The specials are sort of a series’ summary. I believe, however, that it would be somewhat confusing to watch the specials prior to the series because in the specials there are sequences so compressed and deprived of information by comparison to the series that someone who hasn’t already watched the series could have difficulties to understand some points, which, I personally, find relevant. Also, in the specials there are events completely modified, which, from my point of view, could lead to an incomplete understanding, and, to be honest, I’ve been pretty pissed by this aspect. The specials do, however, make a good recap of theseries as well as they also bring some fresh explanations which I kind of missed throughout the series.