Review: FullMetal Alchemist: Brotherhood – OVA Collection (Anime)

Lately I’ve been watching the DVD/Blu-Ray copies of the OVA Collection for FullMetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, which features some stories about other alchemists within the series. When it comes to a series such as FullMetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, you’re in for a grand adventure. Why do I say this? Well from the start you’ll be pulled into the most detailed series I’ve seen yet to date. The OVA Collection provides more to the FullMetal Alchemist story by way of battles, backstories, action, adventure, and so much more. If you wanted to know more about some of the series’ characters, this does it.

Here is my review of the OVA Collection for FullMetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. Will this collection explain more, or will it confuse you in the end? That’s what you’re here to find out!

Now, if you’re unfamiliar with anime, you may be asking yourself, “What is an OVA Collection?” An OVA (Original Video Animation) is usually an extra episode of a series that can explain more of the story as a whole, provide backstories for certain characters, or serve as a one-off adventure that fits into the overall story without affecting it greatly. This collection features four episodes, along with a Comic Theater. Each episode features a different character or set of characters. In no particular order, one episode focuses on Mustang and Hughes, one focuses on Winry and Hawkeye, one uncovers a lie with Ed and AI, and last, but not least, one reveals more about Izumi Curtis. Beyond that, I’d be going into spoilers, so you’ll have to watch it for more. Have you wanted to learn more about the characters above? Once released, this OVA collection is a great way to do it. As for the Comic Theater, I couldn’t help but laugh at the small skits and jokes made towards the series. Adding that feature did provide some enjoyment.

When it comes to the OVA Collection as a whole, I can say that I did learn more about each character above, but to me it didn’t really hit the spot. Why do I say this? Well, I’m more of the kind of viewer who enjoys the action and adventure when it comes to a series such as FullMetal Alchemist. With this OVA Collection you get quick episodes, which don’t provide what I enjoyed most about the series. As I said, the plus side that was included is the Comic Theater, which will provide some laughs towards the cast we know and love. To me, I wish the episodes were longer and provided more detail about each character, if not keeping what we know and like from the main series. Short episodes like this simply weren’t as enjoyable.

As for the graphics and audio for the entire series, the graphics were top-notch as always. There isn’t an episode contained within that disappoints when it comes to battles, city/area details, and the group itself. You can clearly tell that a lot of work has always been put into the series. The voice acting was just as good, since FUNimation has always done well with the work provided for the series. The music was okay, but nothing to be super excited about. I’d say that the Comic Theater provided more enjoyment than the episodes located on the disc. Yeah, you’re watching animated comics, but I feel as if that art work provided more enjoyment. I’m not saying that’s a bad thing, but to me I’d rather stick with the main story than little bits of other characters’ information unless needed.

Overall, I can say this collection did okay, but didn’t pull me in. I’d rather be seeing more action and adventure with Ed and AI. I’ve always been used to this adventure, so seeing side stories was okay. If it comes down to it I’d rather watch the comics more than the episodes located on the disc. The series as a whole is good, but side stories such as these aren’t a strong point. If you’re looking for more stuff for FullMetal Alchemist, I’d say let the price drop a bit more before buying this OVA Collection. To me, it feels like a $15-20 item.

FullMetal Alchemist: Brothehood OVA Collection was provided by FUNimation for review. For more information on this OVA Collection or FUNimation please visit their website.