8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Welcome to Hellsing... (4.5 stars), January 21, 2004
This review is from: Hellsing - Impure Souls (Vol. 1) (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, Arucard; 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: Impure Souls" begins this dark journey with three episodes. Here we find out what the Hellsing Organization is all about, and we meet Arucard; a vampire who has dedicated himself to serve his master, Sir Integra (the head woman in charge of the group), and fight against the unholy monsters. He's forced to transform a dying police woman, Seras Victoria, into a vampire in order to spare her life to kill a menacing blood-sucker holding her hostage. While Seras is getting used to being a new member of the Hellsing Organization, she also is in battle with herself over what she has become. In the meantime, Arucard is up against some competition; a regenerating foe that wields The Bible and an assortment of knives. All of this is an exciting set-up for a blood-soaked introduction to the series.
"Hellsing" is a quickly addicting anime series about vampires and ghouls--as well as the hunters and soldiers that fight against them. The animation is stunningly impressive and stylish while at the same time the story and characters are exceptional. The series reminds me a bit of the "Spawn" series without feeling nearly as disturbing or intense. It's extremely easy to lose yourself in each of these three episodes--and as soon as they're over, you're eager to see the rest.
This is adult anime that is in no way intended for younger viewers. The episodes contain graphic violence, blood and gore, strong language, mature situations, and dark and disturbing themes and imagery. The only really downside to this DVD is that it only contains three episodes, which makes the running time for the DVD a little over an hour. While this can be seen as a good or bad thing, it's still a weak-point for the DVD. Other than that, the picture and sound quality is really great. Extras on the disc include a creditless opening, an art gallery, action figure info, a trailer music video and more.
"Hellsing: Impure Souls" is the exciting beginning to this action-packed and stylish anime adventure. For those who are bigger fans of ghouls and vampires than the fantasy genera, this is definitely something to check out. "Hellsing" has the makings of a great anime series, and that's from only seeing the first three episodes. Take the ride into the darkness--if your soul dares.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A complete review from Japan (The whole series), July 14, 2002
When I bought the first three DVD's of Helsing, I was blown away by its amazing story and take on the classic theme of "vampires". Helsing provides a fresh look into a done to death genre and with fascinating characters and story developments, I was instantly hooked. In fact I would have easily given this series a "five star" rating if not for its weak ending. I think many people who have given this series a high rating probably have not had the opportunity to see the final few episodes which were quite disappointing. The series had moving along so well but then it ends rather abruptly leaving a whole host of unanswered questions to the viewers. Regardless of, I would still strongly recommend this series to most viewers and it is unforunate that this series suffered the same fate of most Japanese anime and comics, i.e. a weak ending.
Oh well...
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7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Gonzo's biggest 2001 hit, June 17, 2002
This review is from: Hellsing - Impure Souls (Vol. 1) (DVD)
Gonzo outdid itself. Again.
Hellsing, although a short series with only 12 episodes, was a definite hit, taking on a new spin on vampires in the streets of Britain. (Side note: There are sepculations from Gonzo to start a sequel. More information later.) I sat there for all 12 episodes with satisfaction as a horror series is given not just its share of shrieks and shrills, but a storyline with heart.
The main character is Arucard, a vampire. And as all vampires, he has the curse of immortality and the desire for blood. But he works for the other side. He slays vampires and the lot for the Hellsing Agency. It is headed by Integra Wingates Hellsing, descendent of Baron Van Hellsing the legendary vampire hunter and a Knight of the Round Table. They protect the Queen and Britain, but more is afoot than they know...
With a simple but crisp animation, coupled with stunning presentation and matching soundtrack, Hellsing was regarded as one of the best animations in Japan of the year 2001, third after Mahoromatic and Scryed. Not quite shocking, yet it leaves you feeling displaced.
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