The 1990s were a vibrant era for animated adaptations of popular fighting games, with iconic franchises like Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat receiving their own television series. Among these was a particularly unique animated interpretation of Capcom`s beloved brawler, Darkstalkers. For many years, this animated rendition of Darkstalkers remained notoriously difficult for fans to find, but now, distributor Discotek Media is bringing the entire series to Blu-ray. Enthusiasts eager to revisit this rare piece of Darkstalkers history can anticipate its release on October 28.
Darkstalkers: The Complete Series Blu-ray Details
This Blu-ray collection encompasses all 13 episodes of the show, presented in 480i standard definition, with a total runtime of 325 minutes. While extensive bonus features are not a primary focus, the release does include several notable on-disc extras:
- Series trailer
- Commentary tracks
- A compilation video of popular show memes
- Original promotional bumpers and credits
The cover artwork for this release offers a nostalgic tribute to the video game source material, drawing inspiration from the original designs seen on consoles like the Sega Saturn, a true delight for long-time fans.
The `90s Darkstalkers animated series presented a loosely adapted narrative of the games` lore, revolving around an eternal conflict between various monstrous beings. The formidable vampire lord Dimitri spearheaded the forces of evil, acting under the command of his master, the cosmic menace Pyron. Standing against them were the valiant Night Warriors, alongside their human ally, who formed humanity`s last line of defense against Pyron`s impending dominion.
The Darkstalkers OVA Collection
It is important to note that the 1990s animated series was not the sole animated adaptation of Darkstalkers. From 1997 to 1998, a four-episode Original Video Animation (OVA) series was produced. This OVA, animated by the highly acclaimed Madhouse Studios (known for `90s classics such as Trigun and Yu Yu Hakusho), garnered praise for its superior animation quality and its more faithful approach to the original game`s narrative.
The OVA collection, initially released in 2022, features these episodes meticulously remastered in 1080p, preserving their original 1.33:1 full-frame aspect ratio. The audio options are comprehensive, offering Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, and English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. For purists, a unique music-only DTS-HD Master Audio option is also available, allowing for immersion solely in the visuals and soundtrack. Bonus materials included with the OVA collection feature:
- Original and remastered trailers and TV spots
- Promotional videos created for various Darkstalkers video games
- Epilogue presented without title text
- Ending sequence without text overlays
- An alternate Japanese ending credits sequence
- Vintage English opening and ending sequences
- `The Trouble Man` music video
- Art galleries
Other Animated Video Game Blu-ray Releases from Discotek
Discotek Media continues its commitment to bringing classic animated shows to Blu-ray with several upcoming releases. A highly anticipated title on the horizon is Mega Man: The Complete Series. All 27 episodes from the show`s two-season run (1994-96) will be available on Blu-ray, also scheduled for release on October 28. This edition includes a selection of archival content, vintage TV commercials, and brand-new commentary tracks featuring Ian James Corlett, the US voice actor for Mega Man.
Fans can also explore other animated adaptations of Capcom fighting games, such as the charmingly cheesy `90s take on Street Fighter: The Animated Series. Its new Blu-ray release includes engaging commentary tracks from prominent figures in the Fighting Game Community, including Matt McMuscles and Maximillian Dood. Furthermore, Street Fighter 2: The Animated Movie is available on 4K Blu-ray, complete with a wealth of extras like clean credit sequences, archival promotional materials, production art, an isolated musical score, and various language cuts of the film.
For Sega aficionados, the entire 78-episode run of Sonic X is available on Blu-ray, offered in both its original Japanese format and an English dubbed version. Additionally, Professor Layton enthusiasts can acquire Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva in anticipation of the new game in the series arriving next year.
Discotek Media remains a valuable resource for collectors of animated video game adaptations. Below is a curated selection of additional Blu-ray titles currently available:
- Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog: The Complete Series
- Digimon Adventure: The Complete Series
- Digimon Adventure 02: The Complete Series
- Digimon: The Movies 1-3 Collection
- Fatal Fury
- Fist of the North Star: The Complete Series
- Fist of the North Star: The Movie
- Fist of the North Star: Legend of Kenshiro
- Fist of the North Star: Legend of Raoh
- Monster Rancher: The Complete Series
- Virtua Fighter: The Animated Series