Ruin Explorers: Quest for the Ultimate Power DVD

In a fantasy world built upon the ruins of a long-lost magical civilization, adventurers known as Ruin Explorers scour ancient dungeons and crumbling temples in search of relics and riches. Among the most determined — if perpetually broke — are Fam and Ihrie: an unlikely duo who balance each other's weaknesses with chaotic results. Ihrie is a quick-tempered sorceress and swordfighter with a serious problem — a childhood curse that transforms her into a tiny mouse every time she casts a spell. Fam is a cheerful, pointy-eared Wiccan who channels the spirits of nature, but refuses to use her powers destructively for fear of losing them entirely. Together they're chasing the legendary "Ultimate Power," a force said to grant any wish to whoever claims it. All they need are three scattered artifacts to unlock it — which sounds simple enough until they realize half the world is after the same thing.

Ruin Explorers is a delightful four-episode OVA that blends classic sword-and-sorcery dungeon crawling with sharp slapstick comedy and a genuinely warm ensemble cast. Produced by Animate and Asia-Do, the series draws obvious affection from the great fantasy anime of its era — think Record of Lodoss War played for laughs — and delivers a surprisingly satisfying adventure for its compact runtime. The bickering rival parties, the bumbling merchant with a heart of gold, the vengeful prince, and the scheming sorcerer villain all slot comfortably into beloved fantasy archetypes while still feeling fresh and fun. 

Notable Staff & Voice Talent

Director: Takeshi Mori (Vandread)
Studio: Animate Film / Asia-Do
Original Story: Kunihiko Tanaka

Cast:
- Michiko Neya as Ihrie
- Hekiru Shiina as Fam
- Rica Matsumoto as Rasha
- Koichi Yamadera as Miguel
- Chikao Otsuka as Galuff
- Iemasa Kayumi as Ruguduroll

DVD Features

- Character & Production Art Scrapbook Gallery
- Web Connect 
- 12 Featured ADV Previews
- Highly Interactive Menus 
- Alternate Angels: Japanese Credits
- Scene Selection 

Spoken Languages: English & Japanese Audio, English Subtitles

Edition Details

Japanese Title: 秘境探検ファム&イーリー (Hikyō Tanken Famu & Īrī)
Runtime: ~120 Minutes (Complete OVA, 4 Episodes)
Director: Takeshi Mori
DVD Release Year: 2000 (U.S. Release)
Original Release Date (Japan): June 25 – December 25, 1995
Publisher: ADV Films
Rating: NR
Region: Region 1 (U.S. / Canada)
Genre: Fantasy, Comedy, Adventure
Themes: Dungeon Crawling, Ancient Relics, Magical Curses, Rival Adventurers, Quest for Power

Media assumed VG+ unless otherwise noted.