《新機動戰記鋼彈W 無盡的華爾茲 特別篇》是鋼彈系列中極具代表性的劇場版作品，於1998年8月1日正式上映，片長90分鐘，由SUNRISE製作。這部電影其實是將原本於1997年發行的三集OVA版本重新剪輯、增補與改編，整合為完整的劇場版，不僅增加新的戰鬥場景與角色後續生活的片段，甚至在配樂上也進行調整，讓整體氛圍更具震撼力與戲劇張力。

劇情方面，電影延續《新機動戰記鋼彈W》TV版的結局，講述殖民後196年的故事。原本希洛、迪歐、特洛瓦與卡特爾決定將鋼彈送往太陽，象徵人類終於迎來完全的和平。然而，和平並未持續太久，巴頓財團首領德基姆·巴頓再度挑起戰火，他利用已故OZ統帥特列斯之女瑪莉梅亞作為傀儡領袖，成立軍隊並綁架外交官莉莉娜，企圖實行新的「流星作戰」。這個計畫不僅要讓殖民地墜落地球，還要透過新型機動戰士「沙貝特」進行武力鎮壓。希洛與同伴們不得不再次回歸戰場，取回鋼彈，並面對新的敵人與舊有的矛盾，包括五飛與特洛瓦在瑪莉梅亞軍中的暫時立場對立。

在電影中，觀眾得以看到鋼彈駕駛員們如何面對人類歷史不斷重演的戰爭循環，也能感受到角色們內心的掙扎與成長。這種對「和平」與「戰爭」的辯證，不僅是《鋼彈W》的核心主題，更是《Endless Waltz》之所以能成為經典的重要原因。電影名稱中的「無盡的華爾茲」，象徵著戰爭、和平與革命三者之間永無止境的循環，透過角色的抉擇，將這個宏大的命題具體化。

音樂方面，特別篇最大的亮點之一是主題曲《Last Impression》由TWO-MIX演唱，歌曲搭配飛翼零式登場的場景更是將觀眾的情緒推向高潮。與OVA版不同的是，劇場版在關鍵場景更換配樂，使得戰鬥氛圍與角色心境更加強烈，讓觀眾能有耳目一新的體驗。

在市場評價上，上映後獲得廣泛好評。當年正值鋼彈系列在日本乃至全球的高人氣時期，不僅延續《鋼彈W》TV版在女性觀眾中的熱潮，更因為劇場版增添更加流暢的戰鬥場景與精美的作畫，讓它在鋼彈迷心中地位相當崇高。對許多粉絲而言，本作不僅是《鋼彈W》的最終章，更是象徵著九〇年代鋼彈動畫的巔峰。

即使在多年後，《無盡的華爾茲》依然被視為鋼彈OVA與劇場版中的經典之作。不僅延續鋼彈系列「探討戰爭與和平」的精神，更在視覺風格與角色塑造上留下鮮明印記。許多觀眾對希洛駕駛飛翼零式出場的震撼場面、莉莉娜在和平與政治間的堅毅態度，以及鋼彈駕駛員們對戰爭的反思至今難以忘懷。

“Mobile Suit Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz Special Edition” is one of the most iconic theatrical entries in the Gundam series. It was officially released on August 1, 1998, with a runtime of 90 minutes, produced by SUNRISE. This film is essentially a re-edited, expanded, and adapted version of the three-episode OVA originally released in 1997, consolidated into a full-length theatrical edition. It not only adds new battle sequences and glimpses into the pilots’ post-war lives but also makes adjustments to the soundtrack, enhancing the overall impact and dramatic tension of the story.

In terms of plot, the film continues directly from the conclusion of the “Mobile Suit Gundam Wing” TV series, set in the year 196 of the After Colony calendar. Initially, Heero, Duo, Trowa, and Quatre decide to send the Gundams into the sun, symbolizing humanity’s arrival at a state of complete peace. However, this peace is short-lived. Dekim Barton, the head of the Barton Foundation, reignites conflict by using Mariemaia, the daughter of the late OZ commander Treize, as a puppet leader. He forms an army and kidnaps diplomat Relena to execute a new “Operation Meteor,” intending not only to drop a colony onto Earth but also to use the new mobile suit “Shabet” for military suppression. Heero and his companions must return to the battlefield to recover the Gundams and confront both new enemies and lingering conflicts, including the temporary alignment of Wufei and Trowa within Mariemaia’s forces.

The film allows viewers to witness how the Gundam pilots confront the recurring cycles of human history and war, while also delving into their inner struggles and personal growth. The ongoing tension between “peace” and “war” is a central theme of “Gundam Wing” and a key reason why “Endless Waltz” has achieved classic status. The title “Endless Waltz” symbolizes the unending cycle of war, peace, and revolution, which is embodied through the choices and actions of the characters.

Musically, one of the highlights of the Special Edition is the theme song “Last Impression” by TWO-MIX. The song accompanies Heero’s dramatic appearance in the Wing Zero, heightening the audience’s emotional engagement. Unlike the OVA, the theatrical version features altered background music in key scenes, intensifying both the combat sequences and the emotional depth of the characters, giving viewers a fresh and more immersive experience.

In terms of market reception, the film was widely praised upon release. At the time, the Gundam franchise enjoyed high popularity in Japan and worldwide. The Special Edition not only extended the TV series’ appeal, particularly among female audiences, but also impressed fans with smoother battle sequences and refined animation, cementing its high status among Gundam enthusiasts. For many fans, it represents not only the finale of “Gundam Wing” but also a pinnacle of 1990s Gundam animation.

Even years later, “Endless Waltz” remains regarded as a classic within both the Gundam OVA and theatrical adaptations. It continues the franchise’s exploration of war and peace while leaving a distinctive mark in terms of visual style and character development. Fans still vividly remember the breathtaking scene of Heero piloting the Wing Zero, Relena’s steadfastness in navigating peace and politics, and the pilots’ reflections on the nature of war.