What is an OVA?
An OVA, or Original Video Animation, is a Japanese animation series distributed in a home video format. It refers to a single episode in a series, often with a unique storyline or characters, shown in a cinema or released via home video. They have become popular in the West as well, giving viewers easy access to one-off stories or episodes from much longer series.
OVAs are different from other home video releases because they are not re-releases of previously shown series. While some may be timed to coincide with the release of a new series, most OVAs are original stories set within an anime world. They often feature their own cast of characters, too, allowing viewers to enter a new realm without needing prior knowledge of an anime.
History of OVAs
The history of OVAs dates back to the 1980s, when it first became popular in Japan. By this time, video rental shops had begun to appear, allowing people to rent or purchase anime movies. It was then that anime directors and producers realized that home video releases could be used to reach the same audience that would watch movies in cinemas or television shows on the family TV.
The VHS tape was the main tool of releasing OVAs in the 1980s, and it allowed directors to create their own original stories with a low budget. It also meant that episodes could be completed in weeks, rather than months or years-long processes. By 1987, over 200 OVAs had been released, bringing viewers an increased range of anime stories.
In the present day
Today, OVAs are still popular in the West, where they often come as part of a bigger series. Most OVAs last between 25-45 minutes and offer a self-contained story, often in the form of a spin-off, standalone special, epilogue, or prequel. Technology has also allowed OVAs to evolve, allowing directors to release additional episodes and movies on home video and streaming platforms.
Other anime-related formats, such as ONA (Original Net Animated) and OGZ (Original Gasho Zoku), have arisen alongside OVA, further increasing the range of available options for fans. OVAs remain a great way to experience a unique story or storyline from much longer series. They also offer a quick and easy way for fans to catch up on the latest episode from a beloved series.