Hellboy: Blood and Iron

Hellboy: Blood and Iron is a spine-tingling animated feature film from 2007 that explores the darker fringes of the supernatural world with its fascinating storyline, high stakes action, and, of course, the fan-favorite titular character. Based on comics by Mike Mignola, the movie is produced by Starz Media and Revolution Studios. It's an intelligent blend of suspense, horror and fair bit action, which is bound to captivate viewers.

Actor Ron Perlman returns as the voice of Hellboy, adding charisma and a touch of humor to the brooding and hard-boiled supernatural detective. The versatile Perlman possesses an innate ability to portray the character with the right balance of grit, gravitas, and charm – he is the heart and soul of the series, and his performance is absolutely brilliant.

The movie also stars Selma Blair, who voices Liz Sherman, a pyrokinetic human being and love interest to Hellboy. Blair captures the complexity of Liz, capturing her firey personality and emotional depth with nuanced tones. The legendary John Hurt also lends his voice to Professor Trevor Bruttenholm, also known as Professor Broom, who serves as Hellboy's much-loved adoptive father figure. The Professor's character is very serious and sober with complicated layers of heavy past experiences that Hurt expresses perfectly.

Blood and Iron presents a tale of ghostly apparitions, ancient curses, and vampiric vengeance tempting Hellboy and team to an infamous haunted house where they encounter Erzsebet Ondrushko, an age-old vampire back from the dead. As viewers watch Hellboy wrestle with horrific specters and monsters, they're also treated to flashbacks revealing more about the mysterious pasts of his mentor and the bloodthirsty Countess.

In terms of its narrative structure, the film expertly weaves between past and present, shedding light on the Professor's early encounters with the supernatural while also providing unique progression for Hellboy's story arc. The movie doesn't shy away from probing deeper, darker themes while simultaneously preserving the action-packed excitement typically expected from comic-based adaptations.

Added to the complex storyline, what adds more depth to the movie are the subplots. One is the romantic tension between Liz Sherman and Hellboy, which gives the narrative a softer edge, grounding the fantastical elements with a relatable love story that audiences can invest in emotionally.

The animation style is a treat in itself, with captivating designs and outstanding detail work that beautifully brings the supernatural elements to life. It's a visual experience that feels ripped straight from Mignola's comic panels, utilizing a gothic aesthetic that perfectly suits the world of Hellboy. Combined with expressive character animations and stunning special effects, the film delivers a viewing experience that is visually striking and steadily engaging.

The music, composed by Christopher Drake, is hauntingly beautiful, adding layers to the suspense and setting the tone for each scene. It complements the visuals perfectly, creating a harmony of sight and sound that compounds the immersive experience.

All in all, Hellboy: Blood and Iron proves to be an electrifying and engrossing viewing experience. Its story strikes a balance between thrilling action and an intriguing supernatural mystery, which together with its stunning animation, superb voice acting, and atmospheric music, create a captivating world that leaves you wanting more. Fans of Hellboy or supernatural thrillers, in general, will find this a must-watch, but there's enough depth and charisma to the characters and story to intrigue anime lovers or even casual viewers. It stands out as a testament to the richness an animated feature can deliver and plays on all elements - from the darker complexities of the supernatural to the deeper emotions of love and sacrifice.