To celebrate the 30th anniversary of Neon Genesis Evangelion, GKIDS and Cineplex Entertainment are bringing two films to Canadian cinemas this month. Death (True)² & Rebirth and The End of Evangelion will be screened separately across two nights as part of the movie festival. Originally released in 1997 (with this specific edit following a year later), Death (True)² & Rebirth compiles footage from the first 24 episodes of the Evangelion television series alongside the first half-hour of End of Evangelion. Also released in 1997, The End of Evangelion offers an alternative to the television show’s finale. Manga Entertainment previously released both films in North America in 2002. GKIDS acquired the rights to the original franchise in 2020 and gave End its own theatrical screening in 2024.
Neon Genesisi Evangelion: Death (True)² & Rebirth was directed by Hideaki Anno, Masayuki and Kazuya Tsurumaki from a script penned by Anno and Akio Satsukawa. The film was animated by Gainax, with contributions from Tatsunoko Production and Production I.G. The End of Evangelion was directed by Anno and Tsurumaki from Anno’s script. It was animated by Gainax with assistance from Production I.G. Both films feature scores composed by Shirō Sagisu.
Opening March 15, 1997, this is the original film adaptation of the TV anime NEON GENESIS EVANGELION, helmed by Director Hideaki ANNO and airing from 1995-1996. It is composed of EVANGELION:DEATH, a compilation of episodes 1-24 out of the original 26 episode series, as well as EVANGELION:REBIRTH, a portion of the alternative ending of episode 25, “Air.” Further airings evolved into the version known as EVANGELION:DEATH (TRUE)² & REBIRTH, which is now being screened outside Japan in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the series.
This final movie version was created as an alternative ending to the NEON GENESIS EVANGELION TV series, remaking the final two episodes from the series. SEELE plans an attack on NERV after failing to create a man-made Third Impact. After reaffirming both her own and her mother’s existence in a state of despair, Asuka returns and begins the counterattack. However, new enemies descend from the heavens. Meanwhile, Shinji witnesses the horrifying wreckage of Asuka’s EVA-02 while piloting EVA-01. Mass production models surround EVA-01 and perform a solemn ceremony. What does it mean to complete a human heart?
Death (True)² & Rebirth will screen on July 22nd with The End of Evangelion following on July 23rd. They will solely be available in Japanese with English subtitles. To purchase tickets for Death (True)² & Rebirth, click here:Cineplex. To purchase tickets for The End of Evangelion, click here: Cineplex.
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
For any last-minute changes plus additional screening dates, keep your eyes on the official website for the release.
