HIDIVE AND SHUDDER PARTNER WITH ICONIC EVENTS RELEASING TO BRING “VAMPIRE HUNTER D” 40th ANNIVERSARY RE-RELEASE TO NORTH AMERICAN THEATERS IN APRIL AS PART OF AX CINEMA NIGHTS 2024/2025 SEASON
HOUSTON & NEW YORK — February 20, 2025 —AMC Networks’ streamers HIDIVE and Shudder will partner with Iconic Events Releasing to bring the 40th anniversary re-release of Vampire Hunter D to U.S. and Canadian theaters this spring on April 9, 10 & 13 as part of AX Cinema Nights’ 2024/2025 Season. This Japanese cult classic film will then make its streaming debut on both platforms later this year. A seminal work in horror anime film released in 1985, Vampire Hunter D is the OVA (“original video animation”) adaptation directed by Toyoo Ashida and based on the best-selling novel series by Hideyuki Kikuchi. As part of today’s announcement, HIDIVE unveiled the special 40th anniversary Vampire Hunter Dkey art and theatrical trailer created for the film’s re-release.
“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.”
HIDIVE and Shudder will present a digitally remastered version of the original Vampire Hunter D OVA that was produced by Sentai Filmworks in 2015. Vampire Hunter D is the final film joining AX Cinema Nights’ previously announced line-up and will close-out the film series’ 2024/2025 Season. Iconic Events Releasing will screen the 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).
