"Pet Shop of Horrors" review: A unique film that combines horror and beauty

Pet Shop of Horrors - Fear and fantasy come together

Overview

The anime series "Pet Shop of Horrors", which aired on TBS in 1999, is a mysterious fantasy based on the original work by Mari Akino. Although it was a short series of only four episodes, its unique world view and deep story development left a strong impression on viewers. It was directed by Toshio Hirata, animated by Madhouse, and aired from March 1st to March 25th, 1999.

■ Story

In a Chinatown in a major American city, there is a pet shop called "Count D" that is rumored to have any animal you want. The story revolves around the mysterious Chinese man who works there, commonly known as "D," and the customers who come to the pet shop and the pets they buy. D is a mysterious character with heterochromia, short bob hair in a straight line, and a constant smile. His real name is unknown, and he also has a love for sweets.

■ Characters

D

He goes by the nickname Count D. He is Chinese, has odd eyes, a short bob haircut and a big smile. He is a mysterious character whose real name is unknown. He loves sweets and works at the pet shop "Count D". It is rumored that his pet shop will provide any animal that customers want, and the pets often have a big impact on the customers' lives.

Leon Alcott

He is a blonde, blue-eyed American detective working for the city police. He has a sharp intuition and a quick temper. He keeps an eye on Count D, who holds the key to an unsolved case, and visits the pet shop to investigate. His presence plays an important role in solving the mystery of D and the pet shop.

■Cast

• Count D/Toshihiko Seki
• Leon Alcott/Masaya Onosaka
• Manager/Takeshi Watanabe
• Jill/Yukino May
• Q-chan/Yamada Miho

■ Main staff

• Director: Toshio Hirata
• Series Composition: Yasuhiro Imagawa
• Character design and chief animation director: Tsune Abe
• Art director: Hiroshi Kato
• Director of photography: Yamaguchi Jin
• Sound Director: Yasunori Honda
• Music: Kazuhisa Yamaguchi
• Music producer/Hiroki Horio
• Opening animation/Rintaro
• Animation producer/Masao Morosawa
• Producers: Yoshiyuki Ochiai, Tetsuo Gensei

■ Episode

• Ichinodan/Daughter
• Second story: Delicious
• Despair
• Fourth Talk/Dual

■ Theme songs and music

The opening theme "Time Travel" was written by Satomi Arimori, composed and arranged by Kazuhisa Yamaguchi, and sung by LEGOLGEL. This song is an important element that further enhances the mysterious atmosphere of the work.

■Explanation

"Pet Shop of Horrors" was broadcast in the anime slot of the TBS TV program "Wonderful" from March 1st to March 25th, 1999. As "Wonderful" was not broadcast online by Mainichi Broadcasting System, it was broadcast in the "Anime Shower" slot from June 5th to June 26th, 1999. Although it was a short series of only four episodes, the richness and depth of the content made a strong impact on viewers.

■Production Background

"Pet Shop of Horrors" is based on the manga of the same name by Akino Mari, and the anime faithfully reproduces the dark fantasy and horror elements of the original. Director Hirata Toshio paid close attention to every detail in order to animate the original without compromising its atmosphere. Madhouse, the animation studio, also used their high level of technical skill and expressiveness to visually depict the world of the work.

■ Evaluation and impact

"Pet Shop of Horrors" was highly praised for its unique storyline, character settings, and beautiful visuals. In particular, the character of Count D made a strong impression on viewers and garnered many fans. It was also praised for the fact that, despite being a short series, each episode had its own independent story while depicting a consistent theme throughout. This work was a groundbreaking work in the dark fantasy and horror genres, and had a major influence on subsequent works.

■ Recommendation points

"Pet Shop of Horrors" is a work that I would especially recommend to those who like dark fantasy and horror. Each episode has its own independent story, but the story has a consistent theme throughout, so you can feel a deep emotion in a short time. The character of Count D also leaves a strong impression on the viewer and is an important element that enriches the worldview of the work. In addition, the beautiful visuals and meticulous direction are also points not to be missed. Please give it a watch.

■ Related works

If you enjoyed Pet Shop of Horrors, we also recommend the following:

• "Tokyo Ghoul" - A popular work with elements of dark fantasy and horror
• "Death Note" - A work that is appealing for its psychological warfare and dark atmosphere
• "Elfen Lied" - A work characterized by beautiful visuals and a deep story

■ Summary

Although "Pet Shop of Horrors" is a short series, it is a work that draws viewers in with its richness and depth of content. The character of Count D, the beautiful visuals, and the detailed direction are points that I would especially recommend to those who like dark fantasy and horror. Please watch it once and experience its charm.