Director: Osamu Yamasaki,
Starring: Hiroyuki Yoshino, Greg Ayres, Houko Kuwashima, Brittney Karbowski, Koji Yusa, Illich Guardiola, Kousuke Toriumi, Leraldo Anzaldua, Shinchiro Miki, Andrew Love, Showtaro Morikubo, Blake Shepard,
Running Time: 180 minutes
Certificate: 12
Hakuoki returns for a brief OVA (original video animation). OVAs can go either way, having more time and effort put into them without the worry of TV limitations, or being cheaper and rushed. Hakuoki seems to fall into the second category, but only in terms of animation. The look of this set of episodes just doesn’t compare with the three seasons that preceded it; colours aren’t as vibrant and the movement seems stilted at times. It’s far from unwatchable though, and fans will enjoy revisiting key characters.
Most impressed by this set of episodes will be fans of the original games, as we now focus a lot more on the female protagonist Chizuro (Kuwashima/Karbowski) and the fact that all the male characters are smitten with her. Following on from the prequel series, where the show followed the men and their positions on honour, this very well may put off viewers who prepared the intricate and morally complex plot lines. Chizuro goes undercover as a geisha after rumours of a planned attack on the Shinsengumi. Some of the men worry for her, and even those who support her mission become sappy little puppy dogs when they see her all dressed up.
Action is still prevalent, though as mentioned earlier it doesn’t look as crisp as the regular show. Chronologically these episodes take place between episodes in the first season, which alleviates any sense of danger or suspense as we know everything has to be back to normal at a certain point. At least the last season, despite being a prequel, added in new characters whose fates were unknown.
The vocal work remains very strong, and knowing the characters means that the comedic moments work well. It’s a standard OVA for anyone wanting a bit more from this universe, but it is far from essential viewing. This arc would certainly be labelled as filler if originally part of the first season.
[usr=3]Hakuoki OVA is released on DVD on 5th May.
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