Anime fans, prepare to revisit a cult classic on the big screen! Vampire Hunter D, the groundbreaking anime film from 1985, is celebrating its 40th anniversary with special screenings across North America as part of AX Cinema Nights.
AX Cinema Nights to Screen Vampire Hunter D
Iconic Events Releasing and Anime Expo have announced that Vampire Hunter D will be screened on April 9, 10, and 13 as part of their ongoing AX Cinema Nights program. Tickets go on sale February 12. AX Cinema Nights is a collaborative effort to bring beloved anime films to theaters, offering fans immersive and communal viewing experiences. In the past, AX Cinema Nights has screened influential anime films such as Ninja Scroll, Metropolis, Paprika, and Cowboy Bebop: The Movie.
A Post-Apocalyptic Vampire Tale
Vampire Hunter D is set in the far future, in the year 12,090 AD, a world where technology and the supernatural have merged, leaving a desolate and despotic landscape. Humanity is scattered into small communities, living in constant fear of the ruling Nobility – vampires. The film follows Doris Lang, a young woman who finds herself targeted by Count Magnus Lee, a powerful vampire lord. To escape her fate as his chosen bride, she hires a mysterious vampire hunter known only as D.
D is a dhampir, a half-human, half-vampire hybrid, possessing extraordinary powers and a unique lineage. He is a solitary figure, wandering the ravaged world, protecting humans from vampires and other supernatural threats.
The Enigmatic D
D is anime’s preeminent vampire hunter. He is reserved and steely, driven by a strong sense of purpose. He is a protector of humanity, mercilessly cutting down those who deserve his ire. D is a mysterious figure. He possesses vampire powers but also some immunity to vampire weaknesses. He is able to live among humans and walk during the day, though he can suffer from a sun-related illness. He wields a massive sword and possesses magical abilities.
A Symbiotic Left Hand
D also has a symbiotic being on his left hand that has various magical abilities, including the power to suck up matter. His left hand provides comic relief.
Vampire Hunter D: A Landmark Anime Film
Vampire Hunter D, directed by Toyoo Ashida and animated by Ashi Productions, was one of the first anime features specifically targeted toward young adult males. Heavily influenced by Western horror films, particularly Hammer Films’ Horror of Dracula (1958), it was also billed as one of the first animated horror films for adults in the US.
Origins in Novel Series
Vampire Hunter D began as a series of novels written by Hideyuki Kikuchi and illustrated by Yoshitaka Amano in 1983. The novels have sold over 17 million copies worldwide. The series has expanded into audio dramas, manga, comic adaptations, a video game, art books, and a supplemental guide book.
Impact and Legacy
Vampire Hunter D was a massive success in Japan. Its Western horror themes resonated with audiences. It was dubbed in English in 1992 and shown in small venues. The film’s success is an early example of Western localization and dubbing in the OVA market, earning it a cult following among US anime fans.
The World of Vampire Hunter D
Vampire Hunter D combines elements of Western, science fiction, horror, Lovecraftian horror, dark fantasy, folklore, and occult science. The world includes gothic castles and beings with psychic abilities.
A Blend of Genres
The anime is set in a futuristic dystopia where creatures of the occult lurk in the shadows. Bounty hunters attempt to eradicate the Earth of their unholy existence. The series boasts grit, gore, and greatness.
Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust
Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust was released in 2000. Yoshiaki Kawajiri, of Ninja Scroll fame, directed the film, and Madhouse handled the animation.
Don’t Miss the 40th Anniversary Screening
The 40th-anniversary screening of Vampire Hunter D is a must-see event for anime fans. It’s a chance to experience a classic film on the big screen and celebrate its enduring legacy.
Screening Details
- Dates: April 9, 10, and 13, 2025
- Presented by: AX Cinema Nights and Iconic Events Releasing
- Tickets on sale: February 12, 2025
Check local listings for participating theaters and showtimes.
