Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance

Evangelion 2.0 poster Japan (2009)

Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance is an action / science fiction / psychological drama animated movie based upon an alternate Earth history where the beings known as Angels are out to destroy humanity. It was directed and written by Hideaki Anno. Music was composed by Shiro Sagisu. The Studio Khara company produced the movie and distributed by Nikkatsu Corporation. It's an animated film based upon the original Hideaki Anno anime series, Neon Genesis Evangelion(1995). The Evangelion 2.0 is the second film of four in the re-adaptation of the original story. Unlike other re-releases of other anime series being brought to theaters, where production would simply stretch the original cell work for the big screen. The Rebuild of Evangelion project is a complete remake from the ground up and much of the story elements have been changed to create a new story.

The movie is an adaptation of Neon Genesis Evangelion Episode 8-19, but with major story alterations and characters added. A lead character from the original Asuka Langley Soryu was renamed to Asuka Langley Shikinami, and she would replace the part of Touji Suzuhara as the Eva Unit 03 pilot. A completely new character was also added to the story named Makinami "Mari" Illustrious.

The original Japanese release of the film was on was originally intended to be released in January 2008, but would have several postponement dates until the final release of June 27, 2009. Evangelion 2.0 earned ¥510 Million ($6.1 Million) on it's first two days of release and had a world wide gross profit of ¥3.4 Billion ($41 Million). It was the third highest grossing anime in Japan for 2009. The English dub cast was produced by the FUNimation, and produced by Carly Hunter and Justin Cook. The ADR direction was done by Mike McFarland. FUNimation would join with Cinema Asia Releasing & Eleven Arts to distribute Evangelion: 2.0 to U.S. theaters months before it's release on DVD/Blu-ray. The film had it's U.S. theatrical release on January 19, 2011. They had originally intended for up to 70-100 theaters, but an official statement out of FUNimation would confirm 22 theaters. Much of the original cast for the Japanese and U.S. production was reunited from the original anime series.

DVD & Blu-ray Release

Evangelion 2.22 Blu-ray US

As with the previous film in the series, Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone title being being renamed to Evangelion: 1.11 for it's DVD/Blu-ray release. Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance was retitled to Evagelion: 2.22. the Japanese release was on May 26, 2010 and set a first day sales record of 124,000 DVD and 195,000 Blu-ray units. The U.S. release was originally intended for April 5, 2011, but was later set for an earlier date of March 29, 2011. Unlike the release of the previous movie DVD/Blu-ray release. The U.S. English release would be packaged in an orange-colored O-cover that was given an orange-peel texture. A flap in the front could be opened to reveal an image of Eva Unit 02 with it's Progressive Knife drawn.

Release Dates:

• Japanese - May 26, 2010
• German - September 17, 2010
• Italian - October 27, 2010
• Spanish - October 27, 2010
• U.S. English - March 29, 2011

Plot

Awards

Special Features

Commentaries

In the English release produced by FUNimation, the ADR director of Evangelion: 2.22, Mike McFarland, hosts the cast commentary. Rather than having a group of people talking throughout the length of the movie, he introduced the cast one at a time throughout the commentary to talk about their role in the movie.

• Spike Spencer (Shinji Ikari) Scene 2-10
• Brina Palencia (Rei Ayanami) Scene10-14
• Allison Keith (Misato Katsuragi) Scene14-18
• Tiffany Grant (Asuka Langley Shikinami) Scene 18-23
• John Swasey (Gendo Ikari) Scene 23-26
• Trina Nishimura (Mikanami Mari Illustrious) Scene 26-31
• Nathanael Harrison (Senior Engineer and Mixer) Scene 31-33