Page "Original video animation" Paragraph 0

, abbreviated as media ( and sometimes as OAV, original animated video, by English-speakers ), are animated films and series made specially for release in home-video formats.

The term originated in relation to Japanese animation ( anime ).

Most producers of OVAs release them direct-to-video, without prior showings on television or in theatres ; however, there may be very rare occasions where, for example, the first part of an OVA series is broadcast for promotional purposes.

OVA titles were originally made available on VHS, later becoming more popular on LaserDisc and eventually DVD.

Starting in summer 2008 the term OAD ( original animation DVD ) began to refer to DVD releases published bundled with their source material manga.