Originally Posted by
ksandness
However, if you really, really want to see original Japanese releases of anime, you can buy a region-free DVD player online (or find out if the model you own is hackable) and buy to your heart's content.
Be forewarned, though. DVDs, CDs, and other recorded media (dating back to cassette tapes) are far more expensive in Japan than elsewhere and always have been. Unless it's something that you've just gotta have or that you're sure will never be released outside of Japan, go ahead and buy it. Just be ready to pay much more for it than you're used to paying for a DVD.
Just to expand on the expense of anime on DVD- in Japan, many anime releases are 1-2 episodes per volume (even for 30-min shows) and the cost per disc is higher than an American release with 4-5 episodes per volume. In other words, make sure you
really like the show first! I got the whole Macross series on DVD in Japan, non subbed, before Harmony Gold settled all the rights issues in the US. It was three boxes, unrestored. Beautiful packaging, but it cost a few hundred dollars overall... just one example for you.
There are some Japanese live action movies on DVD that have English subtitles (though generally not for special features), its worth checking out. You can go to cdjapan.co.jp to get more info.