Rating: 
Summary: Solid, Valuable Collection
Review: This collection is definitely one of the best values as far as anime goes. There are single-season collections that sell for more than this SIGNED collection of 2 seasons and an OVA.It might be worth noting that the pictures for the collection can be misleading: each of those cases contains 2 DVDs; 6 DVDs J, 2 for OVA, and 6 for J-X. Although there's 7 cases, there are 14 DVDs. Extras on the DVDs include Photo galleries (with character explanations that are so childish it's embarassing; "This is Lime! She's the happy one!" etc.), textless openings and endings, interviews with the creators, etc. Before I bought this, I had already seen J and OVA, but hadn't seen J-X. The story can be hokey at times (especially the later stories), but all three marionetts tug on your heartstrings in their own way. The OVA and J-X definitely don't have as compelling of a storyline as the original. They feel somewhat forced, and seem to be without the drive of the original series. Don't get me wrong, the OVA and J-X are enjoyable, but they didn't have me rivited to my seat in the way that that J did. A great buy and definitely reccomended.
Rating: 
Summary: Extremely limited, so buy it now
Review: This limited item (5000 total made) should be picked up now. It's an excellent value (14 discs, roughly 1400 minutes) on a strong show. What is Saber Marionette J? Technically, this comprises three related series: SMJ, SMJ Again, and SMJ to X. The premise is simple: a colony world populated only by men, who build female robots (the marionettes). The hero, Otaru Mamiya, unwittingly activates three special marionettes who possess real personalities and emotions. SMJ is a direct ancestor of more recent shows, such as Hand Maid May and Mahoromatic. It is a typical, but lively and enjoyable action/comedy combined with a harem show (as Otaru's marionettes are all in love with him). The marionettes are appealing (although the real show-stealers are the three enemy marionettes who also possess personalities). One running gag which might raise some eyebrows is the constant (but unwelcome) advances of one male character toward the hero, Otaru. Another issue is that, moving from SMJ to Again, the level of fanservice jumps enormously--there are several long sequences of SMJ Again in which multiple marionettes are parading about in very little. The original SMJ is clearly the strongest part of this collection. The quality declines in the sequels, though SMJ Again is still quite good, and J to X is better than average. One significant problem, if you're watching the dub, is that each program has a different cast, and the casting choices get progressively worse. The SMJ dub is better than SMJ Again, and dramatically better than J to X. All are watchable, however, and might not even be worth mentioning if they weren't placed right next to each other (and the difference made more jarring to the ear). If you're watching in Japanese, this isn't an issue at all. If you can get this set, get it. It's a good, sometimes great, show at an unbelievable value.
Rating:
Summary: Extremely limited, so buy it now
Review: This limited item (5000 total made) should be picked up now. It's an excellent value (14 discs, roughly 1400 minutes) on a strong show. What is Saber Marionette J? Technically, this comprises three related series: SMJ, SMJ Again, and SMJ to X. The premise is simple: a colony world populated only by men, who build female robots (the marionettes). The hero, Otaru Mamiya, unwittingly activates three special marionettes who possess real personalities and emotions. SMJ is a direct ancestor of more recent shows, such as Hand Maid May and Mahoromatic. It is a typical, but lively and enjoyable action/comedy combined with a harem show (as Otaru's marionettes are all in love with him). The marionettes are appealing (although the real show-stealers are the three enemy marionettes who also possess personalities). One running gag which might raise some eyebrows is the constant (but unwelcome) advances of one male character toward the hero, Otaru. Another issue is that, moving from SMJ to Again, the level of fanservice jumps enormously--there are several long sequences of SMJ Again in which multiple marionettes are parading about in very little. The original SMJ is clearly the strongest part of this collection. The quality declines in the sequels, though SMJ Again is still quite good, and J to X is better than average. One significant problem, if you're watching the dub, is that each program has a different cast, and the casting choices get progressively worse. The SMJ dub is better than SMJ Again, and dramatically better than J to X. All are watchable, however, and might not even be worth mentioning if they weren't placed right next to each other (and the difference made more jarring to the ear). If you're watching in Japanese, this isn't an issue at all. If you can get this set, get it. It's a good, sometimes great, show at an unbelievable value.
Rating:
Summary: A Surprise Hit
Review: When I bought this dvd, I had never seen any episodes. All I had to go on were reviews from the discs and hope. After purchasing and viewing this set, I can honestly say that spent my money well. The series all start out kind of comical, but as they go on they make an effortless transition into pure action with drama. I watched the entire series in about four days (thats a total of 57 episodes) and i wanted more. There are only two things that I can say that I don't like is the voice acting on the j to x series. It seems monotone and dry. They sound like their reading cue cards not a movie script. Although the actual story line makes up for the lack of acting. The other thing is that one of my favorite marionettes Marine is only around in the six episode ova. All in all its one of my favorite series.
Rating:
Summary: A Surprise Hit
Review: When I bought this dvd, I had never seen any episodes. All I had to go on were reviews from the discs and hope. After purchasing and viewing this set, I can honestly say that spent my money well. The series all start out kind of comical, but as they go on they make an effortless transition into pure action with drama. I watched the entire series in about four days (thats a total of 57 episodes) and i wanted more. There are only two things that I can say that I don't like is the voice acting on the j to x series. It seems monotone and dry. They sound like their reading cue cards not a movie script. Although the actual story line makes up for the lack of acting. The other thing is that one of my favorite marionettes Marine is only around in the six episode ova. All in all its one of my favorite series.
Rating:
Summary: A Truly Great Anime Series
Review: When I bought this set, I had never seen this show before in my life. My biggest fear was that I had thrown away almost $... After watching the whole set, I have to say that this was one of the best series I had ever seen. It was able to make the transition between comedy and action effortlessly. All three series ended with a great dramatic build. The art changes from series to series, but its always nice and vivrant. The only flaws in the set is some of the voice acting on the JtoX series. I know I don't do that for a living, but at times they sounded like three year olds reading cue cards. Even though the great storyline made even that aspect miniscule. The other flaw (which really isn't a flaw) is that there is no way to make another series (watch and you'll see) too bad. The extras in this set are the same ones found on the regular discs. Get your copy now because there where only five thousand made.
Rating:
Summary: A Truly Great Anime Series
Review: When I bought this set, I had never seen this show before in my life. My biggest fear was that I had thrown away almost $... After watching the whole set, I have to say that this was one of the best series I had ever seen. It was able to make the transition between comedy and action effortlessly. All three series ended with a great dramatic build. The art changes from series to series, but its always nice and vivrant. The only flaws in the set is some of the voice acting on the JtoX series. I know I don't do that for a living, but at times they sounded like three year olds reading cue cards. Even though the great storyline made even that aspect miniscule. The other flaw (which really isn't a flaw) is that there is no way to make another series (watch and you'll see) too bad. The extras in this set are the same ones found on the regular discs. Get your copy now because there where only five thousand made.
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