Anime usually release as films or as television series. However, over the years, there have been many OVA releases as well. Many anime fans prefer OVAs for more detailed stories. The creative freedom while creating them gives the writers endless possibilities. Thus, often allowing them to introduce interesting concepts and original characters to the story. They have gained a lot of popularity and are being used as a marketing strategy to keep fans hooked to the show. But what do they actually mean? How are they different from regular Anime? What are some famous examples? Keep reading to learn OVA meaning in Anime.
OVA Meaning Anime
OVA in Anime refers to Original Video Animation. They are a form of anime that is specially made for a home release. They address a group of targeted fans who are looking for extra content from an anime series. OVAs are more creative and more detailed. The OVAs can either have episodes or could be a film. OVAs do not generally air on television or online. They usually release in DVD formats. OVAs create more excitement for the original series. Anime Studios can release OVAs anytime with ease. Thus, they provide a perfect opportunity to entertain fans in-between season breaks.
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What Is The Difference Between Regular Anime And OVAs?
There are a lot of differences between OVAs and regular Anime. The makers do not have any limits, unlike in regular Anime. They do not have to worry about the length of the episodes or air time. As a result, the staff behind them can work in a more creative space. The stress-free environment results in a better quality of the content. So, they are more detailed and have better story arcs than regular Anime.
In addition, they provide a perfect platform to expand the original story. The writers can include missed details or chapters that they could not include in the Anime. On the other hand, many writers introduce non-canon characters in them. Moreover, regular anime films, series, and specials are censored. However, OVAs are not censored. Thus, they appeal more to fans who can watch themes of violence, nudity, and other such mature content.
What Was The First Anime OVA?
The OVAs first started in the 1980s due to the popularity of VCRs. The first Anime OVA that came out was Dallos. It is an OVA series that was released on December 16, 1983. It had five episodes, each of which ran for thirty minutes. Pierrot Studios made the series under the direction of Mamoru Oshii. The sci-fi story takes place in the future where humans have exhausted the resources of the earth. So, humans build colonies on the moon to ensure their survival. It tells the story of how the colonists started a rebellion against the government, which constantly mistreats them.
Though Dallos is the first anime OVA, a much earlier attempt was made. An OVA for the popular manga series Lion Books was drafted in 1983. However, there was not much proof regarding the release. So, Dallos became the first OVA to release. The popularity of the series urged many other studios to release many OVAs. Some other famous OVA that came out in the 1980s are Fight! Iczer One and Megazone. Today they are as popular as anime films and television series.
What Are Some Popular OVA Releases?
Over the years, there have been many OVA releases. Some of them did not do well, but some of them have become very popular. One of the most popular OVA anime is Legend Of The Galactic Heroes. The series was released on January 8, 1988, and has almost a hundred episodes. It has a 9.1 rating on My Anime List. Another series that is also popular is Rurouni Kenshin: Reminiscence. It was released in February 1999 and has four episodes.
In addition, Hellsing Ultimate, Gintama, Kamisama Kiss have popular OVA series. Did you understand the OVA meaning in Anime? Let us know your favorite OVAs in the comments. For more such anime trivia, stay tuned.
