequences. The string quartet scenes were entirely new, featuring the characters in a more peaceful, artistic setting that contrasted with the apocalyptic tone of the series.
Shiro Sagisu composed additional music for the film, including new arrangements of existing themes and original compositions for the quartet sequences. The film also incorporated classical music, including pieces by Johann Sebastian Bach, which played during the quartet performances.
The production faced significant time constraints, as Gainax was simultaneously working on the second part of the project, which would eventually become The End of Evangelion. This led to some of the new animation being less polished than the studio’s usual standards.
Release
Japan
Death was released in Japanese cinemas on 15 March 1997 as part of Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death & Rebirth. The film opened in second place at the box office, earning ¥1.1 billion in distributor rental income between March and October 1997. The total box office gross for the combined release was ¥1.87 billion.
International Release
Manga Entertainment acquired the international distribution rights and released the film in the United States on 30 July 2002, both on VHS and DVD. The English dub featured the same voice cast as the television series, including Spike Spencer as Shinji, Amanda Winn-Lee as Rei, and Tiffany Grant as Asuka.
Re-releases
The film has been re-edited and re-released several times:
- Death(True) (1998): A revised version that removed some scenes and added others
- Death(True)² (1998): A further revision used in Revival of Evangelion
- Death(True)² (2003): Re-released as part of the Renewal edition
Reception
Death received mixed reviews from critics and fans. Whilst some appreciated the thematic approach and the new animation sequences, others criticised it as an unnecessary recap that added little to the original series. The film was generally seen as a companion piece rather than an essential part of the Evangelion canon.
Critics praised Sagisu’s musical score and the visual presentation of the quartet sequences, noting how they provided a peaceful counterpoint to the series’ darker themes. However, the film was criticised for its editing choices, with some sequences feeling disjointed due to the non-linear narrative structure.
The film’s box office success demonstrated the continued popularity of the Evangelion franchise, setting the stage for the more critically acclaimed The End of Evangelion.
Legacy
Death served its intended purpose as a recap film, helping to reintroduce audiences to the complex mythology of Neon Genesis Evangelion before the release of The End of Evangelion. The string quartet sequences became iconic amongst fans and were later referenced in other Evangelion media.
The film’s approach to compilation—using thematic rather than chronological editing—influenced later anime recap films. Its success also demonstrated the commercial viability of theatrical releases for popular anime series, paving the way for more ambitious film projects in the medium.
Credits
Cast
| Character | Japanese | English |
|---|---|---|
| Shinji Ikari | Megumi Ogata | Spike Spencer |
| Rei Ayanami | Megumi Hayashibara | Amanda Winn-Lee |
| Asuka Langley Soryu | Yuko Miyamura | Tiffany Grant |
| Misato Katsuragi | Kotono Mitsuishi | Allison Keith |
| Gendo Ikari | Fumihiko Tachiki | Tristan MacAvery |
| Ritsuko Akagi | Yuriko Yamaguchi | Sue Ulu |
Crew
- Directed by Anno Hideaki and Masayuki
- Written by Anno Hideaki
- Music by Shiro Sagisu
- Character design by Yoshiyuki Sadamoto
- Produced by Gainax and Production I.G
External links
- Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death on Wikipedia
- Evangelion: Death and Rebirth on the Evangelion Wiki