Paranormal photographer Kouhei stumbles into the arms of Hazuki, a vampire beauty who has waited for years to be freed from a forgotten castle. Unwilling to part with her unwitting hero, the petite vamp follows Kouhei home and starts causing trouble. But domestic disorder is the least of Kouhei’s problems. With dark forces gathering, he’s about to enter a world he can’t begin to comprehend!
| Alternative Titles | 月詠 −MOON PHASE−, Tsukuyomi -Moon Phase-, 월영, Фаза Луны, 月咏 |
| First Air Date: | 2004-10-05 |
| Last Air Date: | 2005-03-29 |
| Number of Episodes: | 25 |
| Number of Seasons: | 1 |
| Genres: | Animation, Comedy |
| Status: | Ended |
| Networks: | $TV Tokyo |
| Casts: | Chiwa Saito, Hiroshi Kamiya |
***Gory and amusing horror about separated Siamese twins in New York City, one vengeful*** A young man from upstate New York, Duane Bradley (Kevin Van Hentenryck), travels to the seedy side of Manhattan with a mysterious wicker basket, looking for a couple of dubious doctors. “Basket Case” (1982) is a very bloody ‘B’ horror with (mostly) low-key comedy that’s actually funny. The quaint low-budget effects consist of rubber puppetry & gloves with some stop-motion unapproved by Ray Harryhausen. Blonde Terri Susan Smith shines as Duane’s potential girlfriend, Sharon, while Beverly Bonner heartily rises to the challenge as Duane’s friendly next-door neighbor in hotel, Casey. The flick is entertaining so I can see how it’s become a cult favorite, but the focus on the seedy side of Manhattan makes for a somewhat unpalatable experience. Yet it’s interesting going back in time to New York City in 1981. Some people lambaste “Basket Case” for being “amateurish” but, come on, it only cost $35,000, which would translate to about $100,000 today. The film runs 1 hour, 31 minutes, and was shot in Manhattan with some stuff done in Glens Falls, New York. GRADE: B-
