The anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion will begin streaming on the Criterion Channel in September [1].
This addition marks a significant expansion of the platform's television offerings by incorporating one of the most influential anime series in history. The move signals a shift in the Criterion Channel's curation strategy to include high-art animation alongside its traditional cinematic focus.
Created by Hideaki Anno, the series is a cornerstone of the mech genre. BroadwayWorld said the series is set to become available to stream on the platform as part of this new programming push [2].
Beyond the availability of the series, the release is notable for its archival value. Inverse said the streaming release is not just any standard debut, as Criterion is bringing back a version of the series that has been lost for decades [3]. This specific version includes an original English dub that had previously been unavailable to the general public.
The Criterion Channel is known for its rigorous selection of films, and television shows that possess high artistic or historical value. By adding Neon Genesis Evangelion to its library, the service continues to diversify its catalog to attract a wider demographic of cinephiles and animation enthusiasts [2].
MSN said the iconic mech anime series is set to debut on the channel this September [4]. The arrival of the series follows a trend of archival restorations and curated releases intended to preserve the original intent of the creator.
“Criterion is bringing back a version of the series that’s been lost for decades.”
The inclusion of Neon Genesis Evangelion on the Criterion Channel elevates the status of anime within the realm of curated 'cinema.' By focusing on a lost English dub and the work of Hideaki Anno, Criterion is treating the series as a historical artifact rather than just commercial content, potentially influencing how other streaming services archive and present influential animation.
