DVD/Blu-ray review (region 1 & 2)
Directed by Mike Disa
Starring the voices of Graham McTavish, Vanessa Branch, Peter Jessop
Release date 8 February 2010 (region 2); 9 February 2010 (region 1)

Returning from the Crusades, warrior Dante Alighieri finds his family slain and his lover Beatrice dying. As she rises towards heaven, her soul is stolen by a demon and Dante must follow her into hell – through Limbo, Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Anger, Heresy, Violence, Fraud and Treachery...

The classic tale of Dante Alighieri’s descent into hell is brought savagely to life in this above average animation. No surprise, given that the source material serves up the hideous creatures and acts of sadism that are the staples of so many anime titles.

Interestingly, the individual circles were created by different studios, including the talented folks behind Ghost in the Shell, Tales of the Black Freighter, Samurai Champloo, etc. And yet, the differences between scenes are for the most part subtle, not jarring, and the whole flows as well as the blood from the end of Dante’s blade.

The voice acting is spot on, too: Graham McTavish all gruff, arrogant and filled with rage as Dante; Peter Jessop solemn and wise as his guide Virgil. Only Vanessa Branch slips a little, shining as a pure spirit but not hitting the right pitch in her darker moments as Beatrice.

The production is actually based on the videogame of the same name but despite one shy trailer, there’s no mention that the two things are so closely related. Perhaps the creators didn’t want people to think of it in those terms, otherwise dead poet Virgil’s role as a sort of Lonely Planet spirit guide to the underworld would seem like the cut scenes between bosses in a videogame.

Thankfully, the action in the main feature is strong enough to carry viewers along on its own. It’s a gripping tale, as Dante encounters new enemies, old friends and even gets a chance to deal with his daddy issues – all with the help of an awesome scythe-like axe. Well, this is anime. Matt Chapman

VERDICT: 7/10
The storyline may be diluted to videogame standards, but there’s no denying that the hell-bound action hits home.