Emerging from the late 1980s, the original video animation series Vampire Princess Miyu continues to resonate powerfully as a remarkably chilling horror anime.

A Unique Take on Vampiric Horror

The narrative centers on the eponymous Miyu, tasked with tracking down and sealing away bizarre otherworldly demons referred to as Shinma. This premise establishes an unconventional spin on traditional vampire lore right from the start.

Miyu works alongside her own Shinma companion, Larvae. The Japanese voice track features a stellar performance by the remarkably versatile Kaneto Shiozawa. Although it might initially appear that Larvae functions as Miyu's muscle, the dynamic is actually reversed, with Miyu proving to be a formidable powerhouse on her own.

Visuals, Atmosphere, and Sound Design

The production maintains a restrained yet striking approach, executing its set-piece animation with precision while keeping the overall aesthetic immaculate throughout. Kenji Kawai's musical score complements the production seamlessly, amplifying the unsettling atmosphere with expected brilliance.

Co-directed and storyboarded in part by Toshihiro Hirano—whose touch echoes his work on Iczer One—the project shines brightest through its bizarre, extraterrestrial Shinma creations.

  • Designed by Yasuhiro Moriki, best known for mecha styling in Hades Project Zeorymer and modern Gundam Hathaway adaptations.
  • Moriki's contributions are frequently overlooked due to the historical sidelining of mecha creators, yet they remain crucial to the anime's surreal vibe.

The Blu-Ray Release Details

This physical media package represents another stellar distribution effort by AnimEigo. It features exceptional subtitling, entertaining bonus content, and a flexible audio approach that includes the classic UK English dub alongside the original Japanese tracks.

While the Japanese vocal performances—highlighted by Kaneto Shiozawa—remain the preferred choice, the technical execution across video and audio matches the high standards expected from AnimEigo.

Ultimately, Vampire Princess Miyu delivers a measured, deeply unsettling OVA that handles its supernatural mythos with rare originality. Boasting art direction and animation that easily withstand modern scrutiny, this release earns a strong recommendation for fans seeking unconventional horror. The Blu-ray is currently available via the mediaOCD store for $24.95.