Rayearth (DVD, 2003)

This DVD includes all three of the Magic Knight Rayearth OVAs (Original Video Animation), created by CLAMP, on one disc.

If you've seen the TV series, the OVA can be quite jarring. While it highlights the same ideals of friendship and maturity as the TV series, it's darker and has a more serious tone. Also, the plot doesn't follow the TV series, but rather is a different storyline: Instead of the three girls transporting to another world, the other world invades Earth. Finally, the animation style is a little bit different than the TV series, but just as gorgeous.

Does any of this mean that you should avoid the OVAs? Heck no - I just want to point the differences out up front so others can avoid the confusion I'd first felt. That being said, if you've seen the TV series, it's fun to compare the differences between the two. Finally, it's one of those discs that gets richer and richer with each viewing.

The story: Three friends, Hikaru, Umi, and Fuu, are facing graduation and separation from each other. They make a wish under a cherry tree which the spirit inhabiting the tree grants. They become Earth's defenders against the invading world of Cephiro. Epic battles and personal trials make this an exciting, fulfilling coming of age tale.

One great aspect of the OVA being self-contained and different from the TV plot is that no previous familiarity with Rayearth's TV series or manga (comic books) is needed to enjoy it. Plus, the OVA contains the complete story so it's a great way to check out CLAMP's work or sample the Rayearth universe without a huge financial commitment. And, at just over two hours, it's not large time commitment, either.

The Magic Knight Rayearth OVA is an awesome addition to the Rayearth and CLAMP universe which gets this reviwer's highest recommendations!

As something of a fan of the original Magic Knight Rayearth manga and anime series by CLAMP, its hard to judge the OVA on its own merits. Those hoping for a story that captures the spirit of the original will be sorely disappointed. The tone of the story is melancholic and often morbid. The characters presented are far removed from their lively manga and anime counterparts. While depressing characters can sometimes make for an interesting story, here they are flat and boring. The backdrop of the story is set in a Tokyo that has been magically depopulated to serve as the backdrop for a battle of mech-like spirit beasts. Some fans find this change intriguing given the fantasy setting of the Rayearth televised series. However, taken on its own, the setting really is quite generic, with nothing to truly separate it from any other movies involving giant robots and monsters fighting in Tokyo. What's presented of the plot makes little sense. This is made worse by the atrocious translation by Manga Entertainment. The script (both subtitles and the dub) has a overly literal translation to English with little or no attention paid to context. As a result, words like "barrier" are translated as "world," and denials and affirmative answers are commonly reversed. However, the OVA isn't entirely bad. The visuals are stunning, if a little dark. Giant robot fans will likely be impressed with the fight sequences. The music is impressive and consistent with the often eerie backdrop. So the resulting production is not terrible. It is forgettable. And far from good representation of CLAMP's work.

If you have seen the series or read the manga then you are all set, this is not a must have for any fan of the series...

I have a feeling someone got confused in the english dubbing department because some of the names got a little wonky.

It's a good OVA and interesting to watch if you are a diehard dedicated fan of Rayearth (though this character seems to be missing from this version).