CrossRoads:
Yes, you will need 180 to 220 ohm current limit resistors, 1 for each segment.
You will need 100nF caps, one for each shift register's Vcc pin.
You will need a ULN2003 to buffer the common cathode signals - each cathode will have up to 160mA flowing thru it if all 8 segments are on.
The shift register, or arduino pin, will source current into the anode segments, the ULN2003 will sink current.
So thats about 13 resistors then? Is this the buffer I am looking for?