VAMPIRE HUNTER D: BLOODLUST

Version: Urban Vision 2001 DVD; English

I'm rather impressed that this one was originally recorded in English. That doesn't lessen anything, mind you. I usually like my movies in English, because I tend to focus on other parts of the picture besides the subtitle line.

I could tell that this was a Madhouse studios film the minute it started. If you've seen Gotham Knight, the Madhouse segment in that looks like it came from this movie. Madhouse's style fits Vampire Hunter D very well. The action in this film isn't as choppy as the last one, so the visuals are much more appealing. There really isn't any comparison between the two movies, though. They were made about 20 years apart, so naturally the first one isn't going to look as polished as the second.

The story in this one is based on novel 3. I was a little hesitant to start watching this, because I like the idea of D having a love interest and I knew this story wasn't focused on him as much. But I'm okay, because you get more insight into D. I was curious about if sunlight hurt dhampir (yes, I know, the film says "dunpeal", but depending on your tongue they sound the same). You actually get to see Left Hand quite a bit in this one! I like his sarcasm.

The "villain" in this one isn't apparent for quite some time, and I'm honestly still not sure who it is. There are three opposing forces that D has to deal with, but they're so connected. D is hired to bring back a girl who was kidnapped by a vampire. He also has to deal with the other hunters her father hired. Along the way, D has another major force to deal with. I haven't read the book for this one, so I can't tell you if things are left out. I did read the book of the first movie, and I think that's all you really need to understand this one. This movie is made for people familiar with the source, so if you know nothing, don't expect things to be explained. Other than that, it pretty much stands on its own.

This is definitely worth the money to buy it. Sadly, since Netflix doesn't carry it, and Urban Vision seems to have gone under, purchase may be your only option.