Just came out a few days ago; I’ve only seen a few episodes, but so far so good. Looking through the list of episodes, this strikes me as the first really “modern” season of the show; there’s a very different sensibility from the first 6 or 7 seasons. I don’t say that in a bad way, but things like the X-Files show and the Globex/Scorpio episode would not have fit into earlier seasons.
Thoughts?
I decided a while back that season 8 would probably be the last Simpsons DVD set I’d buy. I’ve got a spot on the shelf where it will fit nicely. I wanted to get the episode where Johnny Cash is the coyote - I still haven’t seen that one - but as far as I’ve read/heard, the show kind of starts going downhill after this point.
I might wait a couple of months and hope that someone gets it for my birthday. 
I’m enjoying it. On the third disc, I think. I’m something of a completist, so I don’t know if I’ll ever stop buying seasons. I’ve only seen the show on DVD, so I have no knowledge of if or when the show goes downhill.
I’ve been looking at this, too, and I have a few thoughts about it:
I never realized how cartoony “The Springfield Files” was compared to other Simpsons episodes- or if I did, I never really thought about it. It’s entertaining, but most of the gags seem like they belong in a Looney Tune rather than a Simpsons episode. It’s amazing this episode was written by veteran writers Al Jean & Mike Reiss (one of four episodes they wrote freelance while working at Disney- “Simpsoncalif…” was the other one that aired in Season 8. “Lisa’s Sax” and “Simpson Tide” aired in Season 9).
I never thought about this one either, but 'El Viaje Misterioso de Nuestro Jomer" may be one of the best, if not the best, episodes ever. Not only is the plot good, but the jokes are funny, the animation during Homer’s pepper-induced hallicination is glorious, and Johnny Cash as the coyote is just great (I love the way he says “Sorry, I am a coyote” after knawing on Homer’s leg).
“In Marge We Trust” may be one of the few episodes in which the B-story is more entertaining than the A-story. The plot involving Reverend Lovejoy’s jealousy over Marge’s popularity in the church is enjoyable (and only The Simpsons would end a story about a reverend being usurped from his position by relocating the action to a train filled with baboons), but let’s face it, Mr. Sparkle steals the show. (And I never saw Sixteen Candles, but I had heard of it- I had no idea the guy who answers the phone in the Mr. Sparkle factory was voiced by the guy who played Long Duk Dong. Hello chief, let’s talk why not?) Get out of here, all of you. This is no place for loafers. Join me or die. Can you do any less?
In his essay “Who Wants Candy?” in the book Leaving Springfield- Robert Sloane points out that three episodes this season- “The Itchy & Scratchy & Poochie Show,” “Homer’s Enemy,” and “The Simpsons Spin-off Showcase”- all criticize The Simpsons in one way or another. The first and last on the list poke fun at the idea that the show has been on the air for eight years and perhaps will eventually end. I don’t think anyone expected the series to run for ten years afterwards- and it’s amazing that even though there have been a few misfires over the years, there are at least two episodes for every bad one. (Oh, and congratulations on the Emmy for 'The Seemingly Never-Ending Story," guys!)
On the Itchy & Scratchy CD-ROM, is there any way to get out of the dungeon without using the wizard’s key?
I agree, although unfortunately I haven’t seen it in years. One of their most creative and best-animated episodes. If I could rank Simpsons episodes, I’m sure Viaje would be in my top 3 or 5.