Catch-up: New TV Specials licensed in US & more!

Post date: Dec 7, 2014 3:49:00 AM

Sorry for the slow updates, folks. There's been plenty to be busy with here at HQ. Let's get on with the news!

Discotek Media announces Lupin the Third: From Russia With Love for US release, as Lupin the Third: Bank of Liberty

The "Bank of Liberty" title has been around for over a decade as part of TMS' (and previously, NTV's) international animation catalog (proof). From Russia With Love as its English title, despite being a completely accurate translation of the Japanese title (Roshia yori Ai wo Komete), is off-limits in English-speaking countries thanks to the famous James Bond film of the same name from which the Japanese title was obviously lifted. Full disclosure: though I will likely be working on the English release, my personal desire that the film's English title should be something different from Bank of Liberty (a personal favorite being From Rasputin With Love) does not mean it will be any different in the end product.

Discotek Media also acquires Lupin the Third: Napoleon's Dictionary for 2015 US release

The 1991 TV special, Steal Napoleon's Dictionary , will come to the States as Lupin the Third: Napoleon's Dictionary on January 27th, 2015. The DVD includes liner notes, a collection of the original TV commercials, and a brand-new audio commentary recorded by anime gurus Daryl Surat and Mike Toole. I've heard the commentary and it's a great mix of comedy, critique, and knowledge-dropping. A very entertaining way to re-watch the special, which appeared to have a troubled development, judging by its animation.

The Tombstone of Daisuke Jigen out on Blu-ray and DVD in Japan

The film has released on home video overseas, and judging from importing viewers, the general consensus on its quality seems to be that there is no general consensus. It hasn't had the overwhelming praise of Koike's Redline, but on Twitter and elsewhere, opinions have ranged between only fairly pleased, disappointed, and somewhat impressed by it. I understand the art style and animation are excellent but that it is far from revolutionary. I have yet to watch it myself, but will look forward to having the opportunity down the line. With Fujiko TV's moderate success as a dubbed production, let's hope for a North American localization down the road.

Castle of Cagliostro DVD re-issue special features revealed

Discotek Media has revealed the final list of special features for the Castle of Cagliostro 35th anniversary re-release, coming later this month (December 23rd, to be exact...a week and one day after the film's Japanese debut 35 years ago). Here it is:

• 1992 Streamline English dub (the classic English dub many older Lupin fans were weaned on)

• 2000 Manga Entertainment English dub (the Manga Video dub that early-DVD-era fans were exposed to, uncut and in 5.1 DD surround)

• 2000 Family Friendly English dub (a brand-new 2.0 stereo edit of the Manga dub, excising nearly all cursing along with other minor audio tweaks)

• All-new English subtitle translation (all-new subtitles by experienced translator Shoko Oono)

• 1980 Theatrical subtitle restoration (thorough restoration of the original English subtitled version of the film; details here)

• Commentary with Reed Nelson (full-length audio commentary with newly researched making-of and behind-the-scenes details and quotes)

• Original Trailers (high-quality versions of the original theatrical trailers for the film)

• Opening and Endings Collection (various versions of the opening and ending sequences from previous releases)

• Translation notes (insights about the film's translation, compiled by Reed Nelson and translator Shoko Oono)

Discotek also reminded us that the film's opening credits are the uncensored, original Japanese version.

Any additional questions you might have about the new DVD have either been previously answered on the unofficial Castle of Cagliostro tumblr blog or on Discotek's own Facebook page, but there will likely be an FAQ about it soon before the release either here or on the Lupin III Encyclopedia Forum.

More news to come!