Anime Review: Vampire Hunter D - Bloodlust

Halloween isn’t far away fellow Otaku & Metalheads!

That’s right, the day where all manner of goblins, spooks, and specters roam around is nearly hear everybody! However, I want to give the humble vampire some time in the spotlight today! Way back in October of 2014, I looked at the classic Vampire Hunter D OVA, and while it be enjoyable it’s not among the best. What I’m reviewing today, however, most definitely is. Once again we’re plunged into the realm of bloodsuckers and gothic fantasy, but this time it’s within a more improved package. This time around, D is traversing an OVA that’s more fitting of his nature, and it’ll leave you bleeding by the time it’s done. So, get you wooden steak, treat your possessed hand with respect, and enjoy my review of Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust. Let’s begin! 

Story/Setup
Taken from the Blu-Ray/DVD case:

“Baron Meier Link is of a dying race, but the vampire doesn't intend to remain lonely much longer. Abducting women in the night is common for his kind, so what's one more? But Charlotte's father has plenty of money, and there's no price he won't pay to get his daughter back. That's why he hires D. D is a Dunpeal, a breed rarer than that of the vampires--after all, he's half of one. When it comes to hunting those with fangs like his own, he's the best in the business. But that doesn't mean he's the only game in town. The Markus Brothers are on the vampire's trail as well, and they're not about to lose. It's a race, not only between the rival Hunters, but for the vampire and his bride-to-be. But it might be more than just a job to D. Is Charlotte really a captive? Or will another Dunpeal be born to this world?”

Let me say this: the biggest upgrade when compared to the original Vampire Hunter D OVA is it’s story. Where as that movie’s story seems to have a minimum amount of effort with it’s story & the world it’s trying to establish, Bloodlust is a richer & meatier affair in this regard. Bloodlust’s world has more detail in it’s worldbuilding, as we seem to get a lot more of what happened to this post-apocalyptic world, and we get a bigger glimpse into the lives of the people that live in this OVA. Sure, there are still some areas where this greater attention to detail is on the surface only (like in the original movie), but more often than not there is so much more going on with Bloodlust than the 1985 feature.

Animation
Another big upgrade from the original OVA would be it’s animation. To say it is lovely would be an understatement: Bloodlust is nothing short of pure moving art. If the first movie looked like an anime, then this movie is almost like watching a moving museum of art. It is over 20 years old (22 years in Japan & 21 years in the United States), but it has aged frighteningly well in it’s 2+ decades of existence. The backgrounds & settings have incredible detail put into them, and the various characters & monsters have such fluidity you’d swear that they were real somehow. Bloodlust really is an OVA you need to see: even if you don’t like everything else about the movie, watch it on the visuals alone. 

Voice Acting
Voice acting also got a huge plus in Bloodlust. Though there are some hammy performances and/or lines, there is way more effort put into the dub when compared to the original OVA. The voice actors seems to be putting in more effort with their assigned character, and it’s not just the primary cast that’s doing a great job. Practically everybody is doing a splendid job, and while a secondary character or two might slip just a hare behind all of the rest, you’re listening to some great voice acting as this OVA plays. 

Characters
One other thing about Bloodlust’s story: it’s a grey world. The post-apocalyptic nature of the setting lends to a grey nature, as there are people that will do anything they can to survive all of the vampires & various beasts that prowl the lands. That being said, the giant majority of Bloodlust’s cast falls more into the Black & White scale. There are definitely some who fall into the grey zone for sure (The titular D is certainly in that zone), but it is somewhat easy to tell who is good, and those who are clearly bad. On top of that, there are twists that come from some of the characters that’ll catch you off guard in some surprising ways, but I won’t say anything else. If I did, then I’d spoil any surprises! Suffice it to say, the characters of Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust are yet another bigger plus when compared to the 1985 OVA. 

Availability & Pricing
In a good stroke of luck, Bloodlust is fairly easy to find. Re-released back in 2015 on Blu-Ray, copies can still be found with some frequency. Over on Amazon, new copies go between about 24 dollars to about 30 dollars. Used copies are strangely non-existent, but it’s the DVD version that’s rather difficult to get your hands on. Released all the way back on the 17th of February in 2002, it’s been over 2 decades since this edition came out. That being said, Amazon still does have a few copies available: new copies start at a little over 31 dollars, but used copies begin at nearly 3 dollars. I think it’s obvious as to which version you should go for. 

Overall Impression & Rating
Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust is damn good! Everything that the original OVA isn’t, this one is. Richer story & characters, massively improved animation, crisper & higher quality voice acting, and a more available bevy of copies to purchase makes Bloodlust a superior film. There might be a scratch or two on the armor, but none-the-less the entire package is nothing short of pristine. If you want a fun OVA filled with action, drama, gothic romance, a pinch of humor, and just a nice bit of bloodshed, Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust is perfect for what you’re looking for!

Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust gets a 9 to 9.5 out of 10.

And that was my review for Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust. More refined than the movie before, it’s gothic majesty is perfect for the month of October. If the original movie wasn’t your cup of tea, then you will love this one! So with that said, I will be seeing all of you on Halloween Day, when we’ll look at the most modern era of Ozzy Osbourne to celebrate the occasion. Until then, take care!

***
If you would like to watch Bloodlust, then click on the link below:

Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust

Also, if you’re curious about my review of the original OVA (From all the back in 2014), then click on the link below:

Anime Review: Vampire Hunter D