Mobile Suit Gundam Wing: Collection 2 Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		5.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		0.5
Overall		4.0

Mobile Suit Gundam Wing: Collection 2 Blu-ray Movie Review

The second part of Gundam Wing: the can't-miss conclusion to the main series.

Gundam Wing returns with a second collection of action-packed adventure set in outer-space. The series is produced by Hideyuki Tomioka (InuYasha, Turn A Gundam), Masuo Ueda (Cowboy Bebop: The Movie, Escaflowne: The Movie), and Yoshiaki Koizumi (Mobile Fighter G Gundam, Mobile Suit Victory Gundam). Created by Hajime Yatate (Cowboy Bebop, The Big O) and Yoshiyuki Tomino (Turn A Gundam, Mobile Fighter G Gundam), Gundam Wing is a production from animation powerhouse Sunrise.

The series follows the epic journey of a team of resistance revolutionaries fighting for the betterment of the space colonies and the citizens in need. Heero Yuy (Mark Hildreth), Trowa Barton (Kirby Morrow), Quatre Rabarba Winner (Brad Swaile), Duo Maxwell (Scott McNeil), and Chang Wufei (Ted Cole) suit up with their Gundam mechas to fight a war that must be won at any cost. The stakes have been raised and these heroes are determined to give their all.

Events have become quite tumultuous and complicated following the start of Operation Meteor. As the Gundam pilots continue to fight for what they believe in, the events surrounding the Gundam heroes become even more complex: political turmoil unfolds when OZ, a secret society, takes control and changed the course direction of the colonies. Yet some seek pacifism – while under leadership of Relena Peacecraft (Lisa Ann Beley). Can the war be overcome or will humankind ultimately destroy itself?

Gundam Wing features outstanding animation. The efforts of the team of animators are superb throughout. The series has some of the best Gundam mecha designs in the entire Gundam mythology. Under the art direction of Masaru Sato (Serial Experiments Lain, The Irresponsible Captain Tylor) and Yusuke Takeda (Occult Academy, Sword Art Online), Gundam Wing is a visually inventive series. The background art shines. The character designs are similarly excellent and make each central character unique.

Fans of action-anime will appreciate how intense the action is on Gundam Wing. The mecha battles are intense and will have viewers on the edge of their seat. The choreography of these epic battles is one element of the series that never grows old – one can't help but be entertained by the rapid-fire action throughout the epic. The animators made sure to keep action fans satisfied.

The battles concludes.

The engaging music score composed by Kow Otani (Outlaw Star) is one of the best elements of the entire production. The soundtrack is energetic and helps to carry the storytelling. Whether the score emphasizes political undercurrents or the intensity of the mecha fight scenes, composer Otani finds something unique in his scores to bring the tale to life.

Cinematographer Yoichi Ogami (Cowboy Bebop, InuYasha) keeps the setting of the series grim and realistic (within the frame- work of the outer-space story). The series has some dark undercurrents exploring the harsh surroundings of the colonies – these elements add a sense of dramatic depth. Exceptional work by Ogami.

Written by by Katsuyuki Sumisawa (Sailor Moon, Dragon Ball Z), Gundam Wing is one of the best anime series in the Gundam franchise. Though it isn't for everyone, the fantastic blend of political elements alongside action-packed adventure make it one of the strongest entries. The characters certainly help make the series, too: one can't help but root for Heero Yuy and the rest of these revolutionaries.

The political elements are essential to the series storytelling. Gundam Wing makes one ponder the nature of war and the futility of it. Despite being a series driven by war, it's an anti-war story that explores the depths to which war divides and damages. This is one of the smartest anime series produced in the Gundam canon and anyone looking beneath the surface of the series will see how special it is.

Directed by Masashi Ikeda (InuYasha, Ronin Warriors), Gundam Wing is a classic. The series is a masterpiece in the anime stratosphere. Ikeda helps brings the tale to life with a firm grip on the storytelling essentials: the characters as essential as the mecha robots. Don't miss this gem.

Mobile Suit Gundam Wing: Collection 2 Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from Sunrise and RightStuf, Gundam Wing: Collection 2 is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition in the original broadcast aspect ratio of 1.33:1 full frame. Sunrise has delivered a superb presentation of the series. The encoding is top-notch. The animation is beautifully reproduced. Colors look true to the source-material.

The only minor nitpicks to the high-definition presentation are found in the implementation of some DNR (digital noise reduction) and occasional minor specks of dirt visible on the source print. Though a presentation with more grain intact would be preferable, the scans are still pleasing and look crisp and clean. Fans will be pleased with the level of detail and clarity found in the native high-definition upgrade.

Mobile Suit Gundam Wing: Collection 2 Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release includes two lossless audio options: English uncompressed PCM stereo and Japanese uncompressed PCM stereo (with English subtitles). The high-resolution audio tracks are stellar: presenting the series with a nice level of clarity and detail. Dialogue is crisp, clear, and easy to understand. The music score composed by Kow Otani sounds beautiful and benefits from the high-fidelity encoding.

Mobile Suit Gundam Wing: Collection 2 Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Clean Openings 3 & 4 (HD, 2:43)

Commercials (SD, 2:25)

Mobile Suit Gundam Wing: Collection 2 Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Gundam Wing concludes its main storyline with the second collection. The series remains an essential anime classic: brimming with creativity and exuberant style. Growing up on the series, I devoured it via Cartoon Network's Toonami action-anime block. The cast of characters made it an unmissable experience: the action is just icing on the cake. It's a joy to see the series receive a high definition upgrade. A mecha masterpiece. Highly recommended.