The legendary horror anime Vampire Hunter D is set to return to screens in a digitally remastered format, streaming simultaneously on HIDIVE and Shudder beginning May 30 at 7:00 GMT.
Audiences in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand will be able to watch the 1985 original video animation (OVA) in both Japanese with English subtitles and a fully English-dubbed version. This version was restored in 2015 by Sentai Filmworks, enhancing the film’s visuals while maintaining its iconic style.
Originally released in 1985, Vampire Hunter D was directed by Toyoo Ashida and adapted from the bestselling novel series by Hideyuki Kikuchi. The film is widely regarded as a landmark in the horror anime genre and a gateway title for Western anime fans.
Story Summary
Set in the year 12,090 A.D., the film portrays a desolate world where advanced technology and supernatural forces coexist. Humanity survives in isolated communities, while the ruling vampire Nobility maintain a reign of terror.
The plot follows Doris Lang, a young woman who becomes the target of Count Magnus Lee, a powerful vampire who chooses her as his next bride. In desperation, she hires a mysterious and stoic vampire hunter known only as D, who harbors secrets of his own.
Production Staff and Cast
The film features character designs by Yoshitaka Amano and a haunting score by Tetsuya Komuro, who also composed the theme song “YOUR SONG” with TM NETWORK.
Key staff include:
- Director: Toyoo Ashida
- Screenplay: Yasushi Hirano
- Character Design: Yoshitaka Amano
- Music: Tetsuya Komuro
- Producers: Mitsuhisa Koeda, Hiroshi Kato, Yukio Nagasaki
- Animation Studio: Ashi Productions
The voice cast features veteran talents including Kaneto Shiozawa, Michie Tomizawa, Keiko Toda, and Seizo Kato.
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