OVA

おーぶいえー

noun

original video animation

media

1. original video animation

Anime productions released directly to home video (DVD/Blu-ray) rather than being broadcast on TV or shown in theaters.

OVAが発売(はつばい)された。

The OVA was released.

TV版(ばん)より先(さき)にOVAが出(で)た。

The OVA came out before the TV version.

このシリーズはOVAで完結(かんけつ)する。

This series will conclude with an OVA.

Abbreviation of 'Original Video Animation.' Also sometimes called OAV (Original Animation Video), though OVA is more common in Japan.

Characteristics

OVAs are anime released directly to home video (DVD/Blu-ray) rather than broadcast on TV or shown in theaters. They often feature:

Higher production quality than TV anime
More mature or niche content
Side stories or sequels to popular series
Stories too short for a full TV season

Common collocations

OVA化(か): OVA adaptation
OVA版(ばん): OVA version
OVA作品(さくひん): OVA title/work

Etymology

The format became popular in the 1980s-90s when home video allowed creators more freedom. While less dominant today due to streaming, OVAs are still produced, often bundled with manga volumes as limited editions.

general

Added 2026.1.21 10:00 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

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