Vampire Hunter D (VHD) is an atmospheric if overrated slice of vintage anime that set rental stores alight upon its original release. Now available on DVD courtesy of Manga Ent. with a digitally remastered picture and 5.1 audio support, will VHD find a new audience amongst today's discerning anime fans?
 
Based upon the novel by Hideyuki Kikuchi, VHD comes on like a subversive amalgam of Fist of the North Star meets Dracula, which is unsurprising seeing as Fist helmer Toyoo Ashida also directs here. However the body-bursting gore that gained FOTNS its notoriety is conspicuously absent during VHD, making for a surprisingly restrained and somewhat lacklustre effort.
 
Proving that great artistry never looks dated, Hunter D's elegant and understated art design looks every bit as good as it did ten years ago. Steeped in rich gothic imagery that mixes archaic architecture with shiny new technology, VHD provides a forceful vision of the future. D himself is probably one of the most iconic characters in anime history and though Van Helsing may have stolen all his best moves, his tantalising presence is what really sets VHD apart from the competition.  Faring less well is the supporting cast, comprised mainly of cringe inducing 'good guys' and unmemorable baddies; they serve only to swell the gore quotient. Sure it's fun watching faceless bad guys get squelched but it doesn't really make for the most deep and varied viewing experience. 
 
As a straight-ahead action movie - this film ticks all the right boxes, the fight sequences make up a healthy chunk of the running time and at a slim 80 minutes VHD never outstays its welcome. Fight scenes are skilfully executed, with each duel providing the perfect amount of baddie slapping action; each showdown brings something new to the mix, upping the intensity with an admirable verve.
However the poor dialogue and an errant disregard for character development mar a potentially enjoyable experience. The tenuous story never really shifts gear, tending to get bogged down in a mire of clunky exposition and sketchy characterisation. If only the filmmakers had put aside an extra ten minutes and fleshed out the diminutive cast this could have been something special, instead of merely passable.
 
A half-entertaining if ultimately short-lived trawl down memory lane that'll leave only but the most hardened action fans feeling cold. Definitely worth a rent but little else.