Some Evangelion Live Action news has arrived at last. ADV has announced details about the upcoming GENESIS REBORN DVD, containing the last six episodes with extended footage. In Stores MARCH 9th. We can now also reveal that this DVD will contain an exclusive sneak preview of the live action movie.

Neon Genesis Evangelion: Directors’ Cut—Genesis Reborn ($29.98 SRP) includes episodes 24-26 in both director’s cut and original broadcast versions. In both English 2.0-language and Japanese 2.0-language versions, with English subtitles. Includes ADV previews, clean opening animation; clean closing animation; and sneak preview of the live-action movie:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEON GENESIS EVANGELION: DIRECTORS’ CUT—GENESIS REBORN
Running time: 150 minutes; Age Rating: 15+
Pre-book Date: 2/10/04
Street Date: 3/9/04
Format SRP
DVD $29.98

Evangelion Genesis Reborn will be released on March 9th according to Anime on DVD.

Here is what the DVD’s cover will look like:
http://www.evamonkey.com/images/dvd_genesisreborn.jpg

No indication of special features relevent to the Live Action Movie have been announced, however the release is still awhile away, so it is possible we may see some announcement closer to the DVD’s release.

Alot of people are confused about the number of Episodes on the director’s cuts. There are only 4 director’s cut episodes (21-24). Episodes 25 and 26 were added because ADV adapted from the Japanese DVDs, which were slightly different from the TV Masters. However, towards the end, ADV got ahead and couldn’t wait on the Japanese DVDs, and switched over to the TV Masters for the last handful of episodes, hence why 25 and 26 are being included, as they have slightly different editing and slightly different eye catches and credits. These episodes are not director’s cuts, and do not include new scenes.

I spoke with Matt Greenfield of ADV at Otakon 2003 at the ADV panel, and that was the answer he gave me, so if you’ve been curious, there’s your answer.

POSTED BY EVA MONKEY

Was sent this image in the post (also known as Email). It seems as though it appeared in the latest issue of NewType (japanese edition) along side one of the DVD concept art images. The bottom clearly states it’s an image created by Weta Workshop, drawn by Greg Broadmore. I’ll let you start the rumors as to what it is.

The images will be made available to you soon! But before then, here is a quick run down of all the wonderful features to do with the eva movie in the latest issue of Anime insider.

The production images. Yes, all NEW images as promised.
Image 01: This is a panoramic view of NERV’s Evangelion Unit Hangar Bay, much like the image already seen, it shows Unit 1 with what looks like a partly disfigured horn. In the distance is another tank containing an unknown object that does not look like an eva unit. The image is also scattered with NERV employees going about their daily jobs.
Image 02: Another shot of Unit 0, it looks similar to the anime version although aspects of it have been modified to look more biomechanical (e.g. muscular, skelital).
Image 03: Here is our first shot of Rei Ayanami. The image shows her plugsuit; Eva is written on the chest plate and various small details have been changed from the anime version. We can also see Rei’s face and her appearance is of an Asian nature.

As for the interview with Executive producer Matthew Greenfield, here are the details we now know:
The script, which Greenfield took time out of his honeymoon to work with, is being shown around to various parties in order to bring more staff and crew into the project – even though the script is a very first draft and will most likely change drastically (depending on the director).
The story will be self-contained and if successful, will make way for sequels. Greenfield used Matrix Reloaded as an example of what he is trying to avoid creating. As for current concept art production, Weta have 12 artists going at it. This movie could take forever to produce and we may not get to see it until 2010. But let’s hope not.

Note: Anime Insider #12 now out on Newsstands.

Anime Insider is rumored to be having a detailed interview with Matt Greenfield in an upcoming issue, #12. Matt Greenfield, husband to Tiffany Grant (english voice actor for Asuka) will be on the production team for the live action eva movie. There are also promises of some more glorious unseen production images to feast your eyes upon.

Source: Anime Tourist / Tiffany Grant
Issue 11 of Anime Insider is out now and can be bought here

Tiffany Grant (voice actor for Asuka) has just had an interview with Comicon.

When asked about her views, thoughts and plans for the movie Tiffany says she thinks it will be “INCREDIBLE” and also mentions that her husband Matt Greenfield will be on the production team. Apparently she knows a lot about the movie however isn’t allowed to tell anyone anything. According to Tiffany, a large portion of the folks at WETA are fans of Evangelion as, “the entire show has aired in Australia at least twice on regular television”. This is good news. She also goes on to mention that if the movie is successful we can expect one or two more sequels to cover the whole 26 episode period.
Now for the not so good news. When asked about casting, she stated she had a few ideas about who could play Asuka, but also speculated that the shooting wont begin for another couple of years. Meaning we wont get to see the movie until at least 2006. But we cannot rush these things.

Interview:
THE PULSE: What do you think of the plans for a live action NGE movie? What have you heard about it?

GRANT: I think it’s going to be INCREDIBLE! Since my husband, Matt Greenfield, is one of the producers, I know WAY more about it than I am allowed to tell >=)

The folks who produced the ‘Lord of the Rings’ movies down in New Zealand, WETA, didn’t want to be out of a job when LOTR finally wraps all its post production, so they were looking for work. Since many of them were Eva fans (realize that the entire show has aired in Australia at least twice on regular television), they thought why not do a live action Eva film?

Rest assured, since ADV and Gainax are both on board for this project, it will be handled with kid gloves. And, if it’s successful, you can look for one or two more sequels since it won’t be possible to tell the whole 26 episode story in one two-hour movie. If you want to get an idea of the types of techniques that will be involved, just watch the behind-the-scenes documentaries on the LOTR DVDs. Amazing stuff!
THE PULSE: These characters are obviously very near and dear to your heart. Whom would you like to see cast in the film?

GRANT: Funny as it may sound, I haven’t thought about too many of the parts. I do have an idea about a possible Asuka, but I don’t think I am at liberty to say. However, since the film won’t begin shooting for about two years, keep your eyes out for up-and-coming thirteen-year-olds who will be fifteen when filming begins.

BY JENNIFER M. CONTINO
Full interview available here: Full Interview
More information on Tiffany here: Tiffany’s Website