Previously announced plans for a Eureka Seven: Hi-Evolution nationwide theatrical release have been cancelled, Anime Limited’s Marketing Manager confirmed today.

Responding to a query on our forum, Andy Hanley confirmed that the company’s focus for the title will now be a home video release later this year, although there is still potential for future festival showings. The reason cited for this decision was the poor critical reception from the film’s European premiere at Scotland Loves Anime last year, with Arbalest calling it “a train wreck of scenes that leaves you bewildered” in our own review. Anime Limited had previously announced a Q1 2018 nationwide release for the title back in April 2017.

(Trailer from the Australian theatrical release).

The first in a promised trilogy of films based on Studio Bones’ 2005 science fiction anime Eureka Seven, the film was heavily criticised for containing only approximately 30-minutes of brand new footage alongside confusingly cut recaps of the original TV anime, still in its native 4:3 aspect ratio. The film received a limited theatrical release in North America and Australia earlier this month. Funimation describes the story of Eureka Seven: Hi-Evolution 1 as:

Ride the trapars and take to the skies once more! The revolutionary mecha anime from studio Bones returns for the first movie in a high-flying trilogy. It all begins with the story that was left untold—the earth-shattering incident where Renton’s father disappeared. With the mysterious pilot Eureka by his side, only Adroc Thurston could undo his own mistake, sparking the event that changed everything and earned him the title of a hero. Now, ten years later, Eureka lies in critical condition as Renton leaves the crew of the Gekko. But when he finds himself in the care of his father’s old friends, he has a choice to make. Either stay with the loving family he’s always wanted, or earn the love he seeks.

Anime Limited previously released the original Eureka Seven TV anime on Blu-ray as two Standard Edition volumes and an Ultimate Edition box set last year. The series was also broadcast on VICELAND last year.