The 1990s, an era synonymous with arcade cabinets, groundbreaking fighting games, and a particular brand of animated television that sought to translate pixelated brawlers into Saturday morning cartoons. While some adaptations, like Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat, garnered significant attention, one cult classic fighting game from Capcom, Darkstalkers, received an animated series that largely faded into the shadows, much like its monstrous cast. For decades, this adaptation has been a rare find, a whispered legend among fans. But no longer. Thanks to the meticulous efforts of distributor Discotek Media, the original 90s Darkstalkers animated TV series is clawing its way back into the limelight with a brand-new Blu-ray release, scheduled for October 28.
A Blast from the Past: The 90s Darkstalkers Animated Series Blu-ray
For those who remember the distinctive character designs and gothic horror flair of Capcom`s fighting franchise, the news of this Blu-ray release is akin to unearthing a forgotten relic. Discotek Media is bringing the complete 13-episode series to home media, providing fans with a long-awaited opportunity to revisit this unique piece of animation history. While the series may have been a somewhat loose interpretation of its video game source material, it offered a different take on the eternal struggle between monsters and heroes.
Key Details of the Blu-ray Release:
- Content: All 13 episodes of the original 90s animated series.
- Video: Presented in 480i standard definition. This faithful preservation ensures you`ll experience every pixelated memory just as it originally aired, for better or worse.
- Total Runtime: Approximately 325 minutes.
- Cover Art: A loving homage, inspired by the original video game artwork from releases on consoles like the Sega Saturn.
- Availability: Preorders are currently open, with the official release slated for October 28.
Special Features for the Curious Collector:
Beyond the episodes themselves, Discotek has included a selection of intriguing bonus materials:
- Series trailer.
- Original promotional bumpers and credits.
- Select commentary tracks.
- A meme compilation video: a peculiar, yet undeniably modern, bonus that acknowledges the enduring, often humorous, legacy of the series in internet culture. It seems some things, much like a good vampire, are eternal.
The Lore Reimagined: Monsters, Mayhem, and Pyron
The animated series, while diverging from the game`s intricate narrative, still centered on the epic conflict between various monstrous entities. The formidable vampire lord, Dimitri, served as a primary antagonist, leading his forces in a campaign of terror orchestrated by the cosmic menace, Pyron. Standing against them were the diverse “Night Warriors” – a band of supernatural beings, aided by a human ally – who represented humanity`s last bastion against Pyron`s destructive ambitions. It was a narrative that embraced the fantastical, even if its execution sometimes leaned more towards cartoonish adventure than the game`s darker tones.
Not to be Confused: The Darkstalkers OVA Collection
It`s crucial for enthusiasts to note that this 90s animated series Blu-ray is distinct from another, generally more critically acclaimed, animated adaptation: the Darkstalkers OVA series. This four-episode original video animation, which ran from 1997-1998, was animated by the renowned Madhouse Studios (known for works like Trigun and Cardcaptor Sakura). The OVA was lauded for its high-quality animation and a far more faithful adherence to the games` narrative and characterizations.
The good news for collectors is that the OVA series has already received its own stellar Blu-ray release in 2022. It boasts 1080p remastered visuals, a pristine original aspect ratio, and impressive audio options including Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. Its bonus features include promotional materials, art galleries, and even a unique music-only audio track for those who wish to immerse themselves purely in the visuals and soundtrack. This distinction is important, as both offer a piece of Darkstalkers animated history, catering to different facets of the franchise`s legacy.
Discotek Media: Curators of Cult Classics
This release of the Darkstalkers animated series underscores Discotek Media`s commendable role in preserving and re-releasing classic and often obscure animated content, particularly those based on video games. They`ve become a beacon for fans seeking to complete their collections or discover forgotten gems. This October, for instance, marks another significant release: Mega Man: The Complete Series, also arriving on Blu-ray with all 27 episodes and archival content, featuring new commentary tracks from the US voice actor, Ian James Corlett. Other notable Discotek Blu-ray releases based on beloved video games include:
- Street Fighter: The Animated Series (a cheesy, yet charming, 90s Capcom adaptation).
- Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie (available on 4K Blu-ray with extensive extras).
- Sonic X: The Complete Series (available in both original Japanese and English dub).
- Digimon Adventure and Digimon Adventure 02: The Complete Series.
- Fatal Fury animated features.
- Various Fist of the North Star animated adaptations.
- Monster Rancher: The Complete Series.
- Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva.
- And even the classic Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog: The Complete Series.
Discotek`s dedication ensures that these pieces of pop culture, ranging from nostalgic guilty pleasures to genuinely well-crafted adaptations, remain accessible for new generations and seasoned fans alike.
A Return Worth Celebrating
The Blu-ray release of the 90s Darkstalkers animated series is more than just another disc on a shelf; it`s a testament to the enduring appeal of these monstrous characters and a nod to a distinctive era of animation. Whether you`re a long-time fan yearning for a trip down memory lane, a collector intent on acquiring every piece of Darkstalkers lore, or simply curious about the often-unconventional world of video game adaptations, this release offers a unique opportunity. It’s a chance to witness the “Night Warriors” in their full 480i glory, proving that even after decades in the dark, some legends are simply too captivating to stay buried.
Ellis Thorne