It's triple jeopardy as the Angels continue to attack and the forces of NERV are finding themselves sorely pressed to find new ways to combat the alien invaders. Facing a new Angel with the ability to instantly replicate i... more »tself poses problems enough, but when an unborn Angel is found incubating inside an active volcano, the decision is made to meet the devil in it's lair! Can even an Evangelion survive mortal combat beneath a million tons of molten lava? Then NERV is left defenseless as a major power failure cripples Tokyo 3 and Shinji, Asuka and Rei must find their way through an underground labyrinth to the Eva's subterranean launch bays. But even if they get there, will they still be able to launch?« less
"Virtually any review you read of "Neon Genesis Evangelion" on Amazon.com or anywhere else will tell you what an incredible, unique, magnificent series it is. Well, the people who say this are all correct, but the focus is usually on the later, darker, more complex (and more bizarre) episodes - or even on the earliest episodes where so much of the series is hinted at, but so little is understood.For me, these three episodes represent the best of the series. They are the happy midpoint after we have introduced all of the main characters and are getting to know them. They take a moment to revel in the world that Hideaki Anno (the director) and Gainax (the production company) have created before spiralling events take control out of everone's hands. In the truest Japanese sense, these are the perfect blossom between the unfolding and the inevitable wilting of the world that has been created. Needless to say, they are my favorite episodes of the series.The disc itself is quite lovely and the video quality of the series remains incredible. While the DVD extras are, at best, minimal, the sheer fact that these are now available on DVD is reason enough to buy the series. I would eventually like to see ADV release a version with more episodes per disc and a lot more bells and whistles, but I will be happy with this for the time being. "Evangelion" is not really a series that one ponders over getting the next volume of, but if for some reason you are wondering whether to continue after the second DVD, I most definitely recommend doing so. Watch the disc and enjoy the pure simplicity of the storytelling. This disc represents the calm before the storm and the pace and story only grow more frantic from here."
Excellence in Anime
jonakr | South Jersey | 12/19/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"(I don't own the DVD, but the VHS versions of the same episodes) DVD Volume 3 contains Eva episodes 9, 10 and 11. All three are exceptional episodes, focusing on the (slowly) developing teamwork between the three pilots. "Both of you, dance like you want to win!" contains an incredible musical sequence that will take your breath away, "Magma Diver" gives all the fanboys out there a chance to see Rei and Asuka in their swimsuits, And "The Day Tokyo-3 Stood Still" has some of the best writing/editing I've ever seen, real or anime, and the action sequence is just great. I highly recommend the entire Evangelion series, and for Pete's sake, watch them in order. You'll be happy you did."
Enjoy it now. It gets serious later.
madnessmark | Maple Grove, MN | 12/27/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Out of all the DVDs of Evangelion, this by far is the most hilarious one. After Auska's arrival, things get weird. First, Shinji and Auska have to doulbe team an angel which means they have to live together. The next epiosde is even more entising as Auska shows off her new bathing suit to Shinji. And things get a little perverted at the spa. However, if your looking for a less silly epiosde, episode 11 on the disc is a little better. Tokyo goes completely out of power and NERV is hot and in the dark. The only silly moment I could find in this episode was when Auska kicked Shinji for looking up her skirt. This volume is more of a charcter devolpment rather than intrique. But you might as well relish it. After this point, there is bearly any silliness at all. There is the most popular scene on this disc though where Shinji and Auska fight to classical music. That was the best part on the whole disc. I do not know what Bios are going to be on the disc, but I can assume that there will be bios on Gendo and Kaji. I hope ADV continues in this tradition."
Probably the best anime tv series ever
allen_schezar | MIDDLE VILLAGE, NY USA | 01/28/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you are a serious fan of anime you should make it your mission to get these series. Evangelion is a true masterpiece, filled with deep phylosophical questions counterpointed by great hillarity and spirit. There is only one reservation i have; this dvd contains only 3 episodes. This is very unexpected and totally out of "standard", set for anime on dvd. Since it would make no sense for ADV to put more episodes in the future releases. We can expect these series to take at least 8 dvd's not 7 as was originally expected, and definitely not 6. I am very dissapointed in ADV it is obvious they dont care about the fans. Although we already knew that. Of course if you are a fan and have cash it doesn't make that big of a difference. But if you are broke like me you might be better off exploring other options like, buying an import dvd box set.(all region coded of course.) Which obviously wont have an english dub but will have english subtitles."
"Your innocent eyes as yet have no idea"
Marc Ruby? | Warren, MI USA | 11/08/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"On this third collection of Evangelion (episodes 9 through 11), Asuka commands most of the attention. Which is no surprise, considering that the young woman from Germany is still looking to prove she is the best of the three pilots. Her interplay with Shinji and Rei shows that her overweening pride is simply a mask to hide deeper insecurities, yet her fierce bravery is undeniable in these episodes.The first of the three tales finds Asuka and Shinji pitted against an Angel (Israphel) who can magically duplicate itself when it is under attack. After a failed first effort, the two EVA pilots must learn to coordinate their efforts perfectly. Considering how little they like each other this may be harder than destroying the Angel. It certainly is funnier.Next, NERV scientists discover an Angel embryo (Sandalphon) deep in the lava of an active volcano. Asuka, deprived of a chance to go on a class trip, is determined to destroy it on her own... If she can just get over the embarrassment of her special heat-resistant suit. Misato's determination puts Asuka in severe danger and the outcome is in doubt to the very end.The final episode finds NERV headquarters in darkness due to human sabotage. Without power, Shinji, Asuka, and Rei must break into NERV to get to the EVAs before they can face an acid wielding Angel (Matriel) determined to liquefy Tokyo-3.These episodes show the EVA pilots at their best and their worst. We do get a tiny glimpse of whatever it is that motivates Asuka's abrasive bravado, and how this balances and contrasts with Rei's calm acceptance and willingness to do whatever is needed. Poor Shinji, cursed with a brilliant but cold and distant father finds himself attracted and bewildered by both. Writer/director Hidako Anno again uses short glimpses, rather than long exposition to build interest. This enables him to accomplish a great deal of layering of story, development and symbol in the sparse context of the Anime medium."