“Vampire Hunter D is Back! Experience the 40th Anniversary Screening of This Cult Classic Before It Vanishes!”
Get Ready for a Fang-tastic Revival!
Anime and horror fans, sharpen your stakes and dust off your capes—because the legendary Vampire Hunter D is making a triumphant return to the big screen! To celebrate its 40th anniversary, AMC Networks’ streamers HIDIVE and Shudder are teaming up with Iconic Events Releasing to bring this cult classic to theaters across the U.S. and Canada on April 9, 10, and 13 as part of AX Cinema Nights’ 2024/2025 Season. And if you prefer your horror marathons in the comfort of your crypt (or couch), fear not—Vampire Hunter D will be sinking its teeth into both streaming platforms later this year.
A Nostalgic Bite into Anime History
Originally released in 1985, Vampire Hunter D revolutionized horror anime, setting the stage for gothic sci-fi adventures for decades to come. Based on Hideyuki Kikuchi’s best-selling novel series, this dark, atmospheric anime brought vampires, futuristic wastelands, and a half-human, half-vampire warrior into a breathtakingly eerie world. Directed by Toyoo Ashida, with iconic character designs by Final Fantasy artist Yoshitaka Amano, the film remains a cornerstone of the anime horror genre.
John Ledford, President of HIDIVE, expressed his excitement about 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 its 40th anniversary and bring this seminal film to horror and anime fans across the U.S. and Canada.”
The Story That Haunts Generations
The film transports viewers to the distant future of 12,090 A.D., where vampires have risen to aristocratic power, ruling over scattered human settlements with an iron (and bloodstained) grip. When the noble vampire Count Magnus Lee selects young Doris Lang as his next bride, she refuses to become another pawn in his twisted game. Desperate for salvation, she enlists the help of a mysterious, brooding vampire hunter known only as D—a warrior whose past is as shadowy as the creatures he hunts.
This film isn’t just about epic sword fights and gothic castles—it’s a visually stunning fusion of post-apocalyptic sci-fi, horror, and dark fantasy. And let’s not forget the eerie soundtrack that perfectly complements its nightmarish setting!
The Big-Screen Experience You Can’t Miss
For long-time fans and newcomers alike, Vampire Hunter D’s return to theaters is an event worth marking on your calendar. The movie will be screened in over 500 cinemas across North America in both Japanese with English subtitles (April 9) and English dub (April 10, with an encore screening on April 13). Expect a digitally remastered version, originally produced by Sentai Filmworks in 2015, to make the visuals even sharper and the chills even deeper.
Scott Shooman, Head of AMC Networks’ Film Group, emphasized the film’s lasting impact: “Vampire Hunter D is a cult classic that bridges the worlds of horror and anime. This collaboration is a testament to the passion of both fan communities, and we’re excited to give them the opportunity to experience this pivotal film in theaters before its streaming debut.”
An Anniversary Worth Sinking Your Teeth Into
As the final film in AX Cinema Nights’ 2024/2025 Season, Vampire Hunter D is closing out the event with a bang—or rather, with a bite. Steven Menkin, President & Co-founder of Iconic Events Releasing, called it “a stunning landmark in Japanese anime that fans of all ages can now experience on the big screen.” And let’s be honest, watching this dark, atmospheric masterpiece on the silver screen is the best way to truly appreciate its gothic beauty.
So, whether you’re a die-hard fan who grew up watching Vampire Hunter D on VHS or a curious newcomer looking for a taste of classic anime horror, this is your chance to witness history in the making. Get ready for an unforgettable journey into a world where the supernatural meets the futuristic—because some legends never die.
