The World God Only Knows: OVA Collection Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.0
Audio		3.5
Extras		0.5
Overall		3.0

The World God Only Knows: OVA Collection Blu-ray Movie Review

The four episodes featured in The World God Only Knows: OVA Collection represent the sort of hodgepodge you'd expect from three loosely connected mini-stories. All four entertain to one degree or another, although the 2012 two-parter, "The Reunion" and "The Encounter," are the best of the bunch, more naturally dovetailing into the series proper than the collection's lighthearted, somewhat silly bookends: "Four Girls and an Idol" (September 2011) and Magical Star Kanon 100%!" (June 2013). OVAs 2 and 3 shed light on events that take place in the show's third season, Goddesses, while OVAs 1 and 4 are fleeting daydreams; cute ideas without much in the way of memorable payoffs. If there's a consolation prize, it's that the OVAs round out the Blu-ray releases of TWGOK, giving fans everything they could ask for. If there's a caveat, it's that the series is much better than anything on tap here. "Idol" and "Magical Star" nab a few laughs but ultimately end as forgettably as they begin, heavy handed nods to K-On and all. "Reunion" and "Encounter" even struggle to resonate, despite earning their keep with a solid little tale fans will eat up.

Is it enough? Eh. If you're here, you're already crazy for The World God Only Knows. Seasons 1-3 are already sitting on your shelf, am I right? Adding this one to your cart is merely a formality. So enjoy. Get as much out of the OVAs as they're willing to give. Just adjust your expectations accordingly.

• Four Girls and an Idol - Summer comes around, and Chihiro, along with Elsie, Ayumi and Miyako, have been enjoying the activities of the band called "2B PENCILS". They decide to start up a band club and thoroughly devote themselves to their studies in order to secure a clubroom. Meanwhile, before the very eyes appears the celebrity idol Kanon-chan. Meanwhile, Kanon-chan seems to have her eye on Keima, which makes Chihiro and the others uneasily jealous. (September 2011,
• Tenri Arc: The Reunion & The Encounter - In this two-part story, childhood friend Tenri Ayukawa moves in next door to Keima, who behaves in a curt manner, having not seen each other for 10 years. It turns out another girl named Diana resides inside Tenri. Diana tells Keima of something that occurred 10 years ago. A tale a decade in the making is finally revealed with Tenri's very heart on the line.
• Magical Star Kanon 100%! - Kanon has it tough every day, what with being a pop idol and a high-school student. But one day, suddenly, she turns into an elementary-school student. What's more, another "Kanon" shows up and tries to win over the children, including the real Kanon herself. Things get even crazier when Kanon is turned into a witch! What will happen to our leading idol when she must literally and figuratively face herself? This 100% Kanon OVA spinoff features familiar friends and new characters in an all new original story by Tamiki Wakaki himself.

The World God Only Knows: OVA Collection Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Like the Blu-ray releases of Seasons 1-3, The World God Only Knows: OVA Collection is presented with a strong 1080p/AVC-encoded video presentation free from any serious issues. Colors are bright and beaming, with plenty of sun-struck skies and pastel-painted classrooms. Primaries have punch and black levels are decently deep (albeit a bit muted), and contrast is consistent, though slightly dull in darker scenes. Detail is commendable as well. The OVAs aren't razor sharp, but each one follows in the footsteps of the series' animation, and there isn't any significant macroblocking, banding or noise to the image. It isn't jaw-dropping, nor could it be, but fans will be suitably pleased.

The World God Only Knows: OVA Collection Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Like past seasons, the OVA Collection has two lossless options to offer with both English and Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 tracks. The English mix is (again) the more notable of the two, though both lack LFE support and rear speaker activity. The Japanese mix isn't a lost cause, but it also isn't as engaging. Still, voices are clear and intelligible, the soundscape is quite lively, and the OVAs' two-channel sonics are solid.

The World God Only Knows: OVA Collection Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The 1-disc Blu-ray release of The World God Only Knows: OVA Collection includes Clean Opening & Closing Animations (HD, 3 minutes), a series of Japanese promos (HD, 2 minutes), and several Sentai Filmworks trailers (also in HD).

The World God Only Knows: OVA Collection Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

OVAs don't often classify as must-see anime. They're little more than place holders; full of fun, side stories, missing pieces, and plenty o' filler, but not much else. TWGOK's four OVAs aren't much different. Fans will enjoy themselves, of course. Others... well, why would you be looking at an OVA collection if you weren't already a fan? It really comes down to expectations. Fortunately, Sentai's Blu-ray release is comparable to the series' seasons, with a solid AV presentation that won't stir up many complaints.