The "exclusive" 1997 feature The End of Evangelion , a feature-length theatrical film released on July 19, 1997 , as an alternate ending to the original TV series
. It provides a more narrative and action-oriented resolution compared to the abstract psychological ending of the final two TV episodes.
The most notable "exclusive" physical release from that era is the Neon Genesis Evangelion Theatrical Box
(Laserdisc), which included several unique collectibles and production materials. Exclusive 1997 Feature & Release Content Alternate Ending Format : The film is divided into two segments, "Episode 25': Air" "Episode 26': Sincerely Yours" , which replace the original series' final episodes. Theatrical Laserdisc Box Set Extras Glow-in-the-dark Rei Ayanami figure Eva-01 Test Type model kit (transparent edition). Mass Produced Eva plush toy Comprehensive storyboard book (approx. 900 pages) covering both Death and Rebirth The End of Evangelion Art and trading cards
, including three telephone cards with original illustrations. Live-Action Sequences neon genesis evangelion the end of evangelion 1997 exclusive
: Exclusive live-action footage was filmed to represent Shinji’s inner world, featuring distorted urban scenes and shots of the Shinjuku Milano-za Video Format Variants : On Japanese home video releases ( Genesis 0:13 ), the film was presented in an episodic format
with individual credits and next-episode previews not found in the original theatrical cut. Film Production Highlights Title Origins
: The first segment's title "Air" refers to both the atmosphere and the classical music piece by Bach, while "Sincerely Yours" is a tribute to the 1968 film Fan Engagement
: The film's conclusion famously features stills of actual fan emails and graffiti, including hostile messages toward director Hideaki Anno The "exclusive" 1997 feature The End of Evangelion
, intended to reflect the relationship between a creator and their audience.
: It was a significant commercial and critical success, winning the 1997 Animage Anime Grand Prix and honors at the Awards of the Japanese Academy. , or are you interested in modern re-releases like the 30th Anniversary Blu-ray?
This is the theological question of Evangelion. The Rebuild of Evangelion films (2007–2021) end with hope. Shinji gives up the Eva, grows up, and runs into the real world with a smile.
The End of Evangelion (1997) ends with Shinji choking Asuka on a blood-red beach. Asuka reaches up and strokes his cheek. Shinji breaks down crying. Asuka whispers: "Kimochi warui." (How disgusting.) 1997: Booed at Tokyo International Fantastic Film Festival
That ending is ugly, real, and unflinching. The 1997 exclusive does not offer salvation. It offers acceptance. It tells the depressed teenager watching on a grainy CRT television that yes, life hurts, and yes, other people are scary. But the alternative—merging into a orange sea of Tang where no one can reject you—is death.
That is the "exclusive" secret of the 1997 version. Modern media sanitizes pain. This film bathes in it.
The Rebuild films (1.0–3.0+1.0) gave us a more hopeful, meta-ending. But they are a response to EoE. They are Anno saying, “Maybe I’ve healed a little.”
But The End of Evangelion is the wound. Raw. Open. Bleeding.