Original Video Anime (1985-86)

Produced by Studio Pierrot, the Area 88 animated OVA trilogy, directed by Hisayuki Toriumi, was released in two 67-minute episodes and one 97-minute episode between February 5, 1985 and June 15, 1986 on both VHS video tape and LaserDisc in Japan:

• Area 88: Act I: Blue Skies of Betrayal (1985/02/05)
• Area 88: Act II: The Requirements of Wolves (1985/08/05)
• Area 88: Act III: Burning Mirage (1986/06/15)

Acts I and II were re-edited into one film and released in theatres in Japan in 1985. The seamless transition between between the episodes means the only significant difference is the lack of credits after Act 1.

With the popularity generated by the English-language release of the manga series in North America, by Viz/Eclipse in 1987, all three volumes were subsequently released in 1993 with English subtitles on both VHS and LaserDisc by Central Park Media’s U.S. Manga Corps:

• Area 88: Act I: Blue Skies of Betrayal (1993/08/25)
• Area 88: Act II: The Requirements of Wolves (1993/10/20)
• Area 88: Act III: Burning Mirage (1993/10/20)

OVA releases on DVD

Central Park Media later released Act 1 only on DVD on July 14, 2000. However, after Central Park Media let the original OVA license lapse, the door was opened for ADV Films to re-release the entire trilogy on DVD in July 25, 2006.

The 2-disc DVD set included all three episodes (albeit with the combined film cut for Act 1 and Act 2) and contains both the original Japanese language track and a re-dubbed English track using the same cast from the English dub of the 2004 anime television series. The set also features some extras, including an interview with author Kaoru Shintani and an introduction to the fighter jets portrayed in the series.

On October 30, 2018, Discotek Media released a new 2-disc DVD set. The set includes the ADV dub and both the film cut for Act 1 and Act 2 as well as all three original OVA cuts. Special features include; Area 88 Combat Report by Mike Toole, Central Park Media English dub for Act 1, and an interview with the author, Kaoru Shintani.

Area 88: Act I: “Blue Skies of Betrayal” (1985/02/05)

Opening Theme: “HOW FAR TO PARADISE”
Lyricist: Linda Henrick / Singer: Derek Jackson

Ending Theme: “Sad DESTINY”
Lyrics – Keiji Mizutani / Singer – MIO

“Somewhere in the Middle East, the Kingdom of Asran is rocked by civil war. On the front lines of the battle lies an airbase for a mercenary air force, with pilots from many nations and walks of life. A burning, sandy hellhole which has no name, only a designation: Area 88.

Shin Kazama is a pilot at Area 88. The mercenaries there have come for many reasons – some by choice, and some against their wills. For all, Area 88 has become the focus of their lives. Shin is haunted by memories of his days as a pilot trainee with Yamato Airlines… and the night that his friend and fellow trainee, Kanzaki, tricked him into signing a contract inducting him into the Asran Mercenary AIr Force. Now Shin is out of the picture leaving Kanzaki with one less obstacle between him and Ryoko, Shin’s girlfriend.

As a fighter pilot at Area 88, Shin must learn to kill for pay. There are only three ways to leave the Mercenary Air Force: to serve for three years, pays a 1.5 million-dollar penalty, or… desertion. As he flies to earn the money to buy his freedom, Shin realizes that killing is become easier and easier for him to do. And now the question is no longer of whether Shin can survive and return home, it has become whether he can keep his soul from being consumed by the fires of Asran’s war.”

Area 88: Act II: “The Requirements of Wolves” (1985/08/05)

Insert Song: “Good-bye. Lonely Blue”
Lyrics – Tomoko Miura / Singer – MIO

Ending Theme: “Sad DESTINY”
Lyrics – Keiji Mizutani / Singer – MIO

“After being shot down in what was to be his final air battle, Shin Kazama begins to seriously contemplate going AWOL when three escaped killers confront him. Rescued by his comrades, Shin opts to safeguard the bong with his squadron and abandons his plan.

Back in Japan, Ryoko remains steadfast as her father pleads with her to accept Kanzaki’s marriage proposal. Meanwhile, Kanzaki is busy making shady deals to buy large quantities of Yamato Airlines’ stock. By chance, Ryoko learns that Shin is still alive, and moves to find out exactly where he is. This further enrages Kanzaki, who hires a professional killer to eliminate Shin once and for all!

A further twist of fate brings Ryoko, Kanzaki, and Area 88 commander, Saki Vashutal together on a passenger jet flying to the Middle East. Saki has been targeted for assassination by Asran’s Anti-Government forces, and bombs have been set on the plane to ensure his elimination. Their online chance: Shin Kazama and Mick Simon!