Vampire Hunter Dis a classic dark hero who has never gone out of style. First appearing in a series of novels by Hideyuki Kikuchi, this half-human, half-vampire protagonist made the leap to anime in 1985 with a feature film that captivated audiences with its unique blend of horror and science fiction. However, D hasn’t graced American theaters since 2000, when the sequelVampire Hunter D: Bloodlustwas released. Now, that’s about to change.
AMC Networks’ streaming platforms, HIDIVE and Shudder, are teaming up with Iconic Events Releasing to bringthe 40th-anniversary re-release of the original 1985Vampire Hunter Dmovieto theaters across the U.S. and Canada this spring. As part of AX Cinema Nights' 2024/2025 season, D will return to the big screen on April 9, 10, and 13.
A Sci-Fi Horror Hero
A Dark Future Awaits
Debuting in 1983 as a series of novels by Hideyuki Kikuchi, with artwork by Yoshitaka Amano ofFinal Fantasyfame,Vampire Hunter Dblended westerns, post-apocalyptic adventure, and Gothic horror. The 1985 anime adaptation, directed by Toyoo Ashida (Fist of the North Star), becamea breakthrough for many anime fans, balancing action, drama, and gory thrills.
Set in the year 12,090 A.D., the 1985Vampire Hunter Dfilm depicts a world where technology and the supernatural dominate, leaving humanity scattered and fearful of the ruling Nobility—an elite class of powerful vampires. When Count Magnus Lee marks Doris Lang as his next bride, she seeks help from D,a lone, enigmatic vampire hunter with a mysterious lineage.
Though the franchise has laid relatively dormant in recent years aside from the2022Vampire Hunter Dcomic, the franchise remains massively influential and well-known, especially among older anime fans.D’sunique blend of science fiction, horror, and fantasy remains incredibly ironic to this day. Given this, fans have good reason to be excited for the original OVA’s rerelease.
A Remastered Experience
A Timeless Dark Hero
HIDIVE and Shudder will screen a digitally remastered version ofVampire Hunter D, which will also be available for streaming on both platforms later this year. Steven Menkin, President & Co-founder of Iconic Events Releasing, says, “When it was first released,Vampire Hunter Dwas a stunning landmark in Japanese anime, set in a world of post-apocalyptic horror and fantasy where vampires roam. Now, 40 years later, fans of all ages can experience one of the all-time classic anime films on the big screen.”
For longtime fans and newcomers alike, this is a rare opportunity to witness a defining work of dark fantasy anime in all its haunting, remastered glory. Advance tickets forVampire Hunter Dare available for purchase now atax-cinemanights.comand participating theater box offices.
