Originally released, in Japan, in 1985, this feature was directed by the popular Toyoo Ashida. It came to America under theatrical release in August of 1992 as an OVA (Original Video Animation) and was given the talents of such great voice actors as Barbara Goodson (Doris) and Michael McConnohie (Vampire Hunter D). Its targeted demographic were teenage and adult males and capitalized on the emerging OVA media storm because of its reliance on graphic violence and intense action; as well as relying on the European mythology of vampires and subservient mutants.
Doris encounters ‘D’
As the story goes, young Doris and her younger brother Dan have been keeping close security on their land, fighting off dangerous mutants that tend to feed on their livestock. The year is 12,090 AD and mankind is, on the whole, ruled by vampires. During a nightly routine patrol with her beloved horse, Doris encounters a menacing mutant and manages to scare it off after shooting it. But she is forced to destroy it after it near-fatally wounds her horse.
“So, what’s your name?”
Upon destroying it, she find her poor horse in the deadly clutches of a werewolf, who manages to remove her holy crucifix, then disappearing into the night with its meal: Doris’ poor horse.
Before she can do anything else, Doris is ‘ambushed’ by Count Magnus Lee, an ancient vampire who manages to put her under his spell with a ‘Vampire’s Kiss’ – biting her.
Before long, she manages to meet “D”, who easily convinces her that he is a formidable and brave vampire hunter. Upon securing his services, she runs into trouble in town when the mayor’s obnoxious son, Greco, reveals her to be contaminated and that “D” is a vampire hunter.
The Count’s daughter, Lamika. Just as pretty as she is dangerous!
Although “D” manages to convince the town he is more than capable of helping, everyone shuns poor Doris and her brother….almost making them outcasts.
Rei Ginsei – the time-twisting mutant….nearly as skilled in fighting as ‘D’.
Through different battles with Rei (a time-shifting mutant) and Lamika (the Count’s daughter), “D” somehow manages to confront Lee, but will he be triumphant in his fight and save Doris’ life? What is the secret behind D’s power? D’s father is WHO?!
D’s first fight with Rei.
As much as I thoroughly enjoy this Anime, this ‘re-release’ is slightly disappointing in the newer English casting. Not as convincing as the originals from the early 1990’s. Nothing against them; I suppose I am just used to the originals. However, the Japanese cast is as impressive as ever! I watch almost all my Anime in Japanese, anyway, with the English subtitles.
The only other complaint I had for this feature is that there was no wide-screen format available as it expressed on the website from which I purchased it. The animation/graphics were as great as before! The music…..splendidly done and worthy of praise. As moody and creepy as before!
My final 1 to 10 rating on this Anime: 9 – as the newer English cast just does not have the same effect(s) as the originals. Again, nothing against them; I am just used to the originals. But everything else is great!
Although the targeted demographic, in Japan, is teenage males, I do not recommend this for youth viewing (17 & under)…….not without adults, anyway.
All images retrieved from the DVD and are © MOVIC – Aniplex. All Rights Reserved. Released through Sentai Filmworks. ‘Re-release’ English language © 2015 Toho Co., Ltd.
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