What is OVA Anime?
Original Video Animation (OVA) is used interchangeably with Original Anime Video (OAV), and refers to Japanese animation---called anime---that is released direct-to-video, instead of aired on television or released in theaters. OVAs can be series with multiple episodes or single feature-length films.
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History
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OVAs emerged in the 1970s from the widespread ownership of VCRs and an unprecedented growth in the anime industry. In the 1980s OVA popularity increased, though by the 1990s the OVA boom declined along with the Japanese economy. In the 2000s, OVAs are still popular and distributors are finding new ways to promote the form, such as packaging OVAs with manga (Japanese comic books).
Originality
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Most OVAs have original plots, although not all OVAs have original characters. Many
OVAs are based on pre-existing television series, theatrical films or manga. These OVAs can be sequels, prequels, bonus episodes, spin-offs or alternate endings. Occasionally the roles will reverse and an OVA will give rise to a television series or theatrical film. -
Reputation
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Although direct-to-video releases are stigmatized in the United States, in Japan OVAs often boast a higher quality than aired series because they usually have higher budgets and longer production times than television series have.
Adult Content
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Because OVAs bypass television and theatrical standards, violence and nudity are prevalent, although not all OVAs contain explicit content. Hentai---pornographic anime---is released almost exclusively in OVA form.
Popular OVAs
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Influential OVA titles include "Bubblegum Crisis," "Megazone 23," "Tenchi Muyo!," and "Dallos."
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