After a long wait Vampire Hunter D II Bloodlust is finally available on DVD. The wait has been worthwhile, the sequel being much superior technically than the original considering the advances as well as the new found dedication to Anime. There are sequences in the film that are simply artistic gems. Taking every visual device from past vampire films such as Copola's Dracula as well as mixing in Japanese mythos we are handed a virtual feast of eerie atmospheric eye candy. The character design is much more developed that in the first as well as more tidbits of D's history. It simply outweighs the original in depth and style.

The only problem is that anime, though visually striking, often seems undeveloped story wise. This could be a translation from Japanese to English though. The plot is a mix between a Spaghetti western, sci-fi and horror. An odd mix that has a surreal appeal. The voice acting is strained at times, a noticeable flaw in anime, and at times overdone. The character development is weak at times but, after sitting and watching it twice, I could easily watch it a third. The sequences with Mier's carriage are simply classy works of visual magic and the one scene where D catches the arrow in the cemetery is animation at it's best for setting the stage for D.

It may not be up to the animation of Ninja Scrolls as far as action sequences, but it is much more stylish and atmospheric. It is a definite addition to anyones Anime or Gothic library. The only real disappointment were the special features. There was not much if any spent on the animation process, instead the focus was on the voice actors and interviews with the directors. Vampire Hunter D has such a following that I felt more could have been spent on the character as well as its development. I hope there is a third.

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