Most Helpful Customer Reviews
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Bloody-Good Vampire Anime Concludes (for now!), April 24, 2003
This review is from: Hellsing - Eternal Damnation (Vol. 4) (DVD)
The Japanese seem to find the western version of the Vampire myth quite appealing, and the expression of that fascination reaching a peak with the anime series Hellsing. The fourth and concluding volume of the series offers four episodes. In the first, Sir Integra Hellsing--leader of the Hellsing Organization dedicated to defending "God, Queen, and Country" from the ravages of vampires--must battle for her life after slitting her throat to avoid becoming undead after a vampire attack. In the episode, much of the history between Alucard and Integra is revealed, though never exactly why the vampire serves a human against his own kind. Ensuing episodes culminate in a battle between Alucard and the evil Incognito. The ending doesn't exactly convey a true sense of completeness, suggesting a sequel in the works, as neither do we find out who was responsible for the artificial freak vampires or what becomes of Integra. If you haven't already figured out who Alucard really is--from his own statement of the anagram nature of his name (look at it in a mirror!) to his method of dispatching Incognitio, neither the series nor I shall come right out and tell you--but you'll figure it out. The animation itself is done really well in terms of visual quality, with a blend of CG and hand-drawn cel work; however, it is somewhat more static in nature than much contemporary anime, comparable to that done for the Record of Lodoss War series. The audio, though presented only in stereo sound, features a soundtrack you'll want to hunt down like a freak after fresh blood. Surprisingly, the english dubbing is quite good, featuring British-accented voice actors far superior to the average anime dub. Hellsing is an excellent addition to any anime fan's library and a must-watch for vampire lovers everywhere.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Last Dance... (4.5 stars), January 24, 2004
This review is from: Hellsing - Eternal Damnation (Vol. 4) (DVD)
Welcome to the Hellsing Organization; an army dedicated to keep the country safe from the undead. The group fights against vampires and ghouls of all sorts in the dark of night. Their ultimate weapon is a hunter that is a vampire himself, Alucard; an unstoppable figure that can face just about any sort of evil that the darkness has to offer him. Vampires and ghouls are not safe with this elite team of hunters and soldiers lurking about. "Hellsing: Eternal Damnation" is the final volume in this series. Sadly, the journey ends, although it leaves room for another addition to come in the near future. As Sir Integra fights for her life in critical condition, her mind flashes back to the first time she met Alucard and how she became the leader of the Hellsing Organization. While it's still not clear what the exact relationship between Alucard and her father was truly based on, we are at least given another piece to the puzzle. Later on, an unspeakable and deadly trap is set, leaving the Hellsing group extremely vulnerable. Seras must get a grip on what she really is and find her true courage within herself if she wishes to live and continue the ongoing battle between them and the vampires, while Alucard faces the what seems to be an unstoppable foe, Incognito, for one last time. This is where things really get interesting, as the next few moments will ultimately decide the fate of the Hellsing Organization--and possibly the fate of humanity as well. I'm sad that this journey ended so quickly, but am overall extremely pleased with how this series was conducted and executed. It's true that there's no concrete ending, but it leaves us with enough to not feel cheated or disappointed. There are loose ends, of course; however, these loose ends foreshadow the possibility of a second series to come in the future. The last episode really shows us just how effective and powerful Alucard truly is, while we get to finally see Seras' courage overcome her fears and weaknesses. And yes, we even get to see how strong Sir Integra really is when she is fighting for her life in the tenth episode. This last chapter of the "Hellsing" series is just as dark and violent as the past volumes, if not more. Again, this is not a cartoon for children. These remaining four episodes contain graphic violence, blood and gore, strong language, adult situations, and dark and disturbing themes and imagery. Unlike the past three DVDs, this one contains four episodes instead of three; with the entire feature running at about 95 minutes long. Extras include a creditless ending, concept art, weapons gallery and more. I found "Hellsing: Eternal Damnation" to be a satisfactory conclusion to this mesmerizing and dark series, even if the ending is not exactly concrete. I really do hope that another addition to this series is in the making, as I could see them doing great things with it. My overall thoughts on this series are extremely positive as I enjoyed every minute of the ride and regret nothing. The "Hellsing" series is remarkable proof of what anime is capable of producing. The journey into Hell and darkness has come to an end--for now...
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
When the Hunt Concludes, February 12, 2003
This review is from: Hellsing - Eternal Damnation (Vol. 4) (DVD)
"In the name of God, impure souls will be banished to eternal damnation. Amen." Hunting the undead is a nasty business, but someone has to protect Her Majesty and Britain. In the Hellsing organization its more than just an objective, it flows in the bloodline that's been culminating in those veins throughout the centuries. To achieve these ends, some oddly fashioned means must be adopted, though, including the use of state-of-the-art technology, forces that are highly trained in the matters of disposal, and a certain secret weapon called Arucard. Yes, it is their duty to dispose of the threats to queen and country, and even the use of something as powerful as he, a vampire that seems almost unstoppably magnificent in his abilities, is suitable as a weapon to forward those causes. May God and her majesty be with you. In these last 4 episodes bringing the series to a head, many things take places that work in the realms of explanations, dealing with the loose ends that seem to trouble even Arucard as he struggles to find suitable prey as it does so. This leads to oceans of blood and a rich atmosphere of violence that climaxes in the best of fashions, rewarding those who have been proud enough to stand throughout the continuing struggle. None of these rank in the realms of the disposable, either, building upon brick after carefully laid brick and making it all the more worthwhile.
The orders included are: Order 10, Master of the Monster, where the mysterious connection between our beloved vampire and his master are finally revealed, plus some finality is given to some of the deeds taking place in Order 9. Herein is the explanation I know I was waiting for, helping to bring to light not only the mysterious Arucard but also Sir Integra and her ascension to the top of the Hellsing ladder. Order 11, Transcend Force, spotlights a plan that is thrown into action of the darkest sorts as an army of ghouls is created from some specially trained forces and used to threaten her majesty herself. Still, Hellsing is ready to play ball - or are they? This order touches on some undead ranks of past episodes, playing games with the parties of a powerful nature. Order 12, Total Destruction, sets things into motion that with a battle that pits Freaks against the legions of Hellsing, Arucard against the nemesis he's been desiring, and Sir Integra against the military? Within it is one of the sadder moments in the series as a something a valuable member of Hellsing is lost, too, not to mention some of the more interestingly intense struggles within the realms of brutal struggle. Order 13, Hellfire, finally brings many of the mysteries within the series to a climax, pitting, amongst other things, Sett against a fully unrestricted Arucard in a battle that amounts to the sheer pleasure. It also holds many of the keys to Hellsing and Sir Integra's unsure future as well, rewarding the viewer with a few feats of lovely carnage and out-and-out undead warfare. If you are a newer recruit to the ranks of Hellsing, do not skip ahead! Follow the exploits of the organization from the onset to the climax, and you will be rewarded in your struggles. If you have followed these instructions, then this comes as something of the highest recommendation order.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
|
