Discotek Media bringing 2014 live-action Lupin III film to Blu-ray in 2025!
Announced as part of Discotek Media’s recent live stream event, Lupin fans in the United States will soon be able to get their hands on a new HD home video release of the “classic” 2014 live action Lupin III film, directed by Ryuhei Kitamura.
As the first official live-action adaptation of the franchise since 1974, the 2014 film stars Shun Oguri as Lupin III, Meisa Kuroki as Fujiko Mine, Tetsuji Tamayama as Daisuke Jigen, Gō Ayano as Goemon Ishikawa XIII, and recent Golden Globe award winner Tadanobu Asano as Koichi Zenigata. Supporting cast includes Jerry Yan as Michael Lee, Kim Joon as Pierre, Rhatha Phongam as Miss V, and many others.
The films’ theme song, "Trick Attack", is composed and performed by Tomoyasu Hotei of Kill Bill fame. Monkey Punch was involved in the production of the film, and also makes a brief cameo, joining Lupin and the gang on a plane ride.
The film has been released on DVD and Blu-ray in countries outside of Japan previously, however, this is the first time it has been licenced by Discotek Media. It looks to be the most comprehensive version of the film yet, including both Japanese language and the original multi-lingual dubbed audio. A myriad of extras, including trailers, commercials, liner notes, and artwork is also set to be bundled alongside the film.
Ultimately, if you’ve been familiar with the Lupin franchise for a while, there’s a high chance this film disappointed you on release. The pacing feels off, and the new characters introduced by the film failed to make an impression. Its biggest saving grace however is the performance of the main five cast members - all embody the spirit of the Lupin gang to an impressive degree, and it’s worth a watch for that alone. Tetsuji Tamayama even reprised his role as Jigen for Amazon Prime Video’s Jigen Daisuke, a far more competent film.
More details on this home video release will be posted as they become available - stay tuned!
