History Main / OriginalVideoAnimation

While the terms "direct-to-video" and "direct-to-DVD" have negative overtones, essentially being synonyms for UsefulNotes/{{Shovelware}} in the United States, "OVA" has almost exactly the opposite connotation. This partially arises from the view that Western "direct-to-video" releases are not good enough (or too explicit) for theaters; [=OVAs=], on the other hand, are seen as a step up from regular television production. Because the production house need not adhere to the rapid-fire schedule or constrained budget of a TV series or feature-length film, more effort and care can be applied to an OVA, resulting in a much higher level of quality. Additionally, since [=OVAs=] aren't aired to the public, censorship is a moot point, which allows shows for [[{{Seinen}} older]] [[{{Josei}} audiences]] to avoid ducking more mature subject matter. On the flip side, the vast majority of {{hentai}} series are produced and released as [=OVAs=], just like much live-action pornography is released directly to home media or online. Given the general lack of a clear-cut production schedule, the time duration of an OVA is rather varied-- some are 26 minutes long, while others are 60-80 minutes, but the idea of an OVA being up to two hours long is uncommon.

With the recent rise of TwelveEpisodeAnime series as an alternate short format, as well as streaming video over the Internet, [=OVAs=] have come to be less frequently released, though by no means extinct; the aforementioned ''Hellsing'', ''Anime/CodeGeassAkitoTheExiled'' and ''Anime/GhostInTheShellArise'' are a sampling of recent OVA releases. Anime made for release on the Internet are called Original Net Animation, or ONA for short, and act as a SpiritualSuccessor of sorts to the OVA format (with some works, like the 2002 ''Manga/AzumangaDaioh'' anime adaptation, using the ONA format to gauge audience interest with a pilot). The model would also inform direct-to-streaming animation in the west, with those works carrying over the OVA format's association with higher-quality production values and less rigid content standards compared to cable television.

[=OVAs=] were most common in the 1980s and 1990s, particularly during [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_asset_price_bubble the 1986-1991 asset price bubble]] (which, up until its bursting the following year, resulted in studios having a lot more money to back up the prospect of huge creative freedom), during which many well-known series were released in this fashion. The idea of this era as "the Golden Age of Anime" stems in part from the OVA boom, which led to a large number of unique stories being produced unrestricted and without a specific target audience and brought a level of creative freedom comparable to UsefulNotes/NewHollywood's effects on the American film industry. With the recent rise of TwelveEpisodeAnime series as an alternate short format, as well as streaming video over the Internet, [=OVAs=] have come to be less frequently released, though by no means extinct; the aforementioned ''Hellsing'', ''Anime/CodeGeassAkitoTheExiled'' and ''Anime/GhostInTheShellArise'' are a sampling of recent OVA releases. Anime made for release on the Internet are called Original Net Animation, or ONA for short, and act as a SpiritualSuccessor of sorts to the OVA format (with some works, like the 2002 ''Manga/AzumangaDaioh'' anime adaptation, using the ONA format to gauge audience interest with a pilot).

Animated shows produced for the DirectToVideo market, almost universally abbreviated "OVA" or "OAV" (for "original(ly) animated (for) video"), and more rarely OAD (same for DVD). The term is almost always associated with {{anime}}; however, this form of storytelling is beginning to become popular in the anglosphere with recent animation based on comic characters and TV shows. Unfortunately, these still labour under the shadow of the term "direct-to-video".

While the terms "direct-to-video" and "direct-to-DVD" have negative overtones, essentially being synonyms for UsefulNotes/{{Shovelware}} in the United States, "OVA" has almost exactly the opposite connotation. This partially arises from the view that Western "direct-to-video" releases are not good enough (or too explicit) for theaters; [=OVAs=], on the other hand, are seen as a step up from regular television production. Because the production house need not adhere to the rapid-fire schedule or constrained budget of a TV series or feature-length film, more effort and care can be applied to an OVA, resulting in a much higher level of quality. Additionally, since [=OVAs=] aren't aired to the public, GettingCrapPastTheRadar is a moot point, which allows shows for [[{{Seinen}} older]] [[{{Josei}} audiences]] to avoid ducking more mature subject matter. On the flip side, the vast majority of {{hentai}} series are produced and released as [=OVAs=], just like much live-action pornography is released directly to home media or online. Given the general lack of a clear-cut production schedule, the time duration of an OVA is rather varied-- some are 26 minutes long, while others are 60-80 minutes, but the idea of an OVA being up to two hours long is uncommon.

While the terms "direct-to-video" and "direct-to-DVD" have negative overtones, essentially being synonyms for UsefulNotes/{{Shovelware}} in the United States, "OVA" has almost exactly the opposite connotation. This partially arises from the view that Western "direct-to-video" releases are not good enough (or too explicit) for theaters; [=OVAs=], on the other hand, are seen as a step up from regular television production. Because the production house need not adhere to the rapid-fire schedule or constrained budget of a TV series or feature-length film, more effort and care can be applied to an OVA, resulting in a much higher level of quality.

Additionally, since [=OVAs=] aren't aired to the public, GettingCrapPastTheRadar is a moot point, which allows shows for [[{{Seinen}} older]] [[{{Josei}} audiences]] to avoid ducking more mature subject matter. On the flip side, the vast majority of {{hentai}} series are produced and released as [=OVAs=], just like much live-action pornography is released directly to home media or online. Given the general lack of a clear-cut production schedule, the time duration of an OVA is rather varied-- some are 26 minutes long, while others are 60-80 minutes, but the idea of an OVA being up to two hours long is uncommon.

There are some caveats to the increased freedom, though. [=OVAs=] are often produced "on speculation", with no guarantee that the story they tell will ever be completed-- and many are not. At least one OVA series ends with a plaintive plea for more money so the creators can continue making the show. However, even this is not always a guarantee - the ''Manga/{{Hellsing}}'' OVA series managed to adapt the entire ten volume manga it was based on.

One trend which has become evident recently is the continuation of broadcast television series in OVA form after they complete their initial run. The aforementioned lack of broadcast standards also allows writers to work in anything they couldn't put into the original TV show. Inversely, the exposure of a broadcast initial run may be a lure for viewer interest in the less censored, more serious story continuing on disc.

[=OVAs=] were most common in the 1980s and 1990s, particularly during [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_asset_price_bubble the 1986-1991 asset price bubble]] (which, up until its bursting the following year, resulted in studios having a lot more money to back up the prospect of huge creative freedom), during which many well-known series were released in this fashion. The idea of this era as "the Golden Age of anime" stems in part from the OVA boom, which led to a large number of unique stories being produced unrestricted and without a specific target audience and brought a level of creative freedom comparable to UsefulNotes/NewHollywood's effects on the American film industry. With the recent rise of TwelveEpisodeAnime series as an alternate short format, as well as streaming video over the Internet, [=OVAs=] have come to be less frequently released, though by no means extinct; the aforementioned ''Hellsing'', ''Anime/CodeGeassAkitoTheExiled'' and ''Anime/GhostInTheShellArise'' are a sampling of recent OVA releases. Anime made for release on the Internet are called Original Net Animation, or ONA for short.

Additionally, since [=OVAs=] aren't aired to the public, GettingCrapPastTheRadar is a moot point, which allows shows for [[{{Seinen}} older]] [[{{Josei}} audiences]] to avoid ducking more mature subject matter. (On the flip side, the vast majority of {{hentai}} series are produced and released as [=OVAs=], just like much live-action pornography is released directly to video or disc formats.) Given the general lack of a clear-cut production schedule, the time duration of an OVA is rather varied - some are 26 minutes long, while others are 60 - 80 minutes, but the idea of an OVA being up to two hours long is uncommon.

There are some caveats to the increased freedom, though. [=OVAs=] are often produced "on speculation", with no guarantee that the story they tell will ever be completed -- and many are not. At least one OVA series ends with a plaintive plea for more money so the creators can continue making the show. However, even this is not always a guarantee - the ''Manga/{{Hellsing}}'' OVA series managed to adapt the entire ten volume manga it was based on.

[=OVAs=] were most common in the 1980s and 1990s, during which many well-known series were released in this fashion. With the recent rise of TwelveEpisodeAnime series as an alternate short format, as well as streaming video over the Internet, [=OVAs=] have come to be less frequently released, though by no means extinct; the aforementioned ''Hellsing'', ''Anime/CodeGeassAkitoTheExiled'' and ''Anime/GhostInTheShellArise'' are a sampling of recent OVA releases. Anime made for release on the Internet are called Original Net Animation, or ONA for short.

[=OVAs=] were most common in the 1980s and 1990s, during which many well-known series were released in this fashion. With the recent rise of TwelveEpisodeAnime series as an alternate short format, as well as streaming video over the Internet, [=OVAs=] have come to be less frequently released, though by no means extinct; the aforementioned ''Hellsing'', ''Anime/CodeGeassAkitoTheExiled'' and ''Anime/GhostInTheShellArise'' are a sampling of recent [=OVA=] releases.

There are some caveats to the increased freedom, though. [=OVAs=] are often produced "on speculation", with no guarantee that the story they tell will ever be completed -- and many are not. At least one OVA series ends with a plaintive plea for more money so the creators can continue making the show. However, even this is not always a guarantee - the ''Manga/{{Hellsing}}'' OVA series managed to adapt the entire ten volume manga is was based on.

[=OVAs=] were most common in the 1980s and 1990s, during which many well-known series were released in this fashion. With the recent rise of TwelveEpisodeAnime series as an alternate short format, as well as streaming video over the Internet, [=OVAs=] have come to be less frequently released, though by no means extinct; the aforementioned ''Hellsing'', ''Anime/CodeGeassAkitoTheExiled'' and ''Anime/GhostInTheShellArise'' are a sampling of recent [=OVA=] releases.

[=OVAs=] were most common in the 1980s and 1990s, during which many well-known series were released in this fashion. With the recent rise of TwelveEpisodeAnime series as an alternate short format, as well as streaming video over the Internet, [=OVAs=] have come to be less frequently released, though by no means extinct; the aforementioned ''Hellsing'', ''Anime/CodeGeassAkitoTheExiled'' and ''Anime/GhostInTheShellArise'' are a sampling of recent [=OVA=] releases.
----
<<|AnimeTropes|>>
<<|{{Formats}}|>>
<<|HomeVideoTropes|>>

[=OVAs=] were most common in the 1980s and 1990s, during which many well-known series were released in this fashion. With the recent rise of TwelveEpisodeAnime series as an alternate short format, as well as streaming video over the Internet, [=OVAs=] have come to be less frequently released, though by no means extinct; the aforementioned ''Hellsing'', ''Anime/CodeGeassAkitoTheExiled'' and ''Anime/GhostInTheShellArise'' are a sampling of recent [=OVA=] relases.

<<|HomeVideoTropes|>>

While the terms "direct-to-video" and "direct-to-DVD" have negative overtones, essentially being synonyms for [[{{Shovelware}} shovelware]] in the United States, "OVA" has almost exactly the opposite connotation. This partially arises from the view that Western "direct-to-video" releases are not good enough (or too explicit) for theaters; [=OVAs=], on the other hand, are seen as a step up from regular television production. Because the production house need not adhere to the rapid-fire schedule or constrained budget of a TV series or feature-length film, more effort and care can be applied to an OVA, resulting in a much higher level of quality.

[=OVAs=] were most common in the 1980s and 1990s, during which many well-known series were released in this fashion. With the recent rise of TwelveEpisodeAnime series as an alternate short format, as well as streaming video over the Internet, [=OVAs=] have come to be less frequently release, though by no means extinct; the aforementioned ''Hellsing'', ''Anime/CodeGeassAkitoTheExiled'' and ''Anime/GhostInTheShellArise'' are a sampling of recent [=OVA=] relases.

Animated shows produced for the DirectToVideo market, almost universally abbreviated "OVA" or "OAV" (for "original animated video"), and more rarely OAD (same for DVD). The term is almost always associated with {{anime}}; however, this form of storytelling is beginning to become popular in the anglosphere with recent animation based on comic characters and TV shows. Unfortunately, these still labour under the shadow of the term "direct-to-video".

There are some caveats to the increased freedom, though. [=OVAs=] are often produced "on speculation", with no guarantee that the story they tell will ever be completed -- and many are not. At least one OVA series ends with a plaintive plea for more money so the creators can continue making the show. However, even this is not always a guarantee - the ''Manga/{{Hellsing}}'' OVA series is going on as strong as ever.

Animated shows produced for the [[DirectToVideo direct-to-video]] market, almost universally abbreviated "OVA" or "OAV" (for "original animated video"), and more rarely OAD (same for DVD). The term is almost always associated with {{anime}}; however, this form of storytelling is beginning to become popular in the anglosphere with recent animation based on comic characters and TV shows. Unfortunately, these still labour under the shadow of the term "{{direct-to-video}}".

[=OVAs=] were most common in the 1980s and 1990s, during which many well-known series were released in this fashion. With the recent rise of TwelveEpisodeAnime series as an alternate short format, as well as streaming video over the Internet, [=OVAs=] have become somewhat less frequent, though by no means extinct, as evidenced by the ''Hellsing'' mentioning alone.

While the terms "direct-to-video" and "direct-to-DVD" have negative overtones, essentially being synonyms for shovelware in the United States, "OVA" has almost exactly the opposite connotation. This partially arises from the view that Western "direct-to-video" releases are not good enough (or too explicit) for theaters; [=OVAs=], on the other hand, are seen as a step up from regular television production. Because the production house need not adhere to the rapid-fire schedule or constrained budget of a TV series or feature-length film, more effort and care can be applied to an OVA, resulting in a much higher level of quality.

There are some caveats to the increased freedom, though. [=OVAs=] are often produced "on speculation", with no guarantee that the story they tell will ever be completed -- and many are not. At least one OVA series ends with a plaintive plea for more money so the creators can continue making the show. However, even this is not always a guarantee - the {{Hellsing}} OVA series is going on as strong as ever.

Additionally, since [=OVAs=] aren't aired to the public, GettingCrapPastTheRadar is a moot point, which allows shows for [[{{Seinen}} older]] [[{{Josei}} audiences]] to avoid ducking more mature subject matter. (On the flip side, the vast majority of {{hentai}} series are produced and released as [=OVAs=], just like much live-action pornography is released directly to video or disc formats.)

There are some caveats to the increased freedom, though. [=OVAs=] are often produced "on speculation", with no guarantee that the story they tell will ever be completed -- and many are not. At least one OVA series ends with a plaintive plea for more money so the creators can continue making the show.

[=OVAs=] were most common in the 1980s and 1990s, during which many well-known series were released in this fashion. With the recent rise of TwelveEpisodeAnime series as an alternate short format, as well as streaming video over the Internet, [=OVAs=] have become somewhat less frequent, though by no means extinct.

While the terms "direct-to-video" and "direct-to-DVD" have negative overtones, essentially being synonyms for shovelware in the United States, "OVA" has almost exactly the opposite connotation. This partially arises from the view that Western "direct-to-video" releases are not good enough (or too explicit) for theaters; [=OVAs=], on the other hand, are seen as a step up from regular television production. Because the production house does not have to adhere to the rapid-fire schedule or constrained budget of a TV series, more effort and care can be applied to an OVA, resulting in a much higher level of quality.

Animated shows produced for the [[DirectToVideo direct-to-video]] market, almost universally abbreviated "OVA" or "OAV" (for "original animated video"), and more rarely OAD (same for DVD). The term is almost always associated with {{anime}}; however, this form of storytelling is beginning to become popular in the anglosphere with recent animation based on comic characters such as {{Hellboy}}, the [[UltimateMarvel Ultimate]] [[Comicbook/TheAvengers Avengers]], and a variety of DCComics as well as TV shows such as TinyToonAdventures, FamilyGuy, {{Animaniacs}}, and {{Futurama}}. Unfortunately, these still labour under the shadow of the term "{{direct-to-video}}".

There are some caveats to the increased freedom, though. [=OVAs=] are often produced "on speculation", with no guarantee that the story they tell will ever be completed -- and many, like ''TokyoBabylon'', are not. At least one OVA series ends with a plaintive plea for more money so the creators can continue making the show.

One trend which has become evident recently is the continuation of broadcast television series in OVA form after they complete their initial run -- ''[=~Ichigo 100%~=]'', ''UFOPrincessValkyrie'', ''TenjouTenge'', ''{{Maria-sama ga Miteru}}'', and ''HigurashiNoNakuKoroNi'' have all done this. The aforementioned lack of broadcast standards also allows writers to work in anything they couldn't put into the original TV show. Inversely, the exposure of a broadcast initial run may be a lure for viewer interest in the less censored, more serious story continuing on disc. ''TsubasaReservoirChronicle'' is an example of a manga adaption that switched from broadcast to video at the point when the story got...gory.

[=OVAs=] were most common in the 1980s and 1990s, during which many well-known series like ''{{Megazone 23}}'' and ''BubblegumCrisis'' were released in this fashion. With the recent rise of TwelveEpisodeAnime series as an alternate short format, as well as streaming video over the Internet, [=OVAs=] have become somewhat less frequent, though by no means extinct.

Animated shows produced for the [[DirectToVideo direct-to-video]] market, almost universally abbreviated "OVA" or "OAV" (for "original animated video"), and more rarely OAD (same for DVD). The term is almost always associated with {{anime}}; however, this form of storytelling is beginning to become popular in the anglosphere with recent animation based on comic characters such as {{Hellboy}}, the [[UltimateMarvel Ultimate]] [[Comicbook/TheAvengers Avengers]], and a variety of DCComics as well as TV shows such as TinyToonAdventures, FamilyGuy, {{Animaniacs}}, and {{Futurama}}. Unfortunately, these still labour under the shadow of the term "direct-to-video".

One trend which has become evident recently is the continuation of broadcast television series in OVA form after they complete their initial run -- ''[=~Ichigo 100%~=]'', ''UFOPrincessValkyrie'', ''TenjouTenge'', ''{{Maria-sama ga Miteru}}'', and ''HigurashiNoNakuKoroNi'' have all done this. The aforementioned lack of broadcast standards also allows writers to work in anything they couldn't put into the original TV show. ''TsubasaReservoirChronicle'' is an example of a manga adaption that switched from broadcast to video at the point when the story got...gory.

Animated shows produced for the [[DirectToVideo direct-to-video]] market, almost universally abbreviated "OVA" or "OAV" (for "original animated video"), and more rarely OAD (same for DVD). The term is almost always associated with {{anime}}; however, this form of storytelling is beginning to become popular in the anglosphere with recent animation based on comic characters such as {{Hellboy}}, the [[UltimateMarvel Ultimate]] [[Comicbook/TheAvengers Avengers]], and a variety of DCComics. Unfortunately, these still labour under the shadow of the term "direct-to-video".

One trend which has become evident recently is the continuation of broadcast television series in OVA form after they complete their initial run -- ''[[{{ptitlehk0aix10}} Ichigo 100%]]'', ''UFOPrincessValkyrie'', ''TenjouTenge'', ''{{Maria-sama ga Miteru}}'', and ''HigurashiNoNakuKoroNi'' have all done this. The aforementioned lack of broadcast standards also allows writers to work in anything they couldn't put into the original TV show. ''TsubasaReservoirChronicle'' is an example of a manga adaption that switched from broadcast to video at the point when the story got...gory.