Ranked #602

Angel Beats!: Stairway to Heaven

DVDs and BRDs are the lifeblood of the anime industry, and there's many a hook that's used to make us part with our hard earned cash. One of these methods is the offer the so-called "unaired episode", which is essentially nothing more than a single episode OVA which can act as an addendum to the main story, provide closure to certain plot threads, allow for a new perspective on certain characters, or simply give the viewer something fun to watch.

This little addition to Angel Beats went with the latter method, but is it really playing to the strengths of the series by doing this?

The episode revolves around a little "tension meter" in the bottom left corner of the screen, and a new plan envisioned by Nakamura Yuri, the leader of the Shinda Sekai Sensen, that targets "the angel".

Cue the shenanigans ...

Okay, maybe not. The main problem with the plot is that it seems to have been thought up by a highly sugared and caffeinated Maeda Jun, who's gone without sleep for a week. In the main series the plans of the SSS had some purpose that, while a tad ridiculous, had a point to them, but here the only thing left is ridiculous. This episode has no purpose to it whatsoever, and unless your idea of a story is a vague attempt at parodical humour, then there's nothing to see here, so you might as well move along.

The thing is, there's a certain arrogance to the manner in which this little tale of a day in purgatory is delivered. It often feels as though the episode was made as an afterthought, and pretty much everything about it is ... not what one would expect after watching the main series.

Take the design and animation for example, as there's a substantial drop in the quality of both. The attempt to make a parody has resulted in characters that are strangely devoid of any charm while making weird poses and facial expressions. The animation itself is often uneven, having lost the flow of the original, and watching the members of the SSS run around with their tension meters going crazy (seriously Maeda, you and your euphemisms), can make one wonder what the point of the episode is.

But what about all the wonderful (for a given value of wonder), music I hear you cry?

Well, that's gone too. Instead of Girls Dead Monster, the viewer can look forward to a substandard rock track that you never really get to hear properly as its always relegated to background music, and the reason for that is because the characters simply don't shut up.

As for the acting (well, overacting really since each character must be "tension filled", and the parodical nature of the episode dictates that a certain amount of ham (or some other pig product), should be applied to each of the roles), it's fine, but not great, and I have to wonder why the seiyuu even agreed to do this episode.

When it comes to the characters themselves, the less said about them, the better. While this may only be a single episode, if you're a fan of the main series, then this addition may knock your confidence in your beloved characters. On the other hand if you dislike the Angel Beats franchise, then this episode may become your main weapon in arguments and discussions.

It's uncommon for there to be an episode, especially one that is nothing more than an extra OVA, that attempts to derail the series that gave birth to it, so it's always surprising to find one. No matter what P.A. Works and Aniplex say, there's nothing to justify this being an "unaired episode", especially as all of the evidence points to it being made after the series ended, and this seems part of the problem. In all honesty this is nothing more than a vapid attempt to milk extra cash from the franchise, and while some may find it entertaining, personally I found it annoying as it showcases many of the things that are wrong with the anime industry these days.

This extra has clearly not played to the strengths of the franchise, and while it's watchable, it's a far cry from "special".
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"I build these muscles solely to review animes!!!"
That had become my new catch phrase!
What? You say I got this muscles from fapping? Naawww.....

Angel Beats: Stairway to Heaven was supposedly be the SPECIAL episode for the series but there's nothing really special about it. Sure it's funny but it's like another ordinary day for the SSS day. Nothing new, just another plot by the evil Yurippe to find God. However this is in fact as interesting as finding Waldo and Carmen Santiago.

With all the main characters on high tension, I actually pity the voice actors having to scream their way through the whole episode (I hope they get doubled pay for that!) For those who can't stand loud noises and hyperactivity I suggest you halve the volume and set the speed to 0.75 for
your enjoyment.

I actually enjoyed the episode due to the buckets of tears I've cried throughout the entire season (Curse you Maeda Jun) and this episode really cheered me up. But I wouldn't go so far to call it worthy as a DVD special. It's just another day in another operation. Seriously I've watched this episode in between episode 5 and 6 and it didn't really bothered me. What? There's nothing wrong about not watching Angel Beats when it just came out. I have a life to you know! That doesn't revolve around animes and my left hand (Yes, I am left handed)

Overall, great comedy hyperactive cast, could be annoying to those who had to bear with 3 year olds, but not really SPECIAL enough. I want MOARR!
Im personally sending a letter to Maeda Jun to do a special about T.K and his background!!
WHO'S WITH ME?!

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To begin with... It's just an Angel Beats! OVA, so its simply an alteration of parts of the original.
This really has no real meaning to the actual series or is any step closer to their goal.
It's much like a Lucky Star moment that's just for fun.
This is just brief as it is one episode.
The music is still the same as it was before, except the ending was played... backwards (just the video was)

I personally enjoyed it because it really made me laugh and it was something different from the original series, as I also love the character design from Angel Beats!.
I didn't like some parts because much of it was pointless, and it seems as if it's to keep Angel Beats! alive just a little longer than it normally would have.

It's also interesting how the characters act in this (keep an eye out for it... if you don't notice it... you must be dense..) because it's much more different from the series.

Overall, It is just a filler or alteration to an episode of the original series. Nothing too interesting happens. I'd suggest that only the hardcore Angel Beats! fans watch this. (I'm just trying to leave out as much spoilers as possible)

BY THE WAY.... MyAnimeList, you should keep the listings of anime updated better. I've already watched this a couple hours ago fully subtitles yet the Add Anime to List will not let me say I've watched this. read more

As an OVA that I was sure would not add to the series whatsoever, I came into this expecting nothing more than a slapstick comedy with the occasional hilarious joke that would make me fall out of my seat laughing. And that is exactly what I got.

With all of the characters at “High Tension,” all of the main characters are screaming, yelling, and doing other assorted fast-paced things in an attempt to get Angel to bring them to God. SPOILERS: They do not find God. But really, why would you have the show basically end on an OVA?

This was immensely entertaining and, as I said before, funny. If nothing more, you should watch this just to see your favorite Angel Beats characters go on another random adventure.
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Ok this is going to be an easy review to write. I loved it! It was so amazing, not necesarily moving but it was so funny. Imagine all of the angel beats characters high on drugs and thats basicaly what this is. I laughed so hard I cried. Theres no point in doing the numbers thing this time everything was a 10. The story was great the art was the same angel beats type stuff the characters met their full potential and it is very enjoyable. Once again you need to watch the show first or else you wont understand what they are doing and why. You need to watch this if you watch the regular show though because its pretty much the best thing yet. read more

Special episode of Angel Beats! Although this isn't part of the main story, it's still worth the watch.

Story: Interesting enough story and plot, As usual, the twists are really funny and it makes you want to watch this again and again.

Art: As usual, the art was done very well and there isn't much to complain about.

Sound: Sounds are put in appropriate moments that suit the situation, making the show even better. Nothing much to say about the opening and ending as its the same as the main story.

Character: Same characters with really interesting funny sides to them. Nothing much to comment about.

Enjoyment: This episode in itself can be used as a form of murder by making a person laugh to his death. Complete with epic and fail moments, this episode is 1 thats worth watching again and again without ever getting bored of the interesting gimmicks and twists.

Overall: Definitely worth watching although it would be nice if there was more to it, but i guess we shouldn't ask for too much. Give it a chance and you won't regret it. read more

The Angel Beats's OVA... I've to say I was expecting something more serious...

It's basically a Spin-Off Episode, with nothing to add to the Main Plot.

In the Angel Beats's timeline, I guess in the middle of Episode 5 or 6, since some events not happened yet.

Anyway, to the Episode: it's a new operation from the S.S.S. Brigade to make the Tenshi tell where's God.

Some characters have important plot in the OVA, like Hinata, and specially Shinna in the confrontation with the Tenshi (LOL).

In the end was a good episode, and I've to say it's make me laugh in some parts. But yet, was totally different that was in the rumors, changing the "13-C Ending", which as a alternative ending (speciality of Key) between Otonashi and Tenshi.

So, as a result of this and the "most normal episode of Angel Beats", I'll give a Overall Rating as 7... read more

I just finished Angel Beats! : Stairway to Heaven, and i was wondering how to write my review... But i remembered that I builded all these muscles for that !!

So this is a special episode that was omitted from the original run of the series and they released it as an independent entity, fair enough, I always welcome new material to a good series (good series meaning the original series was rated 7/10 on my list). But the question remains, what have we got here? A stand alone story obviously, but was it worth putting it out there? The answer in my case is no; while it had its charms I can’t really see it as being lucrative and it’s a good thing they included it as a bonus in the DVDs/BDs because, this, as a stand alone OVA! really! Would have been a real bomb financially if you ask me.

Opening sequence: 6
Ending sequence: 5
My Age Rating: AA: Really nothing objectionable in there, if you want to be picky about it I guess there’s mild violence but the word mild is an understatement here.

The story is basically an operation by Yuri to attempt to meet God by forcing Angel to report to him, to accomplish that they act like a bunch of morons so she’ll wonder why they aren’t being obliterated if they’re happy. So that’s the goal of this show, having everyone act crazy for comical purposes. In the end you’ll probably get a few laughs and leave feeling disappointed.

This one feels pretty much the same as the series in most aspects: good voice acting, some humor and some crazy moments with the characters. The minus here is the lack of the story which is dealt with in the main series and a lack of the action that was there too. While having its moments I think this short suffered because when you read a wild plot synopsis like the one for this episode you expect some very humorous moments and an overall great comical atmosphere and they usually fail in delivering, it’s the case here as well.

The biggest problem this special encountered was being a work of its own rather than part of the main series. As it stands it really wasn’t impressive, but it would have been more than adequate as a filler in the series itself. My advice is to watch it during the run of the series so as to integrate it more fluidly than finishing the show and watching this wondering why they made it. read more

Oh Holy Shit!
I haven't laght this much since I watched the original anime. This special or OVA what you want to call it is not really related the story but to find God, but watch for yourself.

The only thing that was not as good as the anime was the story since it was pretty wierd but even so it was awfully funny.

The art haven't changed so it is still awesome.

I think the voice actors had a lot of fun doing this episode since it is hyperactive as hell, but the music was nothing new, even so the music and voice acting is great.

The characters is not quite as they are in the anime since they are on a certain operation. But that was one thing that made this EPIC!

As for enjoyment I already said that I thought this episode was hilarious and i think that everyone should watch this and i hope that everyone find it as funny as i did.

Overall EPIC!!! read more