Crunchyroll has announced the streaming release of Polygon Pictures’ original anime film, Bloody Escape: Bats out of Hell. Directed by Gorō Taniguchi, who is known for his work on Code Geass, this action-packed thriller promises a wild ride through a dystopian Tokyo filled with cyborgs, vampires, and vengeful yakuza.
A Hellish Escape: What’s Bloody Escape: Bats out of Hell About?
Bloody Escape: Bats out of Hell plunges viewers into a dark, futuristic world where Kisaragi, a man turned into a cyborg through human experimentation, finds himself caught between warring factions. Here’s a breakdown of the setup:
- The Premise: After being unwillingly transformed into a cyborg, Kisaragi is relentlessly pursued by multiple dangerous groups.
- The Immortal Knights: A convent of undying vampires seeks to conquer Tokyo, establishing their dominion over the divided city.
- The Yakuza: A ruthless Yakuza clan is out for blood, determined to avenge the murder of their leader. They see Kisaragi as a means to an end.
- Kisaragi’s Fight for Survival: Despite having no reason to live, Kisaragi refuses to be killed. He must use his cyborg abilities and unique “blood” to survive the onslaught.
The film follows Kisaragi’s desperate attempt to escape this three-way conflict, protecting his old friend’s younger sister along the way and leading to a massive battle in a futuristic, sci-fi setting. The distinct fighting styles of each faction—cyborgs, vampires, and yakuza—add another layer of excitement to the action.
Meet the Characters
- Kisaragi: Voiced by Yuuki Ono, Kisaragi is the protagonist, a cyborg forced to fight for his survival against overwhelming odds.
- Lunalu: Voiced by Reina Ueda.
- Other Characters: The film features a diverse cast of characters, each with their own motivations and allegiances, including Equa, Martese, Ulula, Alga, Ferres, Cruz, Jami, and Lalak.
Production and Release
Bloody Escape: Bats out of Hell is an original story written and directed by Gorō Taniguchi, featuring original character designs by Yuusuke Kozaki and a screenplay by Shingo Nagai. The film debuted in Japan in January 2024 and is now available for streaming on Crunchyroll as of April 11, 2025.
- Director, Original Creator, Screenplay: Gorou Taniguchi
- Screenplay: Shingo Nagai
- Original Character Design: Yuusuke Kozaki
- Music: Koutarou Nakagawa
- Theme Song Performance: Atsuki Taketomo
- Character Design: Shimadoriru
- Animation Studio: Polygon Pictures
Crunchyroll and Anime Licensing: A Powerful Partnership
Crunchyroll has become a global anime powerhouse, offering a vast library of titles to fans in over 200 countries and territories. Its acquisition by Sony Pictures Entertainment has further solidified its position in the industry, leading to numerous licensing deals and partnerships.
- Extensive Library: Crunchyroll boasts over 1,000 titles and 30,000 episodes, available with subtitles and dubs in multiple languages.
- Global Reach: Crunchyroll connects anime and manga fans across 200+ countries and territories.
- Licensing and Merchandise: Crunchyroll manages the rights for over 350 titles and collaborates with numerous licensees to offer a wide range of merchandise, including clothing, home goods, collectibles, and more.
- Simulcasts: Crunchyroll offers simulcasts of top series, making episodes available immediately after their Japanese broadcast.
Polygon Pictures: A Pioneer in 3D Animation
Polygon Pictures, the animation studio behind Bloody Escape: Bats out of Hell, is renowned for its innovative use of 3D animation in anime. Founded in 1983, the studio has worked on numerous acclaimed projects, including:
- Knights of Sidonia
- Ajin: Demi-Human
- BLAME!
- Godzilla trilogy
Polygon Pictures’ unique style combines traditional anime aesthetics with cutting-edge 3D technology, resulting in visually stunning and immersive experiences.
Crunchyroll: More Than Just Streaming
Crunchyroll has evolved into a 360-degree anime brand, offering a wide range of services and experiences to its community:
- Streaming: Access to a vast library of anime and manga.
- Events: Crunchyroll Expo, Anime Awards, and Crunchyroll Movie Night.
- Games: A selection of anime mobile games.
- Merchandise: The Crunchyroll Store offers a wide variety of officially licensed products.
- News: Crunchyroll News provides up-to-date information on the anime industry.
- Social Media: A strong presence on platforms like YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
A Look at Anime in 2024 and Beyond
The anime industry continues to thrive, with a growing global fanbase and increasing recognition in mainstream media.
- Popularity and Recognition: Anime series like Attack on Titan have achieved mainstream success, winning awards and accolades.
- Licensing Deals: Major franchises like Dragon Ball continue to secure new licensing partnerships, expanding their reach into various markets.
- LGBTQ+ Representation: Anime series are increasingly featuring LGBTQ+ characters and themes, reflecting a growing demand for diverse representation in media.
Should You Watch Bloody Escape: Bats out of Hell?
If you’re a fan of action-packed thrillers, dystopian settings, and unique animation styles, Bloody Escape: Bats out of Hell is definitely worth checking out. With its blend of cyborgs, vampires, and yakuza, combined with Polygon Pictures’ stunning visuals, this film promises a thrilling and unforgettable experience. Now available on Crunchyroll, it’s easier than ever to dive into this hellish escape.
