Copyright © Akino Mari / Polygram - TBS - Mad House

It has been a while since I have seen a stylish horror anime. Looking at the title PET SHOP OF HORRORS, the only image that popped into my head was a musical of a similar name, though this could not be further from the truth. Instead I found a Mad House production with a story style in the vein of VAMPIRE PRINCESS MIYU, or perhaps even the cult North American FRIDAY THE 13th TV series (which had nothing to do with the movies).
Originally based on a manga by Akino Mari, PET SHOP OF HORRORS revolves around a mysterious pet shop in the heart of a metropolitan Chinatown. The shop is owned by a rather androgynous man who specializes in exotic (or perhaps cursed) pets. These pets are everything the prospective owner could want, but are attached to a rather strict contract stipulating that the pet shop will take no responsibility for the repercussions should that contract be broken.
The two episodes on this first volume follow two separate sales: the first being to a couple who had lost their daughter, and the second being a manager who lost his prospective wife on the day of their marriage. In common between these two is a young, headstrong detective who noticed many recent deaths had come to this pet shop before meeting their untimely demises. Following these tales, the tragedies that occur are more "just desserts" to people who have not committed blatant crimes as much as suffering from fatal human flaws.
The horror element, instead of being overgorified, is stylishly spooky and odd. This does not mean that I would suggest this show to children, as it could definitely scare a younger crowd.
Looking at the animation style, as I mentioned before this is obviously a Mad House production, most notably known in North America for WICKED CITY and NINJA SCROLL. The production values are of a standard OVA quality, and they are solid if not incredibly notable. I found the English dub to be decent with the character voices fitting into their roles relatively well (even for the effeminate pet shop owner).
I found both episodes to be enjoyable, though very episodic. The story does not seem to open to any greater purpose other than as a view into this darker fictional element of society. Very little action really occurs in these episodes, so I warn the viewer if they were expecting the violent combat found in other Mad House titles. But the style and original story leads me to definitely recommend this to those interested in "shoujo-style" anime horror.

Released in North America by Urban Vision Entertainment
2 Episodes / 50 Minutes
Dubbed: UV1058 $19.95
Subbed: UV1059 $29.95
Available now in the U.S.
Where to buy