Guides:Episode 25'/26' Video vs. The End of Evangelion
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"IT WASU WIDIN TI LEALM OF POSSIBIRITY" |
The alternate ending of the series, The End of Evangelion, has been released by Gainax in two slightly different versions.
The most widely known of them is the Theatrical Edition, which premiered in theaters in July 19, 1997 and has been released in a number of different DVD editions (Theatrical Edition, Renewal, DTS Collector's Edition).
The lesser known version, known as the Video Edition, was only released in the original LaserDisc, VHS and DVD edition of the series.
It can be found on the Genesis 0:13 (25 and 25') and 0:14 (26 and 26') LaserDiscs and on the KIBA-7 DVD.
While the two versions share practically all the same footage, there's a big difference in their presentation. The Theatrical Edition is a two-hour film, divided into two segments known as Episode 25' and Episode 26' separated by their credits, while the Video Edition has Episode 25' and Episode 26' as two regular episodes with separated (and different) credit sequences, new title screens to tie in with the rest of the series, and a preview of Episode 26'. It's also interesting to note that, in the Video Edition, Episode 25' and Episode 26' were presented on the same discs as Episode 25 and Episode 26 from the TV series continuity.
Note: the screenshots for the Video Edition are presented here in their original DVD aspect ratio (16:9 letterboxed in 4:3), while those from the Theatrical Edition are in their original DVD anamorphic 16:9 aspect ratio.
Episode 25'
Eyecatch / Shin Seiki Evangelion Theatrical Edition
The End of Evangelion (xx:xx:xx)
Love is Destructive
The End of Evangelion (xx:xx:xx)
Episode 25' Credits (Video only)
The ED sequence after 25', consist of only credits for "Air". Falling red "snow" background with text scrolling straight upwards. Audio is of Thanatos (Short Version).
Episode 26' Preview (Video only)
26' Preview is presented just like the other, immediately after end of 25' credits on the Video Edition. The only video footage content is a steadycam moving backwards, apparently through Gainax's studios (in a variety of video aspect ratios), followed by the usual title card. See also this thread.
Here's a translation of the preview:
- Finally, Shinji Ikari faces the Pandemonium that is reality.
- Unable to cope with the trauma, he resigns himself to a fantasy world.
- Where there is no pain called 'reality'.
- Where there is no fiction called 'myself'.
- Where there is no fear called 'other people'.
- Where there is no hope called 'others'.
- Where there is no existence called 'the self'.
- Next time, the finale: "My Pure Heart for You"
Although they only include the "Theatrical Version", this preview is available as an extra on the same disc as Episodes 25 and 26 in Renewal of Evangelion and in some Platinum editions.
The End of Evangelion credits (Theatrical only)
The End of Evangelion (xx:xx:xx)
The only credit sequence in the theatrical version, right between 25' and 26'. Orange text in a twisting single-helix pattern scrolling upwards. Credits cover both 25' and 26'. Audio is of Thanatos (Short Version).
Episode 26'
Neon Genesis Evangelion / The End of Evangelion
The End of Evangelion (xx:xx:xx)
"Iya"
The End of Evangelion (xx:xx:xx)
The only cut which differs between the two versions. The cut in Video Edition is silent, with a NO (ーイヤ iya) caption.
One More Final
The End of Evangelion (xx:xx:xx)
The End
The End of Evangelion (xx:xx:xx)
Episode 26' Credits (Video only)
The ED sequence immediately after the white end card (just after kimochi warui), consists of only credits for Magokoro wo Kimi ni. Falling white "snow" background with text scrolling straight upwards. Audio is of Jesu Bleibet Meine Fruende (strings version).
