Originally released on VHS in a subtitled version called Yoma: Curse of the Undead, this is a pretty decent entry in the anime horror genre. The main character is a young ninja on the trail of a childhood friend who just happens to be a powerful undead creature, with a multitude of lesser zombie freaks at his command. The action is bloody and the monsters are powerful and lethal, although a bit more creepy than terrifying. Japanese medieval folklore weaves its way through the story and undead spirits have a distinctly non-Western character, which makes this something other than just another ghost story. Also notable is the haunting Ninja Counting Song which is repeated throughout the early part of the film. It is exquisitely beautiful and will play in your head for days afterward.

I learned of this movie through the ADV previews while watching the Neon Genesis episodes. Not only did the scenes appear to be some of the sickest (awesome sick) I might ever see, but the japanese woman's singing and the music set a mood of utter darkness and depression. I rewound that little two minute preview until I remember what I put the tape in for. I had to watch it. My favorite anime store did not have it to rent so I was forced to buy it. Upon finally watching, I found that although it did not shake up my universe like I had hoped, it still was able to impress me. The entire movie is dark, it has been a while since I watched it (my copy has made the borrowed-never-returned list) and I do not recall any kind of humor in this movie. All in all it is maybe a step under Ninja Scroll, good story and fighting. And for my final thought, this movie makes my top ten "Movies to Compliment a Semi-Depressed Mood."A good sleeper.

using yotoden's animation and having a good story, blood reign is a very cool ninja anime. the story is pretty much original, the fight scenes are very cool, and the blood and gore is just what you would expect from a ninja anime. the song sung in the first part is really cool. the only problem with this title is that some parts in the first one don't make sense, but are later revealed in the second. overall, it may not be as good as ninja scroll, but this is worth seeing.

Curse of the Undead Yoma was an excellent anime. Storyline is great, animation is great for the time it was made (Remember this was an 80's anime). It's not just a senseless movie like Ninja Scroll. Overall a great movie!