If you’re a devoted anime fan, you may have encountered the term “OVA” while exploring the watch order for a particular series. In addition to regular episodes and movies, OVAs are often listed. But what exactly is an OVA, and how does it differ from other episode types?
In this article, we’ll discuss and explain OVAs to provide you with a clear understanding of their purpose and significance.
Definition of OVA
An OVA, or Original Video Animation, refers to a special episode that is created separately from the main season episodes of an anime series. These episodes are sometimes shorter or longer in duration compared to regular episodes and can even be movie-length.
The unique aspect of OVAs is that they are primarily made for home video formats such as DVD and Blu-ray. In essence, OVAs can be considered as bonus content that is not available to those who solely watch the TV airing of the series.
Length and Format
OVAs vary in length, and their duration is not strictly confined to the typical episode duration of a series. Some OVAs may have a shorter runtime, while others can be more extensive, even reaching the length of a full feature film. This flexibility allows creators to explore narratives and storytelling in a more condensed or expansive format, offering a different viewing experience for the audience.
In the past, OVAs were primarily accessible through physical media, such as DVDs and Blu-rays. However, with the increasing popularity of streaming services, OVAs have become more readily available. Platforms like Crunchyroll now include OVAs in their selection, making it easier for fans to access and enjoy this additional content without the need for physical copies.
Production and Quality
OVAs are typically produced by the same teams that work on the main series. As a result, viewers can expect a consistent level of quality in terms of animation, art style, voice acting, and music. While the production values may remain high, the events portrayed in OVAs often do not have a direct impact on the main storyline. Instead, they serve as side-stories that further enrich the world and provide fans with additional insights into the beloved characters.
Role of OVAs in the Story
OVAs are not always crucial to the main plotline of an anime series. Instead, they offer supplemental narratives that explore different aspects of the fictional universe or provide backstory and character development. As a viewer, you have the option to decide whether watching the OVAs is necessary based on your personal preferences and interest in the series.
If you genuinely enjoyed the main series, delving into the OVAs can offer an opportunity to immerse yourself in more adventures featuring your favorite characters, even if the events depicted are not considered canon.
Difference Between OVAs, OAVs, and Specials
Apart from OVAs, you may have come across the terms OAVs and specials. While OVAs and OAVs sound similar, they are essentially interchangeable terms, both referring to Original Animated Video. The distinction between OVAs and specials lies in their broadcasting format. OVAs are primarily produced for home video release, while specials can be aired on television. Therefore, OVAs can be classified as specials, but not all specials can be classified as OVAs.
Should You Watch OVAs?
The decision to watch OVAs largely depends on your personal preferences and the level of attachment you have to the series. If you thoroughly enjoyed the main series and wish to explore more content within the same universe, OVAs can provide an opportunity to do so. Even if the events portrayed in OVAs are not considered canon, the presence of familiar characters can still make the viewing experience enjoyable. Moreover, OVAs often offer a glimpse into the creative team’s vision and provide a deeper understanding of the characters and their motivations.
Modern anime seasons typically include only one or two OVAs, so investing time in watching them is not a significant commitment unless the series itself is exceptionally lengthy. It’s important to note that not all OVAs are unrelated to the main plot or devoid of significance.
In the past, several anime series were exclusively released as OVAs, such as the original JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure anime from 1993 to 2000. These OVAs were initially distributed on VHS and Laserdisc, showcasing the popularity of these formats in Japan at the time. However, it’s rare to see entire series being produced as OVAs in today’s landscape.
Conclusion
In conclusion, OVAs offer anime enthusiasts an opportunity to dive deeper into the worlds they love. While not always integral to the main storyline, OVAs provide additional content that can enhance the overall viewing experience. Whether you choose to watch OVAs or not depends on your personal preferences, attachment to the series, and the desire to explore supplementary narratives. With the accessibility of streaming services, accessing OVAs has become more convenient, enabling fans to enjoy these special episodes with ease.
FAQs
- 1. Are OVAs considered canon in anime series? OVAs are not always considered canon within the overarching story of an anime series. They often serve as side-stories or supplemental content that does not directly impact the main plotline. However, the presence of familiar characters and consistent production quality can still make them enjoyable for fans.
- 2. Can I watch OVAs without watching the main series? While it is possible to watch OVAs without having seen the main series, it is recommended to watch the main series first to have a better understanding of the characters, setting, and context. OVAs often assume familiarity with the main series and may reference events or characters that are introduced in the main storyline.
- 3. How can I access OVAs? In the past, OVAs were primarily released on physical media such as DVDs and Blu-rays. However, with the rise of streaming platforms like Crunchyroll, OVAs have become more accessible to a wider audience. Many streaming services now include OVAs in their catalog, allowing fans to watch them online without the need for physical copies.
- 4. Do OVAs have better production quality than regular episodes? OVAs are typically produced by the same teams that work on the main series, ensuring a consistent level of production quality. However, the events depicted in OVAs often have less impact on the main storyline, allowing the creative team to explore different styles, narratives, or character interactions.
- 5. Can OVAs be standalone stories? Yes, some OVAs can be standalone stories that do not require prior knowledge of the main series. These OVAs often present self-contained narratives or explore alternative storylines within the same universe. However, it’s important to note that not all OVAs are designed to be standalone, and familiarity with the main series can enhance the viewing experience.
