Vampire Hunter D to Screen in North America This Spring
HIDIVE is teaming up with Shudder to Iconic Events Releasing to bring the 40th anniversary re-release of Vampire Hunter D to U.S. and Canadian theaters on April 9, 10, and 13 as part of AX Cinema Nights’ 2024/25 season. The OVA (original video animation), which got a new key visual, will also be making a streaming debut on HIDIVE and Shudder (both owned by AMC Networks) later this year.
HIDIVE and Shudder will present a digitally remastered version of the original Vampire Hunter D that was produced by Sentai Filmworks in 2015. Iconic Events Releasing will screen the OVA movie in both Japanese with English subtitles and English dub at over 500 North American cinemas on April 9 (English sub), 10 (English dub) & 13 (encore dub screening). Advance tickets are now available for purchase.
The OVA was originally released in 1985 was produced by Toshihiko Sato and Ashi Productions animation studio. The Vampire Hunter D anime was based on the novel of the same name, written by Hideyuki Kikuchi (first novel in the series) and published by Asashi Sonorama. The staff included:
- 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
It had a run-time of 80 minutes and was followed Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust movie by Madhouse. To celebrate the announcement HIDIVE revealed a new trailer, which is region-locked:
“In 1985, Vampire Hunter D cemented its place in cinematic history as a truly genre-defining work of horror,” said John Ledford, President of HIDIVE. “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.”
“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,” said Scott Shooman, Head of AMC Networks’ Film Group. “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.”
“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," said Steven Menkin, President & Co-founder of Iconic Events Releasing. "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.”
Source: Press Release
© 2020 Hideyuki Kikuchi, Asahi Sonorama / Vampire Hunter D Production Committee