Synopsis:Enigmatic and effeminate, Count D is the proprietor of a mysterious little pet shop located in the heart of Chinatown. But Count D doesn't just sell ordinary pets, for he can procure the rarest and most exotic species not even recorded in reference books. His clientele are usually people from high society -- wealthy businessmen, showbiz personalities, government officials, etc. But Count D's pets come with a three-term contract, and if you breach even one of the terms, his shop can't be held accountable for the consequences. A young detective named Joel is investigating Count D and his shop, because victims of the most bizarre deaths all have one thing in common -- they are all Count D's customers.
I didn't really plan on buying this video. I sort of got pressured into it because the shop had very few titles available and this was one of them. Much to my surprise, I absolutely loved Pet Shop of Horrors. I've always been a Twilight Zone fan, and Pet Shop of Horrors is something of a cross between Twilight Zone and the Gremlins.
The stories are uncomplicated and yet very interesting and meaningful, imparting ideas worth reflecting on. The episodes are tied together by Count D and the detective Joel. Joel suspects something strange going on behind Count D's transactions but he can't get any evidence to prove anything. Count D is a very uniquely designed character. He is not a bad person, and he tells Joel everything that takes place in his shop... it's just that Joel can't believe the stuff he hears. Stranger still, Count D has a sweet tooth. Oftentimes Joel has to bring him various cakes in exchange for information. The pets are also something else. Count D claims that he is selling love and dreams, so I guess this is why the customers see what they want to see. Otherwise, how else could you possibly find a rabbit that looks like your daughter? When all is revealed, the special pets really are animals after all.
The art and animation are very good. I didn't get a chance to check out the English dubbing because I got the subtitled version. Another thing I just need to mention is Eva's song in the second episode "Delicious". It's a haunting melody that I can't get off my mind, which is probably why I'll be getting the soundtrack CD. Overall, I enjoyed Pet Shop of Horrors very much and I wish there were more episodes. This is a nice break from the usual anime I watch.
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