| This DVD contains the last two episodes of the OAV (not the made for TV) version of 'Vampire Princess Miyu.' The four OAV stories are not simply stories of the supernatural with the intervention of Miyu as a given. Instead, they are as much the story of a spiritualist (Himiko) who believes she must oppose Miyu, but is gradually coming to realize that Miyu is not as evil as Himiko initially believed. In the first DVD in this series, very little effort is made to offer any explanation for Miyu and her fate. Instead, Miyu drops dues ex machine into one of Himiko's cases. This time, we are given considerable insight into Miyu's origins and her relationship with Larva. In the first episode on this DVD, 'Fragile Armor,' Miyu is forced to ask Himiko's help in stopping a rampant suit of armor that keeps insisting it is a Shinma. In addition, Larva has been trapped in a mask, and Miyu hopes the young witch can free him. Miyu knows the spirit is not a Shinma, and is powerless to attack what is actually a human spirit. However, Himiko can effect the latter, and the ensuing chaos drives out the real Shinma from hiding. Miyu demands Larva's release and finally enters into full battle with the Shinma. 'Frozen Time' has Himiko traveling to her childhood home, where she intends to investigate an old mansion that disturbed her dreams several times. This old mansion has a habit of disappearing and reappearing and Himiko discovers that it is the original home of Miyu. For the first time we are given a glimpse into the tragic story that drives Miyu. This is almost the only time that much is made of Miyu's history. The television series focuses more on Larva's story. Artistically, this DVD is probably the high point of the both the OAV and TV series. There is a dark, art nouveau flavor to the work, and a great deal of intense dialog. It is unfortunate that the OAV series did not survive for a few more episodes, although the TV series has much that is admirable it lacks the intensity provided by the original series. |