Although the plot may sound anemic, it actually makes for a block of solid entertainment that would be a shame to miss. Rife with anime references, ranging from Gundam and Macross to Minky Momo and Lupin, it's a delight for both hardened Otaku and those being initiated into the club to spot all the brief mentions. It's especially amusing to watch out for any Gainax references, such as a cute lion cub named Posi-King, and many others, including the name of the corporation Kubo founds. Documenting an anime Otaku's passageway to becoming the Otaking, the OVAs take on interesting side tangents, discussing the introduction of garage kits, and the practicing of activities such as cosplay and doujinshi art; they even go as far as to show how giant studios can be built up from scratch a la Gainax. Especially notable are the vignettes that are dispersed throughout the OVAs titled "Portrait of An Otaku." Interviewing various people regarding their experience as an Otaku, the humorous shorts offer a sample platter of all the kinds of fans in the world, ranging from anime fans, to pornography fans, and everything in between. Offering insight into the distorted world of fandom, the shorts provide not only a lighthearted poke at fans, but also a disturbingly realistic realization that 'hey, believe it or not, they're actually telling the truth about us.'

As if the subject matter at hand weren't reason enough to watch Otaku no Video, I thoroughly enjoyed the soundtrack that accompanied it. Albeit the music in itself was mediocre, but the lyrics still make me cry out in peals of hysterics even after all these years. The two versions of the ending themes, especially, struck me with their clever humor and the ironic realization that all they had to do was tell the truth.

Even back in 1993, AnimEigo was already doing incredible work with subtitles. Everything is translated, and they even provide explanations for the subtle in-jokes in the episodes, which is an always-welcomed touch. For the fans that are having a hard time locating a copy of this elusive classic, rejoice, for AnimEigo is re-releasing both volumes on DVD. This is a definite must-have for all those anime fans that are daring enough to take that grand leap into Otakudom. Truthfully, there will be those out there who find Otaku no Video a flagrant mockery of the medium they love so much. But in all honesty, if you hang out with the same kind of house-bonded fans that I do, then you will enjoy this, even though it makes fun of your kind. The candor of the OVAs and the humor that results make it worth that special place on your shelf. Embrace your Otaku-ness and pridefully fight against the idea that anything is wrong with you. Fight, fight, Otaking!