The first Nadia DVD is getting some extra attention because of its timing, which coincides neatly with the opening of Disney's Atlantis. Infuriated anime fans have complained that Atlantis has extensive, striking similarities to Nadia (which first aired in Japan in 1991), from the character designs all the way down to the story specifics, particularly the key plot points and the ending. Disney is, of course, denying that any of its creators (many of whom identify themselves as anime fans) had ever heard of Nadia, one of the single most popular series in anime history. The controversy, and Disney's stiff-arming response, are highly familiar from the similar 1994 flap over the many similarities between Disney's The Lion King and the classic 1966 anime series Kimba the White Lion. (Anime scholar Frederik L. Schodt explains and discusses the issue in an essay in his indispensable Dreamland Japan.)

Going back to watch Kimba The White Lion (which recently became possible, thanks to The Right Stuf International's 13-tape, 52-episode release) is fairly tedious for all but the most dedicated and nostalgic fans, but Nadia is a breath of fresh air. Its sweet, lively, energetic tone recalls the stellar movies of director Hayao Miyazaki, although it was actually directed by Neon Genesis Evangelion creator Hideaki Anno. Nadia's child characters and the mysterious gem they protect strongly recall Miyazaki's 1986 Laputa: Castle in the Sky, which also centered on a bright, energetic young boy and the daughter of a lost civilization whom he tries to protect from a greedy cabal. So Disney isn't the only one borrowing. And Nadia does, of course, have a lot in common with 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, which it openly credits as an inspiration.

But sources aside, Nadia is a stellar series, full of bright, vibrant, busy images, instantly likable characters who develop as the series progresses, and a strong sense of creative identity. ADV Films has done a remarkable job so far with its dub, recruiting actual kids for the child characters and sticking closely to the sub script. (The young actors' fake accents get a tad annoying at times, but at least they actually sound like normal people talking; no strident comic screeching here.) This is a great starter series for kids, but animation fans of all ages will love the way it looks.