Shinpi no Sekai El Hazard

Title:Shinpi no Sekai El Hazard
El Hazard - The Magnificent World
El Hazard OVA 1
El Hazard: The Magnificent World
神秘の世界エルハザード
Overall:Rent
Keywords: , , , , , , ,
Notables: AMANO Yuri
Animation - AIC Spirits
HAYASHI Hiroki
INOUE Kikuko
OOKI Tamio
R1 License - Pioneer (Defunct)
TSUKIMURA Ryoe
A fantastical tale spanning time and space. Three high school students and a teacher are swept into another world by a mysterious woman to save a threatened land.

Makoto is just your average high school student, liked by the guys, has a major rival, a love interest (Who happens to be the rival's sister) and a good student. But one day he discovers ancient ruins buried beneath his school and a beautiful girl pops out. Ifurita calls him 'My Love' and then immediately teleports him and his companions to a strange place called El Hazard. Where Makoto is mistaken for Royalty. FEMALE royalty!

[7 OAV episodes. R1-licensed by Geneon.]

2:30min Series Opening - YouTube Vid
[edit] The ↗El Hazard franchise:

Original timeline: Retelling of the first OVA:
Episode Details 
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
OverallArtAnimationCharacter Design MusicSeries StoryEpisode StoryReviewer
Rent 8 7 8 7 7 7 Ggultra2764 [series:127#1552]
Having heard quite a bit about the OAV version of El Hazard being considered the better chapter of the franchise, especially as I sampled the TV spinoff before the OAV, I decided to give The Magnificent World a look. I can't help but draw comparisons between the two as they are as different from night and day between one another with both having their pros and cons. But this being a review on the OAV, I'll cover what I liked about the series compared to the TV spinoff. Obviously, the biggest thing I liked was having more competent villains as Jinnai, the Bugrom and Ifurita come across as credible threats in The Magnificent World instead of being bungling buffoons as portrayed in The Wanderers. The plot buildup to the series also proved to be quite engaging as a third faction in the form of the Phantom Tribe are around in this series to also cause trouble for the human occupants of El Hazard and the developments between Ifurita and Makoto were worthwhile to check out as Makoto tries frequently throughout the later half of the series to allow Ifurita to gain her freedom, as well as explaining how she was discovered in our world.

The Magnificent World is not without its flaws. Other than Makoto and Ifurita, other prominent characters in the series aren't fleshed out, an element that The Wanderers has over this take on the series. And like AstroNerdBoy, I was put off by the sexual content found in the series as it seemed to be planted in there either to arouse the audience (hot springs episode with the priestesses) or poor attempts at humor (Alielle's lesbianism).

Visually, The Magnificent World benefits quite well as an OAV sporting more defined colors and detail with scenery and character designs compared to The Wanderers, though both aren't as pleasing in fluid movement with animation. The soundtrack is mostly standard and does its part to fit in with specific scenes, though a couple musical choices stand out with Ifurita's theme and the opening music to the series.

Overall, El Hazard: The Magnificent World proved to be a more engaging watch for me compared to the TV series spinoff. With great plot buildup and great looking visuals, this is a decent title to look into if you want to see anime from the 1990s not as well known like Cowboy Bebop or Evangelion.

Last updated Friday, June 10 2011. Created Friday, June 10 2011.
Buy Jan-Chan [series:127#967]
Sigh .. Like Big-Fire, I am remiss in posting a review for this series. I bought the El Hazard - The Magnificent World Boxed Set back in 2004. The 3-DVD set includes both this OVA and OVA 2.

Even though it was produced in 1995, and the colors and animation were top notch at the time, they are still very good by current standards. The story would probably be considered pretty routine, but when ever I rewatch this title, it still comes across as being slightly risque and very funny.

I really don't know why I am so charmed by something that probably should be considered a B-rated type of story, but like Dual! Parallel, it just tickles my fancy and has won me over.

Don't bother wasting too much time with the 26-ep El Hazard TV series, but if you enjoy silly adventure anime and have not seen this one, then put it on your list.....

Last updated Monday, June 01 2009. Created Friday, May 29 2009.
Buy 7 7 10 10 10 10 Big Fire [series:127#2441]
Drama - Low/Medium
Comedy - Med/High
Action - Medium
SciFi - Medium
Ecci - Medium


Ok so i am really late in writing a review for this...I guess a fellow reviewer reminded me that i owned this, and so here goes. El Hazard has a VERY special place for me in anime history...It filled the gap between Giant Robo Ova 1-6 and the final one which took forever to come out...I guess this is why i often come back to checking out school anime's that have a twist...Usually when you have a high school person travelling across fantasy world, you usually get 1 character ie Escaflowne...But in El Hazard you actually have several characters sent through to El Hazard...some good students, a bad student, and even a teacher...I guess what really worked for me about this anime, is that our main characters got special powers in the new world that they didn't have on earth...god knows i love special powers(big fire)...but also there is an underlying story that we are trying to get to...also the three priestess and there elemental powers...big fan of that as well...so all in all this just worked for me...if you ever want to go into a fantasy world...El Hazard could be for you...

Last updated Wednesday, April 09 2008. Created Wednesday, April 09 2008.
Watch 7 7 6 6 0 0 KBanger1 [series:127#1694]
I've always wanted to watch this series for a while now and I'm not impressed with the package. The story begins at a high school where an earthquake had hit the place. Apparently, there were some ruins underneath the school that were unearthed by the quake. Mokoto, a student of that school, ended up going to those ruins and ends up meeting a being that was trapped in there for thousands of years. To make a long story short, Mokoto (and some others) gets transported to another world called El-Hazard and he has to save that world.

Now for the uneasy breakdown. The story itself wasn't bad, it was just unevenly paced. When Mokoto and friends end up going on the quest to find the three priestesses, it felt that it was too sudden in earlier episodes to see them. In other areas, certain things were just too slow and ended up just filling up time. Animation/art was ok, nothing spectacular. I guess I was just setting the bar too high for this series because it was from what was formerly Pioneer (now Geneon) which matriculated Tenchi Muyo. I really shouldn't compare it because it really wasn't the same type of anime. The only thing that kept me going was Mr. Fujisawa, Mokoto's teacher. Out of all the characters, he ended up being the funniest one because of his drunken habits. He's more interested in getting drunk than most things in life, although he does have his students well being in mind. Not completely irresponsible, but enough to make him a memorable character. If you did a series of him in El-Hazard, I'd believe it would make for a great series.

Overall, watch the series for Fujisawa. He may not be in every sequence, but when he is, be in for a hard laugh. Without him, I would have not even considered a "Watch" rank.

Last updated Monday, November 06 2006. Created Monday, November 06 2006.
Buy Stretch [series:127#628]
I watched this one a couple years ago but didn't bother to compile a review. For some reason I wasn't all that thrilled, and my memories were of a long series that was difficult to watch (and included too much annoying maniacal laughter coming from Jinnai). One thing which motivated me to rewatch it was noticing that at the extensive Meta Anime Review Project website, this original version of El-Hazard is tied for first place on it's list of "Top Ten Anime", along with such titles as Grave of the Fireflies, Princess Mononoke, and Castle of Cagliostro, all of which have an average score from numerous reviewers of no less than 96%! Having rewatched El-Hazard, I realize how faulty my memory can be (and how fortunate it is that I didn't write a review after my first viewing!). The series actually moves along at a brisk pace, Jinnai can be quite amusing, and the ending is both genuinely touching and--get this--I think I actually completely understand why it turned out the way it did (that doesn't happen very often)! I watched a mix of subbed and dubbed VHS tapes, and the dub was quite pleasing, to the extent that I prefer it over the subtitled version. Especially surprising was the skillful manner in which Alielle's ED song was redone in English--it both rhymes and makes sense!

My favorite line: "P.S: Your ass is finally mine, Makoto Mizuhara!" --Jinnai

Last updated Wednesday, March 19 2008. Created Wednesday, September 21 2005.
Buy Forbin [series:127#1573]
Anime Type
DramaLowThe story is there but it's a bit farfetched
ComedyMedMostly Jinnai
ActionMedLots of Fighting
SciFiMedOne Word - Ifirita
EcchiMed/HighAilielle

Extremely Nice Series. A VERY LONG WATCH 4 Hours Total for all 7 Eps but it's worth it. Good Story, nice amounts of Ecchi and a very different Ending than the one I expected. It didn't follow Anime Rule #1 :)
The Animation is a little poor, but this combines, mysticism, scifi, bugs, a little bit of yuri, and spirituality together with the comedy to form a nice OVA.

Last updated Monday, December 05 2005. Created Tuesday, January 18 2005.
Buy 8 8 9 10 9 Tom [series:127#1086]
Makoto Mizuhara stumbles into some ruins beneath Shinanome high school and ends up being transported to El-Hazard, where the Roshtarian empire is at war with the Bugrom. His friends also got transported with him, and it seems that they all got some sort of unique ability (his teacher is super strong except when he drinks or smokes, too bad he's a chain-smoking lush). He is forced to dress as Princess Fatora (yep, they make him wear a dress), but I won't give away anymore of the plot.
I like this anime alot, the character development is good, and it's paced fairly well. The fights are short and far between, but well done and nice to watch. This anime has an arabic feel to it, and the intro music is amazing (thought the end song bites big time).

Last updated Monday, December 01 2003. Created Monday, December 01 2003.
Rent 9 9 8 9 9 9 AstroNerdBoy [series:127#436]
At seven episodes, this first OAV of the El Hazard series is a very good one. Makoto is a high school student who is in the ruins of an ancient civilization which has been discovered under his school. He finds a woman who claims to have been waiting for him for 10,000 years and immediately sends him, two classmates, and a teacher to the land of El Hazard. There, they are find themselves gifted with special abilities with three ending up with the humans and one ending up with the Bugrom -- a race of insects at war with the humans.

The story is well done and there is no "filler". The characters are all interesting and have important roles to fill. The only thing I wished for would have been an explaination of how the Bugrom came to be and why they are at war with the humans. But that's only a minor concern.

So why only a "rent" rating? I'm in the minority here, but I was really bothered by some of the sexual content, especially considering it dealt with underaged persons. The character of Alielle is clearly underaged. However, she's in a lesbian affair with one of the princesses and mistakes Makoto for the princess (she having been kidnapped and he sleeping in her room) and begins to initiate sex. Then throughout the series, she's hitting on the adult women. Most people poo-poo this because it is a culture thing so who cares. It was too ecchi for my tastes. To make matters worse, the Phantom Tribe king is banging a 12-year old boy though they have this relationship very toned down (lesbians sell more videos you know).

That aside, the story is so well done that I do recommend seeing it. Even though I didn't like the underage, lolita, nympho, lesbian tart, the characters were done well and very memorable.

Last updated Thursday, November 04 2004. Created Thursday, May 01 2003.
Buy 10 9 10 8 10 10 Jack Walrath [series:127#375]
El Hazard is one of the finest anime series that I have ever seen. First of all the watercolor backgrounds are just wonderful. The animation is flashy and the music is pretty good with its Arabian style. But of course the best part is the story. El Hazard has some of the best characters in anime history. From the alchoholic, chain-smoking, mountain-climbing teacher Mr. Fujisawa to the utterly deranged and totally pail villain Jinnai. This is what Tenchi should have been. Here Hayashi manages to equally balance romance with adventure and comedy. The series also has one of anime's best endings and should be seen.

Last updated Friday, September 13 2002. Created Wednesday, September 04 2002.
Buy 10 10 10 10 10 Lord Folken [series:127#202]
Although some people tell others to avoid a series they haven't even seen, I'm glad to say I don't post unless I've seen an anime in its entirety. El Hazard is a great series with an epic scope. The characters are delightful and Mr. Fujisawa is a show stealer with his hilarious problems. The design is unique and there is always something new to see. Get this for your collection for sure!

Last updated Monday, August 20 2001. Created Monday, August 20 2001.
Buy 9 8 9 8 9 Mark Clifton [series:127#126]
A wonderful series, though similar in style as in Tenchi Muyo! (you know, one guy and a lot of girls wanting him). But if anything else, it is worth checking out, especially on DVD. The Box Set has all seven episodes of the first OVA series and the four episodes from the second OVA series. It also has several hidden goodies in it to find.

As for the storyline of the series, it is very good and well put out (though I cannot say the same for the second OVA). The main character is Makoto Mizuhara, as he is mysteriously sent to El Hazard by a mysterious lady that knows him somehow. He quickly finds himself in this strange new world, luckly his teacher, Mr. Masamichi Fujisawa, is there to protect'em against the Bugrom. Soon, all hell breaks loose as the story unfolds. I recommend buying it, but if your not sure... rent it and see for yourself.

Last updated Friday, August 17 2001. Created Friday, August 17 2001.
Buy 9 8 9 9 9 o [series:127#15]
While the most basic premise of this anime is certainly "formula" (HS kid sent to another world to save it, sounds familiar?), everything else is quite original and beautiful. Unlike other reviewers who don't bother to explain exactly why they don't like something (or who haven't seen the whole thing), I'll explain why I like this series (and only the first OAV series). The watercolor backgrounds are superb, character designs unique, and Persian-flavored music matches the mood quite well. Character development is relatively good given limited episode count and many characters. There is a subtle empathy for one of the main characters in her struggle for meaning. While there is quite a bit of ecchi humor, most of it plays on the predicament of the main character (and so is in-context, not necessarily superfluous). The plot itself moves the story quite well, wrapping up most of the storyline at the end (something we can't say about some OAV series), with original twists and an element of unpredictability which encourages viewers to continue watching. This falls in the fantasy-type genre, so may not be for everyone, but I still recommend it for the open-minded, mature (no, I don't mean 'mature'=porn) viewer.

Last updated Wednesday, June 06 2001. Created Wednesday, June 06 2001.
Buy 10 10 10 8 10 10 Kaitou Juliet [series:127#137]
There's something for everyone here: fantasy, adventure, mystery, romance, and comedy. The artwork is beautiful, lush and evocative, with an "Arabian Nights" feel. The plot is intricate and well-thought-out. The ending is very satisfying, both emotionally and in terms of capping off the plot. You'll want to start all over again as soon as it's finished.
There are some sexual situations, which may make it unsuitable for younger children, but nothing explicit. The English dub is considered to be one of the better ones out there, although personally I prefer the subtitled version.
There's never a dull moment in this one!

Last updated Saturday, March 24 2001. Created Wednesday, February 14 2001.
Buy 10 10 10 10 10 Jack Hawksmoor [series:127#114]
This piece of anime is definitely a buy. Thanks to a friend of mine, this work claimed my anime virginity. With lush characterization, even lusher backgrounds, and absolutely breathtaking music, this likeable bunch of ragtag highschool students, teacher, and the occasional high priestess exhibit something new at each turn of the story. I was so expeditiously drawn in by it, that I took in all 7 episodes in two sittings. Rarely will I boast this much about an anime series. With it's intelligently written and complex storyline, this series is top notch. Nothing I've seen comes close to what this series accomplishes.

Last updated Friday, January 05 2001. Created Friday, January 05 2001.
Buy 10 9 10 10 10 Midnighter [series:127#94]
Definately a buy. This is truly one of the greatest animes of all time. This was the series that got me hooked on Anime.
The character designs are wonderful, the animation is top-notch, with crisp detail and fluid movement. The backgrounds are gorgeously painted and are lushly detailed with loving care.
The characters are really genuinely likeable with distinct personalities that continue to grow thru out the series. As one watches this, one becomes drawn into the story and becomes genuinely concerned for the plight of these quirky and wonderful characters. Even the dub is great! The character designs are a perfect 10, distinct looking and recognizable, rather cartoony without being childish. They are very visually appealing.
Honestly I found nothing particularly objectionable content. Sure sexual references abound, but it's tame compared to most American Sitcoms. The nudity is brief and non explicit.
The story is a wonderful mixture of comedy and drama, with very little filler and plenty of character development. It remains exciting and fast paced with some twists and plenty of intelligence.
The ending was nothing short of breath-taking. Rarely am I so moved by cinema, and it wraps up the story flawlessly. I cannot say enough about this series. Buy it, watch it, love it. Nothing touches it, not even Tenchi Muyo. With beautiful art, an intelligent and engaging story and well written, likeable characters, this series is as close to perfect as anime comes.

Last updated Thursday, December 13 2001. Created Monday, December 04 2000.
Avoid 7 7 0 5 0 CatWoman [series:127#65]
I have only seen the first episode and if you want a lot of good art and some really funny parts, the first one is pritty good. But From there (I have only herd) that it goes really...well just really bad! It is not one I would watch all the way throw and I sugest that you don't even watch it. You will only be disapointed.

Last updated Tuesday, August 01 2000. Created Tuesday, August 01 2000.
Watch 7 6 4 5 5 The Coyote [series:127#64]
I watched all of this one finally and I say it gose from a avoid rateing to a watch rateing but It really dosn't hold a candle to the wanders verion in my opinion the story seems chopy in comparison and the love between Ifurita and makoto dosn't make any sense what so ever but It dose have Shala Shala so it can't be all bad

Last updated Monday, October 15 2001. Created Saturday, July 22 2000.
Rent 7 8 6 5 6 6 Dingle [series:127#35]
This is one of the classic Pioneer/AIC productions. The animation is quite good and the story is ok. There is a lot of sexual humor. Over all the characters are interesting, but there is not enough time in the OVA to develop them. If you are looking for a better El Hazard, I suggest watching Wanderers (TV version).

Last updated Friday, May 05 2000. Created Friday, May 05 2000.

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