The Movie
2167 A.D. Mars is trying to free itself from the dictatorial rule of Earth. On Antilla, a space colony orbiting Jupiter, Lieutenant Radium Lavans leads a team of scientists researching a new weapons technology to make this possible. Suddenly, they are attacked by a terrorist force using machines called "Orbital Frames", large robots that sport a massive array of weaponry. It seems this group, known as "BAHRAM", is after the new technology being developed on the colony.. two advanced versions of Orbital Frames. The prototype, "IDolo", is powered by an unusual element called Metaltron, a catalyst for unpredictable behavior and unlimited power. Radium struggles between trying to win Mars' freedom, expose spies posing as U.N. inspectors, deal with Earths control over his teammate Viola and saving his romance with Dolores, a colony scientist. To succeed, he must force the Idolo unit to make the right choices before the power of Metaltron consumes him.

"ZOE Vol.1 IDolo" (55 minutes) was released at the same time as the related TV series "ZOE Vol.1 Dolores - Countdown to Destiny" (125 minutes), and are both based on the PlayStation2 game by the same name. This video is a historical prequel to the game, the first in a short series of hour-long stories produced as prequels that ends with a perfect tie-in to it and explains many of the terms present in the game.

The "Zone of the Enders" titles come from the studio of A.D. Vision. In 1992, ADV began to forge the international market for Japanese animation ("anime") by combining unique titles, outstanding production values and efficient large-scale distribution. Today, ADV is the #1 producer/distributor of Japanese animation to the North American market, with the firm's holdings including such premier titles as "Spriggan", "Sailor Moon," "Samurai X," "Medabots," "Robotech," "Gasaraki" and "Neon Genesis Evangelion." ADV has reached out to other audiences by acquiring the hit live-action sci-fi titles of "Farscape," "Gene Roddenberry's Andromeda" and classics such as "Gamera: Guardian of the Universe." Further, ADV has spread out to mainstream comic book fans by producing an animated adaptation of Chaos! Comics' "Lady Death", and by fostering relationships with other leading companies.

ADV recently announced the launch of "The Anime Network™", a digital cable offering running 24 hours a day. The model is structured around four categorized content areas: Action Zone, Sci-Fi, Comedy Incorrect, and Horror/Martial Arts. These categories are designed to include virtually the entire spectrum of quality anime, while contextualizing content for new viewers unfamiliar with specific titles. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, USA, with additional offices in Europe and Japan, and distribution on four continents, ADV is fast becoming an international entertainment powerhouse.

DVD
Region 1. Original aspect of 1.33:1, non-anamorphic, 55 minutes, single-side, single layer.

Video
No visible artifacts. The animation is crisp and clean and what you have come to expect from A.D. Studios. Strong color, solid transfer.

Audio
English 5.1.
English 2.0.
English 5.1 With Song Subtitles.
English 2.0 With Song Subtitles.
Japanese 2.0 With English Subtitles.
The Japanese version has nice surround and low frequency effects. The English version is slightly more enhanced with both being very clean. The English dub is well done and mixed with the music ties nicely in with the game.

Menus
Animated menus with music.
Play Feature.
Scenes: Access Interactive Menus with 6 cues and remote access.
Languages: Subtitles/Captions in English with remote access.
Extras.

Extras
Trailers
Andromeda, Dai Guard, Zone Of The Enders: Dolores, Gasaraki, Farscape Season 2, Noir.

Sketches
A gallery of sketches and production drawings for most of the characters in the film, A.D. Studio previews and the show's ending theme. Zone of the Enders Timeline.

Interviews
Director Tetsuya Watanabe.
Chief Character Designer Madoka Hirayama.
Character Designer Kumi Horii.
Mecha Designer Tsutomu Miyazawa. Included are discussions on "The Making Of", reflections, inspirations for and purpose of ZOE.

Final Thoughts
A dramatic storyline, with lots of action and emotion, that doesn't rehash the story of the game but the history before it and done with surprising depth and vision not present in many offerings in this genre. A must have for fans of the PS2 game or those partial to Evangelion and Gundam Mechs. Note: Considerable violence and alcohol use.