Anime and horror fans rejoice! Vampire Hunter D, the seminal 1985 anime film, is returning to North American cinemas for a special 40th-anniversary re-release. Thanks to a partnership between HIDIVE, Shudder, and Iconic Events Releasing, this digitally remastered version will be screened in over 500 theaters across the United States and Canada this spring.
A Theatrical and Streaming Celebration
The re-release is part of AX Cinema Nights’ 2024/2025 season, offering fans a chance to experience the film on the big screen. Following its theatrical run, Vampire Hunter D will also make its streaming debut on both HIDIVE and Shudder later this year, bringing this classic to an even wider audience.
Screening Details
Mark your calendars for the following dates:
- April 9: Japanese with English subtitles
- April 10: English dub
- April 13: English dub encore screening
Tickets can be purchased at ax-cinemanights.com and participating theater box offices.
A Genre-Defining Masterpiece
Originally released in Japan as an OVA (Original Video Animation) on December 21, 1985, Vampire Hunter D quickly gained a cult following. Directed by Toyoo Ashida and based on the novel series by Hideyuki Kikuchi, the film is set in a post-apocalyptic world where vampires rule and humanity struggles to survive.
Synopsis
In the year 12,090 A.D., technology and the supernatural have merged, leaving the world a desolate and dangerous place. The remnants of humanity live in fear of the Nobility, a class of powerful vampires who control the land. When Doris Lang is chosen as the next bride for the vampire Count Magnus Lee, she seeks the help of D, a mysterious vampire hunter with a unique lineage.
A Blend of Genres
Vampire Hunter D is celebrated for its unique blend of genres, combining elements of:
- Horror
- Science Fiction
- Fantasy
- Westerns
- Gothic Horror
This combination, along with its mature themes and stunning visuals, helped to establish Vampire Hunter D as a landmark in anime history.
HIDIVE: The Home for Anime Fans
HIDIVE is an anime streaming service owned by AMC Networks that caters to passionate anime fandoms. Launched in June 2017, HIDIVE offers a diverse catalog of simulcasts, fresh dubs, uncensored titles, and classic anime. It distinguishes itself by focusing on a curated selection of anime, including deep cuts and hard-to-find titles.
What HIDIVE Offers
- Simulcasts: The latest episodes of currently airing anime series, often streamed shortly after their Japanese broadcast.
- Dubs: English-dubbed versions of popular anime, some produced by Sentai Filmworks.
- Uncensored Content: Some titles are presented without the censorship that may be present in other regions.
- Classics and Deep Cuts: A selection of older and less mainstream anime series.
The Legacy of Vampire Hunter D
Vampire Hunter D holds a significant place in anime history for several reasons:
Early Adult Anime
It was one of the first anime features specifically targeted toward young adult males, helping to pave the way for more mature and sophisticated anime storytelling.
Western Influence
The film was heavily influenced by Western horror films, particularly Hammer Films’ Horror of Dracula (1958), making it more accessible to Western audiences and contributing to its cult following.
Cult Classic
Vampire Hunter D‘s success in Western markets helped solidify its status as a cult classic, demonstrating the potential for anime to reach a wider audience.
A Lasting Impact
The character designs by Yoshitaka Amano, known for his work on the Final Fantasy series, contributed to the film’s distinctive visual style and enduring appeal.
The Vampire Hunter D Universe
The world of Vampire Hunter D extends far beyond the original 1985 film.
Novels
The series began as a series of novels written by Hideyuki Kikuchi and illustrated by Yoshitaka Amano, starting in 1983. As of February 2024, there are 55 novels in the main series. The novels have sold over 17 million copies worldwide, making Vampire Hunter D one of the best-selling book series of all time.
Adaptations
In addition to the 1985 film, Vampire Hunter D has been adapted into various other forms, including:
- Audio Dramas: Five audio drama adaptations of the first three novels were released from 1988 to 1990.
- Video Game: A Vampire Hunter D video game was released in 1999 for the PlayStation.
- 2000 Animated Film: A sequel, Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust, was released in 2000 to critical acclaim.
- Manga Adaptation: A manga adaptation of the novels began in 2007.
- Comic Book Series: A comic book adaptation of the short story Vampire Hunter D: Message From Cecile was launched in 2022.
Ongoing Production
A new CG animated series was announced in 2015 but was put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the series is still in production, promising to bring Vampire Hunter D to a new generation of fans.
Iconic Events Releasing and AX Cinema Nights
Iconic Events Releasing specializes in bringing special engagement theatrical events to cinemas nationwide. Their partnership with Anime Expo (AX) for AX Cinema Nights brings classic and new anime films to the big screen for fans across North America.
AX Cinema Nights
AX Cinema Nights is a series of in-person movie events celebrating the best in anime films. It is a collaboration between Anime Expo, the largest celebration of Japanese pop culture in North America, and Iconic Events Releasing.
Past AX Cinema Nights Events
Previous AX Cinema Nights events have included screenings of:
- Perfect Blue
- Ghost in the Shell
- Cowboy Bebop: The Movie
- Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack
A Must-See for Anime and Horror Fans
The 40th-anniversary re-release of Vampire Hunter D is a must-see event for both longtime fans and newcomers to the series. With its unique blend of genres, stunning visuals, and mature storytelling, Vampire Hunter D remains a timeless classic that continues to influence anime and horror today. Don’t miss your chance to experience this masterpiece on the big screen or stream it later this year on HIDIVE and Shudder.
