Netflix’s push for original content marches inexorably onward. The ’80s have done well for them so far with Stranger Things, a nostalgic trip to the classics of our childhood that was, at the same time, entirely new. Now, they’ve got another blast from the past on the way in the form of an animated Castlevania series, and they’re fully embracing the nostalgic feel.
The teaser even opens on NES and Castlevania cartridge, where the original was released in North America back in 1987. They even included the touch of having someone blow on it—the trademark method of getting old cartridge games to work, despite arguments to this day over whether it does more harm than good. Netflix knows exactly who their target audience is here.
As for the series itself, this teaser only gives us a brief look, but I like what they’re doing with the visuals, at least. Starting out with a field of skeletons impaled on spikes is a strong way to set a tone, and the colors and style remind me of older animation rather than something more modern, even if there are definitely some modern effects and animation going on, as well. Video game adaptations have a bumpy history to say the least, but Castlevania’s setting offers plenty of material to draw from to come up with something to break that curse.
And they’ve got the Konami code on their side, so that should give them an extra advantage. The series debuts on Netflix on July 7.
(image: screengrab)
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Published: May 25, 2017 10:00 am