Search - NightWalker - Midnight Detective on DVD

Something Different in Vampire Anime

John Nolley II | Fairfax, VA United States | 04/16/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The vampire is certainly a popular figure in anime, spawing films from Vampire Hunter D to series like Vampire Princess Miyu. Though the ideas and stories of NightWalker are not exactly original, the anime OAV (direct to video) series is rather cute and entertaining.Private eye Shiro's secret is that he's actually a vampire, but one who has taken on the task of defeating the creatures of darkness in a futile quest to redeem the fall that transformed him to a vampire--viewers may find this similar to television's Forever Knight. Created by a powerful vampire bearing the biblically-suggestive name Kain, Shiro also bears a sprinkling of Anne Rice.Shiro's partner, paranormal cop Yayoi, offers her own blood to sustain him as the two must defeat the "night breeds" in a series of six related yet distinct episodes. His "kawai" schoolgirl secretary Riho--though not immediately in on the secret--also finds herself caught up in the struggles between good and evil.The series as a whole bears out a plotline of darkness verses light, with humans subverted by demonic forces to fall from grace and both Shiro and breeds wishing only for a life again in the light. The characters are what really drive the story, though; their interactions through a couple of episodes should draw in most viewers as they come to care about Shiro, Riho, Yayoi, and Shiro's impish, voice of his conscience sidekick Guni.The English voiceovers are passable, but most anime purists will prefer the Japanese with subtitles option. The special features aren't incredibly detailed but do include scripts, an art gallery, character info, and production data.I found that the cliches presented did not detract from the overall stories and came to rather enjoy the series as a whole. If you're looking for something different in vampire anime, give NightWalker a try."

Batting Cleanup

Marc Ruby? | Warren, MI USA | 09/15/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"While the Tokyo police are fine at dealing with human criminals, it takes something special to deal with the incursion of nightbreeds plaguing the city. Demonic creatures, rumored to come from the crossbreeding of vampires with humans, they seize human bodies from their original owners and use them to find new victims for their hungers. To combat this problem the beautiful agent Yayoi has formed an alliance with Shido, a vampire now sworn to aid humanity. Joining them are Guni, Shido's mini-demon familiar, and Riho, his secretary and assistant.This may sound a bit like Buffy's Angel, but the similarity is only superficial. Nightwalker is much lighter in tone than its U.S. counterpart, depending on wisecracking and innuendo rather than the dark wit and sarcasm. Nor is 'Nightwalker' much like 'Hellsing,' another anime series starring a hero vampire, which deals with some of the same issues, but lacks humor entirely. Expect entertainment with a slightly noir touch and you won't be disappointed.This DVD contains the first six episodes or 'nights' of the series. Each is an individual story of Shido's confrontation with a different nightbreed. These creatures range from things that lurk in tunnels treating cars as if they were filled pastries, to possessed actresses with a habit of devouring the competition. Shido and his team rely on the vampire's superior strength and instincts, as well as his ability to use his blood as a magical sword.Several overall story arcs are also in play as well. Shido's old vampire lover, Cain, tries to make Shido take a part in the mysterious 'Golden Dawn.' This in turn introduces the theme of Megumi who bears a child that might be a new kind of demon. The other theme of interest is the development of Riho, who starts out as a schoolgirl with a crush on Shido, but who is much more by the end of episode 6.As I've already indicated, this series is a bit of a confection, but it is a successful one. The artwork is attractive and the characters have some depth to them. There is quite a bit of sexual banter as well as violence and nudity, so this is not an anime for children. On the other hand, none of this is so offensive that it needs to be treated as 'adults only' either. Most anime fans will find it very mainstream and enjoyable. I am looking forward to the second DVD."

Midnight Detective a great Anime on Two DVDS

GreatMovieCriticRobertfromUS | philadelphia | 06/26/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I just checked the DVD of "Midnight Detective" not knowing what to expect. I've never seen the series or heard the Anime, but I was completely surprised and impressed by this Anime.In fact, I can't believe none of the so called "experts" of Anime have commented on this series.The series combines "Interview With The Vampire", "Blade" and "Vampire Hunter" all in one.The series is about a detective named Shido who is part vampire and part human. He solves cases involving what's none as the "Night Breed". The Night breed are vampires with major exceptions. The Night Breed can occupy the bodies of their victims and use and abuse them till they die. When their victims die, the Night Breed, inhibit another unsuspecting victim, by eating biting them or sucking their blood like a vampire.The series is filled with fantastic visuals, action, violence and nudity.In the first episode, we meet Shido, his young beautiful assisant Riho and Shido's girlfried Yayoi Matsunaga.Yayoi is part of the Nos, which is the Japanese equivalent of the FBI.Shido and Yayoi work together to try to stop the breed but meet tough foes like Cain.Cain is the head vampire, who like Lestat in Interview With The Vampire is the one that gives Shido , "Eternal Life" by being a vampire.Cain wants Shido back to do his bidding, but Shido must fight the temptations of the darkside and stop Cain and the Night Breed.The DVD is spectacular and it's great. It comes with 6 episodes, special trailers of other Manga movies, a special meeting of the characters and much more.The visuals are impressive in fact, since this is an anime, the creators are able to pull off feats that couldn't be done in "Interview With Vampire". For example , Shido is like Spiderman, and walk up buildings, fly, and kill his enemies at the same time.Shido like Goku in Dragonballz, has a magic staff which he uses to take care of his enemies. Also like "Vampire Hunter" comes with a vampire demon, who watches over his shoulder, and becomes Shido's part conscious.If you're looking for great Anime , "Midnight Vampire" is it. Another great anime in the same breath as "Macross", "Escaflowne", "Dragnballz" and many others. However only thirteen episodes were made and theyre put
on two dvds. DVD one by Manga Corps has 7 episodes
and the Second DVD has the rest of the episodes.The last episode of the series is pretty good too, bringing
together everythings that happened to Shido's vampire life."

Oh you remember

lily_luscious | Baltimore, MD USA | 07/28/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"You remember that television show called Forever Knight shown on USA and then the Sci-fi Channel. You rememeber that cartoon called Trigun on the Cartoon Network...and oh yeah you remember Lestat from interview with the vampire. Well if you do then you know that what I am bout to say is true. NIGHTWALK IS THE SHIZZNICK! (translation: Nightwalker is like the best thing every created) It has the humanity of Forever Knight, the beautiful characterization and artistry of Trigun and the deep rooted meaning of Interview with the vampire. This is the type of movie that brings everyone's taste of vampires and put them all together in a three hour disc set!"