The release isn't perfect. however I try to put things in perspective:
mid-90's More than $100 for garbage-quality VHS tapes of the entire series (usually 8 or 9 tapes depending on what bootlegger you bought from)
2006 -BCI Eclipse DVD Sets -These I want to say, were between $35-40 each when they first came out so most people probably spent between $70-80. The packaging on these I have to say was pretty awesome, standard slim cases for the time, but definitely secure, and the English dub was included, quality was pretty good all things considered. This was also my first opportunity to see the series in its entirety in Japanese, as opposed to a handful of episodes I had seen at conventions etc...
I never got Mill Creeks first release from 2009. I did gift it to a couple of friends actually
. At $10, you cant beat that. These were casual fans that hadn't seen the show in approximately 25 years, so they were thrilled. I did hear of some serious QC issues from fans online, but I cant specify to them since I've never actually watched anything form that set.
Now we are getting the entire series, on BRD for roughly $20 (Like I said I got mine for $18 and its arriving today!) The lack of English dubs is a bit disappointing, but I'm keeping BCI's release for just that purpose. I'm kind of surprised Mill Creek just didn't throw in their previous el-cheapo dvd release as a *free bonus* or something
But considering in Japan, a similar release would go for more than 10x what we are paying, and
NOT include subs, or access to the series on a digital streaming platform, I'd say it was a pretty good deal. I mean, let's be honest. I'm just as down on the Criterion Godzilla BRD set as some are, but if that thing was half the price (around $80), there would be fewer complaints. I'm sure that's why several of us are waiting for the B&N sale for that one.
There are no more good TV Shows, only ones that haven't disappointed me yet.