Anime UK News :: Review of Hellsing - The Collection Box Set

Anime Quick Information

Title:	Hellsing - The Collection Box Set
UK publisher:	ADV Films
Genre:	Horror
Studio:	GONZO
Type:	TV Series
Director:	Yasunori Urata
Year:	2001
Running Time:	6hr 10mins

Average Rating: 9.15

Paranoia Agent's review

Paranoia Agent scored this with 8/10. Disagree?

Hellsing series review
(taken from previous review)

Hellsing is a gutsy, stylish re-interpretation of the vampire myth, taking place in modern day England it centres on a clandestine organization of Vampire hunters called Hellsing. Head of the organization is Sir Integra Wingates Hellsing, a stubborn but level-headed young woman who holds the secret to Hellsing's most potent weapon, Alucard; an all powerful Vampire dutifully bound to protect and serve his human masters.

Despite it's unoriginal premise, 'Hellsing' is an oft brilliant and entertaining series, at times it can degenerate into clichÃ© but some novel ideas (the notion of instant or man made vampires) help lift it above similar genre fare. The action sequences are deftly executed, showcasing a flair for violence that piles on the gore, guns and style with vicious aplomb. The superbly handled script crackles with some great one liners (giving our laconic hero ample opportunity to shine) and grants the seemingly shallow story a surprising amount of depth.

The action often segues into wide expanses of plot that gradually pencil in the tangled histories of Hellsing's eclectic cast of characters. There's Walter; the seemingly mild mannered Butler who goes by the alias 'Angel of Death', the icily cool Incognito and my personal favourite - Alexander Anderson, a bayonet wielding Catholic priest who'd have your local congregation cowering behind their pews! Then there's Alucard himself, garbed in a crimson hat and trench coat whilst sporting a pair of handguns that would make Vash from Trigun blush. He's the epitome of gothic cool and would certainly give Vampire Hunter D a run for his money. If I were forced to make a complaint, it would be that the dark vein of black humour, which saturated Hellsing's manga incarnation, has all but been expunged from the anime; a few laughs here and there wouldn't have gone amiss.

Animated by the talented folks at Gonzo and using newer digimation techniques, Hellsing is a solid looking anime. The characters are realised in amazing detail with crystal lines and that unmistakable digital sheen. Special mention must also go to the striking use of colour; blood red skies and heavy blacks help create an evocative gothic atmosphere reminiscent of old Hammer Horror movies.

Proceedings are really enlivened by a great soundtrack; gothic flavoured classical pieces sit alongside throbbing heavy metal, and if it wasn't for the poodle rock ballad that accompanies the ending credits - it'd be nigh on perfect!

A balls to the wall anime series, loaded with enough fantastic characters, slick animation and macabre action to satiate even the hungriest of bloodsuckers! So put down that copy of 'Vampire Wars' and give Hellsing a look instead, you won't regret it.

Box Set Images

In order to provide you with a good insight into what you can expect to receive from the Hellsing Boxset, we have included these images of the physical box design (ditigal photographs, click to enlarge).

http://forums.animeuknews.net/album_page.php?pic_id=21
http://forums.animeuknews.net/album_page.php?pic_id=22
http://forums.animeuknews.net/album_page.php?pic_id=23
http://forums.animeuknews.net/album_page.php?pic_id=24

Screenshots (click to pop out)

Review Information

Score:	8 out of 10
Review By:	Paranoia Agent
Date Published:	Sat, 18 Sep 2004

30 responses to our review of "Hellsing - The Collection Box Set"

1. Comment by Batman

Very gd series, and very gd boxset. Well designed and made. Animation is excellent and the plot is desent.

Posted on Mon, 4 Oct 2004. Batman rated "Hellsing - The Collection...": 9 out of 10.

2. Comment by Sithe

Best vampire anime there is.

Posted on Wed, 29 Dec 2004. Sithe rated "Hellsing - The Collection...": 10 out of 10.

3. Comment by IanC

Great series, though i liked the ending song :P

Posted on Fri, 31 Dec 2004. IanC rated "Hellsing - The Collection...": 10 out of 10.

4. Comment by Subedii

A show that practically defines the term 'style over substance'. That's not a complaint, becuase I don't see that as a bad thing. Cowboy Bebop was also a show that surfed on a wave of pure style. Much like Hellsing, it didn't depend on being deep or intellectual, it depended on being cool. It's a premise that worked well then, and works well now. --- Cool is definitely what I would mark this show as. I wasn't initially planning on getting it (I don't tend to like overly violent / gory stuff), but when I saw it going cheap, I figured I may as well give it a go. Yes it is violent, but not as much as I was expecting. The violence was in keeping with the general theme of vampires and secret wars. It didn't seem as visceral and disturbing as, say, Kenshin: Tsuiokuhen. It's portrayed in an over-the-top enough manner that it doesn't make you queasy (kind of like the Evil Dead movies in that respect). --- I don't really need to go over what it's about since that's covered more thoroughly elsewhere. What I will say is that the show is very much in keeping with the vampire mythos and traditions that spawned it. Interesting characters, full tilt action sequences, and a very good soundtrack all lead to this being a great series to watch when you're looking for something that won't make your brain hurt. Having just finished RahXephon at the time, this show really hit the spot :) --- Finally Some people have complained that the ending doesn't wrap up everything absolutely perfectly. This is true, but the show is designed to be like that. Some questions were deliberately left unanswered for this run (likely because they were planning a 2nd season, which never came). Personally, I thought the show ended quite well, the last scene capping things off nicely, while leaving enough for you to wonder what's going to happen next. --- So, if you like your vampire flicks, you'd be hard pressed to find a better animé in the genre..

Posted on Fri, 7 Jan 2005. Subedii rated "Hellsing - The Collection...": 9 out of 10.

5. Comment by Lisa

WOW Thoroughly impressed. Hellsing is one of the best vampires movies around.

Posted on Sat, 22 Jan 2005. Lisa rated "Hellsing - The Collection...": 10 out of 10.

6. Comment by Rita

Hellsing is a great horror anime with excellent dubbing. I was looking for a good horror movie one night and accidentally found Hellsing. After I saw the first episode, I thought "OK" and did TIVO to record each night. The first few episodes were decent, but at one point I remember thinking "All Right!!! That's more like it!" Since then I can't get this movie out of my mind.

Posted on Sun, 20 Mar 2005. Rita rated "Hellsing - The Collection...": 10 out of 10.

7. Comment by KittySeras

Manga is much better but the Anime is fantastic! One of the best around...You left out the police girl, Seras Victoria!

Posted on Thu, 24 Mar 2005. KittySeras rated "Hellsing - The Collection...": 10 out of 10.

8. Comment by Roachy

Quality series, as i said before, but i really wish id waited to buy the boxset instead of buying the series piece by piece.

Posted on Mon, 25 Apr 2005. Roachy rated "Hellsing - The Collection...": 10 out of 10.

9. Comment by Paul

I'm sure you will be chuffed to learn that there is a new Hellsing anime underway. Though it's unsure whether or not it will follow the anime or just pick up the rest of the manga story, I'm certainly excited about this :)

Posted on Sat, 30 Apr 2005. Paul rated "Hellsing - The Collection...": 8 out of 10.

10. Comment by Arucard

This anime is one of the best ones i have ever seen.I think they should make more episodes though.I was kinda mad there was only 15 :(

Posted on Sat, 30 Apr 2005. Arucard rated "Hellsing - The Collection...": 10 out of 10.

11. Comment by Sanosuke

This is one awsome anime.Yea i was kinda mad about the only 15 episode thing also.They really need to make more because i really love this anime.

Posted on Sat, 30 Apr 2005. Sanosuke rated "Hellsing - The Collection...": 10 out of 10.

12. Comment by Arucard

WHY WHY COULDN'T THEY MAKE A 2ND SERIES!?!?!?!?:'(

Posted on Sat, 30 Apr 2005. Arucard rated "Hellsing - The Collection...": 10 out of 10.

13. Comment by Dark_Sage

I loved the series. Great for AMV material as well.

Posted on Sun, 1 May 2005. Dark_Sage rated "Hellsing - The Collection...": 10 out of 10.

14. Comment by Redgore

Brilliant anime. Great animation, great storytelling, great story both to the series and to each episode.

Posted on Sun, 8 May 2005. Redgore rated "Hellsing - The Collection...": 9 out of 10.

15. Comment by Subedii

@Arucard - Actually, I think they are making a new series of Hellsing!

Posted on Thu, 19 May 2005. Subedii rated "Hellsing - The Collection...": 9 out of 10.

16. Comment by Fearghal

A new Hellsing series is in production thats not Gonzo but will have the same seiyuu(voice cast), titled: Hellsing Ultimate OVA, supposedly they will adapt the manga more faithfuly than the tv series.
Edit:Animation Production by: Satelight(who worked on Macross Zero,Escaflowne movie,Metropolis,VampireHunterD:Bloodlust & many more.

Posted on Sat, 28 May 2005. Fearghal rated "Hellsing - The Collection...": 7 out of 10.

17. Comment by Chrille

Totaly the best anime i ever seen. I love everting.. I must have in a anime lovers collction..

Posted on Tue, 14 Jun 2005. Chrille rated "Hellsing - The Collection...": 10 out of 10.

18. Comment by Lilith Mortis

I adore this anime and it is the most cherished of my collection. The personar of Alucard is very fitting for the vampire as is Father Anderson and Father Maxwell's characters, though those two don't get near enough on screen time. The box set was a good length in number of dvds (4) compared to Trigun's box set (8) but it was begging for either another series after or at least an extention of some kind. The art of the anime might not be so unique in style but in the depth of colour and expression (such as Alucard's shadow techinique which gave me shivers) I also like the female characters, Seras Victoria kept the usual anime big chested style with the kick ass attitude while they then have Sir Integra with the more tomboy look. On a second note, I am from Australia and would just like to say would they PLEASE hurry up and bring the Hellsing manga to us, it's torture only having the anime and not the manga or the soundtracks.

Posted on Tue, 16 Aug 2005. Lilith Mortis rated "Hellsing - The Collection...": 10 out of 10.

19. Comment by Wildcard

Make no mistake, the new series is on the way and its looking amazing, and if it is true to the manga I can safely say we're all in for one hell of a ride.

Posted on Sat, 12 Nov 2005. Wildcard rated "Hellsing - The Collection...": 10 out of 10.

20. Comment by adam

There's a trailer for the new OVA included on some of the new ADV titles. There's no english dub for it yet so the trailer's in Japanese. It ends with a shot of the baddie from the manga (i.e. the one behind the freak chips who we didn't see from the Gonzo version).

Posted on Tue, 15 Nov 2005. adam rated "Hellsing - The Collection...": 9 out of 10.

21. Comment by mayhem

My name is mayhem and i am a huge fan fan of the series Hellsing.I am currently waiting for the second season of Hellsing to come out on video...Not that i have to wait that long,considering my connections that i have with many people who i will not mension there names for a certain...reason,lets say.For all you fans out there the second season is coming out in the midst of april.Be sure to come back and rate how good it is on this site.If you have any questions about the show please ask them thru this site and will be sure to come back and anwser any questions.For great pictures of Hellsing please go to:www.google.com,images,then type in Alucard solid and you will get some sweet pictures...Thats all the info for today.Please feel free to leave me any questions...Mayhem out...

Posted on Tue, 3 Jan 2006. mayhem rated "Hellsing - The Collection...": 10 out of 10.

22. Comment by Wildcard

April you say? Damn seems a long way off. I'll quench my thirst for now with a rewatching of the first season. Talking of the first season, does anyone know what the deal with the soundtrack is this time? Will it be by the same folks as before, and if not who's doing it now?

Posted on Tue, 3 Jan 2006. Wildcard rated "Hellsing - The Collection...": 10 out of 10.

23. Comment by Wildcard

Posted on Tue, 3 Jan 2006. Wildcard rated "Hellsing - The Collection...": 10 out of 10.

24. Comment by adam

As I said, it's not a second season. It's a new OVA mini series that starts from the very beginning in Cheddar Village and sticks closer to the original manga. The trailer shows you the baddies behind the freak chip - nazis called the millenium group. Your 'connections' seem to be somewhat disconnected mate.

Posted on Wed, 4 Jan 2006. adam rated "Hellsing - The Collection...": 9 out of 10.

25. Comment by cortez_the_raven

I love Hellsing!!! This boxset is so awesome! Hellsing is so addicting.once you start watching it you can't stop..I wish the series was longer though. I give Hellsing a 10 and to my favorite character Alucard he gets a 10 too! LOL!

Posted on Mon, 13 Feb 2006. cortez_the_raven rated "Hellsing - The Collection...": 10 out of 10.

26. Comment by GothicWings1366

Hellsing is one tuff anime. I didnt know what it was till my friend brought it over and I was hooked. I want to get the box set but at the moment I only have burned copies. I cant wait till the newer version of Hellsing comes out! Cant wait. I wonder if its out in America....

Posted on Fri, 7 Apr 2006. GothicWings1366 rated "Hellsing - The Collection...": 1 out of 10.

27. Comment by Gothicwings1366

I FORGOT TO RATE IT! I GIVE IT A PERFECT TEN! Its a tuff naime.

Posted on Fri, 7 Apr 2006. Gothicwings1366 rated "Hellsing - The Collection...": 10 out of 10.

28. Comment by cercia

Not quite the perfect box, I prefer the fold-out boxes which you can find in America, not the clear rattly UK ones! However, the content is as complete as you'll get, with all the episodes in one place to save space and that endless box-swapping in order to watch the whole series together! No extra material for your money, however, and we're talking in excess of £50 in some retail outlets. But this set is a must for any true Hellsing fan, if only for the sake of that final showdown in the Tower of London!

Posted on Sat, 15 Apr 2006. cercia rated "Hellsing - The Collection...": 8 out of 10.

29. Comment by Miller

It's all very nice going on about the box set but the only place I can find that actually sells it is HMV.com where it's £50.

Is it worth paying that much for it, given that I can buy all the individual volumes together for £28?

Posted on Fri, 21 Apr 2006. Miller rated "Hellsing - The Collection...": 9 out of 10.

30. Comment by I330

As a vampire film fanatic for many years (and a fan of many other horror films, particularly older ones) I can safely say that Helsing is a favourite of mine. In fact the first episode was so good that I watched the entire 2 series very quickly. Amazing animation, unforgettable action and a great re-interpretation of the vampire myth.

Yes the plot is a bit dense (or incoherent) in places but that's not really the point. This series is about animation, action, characters and myth/legend, nothing more. A very distinctive series that, as previous comments have said, is probably the best anime in its genre

Posted on Sun, 29 Jul 2007. I330 rated "Hellsing - The Collection...": 10 out of 10.

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