"For Heartbroken Eyes Only". Those are the first words you'll see when you begin watching Video Girl Ai, and from then on it's going to be quite a trip. Amano Ai, voiced by the always spectacular Hayashibara Megumi, is a fantastic character throughout the series. From the beginning to the end one feels sympathy for her as she not only has to get Yota and Moemi together, but convince herself that Video Girls can't fall in love. Kusao Takeshi, whose most recent work is in D.N.Angel as Krad, also delivers a wonderful performance throughout the anime as Yota, the dateless wonder.

The story in Video Girl Ai may not be the most original one, but it is certainly very, very well done and shouldn't disappoint anybody that's a fan of the romance. Although surprisingly short at only six episodes, the story is paced quite well and the only problem I could find would be the ending. Usually, an ending that's a little on the lousy side isn't that much of a big deal. However, when nearly the entirety of the final episode (which, by the way, is one of six episodes) just doesn't settle right, it can make or break a series. Luckily, it wasn't really TOO bad and it didn't really hinder by enjoyment of the series very much. It's difficult to explain the ending because not only does it contrast with the rest of the series, but it's also a spoiler. There's a lot of blood, though.

The other thing I really liked in Video Girl Ai were the vocal tracks. Usually, vocal tracks are just limited to the opening and ending credits of an anime. Not here, though. Throughout the series we hear vocal songs that are brilliantly placed in the middle of episodes. They fit the occasions so well that they almost feel like normal background music. Also, the songs themselves are very performed and most of them are sung by Hayashibara Megumi (she strikes again!). My personal favorite song would have to be Banka na Furu Niwa by Akino Arai. When you hear it in a vital part of the anime, you'll know why.

Also included in each episode is a special "Omake Theater" after the episode previews. Each Omake Theater is like a variety show of sorts where the characters are all portrayed in comedic situations. Some of them are pretty funny, but a couple really drag on a bit and I was rolling my eyes at some of the jokes.