OVA BDs for "Elf 17", "Sand Rose", and "Manami & Nami Sprite" to release sequentially from June

Saurav Kumar Mar 25, 2026 93

Classic OVA Series Get High-Definition Treatment: Toei V Anime 40th Anniversary

For the fans of classic anime, there is some really great news coming from the vaults of Toei. To mark the 40th anniversary of the legendary Toei V Anime series, three iconic OVAs are finally getting the negative scan HD remastered treatment. The titles in question are Elf 17, based on the work by Takashi Yamamoto; Desert Rose (also known as Sand Rose), from the mind of Kaoru Shintani; and the spicy comedy Manami & Nami Sprite by Shinobu Arimura. These Blu-rays are not all dropping at once, but will be released sequentially over three months. You can expect them to hit the shelves on June 10th, July 8th, and August 5th respectively.

It is quite a big deal because Elf 17 and Manami & Nami Sprite are being negative-scanned for the very first time. This means the visual quality will be miles ahead of what we used to see on old VHS tapes or early DVDs. For anyone who appreciates the aesthetic of 80s and 90s animation, this is a must-have collection. These news updates about physical releases are always a treat for collectors who want to preserve anime history in the best possible quality.

A Closer Look at the Titles

Elf 17 is a classic sci-fi adventure that originally ran as a manga in Hakusensha's Monthly Comic Comi from 1985 to 1988. The story follows the eccentric Prince Muscat of the Galactic Empire. He is a bit of a weird character who worries about his empire's future, so he goes on a secret journey. He isn't alone though; he takes Lou, a beautiful Elf girl with insane fighting skills, and K.K., who is basically a walking weapon in a powered suit. The OVA was first made in 1987, and this new Blu-ray will feature a jacket with an original illustration by Yamamoto himself.

Then we have Desert Rose: Sand Rose: Snowy Apocalypse. This one is based on Sand Rose: Desert Rose, which started serialization in 1989. It is a gritty military action series focusing on Marie, the leader of a female unit within C.A.T., an anti-terrorist group. What makes this 1993 OVA special is that the original author, Kaoru Shintani, wrote the script himself, ensuring it stays true to his vision. If you follow latest anime news, you'll know that military classics like these are becoming rare gems.

Lastly, Manami & Nami Sprite (based on the manga SPRITE) brings a bit of erotic comedy to the mix. It tells the story of Toru Takamura, a student staying at his uncle's place in Tokyo, and his cousin Manami, who has a dual personality. This Blu-ray set will include both OVA works produced back in 1997. It is a perfect slice of late-90s niche anime culture.