All too often, cultural differences alienate a wide audience from enjoying the supposedly trans-cultural art of film. Specifically in the U.S., it is difficult to imagine the film going audience at large to extend any extra effort beyond waiting in line for overpriced pop-corn and soft drinks at the theater, no mention of grasping foreign ideas in a non-commercially tailored film.

"D" is here to break a few borders.

Years of work between creative minds here and in Japan have culminated in "Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust." Based on the gothic-science fiction novels by Hideyuki Kikuchi, "Bloodlust" appreciates a strong fan base around the world to augment its universal film style. The story originates from the legendry of "Dracula," furthering wider knowledge of the story beforehand.

In a future where vampires rule over humans in a predatory feudal system, D hunts vampires for bounty. But the more compelling aspect of his character, D's mother bore him to an aristocratic vampire father. His tainted blood marks him as an outsider in both societies, forever fighting against the social stratum that would normally place him in power. These concepts of honor and tradition couple with gothic horror and straight up action in a powerful film of similarly mixed blood.

Yoshiaki Kawajiri ("Ninja Scroll," "X") scripted and directed "Bloodlust" with a keen eye for the concepts of filmmaking at large. Animation handled by studio MADHOUSE and a score by Marco d'Ambrosio eliminates the possibility of error.

"While I am aware of Kawajiri's talent as a director, my general distaste for anime left me with no expectations for the film," says author Kikuchi. "Never would I have imagined that it would be so breathtaking - 'Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust' is that kind of film."

The original language for the film is English and touts such accomplished actors as Andrew Philpot, Pamela Segall, John Rafter Lee and Wendee Lee. Distribution of the film in Japan features English with Japanese subtitles. This role reversal in the world of anime is not entirely foreign, but still largely unseen.

"Bloodlust" is also a landmark for Urban Vision Entertainment, marking their first attempt at theater distribution. An already sizable list of theaters continues to grow, thanks to the printable petitions "humbly requesting the inclusion of the film" in any number of local theaters.

"For those going to see 'D,' let me say this," continues Kikuchi, "I will have expectations for another 'D' by Yoshiaki Kawajiri."

More information can be found at the official "Bloodlust" website.