The show follows the exploits of a group, the Terrestrial Administrative Center, that was designed to fight a series of genetically enhanced monsters that torn through the countryside in the original series. One of the main characters was half human and half beast (with cool powers) that assisted them in their attempts to save the Universe. In this three episode OVA, the show essentially gives two shows. The first: Mission: Eradicate Kushinada, Operation Mitama, Phase 1 & 2. This was the main show of the DVD and dealt with a scientist who figured out how to create the monsters without the specialized material needed previously. The team is reassembled and fights him, at one point finding another half-breed to assist (or not) their efforts.

The second show, Six Babes Bathing In A Killer Hot Spring, dealt with the group being caught in the crossfire of a madman who traps most of them in a hot spring with a bomb. If they leave the spring, it will kill them all. They race to meet his demands and/or locate him before he ends their lives with his device.

This is what the cover said: "A renegade scientist in San Francisco has found a way to create a new creature known as a Neo-Aragami without the power of Susanoo. When these monsters start to terrorize California, the U.S. turns to the old members of the Terrestrial Administration Center (TAC) for help. All your favorites from the original series are here: Matsudaira, Kome, Yaegashi and Takeuchi. And now a mysterious new girl has appeared on the scene-Valencia, an American, who like Kusanagi, has the power of Mitama-and she may have eyes for Momiji's boyfriend."

Okay, I got the feeling that if I had watched the original series, I'd have been singing its many praises. The show wasn't really deep enough to make me want to shell out the serious cash needed to buy the older show but it's now on my "to get" list. That said, I think the OVA itself would appeal to those who haven't seen the original almost as much as those who really like the original. That's saying something since many other similar releases are just the opposite. I'm rating this one as a Recommended release but fans of the original show will likely think of it as even better.

Picture: The picture was presented in 1.33:1 ratio full frame, as originally shot. There was a bit of grain and other minor problems but for a show made quite awhile ago, it looked good. I didn't see any artifacts of video noise with the DVD transfer well done.

Sound: The audio was presented with a choice of either a Dolby Digital 2.0 stereo English or Japanese track with optional English subtitles. Probably most of the time, I thought the show was in monaural but whenever the fighting started, the explosions and other special effects did give me the impression that it had been done in stereo proper, just not used as extensively as possible when initially recorded. I think the original Japanese track was the best here but the dub was not nearly as bad as I had been led to believe, and I give ADV the nod for a job well done.

Extras: A short Omake Theater piece, a clean opening and closing, trailers, and a paper insert were all you get here. An audio commentary or cast interviews would've really added some value for me but that's just me dreaming.

Final Thoughts: This was an interesting diversion from my usual anime-reviewing in that it was something I had no idea (otherwise known as preconceived notions) what it was about and it peaked my interest in a finished series. Usually, if I haven't started watching one before it's over, I don't bother with it until I can pick it up in a box set or at a great discount. The technical quality here, combined with some decent content, made this worth checking out for others-perhaps leading them to get the series like I plan on doing.