Mobile Suit Gundam - the 08th MS Team, Volume 4

Ryu (Former Staff) — March 5th, 2002
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The final volume of Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team brings the series to a dramatic conclusion with three excellent episodes. Overall, this has been an excellent series, and stands up well to the previous storylines.

We last left the 08th preparing to attack the Zeon's main base in the region - a base dug deep into a mountain. The first two episodes cover the assault on the base, as well as the launch of the now completed Apsalus. The creator has literally gone mad, and Shiro and Aina (on their respective sides) seek to limit the bloodshed as much as possible.

These two episodes, more than any others in this particular series, begin to blur the line between which side is in the right. The Federation forces make some very questionable choices, and the desire of the Zeon to be free mimics that of many countries who have desired independence (our own included).

One of the highlights of this disc is an excellent urban combat sequence between a Gouf and Shiro's Gundam. With the explosive series of final battles, the viewer is kept in dark as to who will live and die until the very end...

These final episodes continue the increasing level of seriousness that has been escalating from the beginning. The viewer literally does not know who is going to survive the battle (as is the case with many Gundam shows, main characters are often killed off or worse).

For fans of Gundam battles, there is some excellent urban combat between a Gouf and Shiro's Gundam that just should not be missed. As well, the action overall ramps up quite a bit for the 2-episode arc.

The very last episode serves more as an epilogue to the series. The war is over, and while some have gone back to their lives, others have found no lives to return to. I felt the series ended well, but it definitely leaves you hungry for more.

The show still looks wonderful, with vibrant colors when appropriate. Even with major action cluttering the screen, there was no artifacting or blurring. The animation seemed a little stronger in the first two episodes as compared to previous discs. The last episode had little action, so it cannot really be judged harshly.

The sound is fine. And, once again, technically, the only flaw in the disc is the ridiculous menu system. The extras are still very nice, including more episodes about the Universal Century. As with the other discs, there is another reversible cover (I personally prefer the hidden side).

This series had a slow start as it served up episodes focusing on individual characters, but, in the end, it delivered an excellent war drama covering a single front in a much larger war. While typically melodramatic at times, one cannot really fault the story. The storyline tightened up significantly at the end, directing all the players to a final confrontation - even if it was against their will. It is an excellent addition to anyone's anime library - my only gripe is that the journey just seemed to be over too quick.

Video Quality: A
Audio Quality: A-
Presentation: B
Content: A
Overall: A-