Rebuild of Evangelion (Minor spoilers ahoy!)

[Gregness]

So, as you may or may not be aware, everyone's favorite incredibly depressing deconstruction of giant robot anime is getting a shiny new update in the form of a tetrology of movies that are supposedly going to be the "difinitive" version of the Evangelion story. The second movie's dubbed version came out a month or so ago and though I had mostly forgotten about the project after I heard about it's announcement, certain places I frequent happened to have both of them on hand so I decided to check it out.

Holy shit.

The first movie essentially sums up the first six or so episodes of the anime. The animation's been improved, and most of the dialogue has been streamlined. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YFIAVsMNws&NR=1&feature=fvwp) As far as I can tell, about half the cast are reprising their roles from the TV series. The notable differences I saw were that a few plot points from later on in the series get dropped about halfway through (probably to help with pacing) and the fight with Ramiel(the big diamond-looking angel) got a massive visual makeover.

Now, as good as the first one was, the second is where this project really comes into its own. For starters, the first five minutes introduce the new pilot with probably some of the most beautiful merging of traditional animation and CGI I've ever seen. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3abTBhl5Jeg) (Seriously though, the halo effect cutting through the roof was just awesome)

Anyway, then Asuka gets a chance to be awesome. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9keoN-uCyG8) and even Shinji gets a chance to be badass near the end.

Now, I know the characters being deeply flawed is one of the defining things about Evangelion, but I for one am relieved that they actually get a chance to be something else as well. Rei's still withdrawn, Shinji still whines, and Asuka's still sort of a bitch, but this seems to be a more... well... optimistic take on their characters. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0o3so6jX04&feature=relmfu)

Now, this being Eva, there's still some pretty horrific stuff: Oh god, the children's choir... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zoA3ZlaNsjo&feature=relmfu)

That said, I'm liking where this is going and I can't wait for the next two films. How 'bout y'all?

[Flarecobra]

http://www.nuklearforums.com/showthread.php?t=34346 Any of this help?

[Gregness]

Ah, see I KNEW there was a thread already somewhere but I couldn't find it. The last post is from two years ago though, so even though we're lax about thread necromancy sometimes, I don't think posting in that one would've gone over well.

To pick up a topic from that thread though, Mari's insanity seems to be that she's completely in love with fighting. She's only had a couple scenes so far (badass though they are) and it seems like she wouldn't be totally out of place in like Gurren Lagann. I wouldn't be surprised (since, y'know Evangelion) if she ends up not being able to connect emotionally to things unless she's in the process of destroying something.

[Bells]

i watched both and i was greatly please. It still has the depth and Gravitas of the story, but the depressing bullshit was cutout for something more modern and actiony. Which i enjoyed a lot.

The characters are all there, and even though the whole thing is streamlined into movies instead of a long series, it feels like every character got a "boost" and a overall makeover.

I understand the Original Evangelion can come out as pretentious or plain Batshit crazy for most, but this is a very nice example of a Polish well done.

[Flarecobra]

Well, it's got some good pics at least.

[Kyanbu The Legend]

It's almost funny that US airport security will eventually get that ridiculous. XD

The animation looks great, Shinji isn't whining near constantly, and Asuka isn't a complete total bitch.

[synkr0nized]

I don't like Mari.


But yeah I've been all about the new effects and pretty satisfied with the alterations and quicker story. I've also pewpewpewpew'd words about it with folks after watching them, so this post is short unless like something new comes up.





e: Also, fuck all of you. Tsundere Queen is the best.

[Gregness]

Y'know, I actually think the thing that stood out to me more than the changes to the main three pilots is how Gendo actually acts like he's human at some parts now.

I mean, for chrissakes he agrees to go to a dinner party.

Anyways, Synk, what's wrong with Mari? With as little screen time as she's had it doesn't seem there's much to judge about her other than "ooh, kinda badass".

[A Zarkin' Frood]

Having a monumental boner for the original series I also enjoy the rebuild movies quite a lot. As already said, the first one is mostly just the first six episodes of the series with some better animation and other (seemingly) minor changes.

The second one is where it really shines, though. To be honest, after the first one I was kinda scared this would just streamline the original series' events like the first one, but there have been some major changes and it has some truly awesome moments, but the spirit of the original is still there.

Characters seem a little more realistic. They still have their issues, but they're not their only traits anymore. Overall, they're a little more like actual humans instead of characters.

[Bells]

Also in this version PenPen has much more depth as a character!