Gainax. These guys represent some of the finest animators in Japan, producing some of the most popular animes to have ever graced the world. From Gunbuster to Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt, the animators within Gainax have become a otaku powerhouse, and they show no signs of stopping their rising popularity. However, they weren't always the giants they area today. In fact, the studio originated from more...humble origins. With that being said, lets take a look at Otaku no Video, the OVA that pays tribute to all things otaku!
Directed by Takeshi Mori, Otaku no Video was released in Japan from September 27 1991 to December 20 1991, and was licensed by AnimEigo for a 2001 release. The story of Otaku no Video is a somewhat fictionalized account of the rise of Gainax, coupled with documentary style interviews involving former otaku and still current otaku, and sprinkles of real-world and anime history during the time of their formation. It's an interesting combination that plays out into a wonderful OVA, celebrating all things anime & otaku.
Starting things off, the first positive of this ova is Gainax. To me, these guys can do no wrong. They have produced some of the most iconic anime shows, OVAs, films, and other goodies. Even the shows that became sleeper hits are still considered to be some of the most finely animated and popular shows available. It also helps that they know how to make fun of themselves, and enjoy doing it in the process.
Next positive of Otaku no Video is how the various geeks and nerds (both in the animation and in the live interviews) are portrayed. Most of the time, those that proclaim themselves to be Otaku are portrayed in the media as awkward, strange, anti-social, and a host of other negative things. To an extent that's true, but in Otaku no Video, that's not completely the case. In this OVA, the otaku are portrayed as human beings. They have likes & dislikes, hopes & dreams, etc. When I was watching this, I kinda felt the vibes I felt when I first read the Harry Potter books in that the characters were treated with respect, and their intelligence was not downplayed.
This leads into Otaku no Video's third positive. Much like how the animated & live-action geeks and nerds were portrayed, the world of anime is treated with an equal amount of respect. In actuality, it's not just anime that's treated with respect. Manga, cosplay, video games, and all other things that are associated with otaku are treated with respect. To me, these are some of the most fundamental things in the geek/nerd/otaku world. They are, in a sense, living & breathing things. As we delve further and further into them, we discover more about ourselves and how we can change the world, for better or worse.
The fourth positive of Otaku no Video is the animation. Despite being a show from the very early 90s, how things look and move still manage be be of good quality. Although things look rough around the edges at times (this applies more to the characters than anything else), the quality of everything is right up there with the standard "polished" look that Gainax is known for. While there was nothing dazzling, I wasn't disappointed with how things look.
Otaku no Video's fifth positive is the mix of genres it contains. Comedy, drama, slice-of-life, history of the animated and real-world kind, and even sci-fi (Don't ask. You'll just have to watch to understand) are all within this OVA. In a way that only Gainax knows how, these genres are all swirled together to form the perfect story, complete with sorta a feel good feeling by the time you're done watching. If there's any lesson to be learned from watching Otaku no Video (and there is a lesson), it's that any dream how have can be accomplished if you're willing to work hard and sacrifice. That's sounds a little cheesy, but it's true.
The sixth positive of Otaku no Video is the time length. At 100 minutes, this OVA movie is perfect for an afternoon, or as part of a anime viewing party. It's especially good for a anime viewing party cause it offers an insight into one of the most popular animation studios in the world...and it's just fun to watch.
The last positives of Otaku no Video is the availability and pricing. Despite having been released a little over a decade ago in the states, there are plenty of copies both new & used on Amazon. The new copies start at $7.44 dollars, and the baker's dozen of used DVDs start at $4.11. Despite being a little more expense, you should just go for a new copy (which is what I did), as there really aren't enough used copies to make buying one worth it. Regardless, either new or used won't hurt your wallet, and the purchase is worth it.
Otaku no Video is a masterpiece of Japanese animation. It's unique, yet somehow familiar to otaku the world over. However, there is only one bad thing about it. Some people will comes to grips with it (like me), but others won't. Like Step Up Love Story, there is no dub in this. This makes it all the more complicated by the fact that a lot happens on the screen that requires the viewer's attention, and giving the subs some of that attention may cause you to miss something.
Otaku no Video gets a 9.5 out of 10. It's done by Gainax, the geeks and nerds portrayed are done respectfully, anime is portrayed in a more positive light, the animation is good, the mix of genres is impressive, it kills an afternoon, and it's easy to find and buy, but there's no dubbing.
See you next week. Until then, stay Otaku!
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