Product Details

• Format: Animated, Color, DVD, NTSC
• Language: English, Japanese
• Subtitles: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: Unrated
• Studio: Adv Films
• DVD Release Date: September 24, 2002
• Run Time: 55 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B00006HAW3
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #98,443 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Usually referred to as "Zone of the Enders 2167", this 2001 video was released simultaneously with the related TV series "Zone of the Enders Dolores" and the PlayStation2 game on which they're based. In 2167 the human inhabitants of Mars are oppressed by sadistic Earthlings. A cadre of scientists has launched a secret project to develop a new super-mobile suit that will enable the Martians to win their freedom. Ace mecha pilot 2nd Lt. Radium Lavans is assigned to the prototype, "Idolo," which is made from the mysterious element "metatron." The brief story mixes the Martian quest for freedom with Lavans's ill-starred romance with the scientist Dolores. The video, which serves as a sort of prequel to the game, feels like a minor "Gundam" adventure and will appeal primarily to gamers who are already familiar with this world. Rated 15 Up: Considerable violence, alcohol use. "--Charles Solomon"

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply awesome., September 9, 2005

By 

Adam Grigsby "Paragon of Evil" (Bothell, WA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Zone of the Enders - Idolo (OAV) (DVD)

This movie really is quite amazing. I initially bought it because it featured giant destructive war machines, and it ties into the video games. This movie has that, yes, but after watching it, what really struck me was the intense drama it has. Let me mention that this movie is best seen with subtitles, though, because a few points to the plot are glazed over in the English dub. Perhaps the most moving part of this movie is the dramatic climax with the Idolo going on it's last attack -- if you've been paying attention, you'll be practically in tears over it. All in all, a great movie, with some decent extras (look into the timeline, very interesting information is contained there).

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT FOR ZONE OF THE ENDERS FAN., August 9, 2005

By 

Roger Meza (Managua, Managua Nicaragua) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Zone of the Enders - Idolo (OAV) (DVD)

THIS OVA IS REALLY ONE OF THE BEST THAT I HAVE EVER SEEN IS TRULY AND VERY GOOD PREQUEL FOR THE GAME AND CERTAINLY OF THE ANIME SERIE TOO, SOME OF THE BEST ELEMENTS THAT I CAN SAY ABOUT THIS IS THE OST SOUNDS GREAT, MELANCHOLIC MUSIC COMBINING AT PERFECTION WITH THE SAD MOMENTS AND THE GREAT ACTION WITH TECHNO ELECTRONIC MUSIC.

THE ANIMATION IS OF VERY GOOD QUALITY, GOOD DETAILS AND THE HISTORY WILL TRAP YOU, YOU WILL SEE ;)

IF YOU BUY IT YOU WILL BE CURIOSITY ABOUT THE TV ANIME SERIE AND WELL THE VIDEO GAME BOTH OF THEM. EXTREMELY RECOMMENDED TOO.

"ZONE OF THE ENDERS" &
"ZONE OF THE ENDERS THE SECOND RUNNER" (THE CLIMAX)

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Worth Seeking Out, January 29, 2006

By 

Marc Ruby™ "The Noh Hare™" (Warren, MI USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Zone of the Enders - Idolo (OAV) (DVD)

'Guys in giant armor' films don't usually take me by surprise and by all rights this Zone of Enders OAV should have been just like its relatives. The film inherits its plot basics from a game, and a series (Zone of Enders - Dolores) came out of it. Earth has come to dominate the martian colony, not only in terms of weaponry, but in sheer body mass and bad attitude as well. The Martians have opted to appear cooperative but work in secret to create a suit of bio-armor that will outgun the current generation or mecha touted by earth.

I Dolo (not Idolo, no matter what the DVD English says) is the name of the prototype orbital frame, and Radium Lavans has been assigned as its pilot, with his girlfriend Dolores he has moved to a secret base where he undergoes training. But I Dolo, made of the mysterious metatron element is no simple servo-mechanical suit. Somehow it harmonizes with Radium's inner anger at Earth's oppressiveness. As the suit reaches its full capabilities, its pilots humanity begins to deteriorate.

Which, unlike most mecha films, is where this OAV diverges from the pack. The focus here isn't the battle scenes, but on the thinning boundary between human and machine. Radium must face what he is losing and, with Dolores' help regain his ability to do what is right rather than indulge in random destruction. When the Earth forces discover the secret Martian base and the climactic lesson, in a characteristic Japanese way, raises as many questions as it resolves.

The artwork is very nicely done although in an older style than we've gotten used to in the latest anime films. The character designers have avoided the 'big eyed' look, making the faces more expressive. Since this film is very much about the feelings of the characters, this works perfectly. You may want to keep away from the dubbing - it's a little too freewheeling. In addition to the one-hour feature there are a set of short interviews with the director and the designers.

I'm not precisely a mecha fan, but I Dolo is special. Make a point of seeing it.