Ranked #73

Aria the Origination DVD Special

One of the great things about episodic shows like Aria is that OVAs don't actually seem out of place within the context of the overall story. This special is a wonderful stand alone tale that actually adds to the overall show, something of an achievement given the glut of OVAs from popular series that are nothing more than filler and fluff. Now, one could argue that this OVA is nothing more than fluff but, given the "feelgood" nature of the entire series, I found this episode to fit rather well with the whole.

The story is very short and simple. Akari and and President Aria take a walk around Neo Venezia, and end up at St Mark's Basilica, where Akari decides to show President Aria her "secret hideout". Along the way though, they are surreptitiously followed by Akatsuki, Aika and Alice.

The art and animation is typical Aria, with some breathtaking panoramic views of Neo Venezia thrown in for good measure.

Sound is, again, what one would expect from the series, the level and quality is of an extremely high standard, and the voice actors perform their roles with just as much aplomb as they do in the main series.

There isn't really much to say about characters in this OVA, however one point does stick out in this episode. That point is how much Akari has come to love Neo Venezia, and Aqua in general. This point is very subtly emphasised throughout the episode, and in true Aria style, nothing is ever over dramatised or hammered in.

This is definitely one for fans of the series to check out, however the nature of the series as a whole doesn't actually preclude anyone who hasn't watched the series from watching this OVA.

Fluff it may be, but it's good, enjoyable and relaxing fluff - something of a rarity in anime these days. read more

Ah, all the nostalgia is coming back. Good times, good times.

STORY
This being a one-episode DVD special, one would think story would be complete filler. But then, this is a slice-of-life show, where things are episodic, and very few plotlines actually last.
Anyhow there isn't much to write about here without giving things away. Suffice to say it's about Akari's secret place.

ART
Worthy of a DVD special. Animation is top notch, the background is as usual gorgeous, detailed and extremely accurate when compared to the real-life counterpart, and there are no errors as far as I've seen.

SOUND
Exemplary, just like the rest of the Aria series. Every BGM piece matches the scene very well. The insert song however is forgettable, though it certainly doesn't jar the ears.

CHARACTER
Once again the Goddess that is Akari manages to effortlessly draw us in into her world and gives us a front-seat view of what she sees. And what she sees is a beautiful world brimming with positivity, with more than a healthy tinge of mono no aware.
The only issue I have is that the other characters in this episode are overshadowed, but then this wasn't exactly an episode about them.

ENJOYMENT/OVERALL
I enjoyed this immensely. Charming atmosphere, soothing music, great animation, Akari. Couldn't have asked for more.
Plus it's not filler. read more