It's odd watching a cartoon remake--at least this one, because the character designs are the same, the setting is the same, and any differences from the original stand out like a sore thumb, which fans will appreciate or be annoyed by depending on their personal preferences. With filmed remakes, I think it's easier to miss changes because everything and everyone are going to look different to begin with.
On the other hand, it's because of that reason that maybe--depending on your viewpoint--an animated remake SHOULD differ significantly.
Quality-wise, the animation is great, better than the show and on-par with the movies. There was one CG moment with an Eva in an elevator I didn't like (I can't tell you how glad I am they didn't use CG sequences for the Evas and angels!) but the crayfish-like limb fluttering of Shamshel and Ramiel's shape-shifting were great. I can't wait to see Sahaquiel and Leliel! Storywise, it is nearly identical to the show, albeit in a compressed form. Most of what's lost is comedic sequences and Shinji's interactions with his classmates. A few elements are ignored (how exactly do Shinji's classmates know he is an Eva pilot?) and the scene where Shinji sees Unit 01's eye is sadly missing. Though it is still shown, the symbolism of Shinji going back and forth between tracks 25 and 26 of his music are lost, given that there is no longer "episodes" 25 and 26, or the controversy surrounding them in this version.
However, hints that possibly big changes are to come occur when about 3/4 through Misato takes Shinji to see...something...even the audience hadn't seen until far into the series, and at the end, when Kaworu shows up (though this does not mean he will enter immediately in the next part, we'll have to wait and see.) Overall, simply great, I loved it. However, you probably shouldn't "warm up" by watching the show right beforehand because it is SO similar you might get bored.
On the other hand, it's because of that reason that maybe--depending on your viewpoint--an animated remake SHOULD differ significantly.
Quality-wise, the animation is great, better than the show and on-par with the movies. There was one CG moment with an Eva in an elevator I didn't like (I can't tell you how glad I am they didn't use CG sequences for the Evas and angels!) but the crayfish-like limb fluttering of Shamshel and Ramiel's shape-shifting were great. I can't wait to see Sahaquiel and Leliel! Storywise, it is nearly identical to the show, albeit in a compressed form. Most of what's lost is comedic sequences and Shinji's interactions with his classmates. A few elements are ignored (how exactly do Shinji's classmates know he is an Eva pilot?) and the scene where Shinji sees Unit 01's eye is sadly missing. Though it is still shown, the symbolism of Shinji going back and forth between tracks 25 and 26 of his music are lost, given that there is no longer "episodes" 25 and 26, or the controversy surrounding them in this version.
However, hints that possibly big changes are to come occur when about 3/4 through Misato takes Shinji to see...something...even the audience hadn't seen until far into the series, and at the end, when Kaworu shows up (though this does not mean he will enter immediately in the next part, we'll have to wait and see.) Overall, simply great, I loved it. However, you probably shouldn't "warm up" by watching the show right beforehand because it is SO similar you might get bored.