Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to all of our readers!
Whether you're sitting down to marathon Lupin III: Part 5, catching up on that one TV special you somehow missed or are simply trawling Twitter in search for the latest Lupin III: The First animated GIF’s - no matter how you're celebrating it, we hope you have an amazing entry into 2020!
From the release of two brand new specials and a feature length 3DCG film, to the unfortunate passing of Kazuhiko Katō back in April, 2019 has been a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs for fans of Lupin III.
With the new year fast approaching, we wanted to take a moment to think about what could be in store for Lupin and the gang in 2020.
Find below our top five things we would like to see from the Lupin franchise in 2020. Please feel free to leave a comment with your own at the bottom of this article, or by posting over on social media!
Lupin III: The First releases abroad!
Look up into the heavens and yell with all of your might - we want Lupin III: The First!
The first feature length 3DCG film has already released in Japan, with it also due to hit Italy, Spain and Brazil during the first half of 2020.
We would love to see it come to other countries, too. The U.S, U.K, Russia, France, Germany, etc - the more the merrier!
The 3D animated film seems to be a very safe take on the Lupin formula, and as a result would potentially make it an ideal starting point for new viewers. The popularity of 3D animation around the world goes hand in hand with the film's gorgeous, eye catching looks. It makes sense TMS push this one abroad, and we have our fingers crossed that they do!
The Castle of Cagliostro comes to 4K Blu-ray!
Characters and above image owned by TMS and NTV. Packaging design by Brady Hartel and Discotek Media.
The Hayao Miyazaki classic has had its fair share of releases over the years - however, it's Discotek Media that hold the crown for the most comprehensive one yet!
This is arguably Discotek's finest release to date, with multiple dubs, special features, artwork galleries and more. It's an absolute labor of love, and we cannot wait to see it release on Blu-ray in 4K HDR next year in the U.S!
A fourth entry into the Lupin the IIIRD spin-off films!
Characters and above image owned by TMS and NTV.
Revisiting Jigen's Gravestone, Goemon's Blood Spray and Fujiko’s Lie for Lupin Central's Koike month back in November was an absolute treat and has left us hungry for more.
While it may be a tiny bit too soon for the release of a fourth, the tease at the end of Fujiko’s Lie confirms that - regardless of what form it takes - more Lupin the IIIRD content is on the way.
We're still longing for an Inspector Zenigata film or spin-off show set in this timeline. Who knows what the New Year will bring?
More Discotek Media home video announcements!
Characters and above image owned by TMS and NTV. Packaging design by Brady Hartel and Discotek Media.
Discotek Media are a Godsend when it comes to home video releases in the U.S.
We're weeks away from the release date of the final Part II DVD set, and a little after that we'll have our hands on the 2010 TV special, The Last Job.
It's clear Discotek have strong plans heading into 2020, and we're eager to find out what is next in terms of their Lupin III content. What specials will they pick up next - perhaps Goodbye Partner and Prison of the Past? Will Fujiko’s Lie finally get that DVD and Blu-ray version it so deserves?
Heck - after the Part II set is complete, will we finally see a home video release of Part III in the U.S? We can only dream…
Our eyes are on you, Discotek! We cannot wait to see what is next.
Lupin III: Part 6!
Characters and above image owned by TMS and NTV.
Lupin III: Part IV was an incredible return to form for our favourite thief, with amazing one shot episodes, a stylish new look and plenty of classic humour.
Lupin III: Part 5 had a more refined overarching storyline, with some memorable new additions to the cast and all round stellar writing / character development.
Fans are undoubtedly eager to find out what's next. Part 5 left viewers with plenty of questions, and we would love to see some answers.
No matter the jacket colour, we hope the next chapter in the long running series of Lupin TV shows surprises us and manages to do something new. Fingers crossed for a 2020 reveal!
And that's our list!
Lupin Central will now be taking a short break, until the second week of January.
Characters and above image owned by TMS and NTV.
We can't wait to start 2020 with a bang. Regardless of what is in store for the franchise next year, you can rest assured knowing that Lupin Central will have plenty of exciting content! Keep your eyes peeled over on our various social media channels for more details - or simply stay tuned to the website to see the posts as they happen.
Happy holidays and we hope everybody has a crazy pink New Year - see you in 2020!
Characters and above image owned by TMS and NTV.
