Bandai Namco Filmworks has announced that Mobile Suit Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz will be returning to U.S. theaters in 4K resolution, with screenings set to begin this fall. The theatrical run will kick off with a special event at the Japan Society in New York, with further details regarding additional screenings to be announced at a later date.
A Timely Return for a Fan Favorite
The announcement of new U.S. theatrical screenings comes as part of the 30th anniversary celebration of the Mobile Suit Gundam Wing franchise. Endless Waltz serves as a direct sequel to the popular Mobile Suit Gundam Wing television series, continuing the story within the “After Colony” timeline and delving into the pasts of the five Gundam pilots and the true objectives behind “Operation Meteor.” Originally released in Japan as a three-part OVA (Original Video Animation) in 1997, it was later re-edited into a compilation film in 1998, featuring additional scenes and an altered musical score.
History of Endless Waltz in North America
Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz first premiered in North America on Canada’s YTV on September 11, 2000, and then on Cartoon Network in the U.S. on November 10, 2000. Both the OVA and film versions were released on DVD by Bandai Entertainment. However, due to the closure of Bandai Entertainment, the titles went out-of-print. In 2014, Sunrise announced that Right Stuf Inc. would be re-releasing the entire Gundam franchise in North America, with Endless Waltz seeing a Blu-ray and DVD re-release in December 2017.
30th Anniversary Announcements
The new theatrical screenings are part of broader initiatives for the Gundam Wing 30th anniversary. Other announcements made by Bandai Namco Filmworks at San Diego Comic-Con International include:
- New Anniversary Promotional Video: A new promotional video for the Mobile Suit Gundam Wing series, directed by Toru Iwasawa, was debuted.
- New Manga Series: A new manga titled Mobile Suit Gundam Wing 0.5 Point Half Preventer-7, featuring characters Adin Lowe and Long Meilan, is set to launch in August. The first chapter is already available in English on the franchise’s 30th anniversary website, preceding its Japanese release. This manga aims to bridge the narrative gap between Endless Waltz and the Gundam Wing: Frozen Teardrop sequel novels.
- Recap Video: A new recap video for the Mobile Suit Gundam Wing series, narrated by Toshihiko Seki (the voice of Duo Maxwell), will be released on the Gundam.info YouTube channel with English subtitles.
- New Visual: A new visual for the series was also unveiled.
Fans interested in experiencing Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz on the big screen in a newly restored 4K format should stay tuned for further announcements from Bandai Namco Filmworks regarding additional screening dates and locations.
