Review of Angel Sanctuary

I wanted to watch the Angel Sanctuary OAV because I’m a huge fan of the manga, so my review is very colored by my comparison of the two. Also note that my review is based on the original Japanese audio. My biggest problem with this anime is that it makes much less sense outside of the context of the manga. Even I was a bit confused about what was happening because I completed reading the manga so long ago. (Unlike with some series, none of this is due to a poor English translation.) I actually feel like it would have been more beneficial to simplify the storyand focus on what can be fit into three half hour episodes. There are many, many forces at work in Angel Sanctuary, but there was no reason to introduce all of them when they can’t be properly explained in the time allotted.
My problem is not with the plot itself but how it was adapted and presented.

Now the first episode is definitely the worst of the batch; there’s a confusing dose of angel lore thrown at you and about a dozen conflicts are roughly presented. Important explanations are left out or glossed over which also affects the emotional impact present in the original work. The characters are presented in such a way they seem flatter than flat. By the second episode emotions have kicked in and things start getting interesting, as well as a bit more being explained.

On to the more technical stuff.

While the voice acting was reasonable, the sound effects and music were outdated and cheesy.

The animation is decent for a low budget OAV and does have its moments. It’s far from the best (even considering when it was made) and most of it lies along the lines of “functional”, but it doesn’t produce any major complaints.

Overall, I was disappointed as a fan of the manga. I got nothing out of watching it and I'm afraid someone who is unfamiliar with the manga would get even less.
While far from abysmal, I can't think of anyone to recommend this to except Kaori Yuki fans without high expectations.

Note: Those offended by any of the related subject matters flat out shouldn't watch it or read the original series.