Amazon Unbox, the video download service of Amazon.com, has announced a limited-time free download of the first episode of several series in their Anime Store. This coincides with the recent expansion of the number of series they carry, and the move allows viewers to sample some shows they might not have seen before.

Three distributors are providing this opportunity: VIZ, FUNimation, and Manga Entertainment. As well as free first episodes for some series, other shows are being offered at a 30% discount for a complete season. Both VIZ and FUNimation specify that this is a limited-time offer, and the deals end soon.

In fact, the three series offered by VIZ – Naruto, Bleach, and Death Note – are only available for free downloads until January 31, so if you’d like to try these episodes, you’ll need to do it quickly.

FUNimation doesn’t mention a specific cutoff date, but it’s probably wise to download their episodes sooner rather than later as well. The series they offer are Afro Samurai, Basilisk, Speed Grapher, Solty Rei, and Samurai 7.

Manga Entertainment is featuring Astro Boy and Street Fighter II V, for their free downloads. And while they don’t suggest a particular time limit – why wait?

Rather than buying or renting a whole DVD, and only then realizing the show is not for you, this is a great chance to get a taste of a new series and invest your time and money where you’ll find the most enjoyment.