The 40th anniversary re-release of Vampire Hunter D will arrive in North American (US & Canada) theaters on April 9, 10, and 13 as part of AX Cinema Nights’ 2024/2025 Season. The screenings are a collaboration between HIDIVE, Shudder, and Iconic Events Releasing, featuring a digitally remastered version produced by Sentai Filmworks in 2015.
*Note that this is different from the 2000 movie by MADHOUSE, which is getting a revival screening in Japan this year.
Theatrical Release Details
The Vampire Hunter D movie will be shown in over 500 North American theaters in both Japanese with English subtitles and English dub on the following dates:
- April 9 – Japanese with English subtitles
- April 10 – English dub
- April 13 – English dub encore screening
Tickets are available for purchase at ax-cinemanights.com and participating theater box offices.
About Vampire Hunter D
Originally released in 1985, Vampire Hunter D is an OVA adaptation of Hideyuki Kikuchi’s best-selling novel, directed by Toyoo Ashida and featuring character designs by Yoshitaka Amano. The official synopsis for the 80-minute movie:
In the year 12,090 A.D. technology and the supernatural have overtaken the world, leaving the land desolate and despotic. The remnants of humanity are scattered into small communities and live in fear of vampires who compose the ruling Nobility. When Count Magnus Lee tastes the blood of Doris Lang, she is forcibly chosen to be his next wife. In an effort to escape her ill-gotten fate she hires a mysterious vampire hunter known only as D, who comes from a peculiar lineage.
They released a trailer (region-restricted) and some preview images for the movie.
Movie Production and Credits
- Director: Toyoo Ashida
- Screenplay: Yasushi Hirano
- Character Design: Yoshitaka Amano
- Animation Character Design: Noriyasu Yamauchi, Indori-goya
- Production Design: Satoshi Matsudaira
- Animation Director: Hiromi Matsushita
- Director of Photography: Kazushi Torikoshi, Yukio Sugiyama
- Music: Tetsuya Komuro
- Executive Producer: Shigeo Maruyama, Yutaka Takahashi
- Producer: Mitsuhisa Koeda, Hiroshi Kato, Yukio Nagasaki
- Animation Production: Toshihiko Sato, Ashi Productions CO., LTD.
- Japanese Voice Cast: Kaneto Shiozawa, Michie Tomizawa, Keiko Toda, Seizo Kato, Satoko Kito, Kazuyasu Sogabe, Ichiro Nagai
- Theme Song: “YOUR SONG”
- Written by: Tetsuya Komuro, Naoto Kine
- Lyrics by: Tetsuya Komuro
- Arrangement by: Tetsuya Komuro, TM NETWORK
Comments on the Re-Release
In 1985, Vampire Hunter D cemented its place in cinematic history as a truly genre-defining work of horror. We’re thrilled to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Vampire Hunter D and partner with both Shudder and Iconic Events Releasing to bring this seminal film to both horror and anime fans across the U.S. and Canada. – John Ledford, President of HIDIVE.
We’re thrilled to be part of a collaboration that will bring Vampire Hunter D, a cult classic genre film, to both theatrical and streaming audiences as part of Iconic’s popular AX Cinema Nights lineup. It’s also a great example of the synergy and strength of our brands, as Shudder and HIDIVE partner on a streaming debut that will share this pivotal film with two of the most passionate fanbases in horror and anime. – Scott Shooman, Head of AMC Networks’ Film Group.
When it was first released, Vampire Hunter D was 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 true all-time classic anime on the big screen. Iconic is proud to partner with HIDIVE and Shudder on these special screenings. – Steven Menkin, President & Co-founder of Iconic Events Releasing.
Conclusion
Vampire Hunter D was one of the first anime movies to get significant international attention, introducing the Western audience to the darker side of Japanese anime. HIDIVE describes the movie as a seminal work in horror anime, with it influencing numerous adaptations and sequels, including the 2000 movie Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust.
The 40th anniversary re-release marks a rare opportunity for fans to experience the film on the big screen, with a digitally remastered version featuring improved visuals and sound.
Following the theatrical run, the movie will make its streaming debut on HIDIVE and Shudder later this year.
Source: Press Release
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