Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory was a thirteen episode Gundam series broadcast in Japan in 1991. This review is for Volume Four, the last three episodes in the series.

Rich, updated, and more detailed animation are really all this part of the Gundam saga has to offer. It is like having the same gift offered to you but with all new wrapping. The storyline basically covers the same ground already done in the original 70's television series. The elements of rivalry, rocky roads of love, treachery, and the politics of war were already drawn in the original series and presented here in 0083 with slight variations.

The original had the main characters of the dueling pilots of the Federal Forces Amuro Ray and the Zeon's Char Aznabale. 0083 has the dueling pilots of Federal Forces Lt. Kuo Uraki and the Zeon's Commander Gato. In the original there was the triangle between Amuro, Char and Sayla; in 0083 its between Kou, Gato, and Nina Purpleton. In the original the Zeon's saw treachery and betrayal inside the Zabi family when Giren assassinates his own father to gain control; in 0083 it is within the Zeon generals when Commander Cima works with the Federal Forces and assassinates the main Zeon General. The plot line of a space colony being used by the enemy intending to crash it into the Earth was previously used in the original series 1988 spin-off film Char's Counterattack, only there it was an asteroid.

Brief Episode Synopsis... Episode 11: LA VIE EN ROSE- The Zeon's plan to destroy the Earth, Operation Stardust, begins to enter its final phase. Lt. Kuo Uraki and fellow crew visit a federal Forces base with the hope that Kuo will be assigned to the new Gundam suit, Unit 3, but meet opposition from their commanders. Episode 12: ASSAULT ON THE POINT OF NO RETURN- With the colony en route to crash into the Earth and a line of Zeon warships and battle suits defending it, the Federal Forces are hard pressed to stop the colony from its impact. They determine the last possible point at which it can be stopped, and Lt. Uraki pilots a lone mobile suit through the Zeon blockade and tries to halt the colonies deadly trajectory. Episode 13: A STORM RAGING THROUGH- Zeon Commander Cima assassinates the Zeon general, sending the Zeons into confusion, and the Federal Forces try one last attempt to destroy the colony by using an array of solar panels which will shoot a beam of energy to destroy the colony. However, their effort is stalled by Gato, and soon Gato and Kou are pitted in their final battle while the fate of the Earth hangs in the balance.

The DVD: Bandai Entertainment

Picture: Standard Full-Screen, 1.33:1. Well, it looks pretty good for tv budgeted animation. The colors and sharpness are all good. Really the only complaint I have is that the contrast could be deeper, but this is more due to its source as opposed to a transfer problem. No noticeable artifacts or severe edge enhancement.

Sound: English or Japanese Dolby Digital 5.1. Optional yellow English subtitles. Good mixes all around. Although I usually use original language tracks as my main track, I was fighting a migraine so I mainly used the English dub so I could spare my eyes. Subs were very good, clear and pretty sharp. Dialogue and fx were mixed well. The lush symphonic score punches in perfectly when it is needed.

Extras: Reversible Cover--- Episode and Chapter Selections--- Commercial Collection--- Mobile Suit Encyclopedia--- Trailers for Escaflowne: The Movie, Jin-Roh, Love Hina, and Betterman.

Conclusion: Well, if you are a Gundam fan- naturally, pick it up. And really, like most anime, you have to be a true fan considering the exorbitant prices and spread out releases (four volumes at $30 each). I know Cartoon Network aired the series (probably in slightly cut form), and may still, so if you are curious you may want to check their schedule and tune in to see if you like it before plunking down the money for the DVDs. But for fans, this is the last volume, and if you've already got the previous three, nothing should be stopping you from owning this one.