Help Purchasing Neon Genesis Evangelion

[Bonifatus]

I'm a fairly new fan to the series and was looking to purchase Neon Genesis on DVD. Due to price constraints I'm leaning towards the Platinum Holiday Edition. I was wondering what I should look for to ensure I'm not buying a Bootleg.

[Guy Nacks]

If I were you, I'd just save my money for the Blu Ray release, which is right around the corner in Japan.

[robersora]

^
This is definitely an option, but only if he understands Japanese since there most likely won't be English subtitles on that release, let alone the dub. But I guess, Funimation will release the blu-ray version eventually, so if you can wait, Bonifatus, you will be better served with that release, imho.

[FreakyFilmFan4ever]

Waiting seems to be the modern Eva way, in my opinion.

[The Eva Monkey]

I'm leaning towards the Platinum Holiday Edition. I was wondering what I should look for to ensure I'm not buying a Bootleg.

Currently, there aren't any bootlegs of the Platinum Holiday Edition known to exist. The "Platinum Complete" aka the thin pack release is the one currently seeing an influx of bootlegs, and in that instance, all you need to do is see to it that there are product photos, and know what to look for:

http://imgur.com/a/AcKkF#0

Personally, I would suggest looking for a legit thin pack, the quality is a tad bit better than the other sets. I've kept an eye on eBay, and it looks like the set averages for about $100, but I've seen it sell for as low as $80, all you need is a little patience. And, of course, if you have concerns about bootlegs, just ask us to check for you.

Funimation will release the blu-ray version eventually

Wishful thinking.

[Guy Nacks]

Wishful thinking.

Yeah, especially with all the delays and bullshit surrounding the release of Q, I wonder if their experience with Khara is gonna turn them off to purchasing the rights for the series. It better fucking not, 'cause I don't know of another company who would be able to afford it.

[Bonifatus]

Well waiting for funimation to do anything certainly seems live a very long term option... What would be the differences with say this version over the platinum edition?

SPOILER: Show

[robersora]

^
This one ist most probably not legit.

[FreakyFilmFan4ever]

“Vol. 1” has 26 episodes and all 5 movies (Death, EoE, and NTE 1-3)? Will Vol. 2 have Eva Shin and all of the Eva@School episodes? Or will it just be that infamous Eva Hentai animation? (I say this knowing it’s a bootleg.)

[The Eva Monkey]

What would be the differences with say this version over the platinum edition?

SPOILER: Show

That's a bootleg.

For the record, what region are you in, or what region set will you be buying?

A user here by the name of Svenge has put together a very helpful little site that details all of the official Japanese and North American home video releases. You may be able to use it as reference.

http://svenge.pcriot.com/

[Cirk]

You could always check your local secondhand media stores, too. (Half Price Books?) That's how I got my copy of the Platinum Thinpak last summer for $60.

[FreakyFilmFan4ever]

Every so often I find a legit thin-pack at a pawn shop. It can’t hurt to look.

[AR-99]

^I've tried used media stores, thrift shops...Keep finding the Perfect Collection DVDs.

Funny, last weekend I saw the multipack Bonifatus pointed out at Japan Video in Japantown. It's got Malay and Thai subs IIRC. Later when I returned to the store someone was in the process of purchasing said multipack.

[Bonifatus]

Definitely looking for a region one release. On a related note is it safe to assume that the copies of End of Evangelion/Death and Rebirth that have both on one disk and are prolific on eBay are bootlegs like this one:

SPOILER: Show

[AR-99]

Other signs that you're looking at a bootleg:

-Region free/0
-Subs in multiple Asian languages
-Packaging you've never seen before on other releases for the same content/modified packaging

[pwhodges]

- Series and Films in same package.

[The Eva Monkey]

is it safe to assume that the copies of End of Evangelion/Death and Rebirth that have both on one disk and are prolific on eBay are bootlegs like this one:

Definitely a bootleg.

[Reichu]

If you're just looking for R1 DVDs, here's a real easy way to avoid bootlegs: Don't buy it unless the package clearly says "ADV Films" or "Manga Entertainment" on it. Reputable sellers are aware of bootlegs and will provide pictures clear enough to let you know you're getting the real thing.

[Dataprime]

Other signs that you're looking at a bootleg:

-Region free/0
-Subs in multiple Asian languages
-Packaging you've never seen before on other releases for the same content/modified packaging

^ This

[Tumbling Down]

Or will it just be that infamous Eva Hentai animation? (I say this knowing it’s a bootleg.)

I haven't heard of this thing. Was it made by Gainax animators?