Otaku no Video Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		2.0
Overall		4.0

Otaku no Video Blu-ray Movie Review

Otaku no Video is an impressive OVA classic. Otaku no Video blends traditional hand-drawn Japanese anime with live- action footage (as a “documentary” element of the anime storyline unfolds). From acclaimed animation studio GAINAX (Neon Genesis Evangelion). Produced by Kazuhiko Inomata (Samurai 7, Solty Rei) and Yoshimi Kanda, Otaku no Video features theme song performances by Kōji Tsujitani (opening), Kikuko Inoue (ending), and Toshiharu Sakurai  (ending). A popular cult classic of Japanese anime, Otaku no Video features the voices of Kōji Tsujitani, Toshiharu Sakurai, Kikuko Inoue, Yūko Kobayashi, and Yuri Amano.

The anime club of Otaku no Video is one that brings together a group of merry anime-obsessed misfits. The group find themselves talking about all things anime – from the popular anime series, to manga publications, video games, and even the topic of “Lolita Complex” fans. College student Ken Kubo (Kōji Tsujitani) manages to merge back and forth between playing tennis and spending quality time with his high- school girlfriend.

Kubo might seem like an outsider to some but he still manages to find time to be a rabid otaku and fit in with the other anime nerds. Some anime fans even try to earn the ranking of top otaku – otherwise known as the Otaking. Meanwhile, a documentary filmmaker wanting to explore the world of otaku creates a picture of anime-obsessed nerds and showcases the inside world of real-life anime fans.

The characters on Otaku no Video are engaging and add a lot to the OVA production. The central cast of characters adds otaku charm. The character designs by Kenichi Sonoda (Bubblegum Crisis, Gunsmith Cats) are well done, too.

The production features impression animation throughout. Otaku no Video features art direction by Hitoshi Nagao (Sakura Diaries, The Legend of the Galactic Heroes). Otaku no Video also has impressive animation direction by Takeshi Honda (Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone, Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance) and Hidenori Matsubara (Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone, Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance). The animation style is one of the greatest strengths of the OVA production. The beautiful hand drawn animation is exquisite and some of the best produced in OVA animation. The short form OVA is engaging with beautiful background animation and layout animation. The results impress in spades.

The cinematography by Sadafumi Sano (Dragon Ball Z, Agent Aika) is another wonderful aesthetic quality of the series. The cinematography is beautiful and robust throughout the OVA series. The cinematography showcases incredible depth and immersion in the visuals. Outstanding visuals.

Featuring a score composed by Kōhei Tanaka (Galaxy Express 999: Eternal Fantasy, Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan), Otaku no Video provides excellent music for the OVA anime production. The score is impressive and adds a lot of quirky charm to the series. Tanaka is an excellent anime composer: someone who has provided great music to numerous classics.

Written by Toshio Okada (Gunbuster), Otaku no Video is entertaining and features a solid script with good dialogue. The dialogue is one of the great strengths of the production. Okada is talented and manages to provide good characterizations to the cast of characters. The comedic writing helps showcase the vision of Okada.

Directed by Takeshi Mori (Gunsmith Cats, Kimagure Orange Road), Otaku no Video is well-done classic anime. The OVA is considered an essential classic with anime fans. Mori is a gifted director with a fun style. Storyboards by Shinji Higuchi add to the production, too. Otaku no Video is remarkable and engaging.

Otaku no Video Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Released on Blu-ray by AnimEigo, Otaku no Video is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition in the original aspect ratio of 1.33:1 full frame. The release features a stunning transfer. AnimEigo preserves the quality production with stunning high-definition video. The scan of the animation is beautiful and filmic. The natural looking film scan is pleasing throughout. A high-quality presentation.

Otaku no Video Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented in Japanese uncompressed PCM 2.0 (with English subtitles). The release features excellent sound direction by Fusanobu Fujiyama (Fairy Princess Minky Momo, The Heroic Legend of Arslan). The lossless audio sounds excellent on the release. Dialogue is crisp and clear. An impressive soundstage. The dynamics of the audio impress and provide a wonderful sense of quality immersion.

Otaku no Video Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Original 1982 Promo (SD, 1:24)

Original 1985 Promo (SD, 1:08)

Blu-ray Trailer (HD, 1:31)

Line Art Gallery (1982) includes 38 slides of click-through illustrations.

Line Art Gallery (1985) includes 39 slides of click-through illustrations.

Color Art Gallery includes 20 click-through slides of artwork.

The Truth Behind Otaku no Video by Sean O'Mara features 25 click-through slides of liner notes.

Also from MediaOCD (HD, 8:18)

Otaku no Video Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Otaku no Video is an absolute classic. The OVA production is considered one of the best ever produced. The production features outstanding animation. The art style is incredible and with a lot of the same team of animators involved from Neon Genesis Evangelion.

A wonderfully creative production. An essential. The Blu-ray release features excellent high-definition video and lossless audio. The release also includes a nice selection of bonus features. Highly recommended.