DVD
Region 1
2004 Remastered edition
AnimEigo's remastered edition really delivers in terms of content and quality. I plan on doing a more in-depth review, but for now, here's a quick overview of the set:
This is a four disc box set with remastered video. Episodes are evenly spread out, two per disc. Unlike the previous release, the discs used here are double layered (DVD-9) which means more space and higher quality for the video. The video has been cleaned up and episodes are noticeably sharper and brighter than before. When comparing with the previous release, I noticed there is sometimes slightly more picture on the top and left sides of the frame but minor cropping on the bottom. Unlike the M2K release, it is great to see the original Japanese end credits were kept and are now presented with subtitles.
The music videos are included as well as some new extras, the Holiday in Bali special, a couple of episode promos, artwork, interview notes with the creators, and extensive liner notes.
This is a worthy upgrade for existing collectors. And if you are new to the series, well, this is currently the way to go!
2000-Megaseries
The series was rereleased by Multimedia 2000 in a more traditional style box set in 2000. This set includes the complete 2032 & 2033 Hurricane Live music videos on a 4th disc.
Video: The episodes are spread across 3 DVDs. Episodes 1-3 on disc 1, 4-6 on disc 2, and 7-8 on disc 3. Video presentation is very good, although I have not directly compared with the tapes or laserdiscs. I will point out that this version uses the redone English end credits. It would have been preferable if the original Japanese credits were kept in tact and subtitled in English or if the English credits were presented separately afterwards. All episodes are in the original 1.33:1 aspect ratio. Ample chapter stops for each episode.
Audio: Your choice of Japanese or English audio in Dolby Digital 2.0. All episodes default to English audio.
Subtitles: English and French subtitles. AnimEigo's translation is top notch and so is the presentation. Subtitles are color coded to differentiate when people are singing or when two people are speaking at the same time. A couple of helpful translation notes occasionally appear. I thought subtitles were timed well.
Extras: This set is certainly packed with extras. Disc 1 contains DVD-ROM content, including an artwork gallery and liner notes. Disc 3 includes four music videos, "Rock Me," "Mad Machine," "Soldier of Roses," and "Victory." There is also a gallery which plays to "Victory." The 4th disc includes the complete Hurricane Live, 13 videos in total, all subtitled. You can watch the music videos continuously or choose from a list.
Menu: Menus are easy to navigate and show a view of Sylia in her hardsuit as seen through a hardsuit helmet. Simple panning animation and sound effects. Simple and to the point.
Packaging: The DVDs are packaged in regular snap cases along with an outer cardboard slipcover. There is some cool artwork of the Knight Sabers with a rock band theme.
Aside from the removal of the Japanese end credits, overall, this is an excellent set.
Note: these discs were also sold individually.
1998-Collector's Edition
In North America, the Bubblegum Crisis "Collector's Edition" was released in 1998 under the Multimedia 2000 label. This edition contains the entire series in a 3-disc set packaged in an oversized cardboard box. Inside, the discs came in unlabeled jewel cases with no inserts. In fact, it looked more like a computer software package than a DVD set! However, despite the rather unpractical packaging, the set was high quality and quite significant for fans as it was released when DVDs were still relatively new on the market. It offered a choice of both Japanese & English audio and English subtitles.