[EVA] The EoE Situation

[M]

Peter Svensson wrote:
> As I recall (and people whose Gainax-Fu is stronger than mine  
> please correct my errors), the decision to shelf the original  
> scripts for episodes 25-26 was made with the proviso that those  
> scripts would be animated as an OVA.

There are differing versions.
For example, according to the RCB commentary, the new material was  
done in response to fan demands (fans wanted more answers, Gainax  
wanted more money) for a proper ending:

"[T]he final episode of the TV series, "Sekai no chuushin de ai wo  
sakenda kemono", took a novel approach in that the story progressed  
only within the inner world of the protagonist Shinji Ikari.   
Although this fulfilled the basic thematic requirements, the drama of  
the Eva characters and explanations of various settings were left  
unfinished as the story ended.
• This became a major issue as the final episode of the TV series  
could be considered incomplete.  The voice of the fans grew stronger  
as they demanded a proper ending to the drama, explanations of the  
mysteries, or even a new story.  Thus, in order to meet these  
demands, it was decided to remake episodes 25 and 26.
• The remade episodes 25' and 26' were originally intended for  
release as OVA, but during production it was decided that they would  
be released in theaters."

However, according to the Kaibunsho timeline, the remake of the TV  
ending for video/LD release and the new cinema edition were announced  
just one month after the final TV episode aired:

- 1996/04/26:  Shonen Ace-A June issue article states that: "The  
video/LD vol.13 (Ep25-26) release will be a complete remake of the TV  
ending and will focus on the story elements.  In addition, a complete  
and new cinema edition that differs from the video version is  
scheduled for release in summer 1997."

Fan reactions and demands aside, given the Ace-A printing schedule  
and the RCB saying that the decision to release the remade episodes  
25' and 26' in theaters instead of as an OVA was made "during  
production", I also feel that the decision was most likely made at  
the timing and with the proviso that Peter notes above.

"M"