I have tried to reboot from the Windows 8 Install DVD so that I can access the repair link, but have not been able to force the VM to boot from it. I have tried Esc, changing the boot device to no avail. Do you know of another way to force the VM to boot from the attached DVD?
Have a look at: 
Select a Startup Device
How can I tell if the disk issue is a VM problem or a Win problem?
I already mentioned using vmware-vdiskmanager! 
Have a look at: Repairing a sparse virtual disk in Fusion (1023888)