Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death & Rebirth

After Japanese fans were disappointed with the original ending to the Neon Genesis Evangelion anime TV series, creator Hideako Anno essentially distilled the first 24 episodes down (and added some new sequences) into an impressionistic 70 minutes called "Death" and shot an alternate version of the 25th episode entitled "Rebirth" (which also appears on The End of Evangelion, the second half of this theatrically released two-part finale). Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death & Rebirth will prove to be very tough slogging indeed for those unfamiliar with the spiritual/psychological/shoot 'em up storyline, chronicling the tortured lives of a group of adolescent orphans enlisted to pilot giant bio-engineered mecha known as Evas (Evangelion units) against a group of super-powered Angels bent on ushering in the Apocalypse. Still, with its persistent willingness to noodle over themes of separation, isolation, and spiritual longing, NGE rises above much of its alien-splattering anime brethren and should find a welcome audience among serious anime aficionados. DVD extras include commentary by English language version director/actress Amanda Winn Lee and voice actors Jason Lee and Taliesin Jaffe; an index of characters, angels, Evas, and terms (also accessible as an interactive feature while watching the film); and original trailers. While unrated, the program contains strong language, brief nudity and mature situations that would make it suitable for a 16 up rating. Recommended. Aud: P. (R. Pitman)