Ranked #94

Aria the OVA ~Arietta~

It's surprising how a single OVA from a well known series can actually serve to improve the entire show and, whilst this is still very much a rarity for most anime, Aria is happily an exception to that rule.

As I have said before, an episodic show like Aria has the advantage over other series with continuous plots when it comes to OVAs, as they never seem out of place. However, whilst this may help the OVA be accepted as part of the greater story, it does not automatically mean that the OVA will actually be any good. Once more though, Aria delivers in it's own pleasantly inimicable manner.

Arietta is essentially a story about Alicia, rather than Akari, and shows how she came to terms with being left alone with Aria Company after Grandmother Akino retired. Now, the story may seem at first to be an attempt at fleshing out Alicia's character, however it also serves a deeper purpose by reminding the viewer that this situation is also something that Akari will eventually have to face as well.

The artwork, design and animation is exactly what one would expect from Aria, and it was pleasing to see that the studio took the same care and effort with the OVA as they did with the main series.

Sound is also excellent, and whilst the OVA may not be as "busy" as the main series, it still possesses that clean quality that is representative of Aria, and the music is just as soothing as ever.

Character-wise, there isn't really much to go into. The OVA does show that Akari and Alicia may be more alike than Akari first believes, and it also serves to strip away some of the "idol worship" view that Akari has of Alicia. As a stand alone episode it's okay in terms of development, but when included as part of the main series it really shows how different it was from either of the first two series, and gives a hint as to what one can expect from Origination.

I thoroughly enjoyed this addition to the show, and I would advise any fan of the series to watch this if they haven't already - you're missing out otherwise.

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Aria the OVA ~Arietta~ is a slice of life OVA episode that features the past story of the Aria company before Akari was selected to train as a undine. While this is only a 30 minute OVA episode, it brings along an interesting story for viewers to consider checking out from the Aria series.

In this episode, Akari has a strange dream in which she accomplishes her goal on becoming a prima undine. However in the event that it happens, her mentor Alicia is no longer working in the Aria Company. Worried about this event happening, Akari eventually asks Alicia a question on why she was selected to be trained as a gondolier under her. The story of the past is eventually told that features its happy and sad moments coming from Alicia's time at becoming a prima undine. The story itself generally brings a nice setting that focuses on the characters of Alicia and Akari.

For the characters, Akari and Alicia manage to bring out necessary parts that fit in the story. While Akari brings out feelings of worry on what is going to happen in her future, Alicia also brings a side of vulnerability to her character which can be a surprise to viewers who are used to her cheerful personality. However in her past, it is understanding on how things went for her on becoming a prima undine and taking over the Aria Company. The other main characters get a little screentime, but they bring along their usual personality and roles that fit fairly well in this OVA.

The animation remains a strength as viewers would expect from the Aria series, such as the beautiful background images that come from this episode. Some of the good visuals would include the sun setting or snow falling at night in Neo Venezia. The basic character designs and chibi expressions were also drawn fairly well in this OVA episode.

The sound still remains a strong point as in the first two prequels of the Aria series. The music and bgm's manage to bring the relaxing and enjoying elements that come from this episode. The new opening song can vary on the viewer's likability, but it does fit the mood of the situation from the beginning.

All in all, Aria the OVA ~Arietta~ brings out an interesting story that certainly provides quality results from this episode. Viewers that enjoy the Aria series should also consider checking out this OVA as well. read more