Sakura Wars OVA Collection

Rating:
Summary: Wierd, but nice
Review: At first I did not like the OVA collection at all, I'm not into this girlish stuff about performing plays (and thats what it really becomes, instead of defending the capital against monsters in The Return of The Spirit Warriors). Plot holes were kinda huge, such as new people joining the group, and the story not really going anywhere. I really thought it would have more fighting, but didn't really find that either. The english voicing is horrible. The accents of several characters just grate your nerves.

I don't know why I'm giving it a four, but its one of those series that grows on you. I've learned to watch the episodes as seperate films instead of one big series, kinda like how you can watch any single episode of Cowboy Bebop and still understand it without having too much knowledge of prior episodes. Even though theres not a lot action, the film is entertaining in the way its presented. Again all I can say about this series is its unique, because its so hard to explain what its like, so if your looking for something different check it out.

Rating:
Summary: TV series better?? I THINK NOT!!
Review: These were the first OVA DVDs that I ever had so they played an important part of my anime fandom. I also consider this to be the BEST DUBBED ANIME EVER!! I'm sorry, but (for the Japanese version mind you) Sakura has no buisness sounding like Sasami from Tenchi muyo, Kohran should not have an OSAKAN accent, Reni (from OVA 2) doesn't sound emotionless, And Sumire isn't all that arrogant, and she sounds like SAILOR MARS!!! I swear these series were never meant to be watched in Japanese at all. Oh, and I saw Sakura Wars TV 2 weeks after I saw the OVA's AND THEY DIDN'T USE THE SAME DUB VOICES LIKE IN THE OVA'S!!! The animation in the TV series was terrible, the plot was slow, it didn't have it's funny moments like in the OVA's and Maria is a total witch in the TV series! So get the OVA's, but skip the TV series, and the MOVIE!!

Rating:
Summary: Where's the War?
Review: This anime had many characters and failed to fully develop any of them into likable characters. Even though they were supposed to be an elite force, they never worked well as a team: they constantly argued and disobeyed orders (especially Sakura)- it was very annoying. Their Kobu's had guns but were highly inaccurate against the enemy, which is really strange because, the team trained every day. This anime had too many episodes where the team kept training and training and training- enough already! Sakura Wars was very boring and suffered from severe flaws of logic. The stories were weak and sometimes seemed incoherent, one minute they fight creatures and next they were talking about the food at dinner. The dialog was boring and pointless and without direction. The team all lived together in an opera theater and performed shows, while the Kobu's were hidden somewhere in the basement of the theater, talk about lax security. You would think that the government should be more careful about guarding these powerful machines. The fact that the team had to fight monsters and perform opera shows and dances later on, was absolutely absurd! It was enough that they were saving the city from the monsters and ghost attacking without working their asses off to perform on stage. The genre mixing doesn't work either: mech like monsters, ghosts, spiritual crystals, opera singing, girly talk, mechs with swords. The Kobus didn't have a lot of speed so it didn't make sense to give them swords. Many times the fights between the mechs and ghosts were won out of sheer luck not skill. Take away the excellent sounds and designs and you're left with a piece of crap. Sakura Wars was a waste of my time and money. Good for teens and adults. Ends on episode 25, has four ovas.

Rating:
Summary: Sakura Wars Rules
Review: This is a great series. I found it to be really intresting. I espically liked Iris and Sakura. Sumire can be kinda of nasty at times but ok. I think the sakura wars tv series is alot better.

Rating:
Summary: Watch the series in order first
Review: This is actually an incredibly wonderful series as long as you watch it in the correct order so that you know what exactly is going on.

The first OVA of this collection (Sakura Wars) can actually be skipped all together since it is based on the video game that was never released to the United States. Unless you are familar with this game, you will be completely lost with what is happening.

The other two OVAs that are included with this set actually take place after the TV series and have no real central plot. Instead it is meant to expand on what you already know of the characters that you learned about in the TV series. It is possible to enjoy this series without seeing the TV series (I certainly did) but it may still be helpful to have some background info.

If you really want to enjoy this box set, do yourself a favor and watch the 6 volume TV series first. Then skip the Sakura Wars OVA and just go straight into the other two which are actually worth watching. You'll get much more value for your money and a much more pleasurable viewing experience.