I've already made too long an introduction in my review of the first season of the series, so I'll skip that for now. After all, this OVA is supposed to be the sequel of the first season, and supposedly gives way for the second season. (I'll get to my second season review some other time.)
Ahh, the Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu OVAs, known under the subtitle Matsuri. The OVAs give off the same essence that the first season had, just that... it's a few episodes short. The entire OVA series is just 2 episodes long, with at most 30 minutes per episode. There's nothing new to expect with this sequel--it's all the same comedic formula they've been using since the first season. I recommend first-time watchers to start with the first season before going to this; after all, I think the creators actually intended this OVA series for the fanbase that was established during the first season.
Yoshii Akihisa is back with more hilarious misfits with his classmates in this OVA, just that this time it's within the school festival setting. And if you need to ask: yes, Japanese school festival stereotypes apply. It's maids and cafés and haunted houses all over again. Of course, the Exam Summoning Battle system sits right in the middle of all activities, which is what sets this school festival apart from the others. And once again, being the incredibly kind and dense idiot that he is, Akihisa wages into academic wars for the sake of his classmate again--but this time, his opponents are the seniors. I'll leave it to you guys to find out what exactly happened.
Basically it's just an extension of season 1. If you're a sucker for the misfits of Class F (along with the other classes, of course), then this OVA is for you. Jokes are a little bit repeated, but I'm sure you'll still get giggles here and there while watching this 2-part OVA series.
Story: 6/10
It's a 2-part OVA; storytelling is quite limited. Given the fact that this show focuses on comedy, it's hard for a newbie to catch up to the OVA's story without watching the first season. It gets a plus for following the story of the light novel, though.
Art: 10/10
The classic art that brings the comedy of Class F to life is back, with no alterations. It was a hit back in the first season, and it looks like they stuck with the successful formula for the OVAs.
Sound: 10/10
Like what I said in my season 1 review, a good comedy needs good accompanying sound to bring out its full hilariousness. The OVA series makes use of this once again, bringing the comedy to full volume.
Character: 6/10
Character development is quite limited--if not outright unnoticeable--in this OVA series. It literally just is an extension of the first season, after all; the creators expected you to know at least a little bit about the characters already by the time you watch the OVAs. I graded this a 6 because although character development is absent, everyone that I came to know and love during the first season is back with the same manners and personalities.
Enjoyment: 10/10
I have watched season 1. I loved season 1. Now I saw the OVAs, and I still love them. (This grade may have a little bias, though.)
Overall: 8/10
It's a good OVA, but I guess by this time they weren't trying to gather new members for the fanbase; rather, they were simply trying to make sure that the fanbase was still there. After all, there would be no reason to release season 2 if there are no people left to watch it, right? The OVA is a must-watch for fans who wanted to stitch the first and second seasons together. For newbies, I suggest you guys try the first season first. If you enjoy it, you'll surely enjoy this OVA. If not, then be warned; this OVA contains the same comedy formula. But who knows; maybe Class F's antics this time are enough for you to change your mind.
