Vampire Hunter D
Info
Run time: 80 Minutes
Rating: NR, “Extreme” Violence (hehe, 1985 baby) and Nudity
Theme: Horror
Background
As Taken From Back of Box: “The long awaited re-release of the original animated horror classic is finally here!” (Editor’s Note: Sorry, had to include that, and yes it’s on the box) “In the year 12,090 AD, the Earth has fallen into the clutches of ruthless vampires – Humans are enslaved by a corrupted feudal system. Only one being has dared to challenge the cruel authority of these arrogant immortals – the mysterious Vampire Hunter called “D”.
A beautiful young villager, Doris, has been targeted by Count Magnus Lee and his clan for the harsh doom of belonging to the Count. In desperation, Doris promises herself to the enigmatic hunter in exchange for the extermination of these tyrannical monsters. Before “D” can execute his plans, the Count abducts Doris, forcing “D” to forge into the bloody reign of the House of Lee.
Cult classic by any standard, the sophisticated blend of horror and futuristic science fiction elevates Vampire Hunter D far beyond the stereotype of being a mere “cartoon” (Editor’s note: Amen). The bizarre imagery and exotic characters help to fully realize the tone of the film, confirming its status as an exceptional work.”
Review
Sorry, had to build up all the excitement. Yes, Vampire Hunter D is that damn good…and more. This review is going to be more like a little temple filled with Vampire Hunter D goodness. . .
(Skip this paragraph to go to the review) Welcome to VHD 101. Let me tell you a story, one day I flipped on Cartoon Network and saw a show called “Dragonball Z”. I was so impressed with the visuals and action that I had to learn more about this art style. It turned out it was called “Anime” or “Japanimation”. So I had to get more. I researched on-line about it and I kept finding the same thing, a movie called Vampire Hunter D as being one of the best. I had to have it, could it get better than DBZ? (Haha, I know some of you have been there) Well once I got my hands on Vampire Hunter D I fell in love with it, and anime. I soon went out and started buying anything I could get my hands on, and soon started throwing away my tapes of DBZ I recorded. So you see this very movie started an otaku . . .
Vampire Hunter D is one of the best animated films of all time. No it’s not on a different planet, no it doesn’t have elves or big mechs, but by god it kicks ass! Why is it so good? What is all the fuss about? Truthfully, what I think it really is . . .is the main character. D is just plain awesome. The cape, the sword, the “I’m a man of few words but I’m going to beat you down” attitude, he’s the man. Even his hand is incredible (if you’ve seen it you know what I’m talking about). The story is done very well; at first, you don’t care for Doris, but by the end you want D to save her life no matter what the cost. The animation . . .for 1985 . . .Is phenomenal. The fight scenes are done very well and D looks tremendous in every single one, he’s my hero. If you think you’re a anime fan and this isn’t in your collection, click the “X” at the top right hand side of this window, because you don’t know sh*t!
Overall:
10 (Bend & Receive) / Vampire Hunter D is an anime classic! You’re no one if you don’t own this movie! Check out the sequel Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust, Yep, it’s pretty damn good too.
Reviewed by:
Dark Koga
