DVD Review: Saber Marionette J Complete Collection

[Chris Beveridge]

Review by Ben Leary

Mania Grade: A-
* Audio Rating: B+
* Video Rating: C-
* Packaging Rating: B
* Menus Rating: C+
* Extras Rating: B-
* Age Rating: 13 & Up
* Region: 1 - North America
* Released By: Bandai Entertainment
* MSRP: 49.98
* Running time: 655
* Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
* Disc Resolution: 480i/p (mixed/unknown)
* Disc Encoding: MPEG-2
* Series: Saber Marionette J

In Summary:

There are shows that are all around good entertainment, shows that do a lot of things well and hit all their marks. Saber Marionette J is a series like that, but at the same time it has a little more. Deceptively clever, fast, funny and exciting - Saber Marionette J is all of these things, but also something a little more. It's a story that transcends the limitations of its genre. It builds something new out of old lumber. There's something of this unusual contrast even in the designs of the characters themselves. In a way they're look like they're part of the big-eyed, cute mainstream family of design. But once you notice they have hands that could wrap most of the way round a cantaloupe, wear shoes the size of their goofy, grinning heads, and accessorize their costumes with Christmas ornaments, you realize these people are a little too much fun to worry about looking cute all the time. And Saber Marionette J is too busy having that same kind of fun to worry about anything other than being a remarkably entertaining show - one that always has a little more to it than you might expect.

[parakiss]

I always enjoyed watching this show.

[Otakufan]

Not sure I'd rank it an A, but it's definitely a classic.

J. A.

[WTK]

Yet another franchise/series that I should start watching. Who knows maybe later this year...

[Panko]

great series with many great characters. definitely one i'm glad to have seen and own. and one of the few shows that i love the OP and ED themes.

nice review!

[Betenoire]

This show was one of my first blind buys and I enjoyed it from the moment the opening "Successful Mission" performed by Megumi Hayashibara started. I really enjoyed this series.

Not sure I'd go as high as A-, but I also wouldn't say that grade is one I'd disagree much with either.

[Zerox]

Bought the signed copy from Rightstuf it's still shrink wrapped.

[njchobitsfan]

Always wondered about this show. Not exactly one on my must buy list, but if I ever find it for a song I'd give it a try.

[magicalgirlj]

I really enjoyed Cyber Team In Akihabara, I know I will love this show. so this is a must buy

[Nylock]

I have this as part of the full collection they released. It's a very good show. The premise sounds a bit silly, but with that out of the way there's a good story being told. Plenty of action, character development, and emotional ups and downs.