Neon Genesis Evangelion Hits The Criterion Channel September 1
The Criterion Channel Secures Neon Genesis Evangelion Streaming Rights
The landscape of classic anime distribution shifts significantly this September as The Criterion Channel adds the legendary 1995 Neon Genesis Evangelion television series, Evangelion: Death (True)², and The End of Evangelion to its library. Licensing for these titles comes via GKIDS, the North American distributor known for curating high-quality, culturally significant animation. Starting September 1, subscribers will have access to the original televised run and the definitive cinematic conclusions that reshaped the mecha genre.
This addition marks a departure from standard streaming platform acquisitions, placing Gainax’s seminal work alongside the arthouse and classic cinema staples for which The Criterion Channel is famous. By hosting these titles, the platform acknowledges the profound artistic influence of director Hideaki Anno, whose work on the series is frequently cited as a cornerstone of late-20th-century Japanese media.
Why This Matters: A Cultural Milestone
The inclusion of Neon Genesis Evangelion on The Criterion Channel is more than a simple licensing deal; it is a validation of anime as a medium of serious critical inquiry. For years, the franchise existed in a state of licensing limbo, often difficult to access legally in its original form. The restoration and distribution efforts led by GKIDS have ensured that the series remains available for new generations of viewers who might otherwise rely on fragmented or unauthorized sources.
From an industry perspective, this move signals an evolution in how legacy anime is marketed. By positioning Evangelion within a catalog that includes works by Akira Kurosawa, Ingmar Bergman, and Yasujirō Ozu, the platform elevates the series beyond its "mecha" labels. It invites audiences to engage with the show’s psychological depth, experimental cinematography, and its critique of post-war Japanese societal anxieties. Studios like Gainax and later Studio Khara have long treated these works as auteur pieces, and this distribution strategy aligns perfectly with that vision.
The Legacy of the 1995 TV Series
Neon Genesis Evangelion premiered in 1995, a time when the mecha genre was dominated by clean, heroic narratives. Hideaki Anno, struggling with clinical depression, infused the series with raw, unfiltered existential dread. The story follows Shinji Ikari, a reluctant pilot forced to operate the bio-mechanical Eva units to defend Tokyo-3 against mysterious entities known as Angels. However, the true conflict occurs internally. The series deconstructs the "hero’s journey," replacing triumph with trauma, isolation, and philosophical questioning.
The original television series is famous for its final two episodes, which abandoned traditional plot progression in favor of abstract, stream-of-consciousness character studies. This unconventional ending sparked intense debate that continues to this day. Watching the series in its original 1995 format provides context for why the subsequent films were necessary—and why they were so jarringly different.
Evangelion: Death (True)² and The End of Evangelion
The inclusion of the film entries provides the necessary resolution that many viewers felt was missing from the television finale. Evangelion: Death (True)² serves as a recap of the series, refined to bridge the gap toward the cinematic conclusion. The End of Evangelion, released in 1997, is widely considered one of the most polarizing and visually stunning films in anime history. It provides a brutal, visceral, and uncompromising conclusion to the events of the TV series, exploring the concept of Human Instrumentality with haunting imagery that remains unmatched in the genre.
Industry Context: The GKIDS and Anime Distribution Model
GKIDS has carved a unique niche in the North American market. While giants like Crunchyroll and Netflix focus on volume and simulcasts, GKIDS focuses on prestige. Their acquisition of the Evangelion library reflects a deliberate strategy to preserve classic works with high-fidelity transfers and respectful subtitling. This approach contrasts sharply with the "remastering" controversies of the past, where original artistic intent was sometimes sacrificed for modern color correction or digital cleanup.
For fans, this means the versions arriving on The Criterion Channel are likely to be the most faithful representations of the original broadcast available. The partnership ensures that the "Gainax era" of the franchise is treated with the archival care usually reserved for live-action cinema classics. This is a significant win for purists who value the aesthetic choices made by the original animation team in the mid-90s.
The Impact on Modern Anime Consumption
The availability of these titles on a platform like The Criterion Channel reflects a broader trend: the "canonization" of anime. As the medium matures, older audiences are seeking out the roots of their favorite shows. Many modern directors, from Makoto Shinkai to Mamoru Hosoda, have cited the psychological complexity of Evangelion as a primary influence. By making the series available in a prestige streaming environment, the barrier to entry for film students and casual cinephiles is lowered.
Furthermore, this release cycle highlights the importance of physical and digital archival. In an era where streaming catalogs can be volatile, having a reputable platform like The Criterion Channel host these titles provides a sense of stability. Fans no longer need to hunt for out-of-print DVDs or pay exorbitant prices on the secondary market to experience the foundational texts of the genre.
What to Expect: A Viewing Guide
For those preparing to watch Neon Genesis Evangelion for the first time, or for returning viewers, the recommended order remains the original 26-episode television run followed by The End of Evangelion. While Death (True)² is an excellent refresher, it is not a substitute for the complete series. The emotional weight of the final film is earned only after surviving the slow, painful descent into the protagonists' psyches throughout the TV episodes.
Viewers should be prepared for thematic shifts. The series begins as an action-heavy mecha show but quickly pivots into something far more intimate and unsettling. The "Angel" battles are secondary to the interpersonal conflicts between characters like Shinji, Rei, and Asuka. The show’s themes regarding the "Hedgehog's Dilemma"—the idea that the closer people get, the more they hurt each other—remain as relevant today as they were in 1995.
Further Reading and Resources
For those interested in the history of the studio and the production of these films, the MyAnimeList database provides extensive cast and staff information, as well as community discussions regarding the series’ complex lore. Additionally, keeping an eye on the official GKIDS website is recommended for news regarding potential physical media releases or future theatrical screenings of these restorations.
Conclusion: A Must-Watch for Any Anime Enthusiast
The arrival of Neon Genesis Evangelion on The Criterion Channel on September 1 is a landmark event. It acknowledges the series not just as a piece of pop culture, but as a seminal work of art that defined the trajectory of the medium for decades. Whether or not one is a fan of the mecha genre, the psychological depth and directorial vision of Hideaki Anno make this series essential viewing. By securing these rights, The Criterion Channel has ensured that the legacy of Tokyo-3 will continue to challenge, confuse, and captivate audiences for years to come.
As the streaming landscape continues to fragment, the presence of such foundational works on high-quality platforms is a welcome sight. It bridges the gap between traditional cinema and anime, proving that the medium has a rightful place in the global pantheon of great storytelling. Set your calendars for September 1 and prepare to revisit one of the most influential sagas ever put to screen.
- Source: animenewsnetwork.com
