Genmu Senki Leda OVA
what could have been (and will likely be written off as by most) a forgettable-if-solid 80s isekai ova in an ocean of forgettable-if-solid 80s ovas is taken to a whole 'nother level by some lovely framing and rock-solid execution. a young pianist, yokho, is too nervous to talk to a boy she's fallen in love with. she records a song to cassette so that she can soothe herself with it while she tries to confront him. problem is, her love song was too powerful and now evildoers from another dimension want the tape! it's a really adorable idea and it rolls characterization, conflict, and themeage all into one convenient package. the soundtrack is (aptly) GOD-TIER piano shit from none other than shiro sagisu. also, my friend chandler pointed out that mutsumi inomata, one of the key creators on this film, was (RIP) a quite prolific artist as well. point is, we've got talent on board.
leda is only 75 minutes long and it's ALL-KILLER-NO-FILLER. the pacing is smooooth, gliding from idea to idea with just enough time to get things across. think of it like a pretty 80s anime taste tester. from a schoolyard to a forest to sunny deserts to winter in japan to multicultural scifi. you're certainly getting a bang for your buck - not that you'll be paying a buck for it. i think the ova is in rights hell or something because the only ways to watch it in not-garbo quality are free and illegal. i used a crusty vhs rip of the dub i found on archive.org for my rewatch. anyway, you should definitely try leda if you like cute anime. it gets a glowing recommendation from me!