"Vixens," the previous DVD reviewed from Anime 18, a company that specializes in the sexier side of Japanese animation, was an annoying tease. Basically a series of shorts that were more bizarre than sexy, the compilation proved difficult to sit through in one viewing. Its flat animation and high school approach to sexuality did not bode well for any other titles from this company - including the newly released "Sacrilege." The cover art for this new anime features a defiant, naked pixie on the cover. Her arms bound above her head so that her magnificent breasts can be enjoyed without distraction. (But those teases at Anime 18 had to go and place the title graphic over them…) Below the pixie’s obscured breasts (and the salacious title) are a group of what appear to be fey ninjas, ready for a fight. The only text on the cover reads: ‘Carnal cops and robbers!’ Even to a less discerning anime fan, this appears to be yet another pedestrian exercise in "sexy anime." Happily, this turns out not to be the case.

"Sacrilege" is a wildly entertaining piece of adult animation that lives up to and even transcends the artwork on the DVD. The plot, such as it is, features "police partners" (and lesbian lovers) Atsuko and Kei who are caught up in a bizarre sex cult responsible for a drug that turns men into sex-crazed monsters! There’s also something about a revenge scheme that’s worked loosely into the narrative, but beyond the sex cult, naked woman and monsters - who really cares? "Sacrilege" is all about the lurid set pieces and is filled with several memorable moments. It also delivers on the promise Anime 18 proudly promotes on all of its titles: ‘Warning: absolutely not for children.’ Whereas "Vixens" played like a naughty "Sailor Moon" episode, "Sacrilege" is a decidedly adult experience. It’s actually the closest to a porn film that an anime product is likely to produce with a scattering of male/female and monster/female penetration shots that would prove bold for even American animation. What makes this particular title especially strong is that, along with the wonderful, full-on kink, it’s also visually impressive. Though much the artwork here is still rather flat, the composition of the scenes and some great character detail certainly make it an above average experience. The direction by Katsuma Kanazawa keeps the drama moving at a swift pace; whenever the plot begins to get in the way, tentacled monster-sex bursts onto the scene.

There is also a refreshing humorous edge to the story that seems too self-aware to be accidental. Dialogue in anime like this is always poorly translated and superfluous – which usually makes for a good laugh or two. Here the exchanges between the characters seem intentionally bad as if they’re aware that they exist within an outrageous anime universe. There are also several knowing visual gags, some of which are quite nasty, that play out as if everyone is in on the joke (not just the post-production dubbing team). At one point one of our feisty females is seemingly raped by a monster. ("Seemingly" being the key word here as in most anime pieces women who are forced into sex are at once horrified and aroused.) It is a beautifully rendered sequence featuring a man slowly transforming into a monster as he takes the woman. Various tentacles fill every orifice in her small body which is eventually raised into the air, literally lifting her into anime ecstasy. Once the monster has appropriately "finished" and the money has been shot… our now-satisfied vixen quickly licks a drop of monster goo from her cheek. Sick, yes… it’s also a wonderfully knowing barb at this kind of entertainment. This gonzo scene is also followed up with the same two characters in a car racing to save an abducted ally. The monster, who has since changed back into man-form, casually turns to his victim/friend and says, ‘I’m sorry.’ Her reply is the equally casual, ‘It’s okay, really. Right now I’m just worried about Atsuko and Kei." This after her clothing has been shredded, her body thoroughly ravaged and her back liberally sprayed with monster spunk. Sacrilege!

Ultimately, fans of this type of anime are not going to be too concerned with the more comedic aspects or the quality composition. In a fan-friendly rundown, here are the hard facts (all apologies to Joe Bob): lesbianism, exploding bodies, monsters, monster sex, rape, girl-on-girl combat, penetration, bodily fluids, bondage and lots of girls moaning in ecstasy. That Snow Ghost says check it out.

Technically this DVD release is fine, right on pare with "Vixens." The 5.1 Dolby stereo sound was clean and clear as was the full frame picture. The special features are many but add nothing to the viewing experience. A short storyboard segment is included that compares three sequences in the film to the original drawings. There isn’t any commentary or text to explain the process so it’s not especially enlightening. An art gallery section that consists of a few screen shots and a short piece on the anime art form both prove rather superfluous. Also included is the "Sacrilege" trailer and 6 other titles from Anime 18. Like most of their releases you have the option of the English track or the original Japanese with English subtitles. The extras don’t amount to much, but when the feature is this entertaining it really doesn’t matter.

"Sacrilege" is everything you could possibly want in an "erotic anime" and then some. It’s also appropriately horrific and subversive enough for those who don’t normally gravitate toward this kind of entertainment. Fans of grindhouse sleaze should seek it out as well.