Code Geass Akito the Exiled: Complete OVA Series Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		2.0
Overall		3.0

Code Geass Akito the Exiled: Complete OVA Series Blu-ray Movie Review

Code Geass Akito The Exiled is a complete OVA series featuring 5 episodes of new adventures. Created by Goro Taniguchi and Ichiro Okouchi, Code Geass Akito The Exiled features original character designs created by CLAMP (Cardcaptor Sakura, Chobits). The animation production for the release is by Sunrise (Cowboy Bebop, Gundam Wing).

The theme song is composed by Yoko Kanno (Cowboy Bebop, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex). The theme song is also performed by frequent Yoko Kanno collaborator – Japanese pop idol Maaya Sakamoto (Escaflowne). Code Geass Akito The Exiled is produced by Hirofumi Inagaki (Eureka Seven, Tekken: Blood Vengeance), Jun Yukawa (Tales of Vesperia: The First Strike, Girls und Panzer), Osamu Hosokawa (Puella Magi Madoka Magica, Witch Craft Works), Shūsaku Itoba (Aquarion Evol), and Yoshitaka Kawaguchi (Planetes, Turn A Gundam: Earth Light). The OVA series features voice performances by Maaya Sakamoto and Miyu Irino.

The tale isn’t over. A new journey begins in the Code Geass world. Layla Malkal (Maaya Sakamoto) is the new leader of the Assault Unit known as wZERO. Layla is working for the European army. The task is set: fight dangerous missions alongside Akito Hyuga (Miyu Irino). New recruits are needed and the team are tasked with building a new force to fight the wars of tomorrow.

A new team known as the Wyvern Squad is now formed. Tasked with some of the most difficult missions to date, some might even argue everyone is heading into suicide squad missions. Can anyone make it out alive while fighting for tomorrow? The power of the Geass will once again dawn.

The production features noteworthy character designs. The character designs by Takahiro Kimura (Jungle Emperor Leo, GUNxSWORD) add to the experience. The designs certainly fit the leading characters and the supporting cast of characters, too. Kimura expanded things for the anime.

The animation is impressive and there is a lot worth praising about the series. The art direction by Takeshi Satou (Bakumatsu Crisis, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood) adds to the visual wonder of the OVAs. The chief animation direction by Chikashi Kadekaru (Azur Lane, Juni Taisen: Zodiac War), Maho Yoshikawa (Assassins Pride, Amnesia), and Shuichi Shimamura (Bakumatsu, Clockwork Planet). The animators added a lot of style to the series. The efforts are commendable. There are some excellent creative elements on display. The cinematography by Hiroyuki Chiba (Phi Brain - Kami no Puzzle, High School DxD New) and Souta Ooya (Good Luck Girl!, Girls und Panzer) helps showcase the animation at its best, too.

The mecha designs by Akira Yasuda (Overman King Gainer, Gundam Reconguista in G), Hajime Katoki (Mobile Fighter G Gundam, Mobile Suit Gundam Wing), Kenji Teraoka (Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, Bodacious Space Pirates), Takashi Miyamoto (Valvrave the Liberator), and Takumi Sakura (Turn A Gundam, Martian Successor Nadesico) also contribute to the strong sense of style for the series. The mecha element is a big component. These aspects of the series aid the action.

The score composed by Ichiko Hashimoto (Clover, RahXephon) is enjoyable and one of the best things about the OVA production. The music by Hashimoto adds to the sense of intrigue and excitement. A noteworthy score.

The scripts by Kazuki Akane and co-screenwriters Hiroshi Ohnogi (Arjuna, Eureka Seven) and Miya Asakawa (Turn A Gundam, Brain Powered) continue the expand the world of Code Geass. For the fanbase, the OVA adds something new and fun to the anime saga. The scriptwriters enjoy exploring these new characters in the Code Geass universe.

Directed by Kazuki Akane (Escaflowne: The Movie, Noein - to your other self), Code Geass Akito The Exiled is something that will appeals to the core fanbase. The director pushes the envelop further. Exploring new terrain in Code Geass – and doing so in an artful way.

Code Geass Akito the Exiled: Complete OVA Series Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Released on Blu-ray by Funimation, Code Geass Akito The Exiled: Complete OVA is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high- definition in the original aspect ratio of 1.78:1 widescreen. The crisp high-definition presentation is noteworthy. Colors look great and the lush visuals help to showcase the beautiful animation. The encoding quality capably presents the OVA series.

Code Geass Akito the Exiled: Complete OVA Series Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release includes a selection of lossless audio options: English Dolby TrueHD 5.1 and Japanese Dolby TrueHD 5.1 (with English subtitles). The OVA series highlights the sound direction by Jin Aketagawa (Asura Cryin', Fruits Basket). The surround sound implementation helps to expand the experience. Surrounds add to the ambiance and the rear channels help to create more immersion. A quality encoding by Funimation.

Code Geass Akito the Exiled: Complete OVA Series Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Disc 1:

Episode 1 Audio Commentary

Disc 2:

Episode 3 Video Commentary

Code Geass Akito the Exiled: Complete OVA Series Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Code Geass Akito The Exiled: Complete OVA Series is a continuation of the Code Geass anime universe. Fans of the franchise will want to continue to explore the series further with these OVA episodes. The Blu-ray release provides a quality video and audio presentation alongside some bonus supplementals. Recommended.