Anime Series:
This simply describes anime being seen on television networks in Japan just like any other program. Anime series are sold in multiple volume formats, they will often range anywhere from 26-52 episodes in length; often hundreds of episodes for a series will be made. Animation quality in the series are usually lower quality than that of OAVs and films. However, this depends upon the anime. T.V. series are by far the most popular.
OAVs:
"OAV" stands for original animated video, the term is often changed to OVA meaning original video animation; both are the same. Anime OAVs come directly to video and usually contain an animation quality greater than t.v. series. Often some OAVs will be formatted in order to be changed into a motion picture. A good example is the popular OAV "Macross Plus", which was later released as a feature film. Though several scenes had to be edited in order to do this.
Movies:
Anime movies are released in Japan as any major motion picture would in the U.S. They are by far, the most costly and high quality. Anime movies contain superior animation to that of OAVs and Series, since they are seen in Japanese movie theatres. Films like "Akira", "Ghost In The Shell" and "Princess Mononoke" are all major animated films shown in Japanese movie theatres. All containing very large budgets.
Dubbed:
When animes are dubbed, this describes the substitution of the original Japanese Dialouge with the English Language. Dubbed animes are considerably less costly than subtitled. Although they may be less expensive many fans prefer subtitled videos, since all the script, original dialouge and director's intent is present; and is not ruined by deleting certain scenes or altering the script. This is what happens when most dubs are made. But some fans prefer not to be distracted by endless lines of text on the screen.
Subtitled:
Subtitled anime videos contain all the original dialouge, script and culture of the anime video; and are not altered to suit Western audiences. In fact, the majority of fans prefer subtitled. The voice acting is often better than dubbed movies, though it is sometimes a good idea to go with the dubbed.
Fansub:
A "fansub" is an illegaly imported anime video sold in the black market for a lower cost than normal dealers and video stores. They are usually obtained by fans who have some access to an organization which acquires the films earlier than when they are released. Fansub videos sometimes contain or have no subtitles, this is usually done by people who are importing them with some sort of non-legal method. They are usually found in rental stores, or are sold in non-professional or non-copyright cases.
Manga:
Manga is the Japanese term for comicbook. The majority of anime films, series and OAVs are usually based on their original Manga works. Animes like "Dragonball", "Crying Freeman", "Ghost In The Shell" and "Sailor Moon" are all based upon Manga works.
Otaku:
While considered somewhat disparaging in basic context, the phrase has become eminent as the archtype for a widely appealing film medium. The word keenly refers to the amount votaries which accompany the extensive amount of series, films and oavs surrounding anime. Though mainly considered through this familiar inclination, the word "Otaku" has emerged as the most definitive and "affectionately-delineated" description of the exemplary-anime fan.
Doujinshi:
This term refers to a distinctive and alternative form of art in regards to the anime medium in general. While mainly appearing in the forms of 'dilettante-rendered' -- "comic-books", these mediums can range from the licit to the aphrodisiac in nature. Much in the similar styles of "fan-fiction" and alternate forms of Japanese-artwork. Hence the phrase which basically means other forms of anime "comic-art"
Hentai:
An often opprobrious phrase which is associated with the common word "ecchi", interchangeably meaning something of the prurient in nature. The word can be often abbreviated as "H" or "Hentai", specifically referring to animes dealing with mature and/or erogenous elements. Thus, "hentai" referrs to anime pornography. Often labled through the distribution markets as "Anime 18".
Fansub:
Literary fiction revolving around anime series and/or themes, these are written by fans as extensions or further altercations to anime screenplays. These however are mainly thought of as fervent delineations rather than being plagiaristic in nature.
Mahou Shoujo (Magical Girl):
This genre-based idealization refers to anime which are aimed at young-female viewers, some of which often involve the use of magical powers and specific aspects pertaining to this popular genre. This is a distinctive style of anime film-making involving young heroines.
Seiyuu:
This term refers to Japanese-animation voice actors.
DVD:
DVD stands for "Digital Video Disc", many animes available on DVD offer dual-language based formats; including Japanese dialouge and English dub translations.
