Monkey News - Blu-ray's for days
Welcome to Monkey News, your weekly news update for everything Lupin III.
This week is a bit of a North American special, as licensing and distribution company Discotek Media have announced a whole heap of new titles as part of its media panel on the 14th of September, 2020.
If you’re into your anime, there are a lot of exciting new releases planned from Discotek - and while we will be covering the Lupin III content here, there is a lot more on offer (including a blu-ray release of The Rose of Versailles, City Hunter, Space Adventure COBRA, Urusei Yatsura and some of the recent Case Closed films to name only a few).
You can check out the Discotek Media Twitter account for all the details - but for now, let’s take a look through whats in the works concerning our favourite thieves!
Discotek announce The Woman Called Fujiko Mine on Blu-ray!
The 2012 released spin-off series is once again coming to home video in 2021 - but this time from Discotek!
The series was originally released in North America by FUNimation, who also provided an English language dub starring some of the original Pioneer / Geneon voice talent. That dub will also be intact here, as both English and Japanese language versions will come bundled as part of the Discotek release.
While there has been no word on special features, the Japanese language version is said to have tweaked subtitles, potentially providing an even better experience than that included on the FUNimation set.
Below is a quick teaser clip for the show, showcasing the English language version.
Knowing that Discotek have continued to pump out releases to the highest of quality, we think there will be a reason to own both sets if you already have the FUNimation one. Pick it up in 2021!
Tokyo Crisis is also coming to Blu-ray in North America during 2021!
Memories of Flame: Tokyo Crisis, the tenth Lupin III TV special is coming to 1080p Blu-ray in North America next year.
The 1998 special is set to include its original FUNimation English language dub, which was included as part of the originial DVD release of the film in North America back in the early to mid 2000’s. The original Japanese language version will also be included.
Packaging for the release is already complete, and can be seen below. The box inlet, shown in the center picture, doubles up as a miniature poster - so if you fancy pinning Michael Suzuki’s ugly mug up onto your wall, you can!
This is perhaps one of the highest rated Lupin III TV specials and is many peoples favourite. If you’re living in North America, definitely pick this one up once it releases in 2021!
The Secret of Twilight Gemini gets new details!
As previously announced by Discotek Media, the eighth Lupin III TV special The Secret of Twilight Gemini will be getting a 1080p Blu-ray release in North America this November.
A few new details regarding the films release were revealed at the panel on Monday - including the packaging artwork (shown below) and the inclusion of an optional TV-PG version of the film, with minor edits made to female characters clothing.
A short clip showcasing the films restoration and new look can be seen below. This is undoubtedly the best the film has ever looked - at least outside of Japan!
Catch The Secret of Twilight Gemini once it releases in North America this November. You can pre-order the film ahead of its release over on RightStuf Anime today.
… and don’t forget, The Pursuit of Harimao’s Treasure comes to Blu-ray in October!
While no new details were shared, it’s worth remembering that the 1995 TV special is due to release on 1080p Blu-ray in North America toward the end of October.
Full details on the release can be read here, and you can pre-order the release from RightStufAnime by clicking here.
Lupin III: The First gets French language trailer!
Distribution company Eurozoom is bringing the 3D animated feature film Lupin III: The First to cinemas in France on October 7th, 2020.
We showcased the releases cool new poster in our update last week, however since then, both a French language trailer featuring the voice cast and full details on the release have been published!
The film will have a limited run theatrical release, and we’re hoping it’ll make its way to home video soon after (as due to COVID-19, a lot still feel reluctant to head to cinemas, myself included).
The following voice talent, as confirmed by Eurozoom, are due to star in the French version of the film:
Lupin III : Maxime Donnay Daisuke Jigen : Michel Hinderyckx Goemon Ishikawa : Jean-François Rossion Fujiko Mine : Audrey Devos Inspecteur Zenigata : Robert Dubois Laetitia : Adeline Chetail
Are you planning on checking out the film once it hit cinemas in France during October? If you do go to see it, please feel free to let us know your thoughts in the comments section, via the contact form or by messaging us over on social media!
