If it makes you feel better, I feel the same way about the 
movie.  I'm very much a creature of habit, and I HATE change 
(particularly when it's changing something that was so good 
to begin with!  sigh sigh ^_~).  Everything just seems...wrong.
Like watching a play in person when you've been listening to 
the cd for several years ;).  I count character development 
and personalities above design or appearance, which is part 
of the reason I like Escaflowne the series so much...it has 
so much to offer in terms of interaction!   But I agree 
with you on being open-minded when we see the movie...I'll 
try not to think about the series too much *G*.  After all, 
if it could turn out so great the first time...

*stares up with big eyes at the anime gods*  why can't you show 
the esca movie at Otakon?  *sniffle sniffle*

Talia