TranZfusion takes on a new venture - the DVD review
Author: nigel tan
Friday, February 7, 2003
We aren't talking about the latest Tom Cruise flick either, Anime, Manga, electronica, and anything that's a little left of centre will be showcased here on TranZfusion, and first up is the stunning Vampire Hunter D.
Title: Vampire Hunter D
Distributor: The AV Channel
Licencee: Madman Entertainment
Genre: Anime
Rating: M contains Low Level Violence
What an extravaganza. Very few Anime will leave you feeling as satisfied as 'Vampire Hunter D'.
Set in the distant Retro-future, that only the Japanese can do, 'D', a half vampire half human bounty hunter is hired to reclaim the daughter of a rich land owner from the clutches of a powerful vampire. As insurance, the father hires a band of bounty hunters, ruthless specialists called the Marcus Brothers.
The plot is sprinkled with Anime cliches. The brothers are made up of a forthright leader, a cool lieutenant, an oversized brute, and a feminine character, always slightly reminiscent of 'The Seven Samurai'. The plot follows familiar Anime themes where the bad guy's motives are morally ambiguus. But where Vampire Hunter D succeeds is the way its all played out, twisting and turning on itself like 'D's' shadowy cape.
The story is not handed to you on a plate, like so many appalling Hollywood outings. The writers don't patronise and we are left wanting more.
On top of this we are drawn into this sumptuous world of luscious back drops and techno-spiritual design.
Technically, the animation style is fluid and the dubbing and voice work is spot on.
I was lucky enough to see this on the big screen and it actually translates extremely well to the TV. If you are a collector of Anime and you don't have this, its one poor collection and if you are only starting out, there isn't a better place to start.
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