Is this the archetypal GONZO show, in that it goes off cliff in quality and writes an ending that isn’t in the spirit of the material being adapted? Possibly. Certainly when the author is unhappy enough to want an ultra-faithful adaptation done, you’ve got to think you’ve messed up somewhere.
So what does the 2001 version have going for it? Well it has a better soundtrack than Hellsing Ultimate (the later OAV adaptation) and a nice opening animation (even if some of the shots now seem overused). But the other main boast – the awesome George Nakata as lead character Alucard – can be boasted by Ultimate too. While this series may be better value for money, you’re better off with Hellsing Ultimate in terms of quality.