Anime Quick Information

Title: Vampire Hunter D
UK publisher: Manga Ent.
Genre: Horror
Studio: Ashi Productions
Type: Movie
Director: Toyoo Ashida
Year: 1985
Running Time: 1hr 20mins
Rate this anime:
Average Rating: 7.00

Paranoia Agent's review

Paranoia Agent scored this with 5/10. Disagree?

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?
 
Iconic... Vampire Hunter DBased 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.

Review Information

Score: 5 out of 10
Review By: Paranoia Agent
Date Published: Thu, 3 Jun 2004
5 responses to our review of "Vampire Hunter D"

1. Comment by Paul

I can't help but agree with Stuart's review. I own this version of Hunter D on VHS and I have rarely re-watched it. VHD: Bloodlust, on the other hand, is outstanding.

Posted on Thu, 3 Jun 2004. Paul rated "Vampire Hunter D": 5 out of 10.

2. Comment by ardish

i kind of agree with bits of the review that it is a basic action film but as a straight up no brainer its a winner. but then again i am a vampire fan.

Posted on Wed, 29 Jun 2005. ardish rated "Vampire Hunter D": 7 out of 10.

3. Comment by amelia tomashi

VHD in it's self I did not expect to be great. But, with Bloodlust out there, I cannot dis D too much! BHD Bloodlust kicked ASS!

Posted on Fri, 1 Jul 2005. amelia tomashi rated "Vampire Hunter D": 3 out of 10.

4. Comment by kate

VHD whilst compelling action, left out the in depth characterisation needed that would encourage me to love the characters even more. I only wish D and Doris would get together in the end (it's a flaw being a old fashioned romantic). However the gore and guts is fantastic and this film increases my love of horror and vampirism.

Posted on Wed, 4 Jan 2006. kate rated "Vampire Hunter D": 6 out of 10.

5. Comment by I330

If you're a vampire fan or someone who hasn't really bought any "vintage" anime yet then this is a must buy. Vampire movies are rarely this good - bloodlust may be better, but I still love this one.

Posted on Sun, 29 Jul 2007. I330 rated "Vampire Hunter D": 7 out of 10.

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