Saber Marionette J (Collection 2)

Starring:Megumi Hayashibara, Yuka Imai, Yuri Shiratori, Akiko Hiramatsu, Urara Takano, Kikuko Inoue, YÃ»ko Mizutani, Hikaru Midorikawa, Takehito Koyasu, Nicole Oliver, Maggie Blue O'Hara, Saffron Henderson, Don Brown, Ward Perry, Richard Newman, Paul Dobson, Sam Vincent, Ai Orikasa, Erin Fitzgerald, Scott McNeil
Director: Masami Shimoda
Studio: Bandai
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com
The bizarre premise of this fan-favorite anime TV series gave it plenty of room to grow, leaving behind the mildly suggestive sitcom farce of its early episodes in favor of real suspense and imaginative science fiction extrapolation, elements that come increasingly to the fore in this second set of eight episodes. After wrapping up the first phase of the Japoness versus Garlant story arc elaborated in the first collection, our goof-ball hero Otaru and his nubile robot companions take a breather and confront some pressing personal issues. The most important new wrinkle is the budding humanity of Otaru's three love-struck "marionettes," Lime, Cherry, and Bloodberry, experimental models outfitted with emotion-generating "maiden circuits." We now learn that these bio-engineered circuits have the capacity to learn and evolve, perhaps toward full-fledged human autonomy. It is suggested that with their help the all-male human settlements on Terra 2 (which for generations have been sustained only by cloning) may finally be able to reproduce again the old-fashioned way; in time they could even overcome the stagnant nostalgia that has turned every society on the planet into a retro theme-park copy of a dimly remembered Old Earth original. Presumably we'll have to wait for the next collection to learn if this promise of rebirth ever comes fully to fruition. Don't touch that dial! --David Chute
Description
Otaru and his Saber Marionettes have been asked to infiltrate Gartlant and put a stop to Fausi's evil plans. But even the combined strength, speed, and courage of the Marionettes may not be enough. After all, the Saber Dolls are just as devoted to Faust as the Marionettes are to Otaru. Danger takes a back seat to love as Lime, Cherry and Bloodberry continue to try and win Otaru's affection and live "happily ever after," with some hilarious results. But how can there be a happy end when before one threat is even defeated, another looms on the horizon? And Otaru learns the secrets of the Maiden Circuits and how truly important Lime, Cherry, and Bloodberry are the future of all Terra II!

Saber Marionette J to X - Anime Legends Complete Collection
Average customer rating:

Pretty average...

Great anime to add to any collection...

Saber Marionette J to X - Anime Legends Complete Collection
Starring: Yuka Imai , Megumi Hayashibara , Yuri Shiratori , Akiko Hiramatsu , and Urara Takano
Director: Masami Shimoda
Manufacturer: Bandai
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Saber Marionette J - Anime Legends Complete Collection

Saber Marionette R (Vol. 1)

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ASIN: B000EQ5UXM
Release Date: 2006-05-09

Description

The long awaited sequel to the popular Saber Marionette J series has arrived. Lorelei has been saved and the female clones are about to visit Japoness for the very first time. Otaru and friends have finally achieved peace and prosperity! Or have they? The maiden circuits within Lime, Cherry, and Bloodberry have continued to grow since their last battle with Faust! Overwhelmed by emotions granted through the circuit, our friends are now able to experience a multitude of emotions, but can they endure these new feelings while facing a new enemy? Based on the Manga created by Satoru Akahori. Genre: Sci-Fi/Action/Comedy.

Customer Reviews:

Pretty average..........2007-05-07

Saber Marionette J was better.

The art changed which is the most noticeable change from J to "J to X". In addition the voice acting gets bad too...

The original Cherry, Lime, Bloodberry work had a superior production quality over all.

This was one I have in my collection only because it continues the J series.

Not horrible... but a let down after the J.

Great anime to add to any collection..........2007-03-19

While not the best as a standalone series, it definitely is entertaining in and of itself. It would work best with the other series seen first, but as the title says, it's still a great add.

Saber Marionette J - Anime Legends Complete Collection

Average customer rating:

Great Anime
Good and fun
An excellent amalgamation of action and romance, with a golden touch of self-irony
Wonderful Anime wonderful price

Saber Marionette J - Anime Legends Complete Collection
Starring: Yuka Imai , Megumi Hayashibara , Yuri Shiratori , Akiko Hiramatsu , and Urara Takano
Director: Masami Shimoda
Manufacturer: Bandai
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Anime & Manga | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Animation | Genres | DVD | Video

( S ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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Saber Marionette J to X - Anime Legends Complete Collection
Saber Marionette J Again: Plasmatic Crisis
Saber Marionette J Again - Plasmatic Crisis Collection (Vols 1-3)
Rune Soldier - Complete Collection
Steel Angel Kurumi - Complete Collection

ASIN: B000CQQIA8
Release Date: 2006-03-14

Description

Welcome to Japoness, a society where the only females are emotionless androids known as "marionettes". Martial arts student and all around nice guy, Otaru, accidentally discovers and wakes a marionette named Lime. He soon learns that Lime is very different from other marionettes. After waking two more marionettes, Otaru finds himself facing tough challenges as they battle the evil Faust and his Saber Dolls. Can Otaru rise up to the challenge while teaching the marionettes about human emotions? Based on the Manga created by Satoru Akahori. Genre: Sci-fi/Action/Comedy.

Customer Reviews:

Great Anime.......2007-01-09

We like Anime, but are very picky about what we watch. This set is awsome. A Typical story with lots of girls after 1 guy but with a twist. The hero is someone you can like(good fighter, friendly but poor) and the girls...well they are robots they are constantly learning what it's like to be alive.
If you have gotten anime and are worried about the content. This one is very mild. No shown nudity. There is some mild sexual induindos, and some of the marrinots ware scanty clothing in a couple episodes. Also This is a male only planet and one of the humans is constantly being beaten up because he makes passes at the hero.
Over all a great set that is a lot of fun

Good and fun.......2006-11-11

It's the kind of japanese funny anime you expect to see. Like "Irresponsible Captain Tyler".

Also reminds you of Tenchi Muyo without the Hero being a total worthless fighter.

An excellent amalgamation of action and romance, with a golden touch of self-irony.......2006-04-17

All my previous attempts at watching anime were a failure, but one of my friends persuaded me to take just a brief glance at the first episode of Saber Marionette J. Since then, I have been completely enthralled. The series is a pleasant mixture of romance and grave events going on in the background - to be unleashed upon the whole of Terra II in the end. But the thing that distinguishes the series from the average is the catching self-irony, which protects the anime from becoming kitsch. This hilarious humour is much more evident in the first episodes - as the great, complex events slowly unfold, the story gets darker and ever more melodramatic. In fact, it is arguable whether it was a good decision to give it a completely happy ending, after the things that happen (well, at least this way it was possible to continue the series with Saber Marionette J to X). The Japanese voice-actors are great (it is interesting that the main male character Mamiya Otaru is being dubbed by an actress), as well as the animation. The whole series is full with mild erotic content - rather to add to the humorous side of the story than to be serious. The characters are complex and filled-out, though after a while they inevitably start to become increasingly predictable. And that leads to the only attribute of the series I didn't approve of: as the plot progresses, some scenes get soaked up with melodrama, almost to the point of distastefulness. Nevertheless, this is not very bothering, because the unfolding plot and the morale that shines through compensate for it. I would recommend Saber Marionette J to anyone craving for some romance, humour and action, arranged in an enjoyable and consistent way. All in all, the whole series is just very touching. A must-have for old anime-fans, too, though they have probably seen it.

Wonderful Anime wonderful price.......2006-03-26

Saber Marionette J is one of the best anime and in fact it is so good it is a legend hence the title. It is a tried and true story with a twist. The story takes place on a planet where there are no females, just males, and to compensate the men have created androids called marionettes. They are emotionless dolls just designed to look like a woman really. Well our hero Otaru stumbles onto a marionette named Lime that somehow has emotions and the story starts from there, with the hero getting into trouble and Lime getting him out of trouble. Along the way he finds two more marionettes named Cherry and Bloodberry. If you like a lot of action with a little bit of comedy and a touch of romance then this anime is for you. What makes it even more perfect is the great price it is only 44 Dollars for 25 exciting episodes in a single box set. I would recommend it to any fan of anime or anyone who loves a good action series, it is definitly one for your collection.

Saber Marionette J Again: Plasmatic Crisis

Average customer rating:

Saber Marionette J Again: Plasmatic Crisis
Starring: Saber Marionette J Again
Manufacturer: Bandai
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Steel Angel Kurumi - Complete Collection

ASIN: B0001OGV7Q
Release Date: 2002-01-08

Saber Marionette J (Ultimate Collection Box)

Average customer rating:

Limited and complete box set
the english voices are so cool, Furiouss is too stupid
An excellent anime
Saber Marionettes slice and score!!!
The English voices sucks

Saber Marionette J (Ultimate Collection Box)
Starring: Yuka Imai , Megumi Hayashibara , Yuri Shiratori , Akiko Hiramatsu , and Urara Takano
Director: Masami Shimoda
Manufacturer: Bandai
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Anime & Manga | Genres | DVD | Video

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( S ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B0000A59ZC
Release Date: 2003-08-05

Description

Saber Marionette J - Ultimate Collection collects all 25 episodes of Saber Marionette J, all 6 "OVA" episodes of Saber Marionette J Again, and all 26 episodes of Saber Marionette J to X in a boxed set individually autographed by Saber J Character Design Tsukasa Kotobuki. ONLY 5000 pieces made.
Welcome to Japoness, an all male society, where the only females are high performance emotionless androids known as "marionettes". Martial arts student and all around nice guy, Otaru, accidentally discover and wakes a coquettish marionette named Lime. He soon learns that Lime is very different from other marionettes; After waking two more emotion filled marionettes, Cherry and Bloodberry - Otaru and friends will face tough challenges ahead as they battle the evil Faust and his Saber Dolls. Can Otaru rise up to the challenge while teaching the marionettes about human emotions. Part comedy. Part Love Story. All Action. Saber Marionette J, Program Start! DVD EXTRAS: Interviews with Tsukasa Kotobuki, Music Videos, SMJ Databank, Image Gallery, Textless Opening/Endings, Saber Marionette Commercial Collection, Exclusive Man and Machine Video Clip, The Making of Saber Marionette J to X.

Customer Reviews:

Limited and complete box set.......2007-07-03

Very complete box set, with some special features like textless openings and endings, and nice menus, It has the First season (SMJ), the OVA and the second season (SMJ to X).
First season and OVA are in english, spanish and Japanese., the second season is in Jap, and Eng.

the english voices are so cool, Furiouss is too stupid.......2005-10-30

This show has the best combination of all genres in film. It's got action, adventure, comedy, romance, and drama all rolled into one superbly animated package. The plot builds beautifully over the entire series, culminating in an ending that will simply blow you away. Even my friends who aren't into anime loved the series. And I think that says a lot for the quality of SMJ.

An excellent anime.......2005-05-15

The Saber Marionette J Ultimate Collection actually consists of 14 discs in 7 keepcases for the following series:

Saber Marionette J
Saber Marionette J Again
Saber Marionette J to X

The collector's box is individually signed and numbered by co-creator and character designer, Tsukasa Kotobuki, and is limited to 5,000 pieces.

This would have been a true Ultimate Collection, if Bandai could find a way to include "Saber Marionette R" which is licensed by Media-Blasters.

Saber Marionettes slice and score!!!.......2005-04-28

To start off I will be breaking this review into three seperate sections
1)Saber Marionette J
2)Saber Marionette J again
3)Saber MArionette J to X

1)Saber J, was one of the best animes I have ever seen. The story was funny and dramatic. The series made me burst out laughing and brought a tear to my eye. Ounce the story gets going, which is in the second disk, if you have the import version, it just becomes just a solid and wonderful piece art. The english voices, I felt, were fine. Otaru's voice could have been done better and the Japenese voice do sound better, but the english cast does a great job really get into character. All around, Saber J was a fantastic anime and I will whatch it again and again.
-I give Saber Marinette J a 5 out of 5

2)Now moveing on to Saber J again. In this ova version, which occurs after the first series, anybody will quickly relize the voice changes in the cast. Otaru's voice could have been better and Lime's take some getting used to, but as for the rest of the cast there fine. Saber J again still had comedey and dramatic scenes wich made up for the change in the voice cast and turned out to be a good 6 episodes.
-I give Saber Marinette J again a 4 out of 5

3)Saber J to X thou is where this collection goes to crap. The J to X season is all filler episodes up until episode 11 or 12. Ther is some meaning in some of the episodes, but anyone who had seen Saber J would be disappointed. Ounce the series picks up it does better, but yet again the cast changes and this time they ruined Cherry, my favoirte character. On top of that, the animation style and character desighn also changed which, in my opinion, sucked. If I were to recommend the Saber series to a friend I would tell them to only watch Saber J and Saber J again.
-I give Saber Marionette J to X 3 out of 5

All in all the series and collection is a great buy. Just to own one of the 5000 made is cool. I would just keep the second season as a collectors idem and countinue to whatch the first season and ova over and over again. I know I am.

The English voices sucks.......2005-03-04

For those who know spanish, i would recommend listening to the series in spanish or japanese with english subtitles. It's just so much better than the english dialogue. For those who love the series, i would not recommend the English dialogue, listen to the Spanish version, especially the voice of Cherry, She sounds cute!!! This is a MUST HAVE for those who love anime. i give it 2 thumbs up! (Thumbs down for the English dialogue)

Average customer rating:

An excellent amalgamation of action and romance with a golden touch of self-irony
One of the first anime series I collected...
Sabers Rule!!!!
hehe funny
Without a doubt a fantastic story

Saber Marionette J - Collection 1
Starring: Yuka Imai , Megumi Hayashibara , Yuri Shiratori , Akiko Hiramatsu , and Urara Takano
Director: Masami Shimoda
Manufacturer: Bandai
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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General | Animation | Genres | DVD | Video

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Saber Marionette J (Collection 2)
Saber Marionette J (Collection 3)
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Saber Marionette J to X - Program 3

ASIN: B000051S4M
Release Date: 2001-01-23

Amazon.com

This fan-favorite anime TV series, which debuted in Japan in 1996, is a bizarre combination of low-brow double-entendre comedy and truly adventurous science fiction. It unfolds on a distant planet whose human population, sustained by cloning, is entirely male. All the "women" here are lifelike but entirely submissive robots, known as marionettes. The early episodes are fairly conventional, a mix of splashy design elements from the shojo school of anime for girls, and a plot premise lifted from naughty fantasies like Video Girl Ai, which are aimed at horny adolescent males. Here, too, we have a nebbishy teenaged hero, Otaru, fending off the advances of several nubile nonhuman females, a trio of affectionate automatons named Lime, Cherry, and Bloodberry. But this fast-paced series gets richer as it goes along, and slapstick elements are sidelined. It emerges that each of the leading nations on this planet, Terra 2, are theme-park retro-re-creations of dimly remembered Old Earth originals. Our Asian heroes live in Japoness, a pastiche of samurai-era Tokyo, while their Euro-Trash archenemies have molded nearby Garlant into a Soviet-style dictatorship. The nine episodes in this gorgeous double-disc package launch a story arc about the rising tensions between Japoness and Garlant, and pivot upon the discovery that Otaru's trio of marionettes may be a promising new breed: they have been outfitted with "maiden circuits" that seem to generate quasi-human emotions. Females with free will would be a scary novelty on Terra 2 and could shake the place to its foundations. Stay tuned! --David Chute

Description

Welcome to Japoness, an all-male society, where the only females are high-performance emotionless androids known as "marionettes". Martial arts students and all-around nice guy, Otaru, accidentally discovers and wakes a marionette named Lime. He soon learns that Lime is very different from other marionettes; she has emotions! After waking two more emotion-filled marionettes, Cherry and Bloodberry - Otaru faces tough challenges ahead of him as he battles the evil Faust and his Sabre Dolls. Can Otaru rise up to the challenge while teaching the marionettes about human emotions? Get ready for the love comedy of the year!

Customer Reviews:

An excellent amalgamation of action and romance with a golden touch of self-irony.......2006-04-17

One of the first anime series I collected..........2005-02-26

This was one of the first and, frankly, still one of the best. Tenchi Muyo, Hellsing, Trigun, Love Hina and the rest are good. But Lime, Cherry and Bloodberry was my first love among the anime series. The extras with the music videos, hidden easter egg with the interviews, the humor and sometimes touching scenes made the episodes in this set of discs and the other two collections PERFECT. The interaction between the characters and the complex plot, with the stand alone episodes, make it worth the price and open the door to the other series of the Saber Marionette universe. While the other stories set in the same setting are fun, this is the superior of them all. And I happen to be a fan of Tiger! Hubba-hubba!

Sabers Rule!!!!.......2002-07-11

Saber Marionette is definetely one of the best anime out there, if not the best. Loveable Lime, Cherry, and Bloodberry really bring out anime, not to mention Otaru! Anyway, to anyone, I really recommend you buy this fantastic anime! I love you Otaru!

hehe funny.......2002-06-23

I heard really good stuff about this series and I had wanted to purchase it for a long time. I ended up having really high expectations for it, aghhh I tried so hard not to do that, you're just asking to be dissapointed. Lucky for me, I was not let down. Man, this show is hilarious. The first couple episodes, I admit, started out kinda lame. I didn't really like the first marionette he found, Lime. By the third episode tho' I was just like "I LUUUUUV this series". The other robot girls he finds are way cooler than the first and the main character is actually pretty cool himself. That's right, unlike every other anime I can think of where dorky guy that isn't great with girls, is suddenly surrounded by ones that adore him, this guy actually seems worthy of them. He's drawn pretty cute and doesn't have a total doormat personality (tho' he does stand by the typical indecisiveness with his girls, the "i love them all" theory).
I also like his english dubbed voice. Yuck, It sounds like a woman is doing his voice in the japanese version, darn it and I'm just too lazy to find out if it is or not for sure. But anyway it sounds like it and I can't picture him being manly when he sounds so feminine. So that's why I like the dub, it's pretty good. The japanese is awesome too tho', the voice actresses doing Lime and Cherry are really admirable.

So anyway, it takes a couple episodes to get into but this is a great series. All right!, and it come with nine episodes, that's more than enough to get hooked. I greatly recommmend everyone give this show a try. My only regret is now I gotta scrounge up another 90 bucks so I can buy the last two collections ^.^

Without a doubt a fantastic story.......2002-06-15

I already seen the whole series on video tape.And I watched so much that I had to get it on DVD, because the tapes were getting worn. When I first saw it, it grabbed my attention as to how adorable Lime was. And as the other marionettes Cherry and Bloodberry showed up the story got only more interesting and fun. I am in my twenties I must admit and since I was a kid I watched alot of the old animes, but when I saw this one I was thrust back into the whole anime scene. It is one of those stories that hasn't been told like any other, it has comedy and heart-break and alot of suspense, with twists of emotion with the characters, that make you feel like you were right there with them, and wish that you could be a part of it. Not many stories I see where I feel sorry for the villians as much as the heroes, but as the story goes on you come to like all the characters, even the very one minded and irreversibly annoying Mitsurugi Hanagata. if you are a anime fan and have not seen this let alone heard of it you must give this one a shot, I still remember the first time I saw it and I always smile when I watch it since. This has to be one of the best and most unique stories ever told, please don't hesitate to get it. The only thing that I was worried about was that the next set of stories wouldn't match up to the first season. But I was wrong, but that is another review for another time. I really hope that this helped you, and I apologize that I didn't go into more detail but when you get it ( yes I am confident with that ) you will be glad that I didn't, and didn't ruin all the suspense for you. This is definately one for the ages.

Average customer rating:

Saber Marionette J: DVD Collection 3
Starring: Saber Marionette J
Manufacturer: Bandai
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Saber Marionette J: DVD Collection 2

ASIN: B0001OGV94
Release Date: 2001-06-19

Average customer rating:

Saber Marionette J: DVD Collection 2
Starring: Saber Marionette J
Manufacturer: Bandai
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Saber Marionette J: DVD Collection 3

ASIN: B0001OGV8A
Release Date: 2001-04-17

Average customer rating:

The Redemption of Otaru; and This Series

Saber Marionette J to X - Program 3
Starring: Yuka Imai , Megumi Hayashibara , Yuri Shiratori , Akiko Hiramatsu , and Urara Takano
Director: Masami Shimoda
Manufacturer: Bandai
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Anime & Manga | Genres | DVD | Video

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( S ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B00006ADCP
Release Date: 2002-08-20

Customer Reviews:

The Redemption of Otaru; and This Series.......2002-09-15

Saber Marionette J to X Program Three takes the story back to where it should be: away from the filler episodes of the previous volumes and into a cohesive story. Elements displayed ing the series opening become clearer, and a new tale of intrigure begins. The threat to Terra II's security is revealed, and SMJ veterans can expect to see homages to previous events and cameos by some minor, older, characters. The tone of the series does a 180, turning away from the earlier happy/bouncy feel with a series of genuinely surprising plot twists and some shocking violence. This volume charts the course for episodes to come. This volume redeems SMJtoX from some of its blander early moments, and restores one's faith in the series. Reccomended to any fan of the original. The adventure continues!

Average customer rating:

An Excellent Volume With a Slow Start
Truely wonderful anime!
A little somethign different
My favorite series of all-time... The story continues...
Mission Impossible!

Saber Marionette J (Collection 2)
Starring: Yuka Imai , Megumi Hayashibara , Yuri Shiratori , Akiko Hiramatsu , and Urara Takano
Director: Masami Shimoda
Manufacturer: Bandai
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Anime & Manga | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Animation | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( S ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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Saber Marionette J (Collection 3)
Saber Marionette J - Collection 1
Saber Marionette J Again - Plasmatic Crisis Collection (Vols 1-3)
Saber Marionette J to X, Program One

ASIN: B000056OX6
Release Date: 2001-03-06

Amazon.com

The bizarre premise of this fan-favorite anime TV series gave it plenty of room to grow, leaving behind the mildly suggestive sitcom farce of its early episodes in favor of real suspense and imaginative science fiction extrapolation, elements that come increasingly to the fore in this second set of eight episodes. After wrapping up the first phase of the Japoness versus Garlant story arc elaborated in the first collection, our goof-ball hero Otaru and his nubile robot companions take a breather and confront some pressing personal issues. The most important new wrinkle is the budding humanity of Otaru's three love-struck "marionettes," Lime, Cherry, and Bloodberry, experimental models outfitted with emotion-generating "maiden circuits." We now learn that these bio-engineered circuits have the capacity to learn and evolve, perhaps toward full-fledged human autonomy. It is suggested that with their help the all-male human settlements on Terra 2 (which for generations have been sustained only by cloning) may finally be able to reproduce again the old-fashioned way; in time they could even overcome the stagnant nostalgia that has turned every society on the planet into a retro theme-park copy of a dimly remembered Old Earth original. Presumably we'll have to wait for the next collection to learn if this promise of rebirth ever comes fully to fruition. Don't touch that dial! --David Chute

Description

Otaru and his Saber Marionettes have been asked to infiltrate Gartlant and put a stop to Fausi's evil plans. But even the combined strength, speed, and courage of the Marionettes may not be enough. After all, the Saber Dolls are just as devoted to Faust as the Marionettes are to Otaru. Danger takes a back seat to love as Lime, Cherry and Bloodberry continue to try and win Otaru's affection and live "happily ever after," with some hilarious results. But how can there be a happy end when before one threat is even defeated, another looms on the horizon? And Otaru learns the secrets of the Maiden Circuits and how truly important Lime, Cherry, and Bloodberry are the future of all Terra II!

Customer Reviews:

An Excellent Volume With a Slow Start.......2003-07-29

I found out about this series from a shrine to one of the main characters, Lime, entitled 'Defective'. The show looked cute, and so I bought the first volume of nine episodes. It started off slow, but ended very well.

This volume is much the same. The first episode, while entertaining and possessing some truly memorable moments, gives way to the second, leaving the responsibility of closing up the Invasion of Gartlant plot thread. However, the second episode turns out be total garbage freeing our heroes from a cliffhanger with a childish deux ex machina, contradicting the previous episode and offering a plot device quickly rendered useless, and then solving the major dilemma of the mini-story with one big tasteless potty joke. I almost stopped watching right then and there in disgust; and the third episode didn't sway me from this...while good enough, it contained a brief nude bit (although seen from the back, so you don't see anything really hugely objectionable) that normally would have been acceptable, but after the previous episode came off as being in rather poor taste.

Fortunately, it picked up from there. The fourth episode was rather touching, if somewhat cliche, as Otaru gets swept up in his newfound fame and leaves his old friends behind before realizing the mistake he's made, and the fifth is *hilarious*, in which there is a Marionette Judging contest for the new year in which Lime, Cherry, and Bloodberry compete for Otaru's attentions...not knowing the other entries are the Sabor Dolls, who have been sent with much the same goal! It's a completely ridiculous and hilarious episode, in which the Saber Dolls are forced to act hilariously unlike their usual, mercenary selves. The sixth is a wonderful, serious episode in which the Saber Marionettes struggle between their programmed devotion to Otaru in comparison to the morals they have learned in the past months, and the seventh is touching...not for what it says about the Show's Guest Star, a pet squirrel, but for what is says about Lime.

And the final episode of this volume is just, to put it simply, amazingly, awesomely perfectly AWESOME and beautiful and touching and wonderful and...and...well, just spectacular.

All in all, I recommend this disc highly...the horrible second episode and the somewhat lackluster third try to bring it down, but the episodes following make up for it.

Truely wonderful anime!.......2001-11-06

I have watched a great deal of anime and of all the shows I have seen I have to say this is a truely great anime. You won't be disappointed, that is if you like anime at all.

A little somethign different.......2001-07-29

The first set of DVD's for this series was hilarious, but the second DVD seems to go for a more theological and emotional aspect. the first DVD in this set is quiet amusing, but by the time the second disc starts, it's obvious some heavy stuff is coming our way.

First DVD: The battle to destroy Gartlant's super computer ends, in a shocking way. On the way home, our hero's (plus Hanagota) find an old hot spring, and spend a day relaxing. When he gets home, Otaru is treated as a celebrity for his actions agaisnt Faust.

Second DVD: A much more mature feel to it. Though the first episdoe is funny, with the Marrionette's participating in a beauty contest (Faust's dolls also compete)the other three episodes have a much deeper feel to them, showing a more human side to all the Marrionette's especially Lime.

A good in between DVD. Having seen the whole SMJ series, I would definiteyl say it is a good filler between the first and third DVD sets.

My favorite series of all-time... The story continues..........2001-06-04

On this DVD you can find episodes 10 to 17 of Saber Marionette J. Saber Marionette consists of Saber Marionette J (TV series, 25 episodes), Saber Marionette J Again (OVA, or direct-to-video release, 6 episodes) and Saber Marionette J to X (TV series, 25 episodes plus one "special" episode, not aired on Japanese TV but instead released as an OVA).

The first few episodes in this DVD will show you how the adventures in Gartlant turned out. The middle episodes allow for some fun to be had, and some character development for Lime, Cherry, Bloodberry and Otaru. In episodes 15, 16 and 17, Saber Marionette J starts the turn from funny, light comedy, to serious, heavy-hitting drama. But not an "overdone" drama, there are always funny moments, especially with Hanagata.

What I've always like the most of Saber Marionette J, and what makes it my all-time favorite (followed only, and very closely, by Saber Marionette J to X... and J Again but not as close) are the "serious", dramatic episodes. I'm a very emotional person, and there is nothing I've seen on any other anime series as beautiful and tear inducing as the last episodes of Saber Marionette J. Most of those episodes will be on DVD Collection 3, but on Collection 2, the change can be felt. You'll get to understand some of the characters a great deal more... After you've seen some of these episodes, go back to Collection 1, and watch carefully... I bet you'll see some things you hadn't noticed before...

As for nudity, as with Saber Marionette in general, there is almost none. Well... there's only one moment when you'll get to see Otaru naked, but from the back, but it's a VERY funny moment, and it's not done in an "improper" way. Oh... and you'll see Bloodberry with not that much clothes on, for about 10 seconds, but again, is not done in an "offending" way, and is all in good fun. The "rating" for Saber Marionette is "13 and Up", I believe, but I myself would show it to anyone... Parts of the plot may be hard to understand for the very little ones, but I'm sure they'll like everything else.

As for the DVD, the quality is great. The picture quality is crystal-clear. Contrary to what happened with Collection 1, I've yet to hear of problems with DVD players failing to play the discs correctly. My brother tried it on his Playstation 2, and he told me it worked OK. I've had no problems whatsoever on my computer's DVD player.

This time around, you'll get as an extra a music video of Cherry. The music used for the video is the ending song "I'll be there". Like with Lime's video, turn-on the subtitles and pump up the volume!!! The video is very nicely done.

If by strange circumstances, you still don't have Collection 1, I'll tell you that the Saber Marionette DVD is trilingual and the voice acting in general is very nicely done. The languages are Japanese, English and Spanish. I've listened to all of the audio tracks and like them all. My favorite is the Spanish track. If you understand Spanish, let me tell you that Saber Marionette's Spanish dub is one of the best Spanish dubs I've ever heard. Totally cool. However, all audio tracks are well done.

If you already own Saber Marionette J DVD Collection 1, you probably will buy this one. I've seen all of the episodes already, and you won't regret getting Collection 2. If you don't already have Collection 1... Why not? Saber Marionette J is a great anime!!!

Mission Impossible!.......2001-03-09

The 2nd volume of Saber Marionette J contains 2 DVDs like those seen in the Outlaw Star DVDs. I like these collections rather than buying 6 or 8 DVDs for the number of episodes that some series have.

Saber Marionette J is a 25 episode series. It is followed by an OAV titled, Saber Marionette J Again (Containing 6 episodes). Then the series is followed by Saber Marionette J-X, another TV series.

A basic summary of the events of this DVD are that it continues from where the first one left off (obviously). They have a mission to infiltrate Gartlant. Just more adventures of the Otaru Mamiya and his trio of Marionette Dolls. You get more attached to the characters as the series goes on.

Amazon.com

This six-part OVA serves as a bridge between Saber Marionette J (1995) and Saber Marionette J to X (1998). It repeats the weirdly sexist setup from the earlier series: decidedly female-looking robots called Marionettes take the place of women on Terra II. The first three episodes play as a sort of domestic comedy, with Faust sending his three Marionettes, Tiger, Panther, and Luchs, to learn about domesticity from Otaru's crew of Lime, Cherry, and Bloodberry. In the woods, Lime meets the mysterious and powerful Marionette Marine, who joins their household. The story darkens in the second trio of episodes, as a once-every-80,000-years "Plasma Storm" threatens to destroy Terra II. The dangers are increased via a weird subplot in which the nasty president of New Texas tries to capture Marine using "liquid metal" cyborgs lifted from Terminator 2. Much of J Again plays like a very un-PC cross between Tenchi and Slayers. The Marionettes all love Otaru and desire only to please him, although it's not clear why. Unlike Tenchi or Akito in Nadesico, Otaru never displays the good heart or hidden powers that would make him worth all the bother. The series offers lots of "fan service" jiggle shots, and there's a running gag involving Hanagata, a gay guy who makes passes at Otaru, only to get punched out by him--all of which will probably delight many adolescent boys, the obvious audience for the discs. Suggested for ages 13 and up: Sexual humor, violence, partial nudity, alcohol use, mild profanity. --Charles Solomon

Customer Reviews:

Nice edition, and special features.......2007-07-03

Nice edition, This is the OVA, after the first part Saber Marionette J. It has Textless openings and ending, and an art gallery. Nice images, 2 DVDs and a guide.

They're BACK!.......2005-02-26

Right when you thought things would calm down, a series of events shake things up. First, Faust sends Tiger,Panther and Luchs to Otaru, Lime, Cherry and Bloodberry for help. It's hoped that Lorelei can repair Tiger and the other Dolls can learn manners from Otaru. Second, a new Marionette appears, Marine, who seems to dislike men and has no memory of her past.
Third, there seems to be a danger greater than the Marionettes have ever faced before. A danger that threatens the whole planet and even with Faust's help they may not defeat it.
Great link between J an J-X. And Wendee Lee is Luchs' English voice. YEAH!

saber fans.......2003-01-04

if you like girls this is it, if you like androids this is it, If you like laughs and love this is it, otaru,lime,cherry and bloodberry are the best anime that ever existed for family and friends. Totaly recommend this for adolecents ages 10-100 this is my personal rating and dads and moms this is the best gift for your sons and daughters that are growing and need sexual education and attention. This will unlock your children shyness and bring more confidence thanks to lime and her other saber marionette friends.

Saber Marionette Rules!.......2002-07-11

Saber Marionette is a top-notch anime! This fits with the first 3 DVDs, and is absolutely wonderful. The new marionette Marine has brought a new person into my site 'The Goddess of Anime'. I recommend this DVD whole heartedly.

A nice link between two great series.......2002-05-09

I've always liked these series since I watched them on TV. I was amazed on how addictive they can be.

This Program 26 is a very good link between series and a "must see" to understand the first episodes of Saber Marionette J to X. It's a new story that explains how Tiger got up and was repaired. The character design is very similar to the J to X series, the same fresh and younger look.

If you liked Saber Marionette J as much as I did you'll surely enjoy watching this one.

A MUST BUY for SMJ and SMJX fans all over the world.

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