Petshop Of Horrors Episode 3: Despair

Pet Shop of Horrors is a four-episode anime television series produced by Madhouse, which aired in 1999 as a miniseries on the TBS television network.
The series is a loose adaptation of the manga of the same name created by Matsuri Akino, focusing on the mysterious Count D, the proprietor of a pet shop located in the heart of Chinatown, who sells rare and mythical creatures.
Each episode is a self-contained story, exploring the desires and flaws of different patrons who visit the shop, often seeking to replace a lost loved one or fulfill a deep personal wish.

The anime adaptation, while based on a few chapters from the original manga, emphasizes the horror elements more than the source material, presenting a dark and atmospheric tale where each customer must sign a contract with Count D, and breaking any of its terms leads to tragic and often fatal consequences.
The stories are often compared to "The Twilight Zone," serving as morality tales about human weaknesses like lust, guilt, and obsession.
The series features a distinctive gothic style, with a focus on the mysterious and melancholic atmosphere of the pet shop.

The anime was initially released in North America by Urban Vision on VHS and later on DVD, with a re-release by Sentai Filmworks through Section23 Films in 2016.
It has also been released on DVD in the UK by MVM.
The original Japanese voice cast includes Toshihiko Seki as Count D, Masaya Onosaka as Detective Orcot, and Toshio Hirata as the voice of the mysterious shop owner.
The series is noted for its beautiful, albeit dated, animation and the compelling performance of its lead voice actor, which contributes significantly to the show's eerie and captivating tone.

Despite its short length, the anime has garnered a dedicated following for its unique premise, well-crafted stories, and the enigmatic character of Count D.
Fans are often encouraged to read the original manga, which is considered more expansive and contains additional stories and deeper lore about the shop and its proprietor.