Yu Yu Hakusho: Poltergeist Report
A ghostly ship, a stolen power, and a spirit detective's most cinematic case.
This entry details the second theatrical film in the Yu Yu Hakusho franchise, released in 1994. Often referred to by its English title 'Poltergeist Report', the movie follows Yusuke Urameshi and his team as they confront a powerful ghost ship threatening the human world. Produced by Studio Pierrot, this standalone adventure expands on the supernatural lore of the series with a self-contained story.
- Director
- Masahiro Hosoda
Lore & Background
The film was released during the original TV series' run, offering fans an extended cinematic adventure. While not directly adapting manga chapters, it draws on the established spirit world and demon hierarchy. Its legacy includes a cult following for its unique villain and high-stakes battles, though it remains less widely known than the TV series.
In Their Own Story
Rain slicked the streets of Tokyo as Yusuke Urameshi adjusted his jacket, the spirit energy in the air prickling against his skin. He wasn't here for a thrill anymore; he was on duty. Beside him, Kurama's eyes narrowed, analyzing the unnatural shadow pooling near an abandoned warehouse. "It's not human," the fox demon whispered, his voice calm amidst the chaos of sirens wailing in the distance. Yusuke cracked his knuckles, a familiar grin returning to his face despite the danger. "Then let's send it back where it belongs."
Reader's Guide
The main television series began airing in October 1992 on Fuji TV and concluded in early 1995. It covers the majority of the manga but omits some filler content found only in the comics. Following the TV run, three theatrical movies were released to expand the lore further. Home video releases have varied by region, with Viz Media handling distribution in North America for many years. The series underwent significant localization changes during its initial broadcast on Cartoon Network's Toonami block due to content regulations. Collectors often seek out original VHS tapes from the early 2000s which featured uncut versions of certain episodes compared to the syndicated TV broadcasts. Modern streaming services now host remastered digital transfers, ensuring the animation quality remains vibrant for contemporary viewers.
Did You Know?
- The film was released in 1994, during the original TV series' broadcast, and features the same voice cast.
- Masahiro Hosoda, the director, also directed episodes of the TV series and other anime films.
- The English dub title 'Poltergeist Report' was used for international releases, while the original Japanese title is 'Yu Yu Hakusho: Meikai Shitō Hen – Honō no Kizuna'.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Yu Yu Hakusho: Poltergeist Report?
It is a fan and regional-distributor label for the main 112-episode TV anime of Yoshihiro Togashi's manga, chosen to spotlight the spirit-detective and ghost-investigation themes at the heart of the story. It is not a separate series, spin-off, or sequel.
How many episodes does Yu Yu Hakusho: Poltergeist Report contain?
The series runs to 112 episodes, tracing Yusuke Urameshi's journey from his death-and-resurrection origin through the Dark Tournament, the Youko arc, and the Good Evil War.
Who directed Yu Yu Hakusho: Poltergeist Report and which studio animated it?
Shigeyasu Yamauchi served as the series director, while Studio Pierrot handled all animation production across the full run.
When did Yu Yu Hakusho: Poltergeist Report originally air?
The show premiered in October 1992 and wrapped up in January 1995, spanning roughly two and a half years of weekly broadcasts.
Why do some fans use the name 'Poltergeist Report' instead of just Yu Yu Hakusho?
Certain regional distributors and fan communities adopted the title to emphasize the show's central premise of a delinquent turned Spirit Detective solving paranormal cases, setting that identity apart from the broader franchise branding.