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ova

What does ova mean?

An Original Video Animation — an anime episode or series released straight to home video (VHS, DVD, Blu-ray) rather than airing on television or in theatres. Often used for bonus stories or higher-budget one-offs.

"The series got a two-episode OVA to wrap up the side story."

Origin

English initialism of 'Original Video Animation'.

Frequently asked questions

What does OVA mean in anime?
OVA stands for Original Video Animation — an anime episode or series released straight to home video rather than airing on TV or showing in cinemas.
How is an OVA different from a regular anime?
A regular anime series airs on television or streams weekly, while an OVA skips broadcast and goes directly to physical video, often for bonus stories or one-off specials with a bigger budget.
What is an OVA used for?
OVAs are commonly used for side stories, extra episodes, higher-budget one-shots, or content that wraps up a series outside the main broadcast run.
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Slang definitions: FreeDict original editorial.