This three-episode OVA is set in the year After Colony 196, one year after the events that occurred in the TV series Gundam W (Wing). The final war between the Earth and the Space Colonies has ended, and boundaries between the nations have been eliminated, thus giving birth to the new United Earth Sphere Unified Nation. Peace is restored, and military weapons are no longer needed. Four of the five Gundam pilots chose to release their Gundams into the sun, feeling they do not need them anymore. However, Chang Wufei still holds on to his Altron Gundam. “As long as mankind exists, there will always be battles.” This holds true when the Colony L3-X18999 claims independence from the United Earth Sphere. They are lead by a child named Mariemaia Khushrenada, daughter to the late Trieze Khushrenada, and have taken Vice Foreign Minister Relena Darlian captive. Armed with an army of the 13th Zodiac Serpent mobile suits, and the Nataku piloted by Wufei, it seems that the Gundams are needed for one last battle…

Animation:

This OVA is brilliantly animated, with much more attention to detail than in the original TV series, and no scenes are re-used. Character designs stay pretty much the same. One notable change is that Heero trades his spandex shorts for regular jeans. The Gundams get new designs, the most belonging to the Wing Gundam Zero. With the edition of feathered wings, the Gundam loses its ability to convert into its Neo-Bird mode, but still keeps the twin-buster rifle and it’s beam sabers. The Gundam HeavyArms Kai has a new black paint job and other refinements like two double-barreled gattling guns. The Gundam Deathscythe Hell remains pretty much the same, but looks more devilish. The Gundam Sandrock Kai looks pretty much the same as well, but with a new, shinier paint job and a huge cape. And the Altron Gundam receives a new paint job, keeps its two dragon fangs, but loses its shield. The other mobile suits have great designs, like the Serpent mobile suit, which when gathered in large numbers, can give the Gundams a run for their money. Also the Tallgeese III, which has elements of the Tallgeese II and Gundam Epyon models, piloted by a familiar face from the TV series…

Music:

Like the TV series, the music is very well done. Nice classical pieces with a blend of guitars, drums and the like. Two-Mix returns to cover the film’s opening/ending themes, “White Reflection.” Out of the three songs Two-Mix did for the series (“Just Communication” and “Rhythm Emotion” being the other two), “White Reflection” would be my favorite. Overall, this OVA has some great music to accompany the great animation.

DVD Features:

This DVD is produced by Bandai Entertainment. The entire case is holographic, showing the Wing Zero on the front, and the five Gundam pilots on the back. The DVD itself features the same picture shown on the back of the DVD case. The DVD insert has the same Wing Zero illustration shown on the front of the DVD case, only it is non-holographic. Inside is a picture of all the Gundam pilots standing on a destroyed Wing Zero Custom.

To begin, this DVD offers two ways of viewing Endless Waltz: the Movie version or the OVA version. Basically, the Movie connects the three OVAs for one full-length feature. The OVA is a collection of the three OVAs playing one after the other, credits and all. The DVD opens up with the Wing Gundam Zero Custom majestically opening its wings for the first time in the film. The green orb on its chest plate shines over the options of the DVD, which are to play either the Movie or the OVA, view specific Movie and OVA scenes, Extras and Setup. When you select an option, it shows Wing Zero make one mighty stroke of its wings off the screen.

When you select the options to view the specific scenes for either the Movie or the OVA, you are given the scene selections, with various action scenes playing in the background. Much better than having a still picture.

The Setup is pretty much self-explanatory. You choose Japanese (2.0 Audio) or English (5.1 or 2.0 Audio) dialogue with or without subtitles, with a close-up picture of the Gundam Nataku’s bowed head. A small yet enjoyable addition to the interaction with the DVD is when you select your options and go back to the Main Menu, Nataku’s head with lift to reveal it’s eyes, flashing to life.

The Extras are often the highlight of any DVD, and this one delivers quite nicely. With a picture of the Gundam Deathscythe in the background (which slashes away at the screen when you return to the Main Menu), you are presented with five options: MS Encyclopedia, Gallery, Textless Endings, Trailers and Credits. 

The MS Encyclopedia features information and pictures of the Mobile Suits featured in the OVA: Wing Zero, Altron, Deathscythe, HeavyArms, Sandrock, Serpent, and Tallgeese III mobile suits. A silhouette of Tallgeese III hovering over the Earth is featured in the background. 

The Gallery features five very nicely illustrated pictures, which you can scroll through at your leisure. All are pretty good, however this reviewer thinks that in one of the pictures, Duo and Heero are being a little too friendly…

The Textless Endings option lets you view the ending animation of “Operation Meteor” and “Return to Eternity” without credits in the way. By today’s anime DVD standards, your DVD is not complete without this kind of option.

The Trailers featured on this DVD are Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory, Cowboy Bebop (highly recommended), Crest of the Stars, and Outlaw Star. A picture of Wing Zero is featured in the background. 

Finally, the Credits, which aren’t the greatest DVD extra around, are shown with style in this particular DVD. While viewing the credits, you are treated to the full version of “White Reflection.” This is a very good addition to any DVD. Besides just reading the credits without music, Bandai has given viewers an incentive. Also, a picture of two Gundams against a sunrise is featured in the background. An ingenious idea on Bandai’s part.

Overall:

I would suggest having prior knowledge of the Gundam W television series before watching, because information from the series is referenced in this OVA. With vibrant animation, well-designed characters & mobile suits, an involving storyline, and exciting battle scenes, Gundam W: Endless Waltz should be part of any Otaku’s collection. And the Special Edition DVD really delivers. Either go out and buy it, or sit down and order it online. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.

Zero’s Ratings:

Story: 10/10 –An excellent way of ending a series.
Animation: 10/10 –Way better than the series animation.
Music: 10/10 –You’ll find yourself toe-tapping to some pieces.
DVD Features: 10/10 –Very innovative extras.
Overall: 10/10 –Wow, this is pretty good!