The English release features a 5.1 Surround Sound track, which reviewers noted does the action sequences more justice than the Japanese 2.0 Stereo track.

Some viewers found the original Japanese cast sounded as if they were "reading off scripts," whereas the English cast consists of industry veterans who bring more life to the characters.

Frequent "unnecessary nudity" and fan service led to a TV-MA rating, which some felt limited its potential. The protagonist, Cecily, is sometimes viewed as a generic lead lacking deep ambition.

Shepard portrays the cold, titular blacksmith. Reviewers note his performance is consistent with the "brooding craftsman" archetype.

The overall reception of the show (regardless of format) is polarized:

“I gave the dub a spin and it was acceptable enough, with solid, if somewhat predictable English voice actor performances.” myReviewer.com The Sacred Blacksmith (TV Series 2009) - IMDb