* this category is relevant in this case. I'll explain why in my review ** I've only stomached the first episode thus far
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Most people are aware of the controversy between Hellsing and Hellsing Ultimate. For those who don't, a quick run-down:
Hellsing was denounced in Japan by its creator for not following his original plot. The series lasted 13 episodes and many agree that only the first 6 episodes are any good. Hellsing Ultimate was intended to rectify the wrongs that Hellsing's creator felt had been done to his series. Hellsing Ultimate is scheduled to follow the manga more exactly and incorporated more ideas of its creator.
That being said...
Hellsing Ultimate destroys some of what I enjoyed at the core of the original Hellsing series. Alucard is no longer Alucard. While his voice actor is aparently the same in the Japanese, Jôji Nakata (according to imdb.com), he doesn't sound or act the same. His dialogue isn't as good and it reflects in his character. The character of Alucard itself lacks a lot of the qualities that made Alucard so cool in the first series. It is a presentation of the Alucard from the manga, yet that Alucard is also far removed from the Alucard many loved from the first Hellsing.
Ceres Victoria is still annoying. She's still whiney and a coward. At least as far as the first episode is concerned. She has some differences, including a different colored uniform and larger boobs. Now that we've stated her defining traits, her character is even more blatantly irritating.
The animation is very pretty; very anime. The CG fits in the scenes in which it is used. And so I give the animation a 9/10. On the other hand, the art work is almost bothersome. Intergra and Alucard grin stupidly in every scene. There is no change in countenance, as if they drank botox that morning at the agency. The sly grins that the characters formerly possessed no longer exit. The style in which Hellsing Ultimate is done does not compliment the series and is not enjoyable. The artistry from Hellsing fit the series in a way that the new art does not serve Hellsing Ultimate.
Hellsing was reknown for the fantastic soundtrack. Hellsing Ultimate, as far as I can tell, doesn't have one. The one or two songs that occur in the episodes are nowhere near the quality of the original.
In short, I don't feel that this series is worth waiting the months between each episode. And it certainly isn't worth the $30 per disc they are charging in the states...especially since each disc contains one episode.
I'm sure I'll come up with more things to complain about after I watch another episode or two.
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"I believe in dragons, faeries, good men, and other fantasy creatures."
Although I do find alot of what you say to be at least somewhat accurate I feel you are being far to hard on Ultimate. As for episode 1+2 they are like a bloody recap episode of the previous series so I can't say I expected much of them, however I wouldnt say I was out right dissapointed either. As for Alucard I personally think the anime version was far more kid friendly and cuddly compared to teh Alucard you get to enjoy in episode 3. See episode 3 Ashley and then comment again. Episode 3 is the most curent one available so you have no excuse for not seeing it within the next 24 hours....
