Lupin III Encyclopedia

Green VS Red written review

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 21:18:25 GMT

Following up on my video review, I've written down my thoughts on Green VS Red. Enjoy!

TokyoPop chooses not to renew Lupin license

Sat, 05 Apr 2008 01:35:36 GMT

A TokyoPop representative confirmed in a AnimeOnDVD.com thread what many have speculated. World's Most Wanted wasn't selling, and the license was coming up for renewal. TokyoPop chose not renew the license and shelved plans to release volume 10 and on.

Shame they couldn't finish the series out; they were so close...

Green VS Red review on my blog

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 23:01:25 GMT

I've posted my review of Green VS Red; tried something new for this review. Hope you enjoy; let me know what you think!

Photos from Tokyo Anime Fair 2008

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 12:31:02 GMT

Photos are starting to roll in as sites cover the Tokyo International Anime Fair. moe yo! has posted some from the TMS booth where they have the classic Cagliostro Fiat and a modern Fiat for Green VS Red.

I'll be collecting all photos for posterity as I come across them; keep checking the dedicated page for updates.

Lupin DVD deals at CD Japan

Sun, 23 Mar 2008 03:08:42 GMT

CD Japan's annual spring sale features three Lupin titles; you can pick up both the DVD/CD limited edition or the DVD only edition of the 2007 TV special for 10% off. The best deal is the 40% off you can get for the DVD/CD limited edition of the 2006 TV special.

NEC PC-88 games added

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 13:35:06 GMT

Entries for the two Lupin games, Cagliostro and Babylon, produced for the NEC PC-8801 system have been added. Thanks to Reed Nelson of LupinTheThird.net and podcast fame for pointing these out on the Japanese language site Typer's Lupin the Third Search Party.

Lupin the Night! Monkey Punch appearances and more

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 14:55:08 GMT

According to Hot Shot News, the upcoming Green VS Red OVA is getting a marketing boost through "Lupin the Night!", three days worth of events.

Monkey Punch will be attending a March 8 event at the Toho Cinemas in Roppongi Hills. He will also be signing 500 autographs at the Tokyo Anime Fair on March 29.

The March 8 appearance will also feature a pre-screening of the new OVA along with a number of films and specials. Other Toho theaters will screen the OVA and a smaller selection of titles on the 15th.

Mainichi Shimbun reveals Green VS Red release date and more

Sun, 20 Jan 2008 17:03:33 GMT

Via DannyChoo.com, an article in the Mainichi Shimbun has revealed the release date for the OVA, some plot and cast information, and a few pictures. The OVA will be released on April 2 and will revolve around the green and red jacket Lupins vying for the "Ice Cube" treasure held by the military organization "Nighthawks".

Additionally, Hirano Aya will be voicing a character. Once I learned a release date was set, I checked the usual online stores to see if there were any pre-orders available. This turned up even more interesting news.

The OVA will be released in two flavors; the first is a typical DVD+BGM CD combo (pre-order at DiscStation or Amazon JP. The second flavor is a two disc set that come with a figure (pre-order at DiscStation or Amazon JP). On the second DVD will be interviews, making of information, etc.

No pictures yet of the figure included, but I imagine it will mimic the green/red jacket Lupin combination pictures we've already seen.

Happy 2008! Third TV series completely summarized!

Sat, 05 Jan 2008 01:06:42 GMT

Thought I would start out the new year on a good note and slogged through the rest of the third TV series. Every episode now has a summary and an image; I've also jotted up a review of the series as a whole.

My next task will be to sit through the entire second series and grab images for all the episodes. With Geneon down for the count, I'll be back to watching raw episodes for the latter portion. I plan to watch one episode a day until I make it through them all.

Thank you for your support in 2007! I look forward to keeping you updated on any Lupin information in 2008.

Green Vs Red teaser trailer

Mon, 31 Dec 2007 13:26:21 GMT

A very brief teaser trailer for the upcoming OVA Green Vs Red is up at Lupin-3rd.net. If you want to save a copy to your hard drive, you can access the movie directly.

Naya Goro (Zenigata) voice work in Final Fantasy 4

Wed, 05 Dec 2007 18:30:06 GMT

Was watching the trailer for the upcoming DS remake of Final Fantasy 4. Heard a rather familiar voice and confirmed my suspicions via IMDB. Naya Goro is voicing the sage Tellah ("You spoony bard!"); haven't kept up with the details of the remake. Not sure if the actual game will have voice overs or if this is just for the trailer. I'm guessing the latter, but it was good to hear his voice in something other than the latest Lupin special.

Zantetsuken makes Wizard's list of ultimate fictional weapons

Fri, 23 Nov 2007 03:06:29 GMT

Wizard recently posted their "Top 50 Fictional Weapons"; Goemon's Zantetsuken place a respectable 31. The franchise may be running on fumes in the US, but it is good to see it getting some love on a small level.

Discotek's Babylon DVD release on indefinite hold

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 01:16:52 GMT

Reed Nelson, Discotek's commentator for the Fuma DVD, reports the DVD release of Babylon has been put on indefinite hold due to declining sales growth in the anime market.

New batch of Lupin toys

Tue, 06 Nov 2007 18:23:39 GMT

Hot Shot News has posted information and photos of the latest batch of Lupin merchandise. I hope the pistol alarm clock hits eBay soon...

Recent downtimes

Tue, 06 Nov 2007 13:19:13 GMT

My hosting provider recently moved their NOC from one state to another; no move ever goes smoothly, and they have been fighting various issues for the past week. Unfortunately, there is no way to predict when these downtimes will occur; if you find the site down, try again in an hour or two. Hopefully, they'll have the remaining issues sorted out this week.

Behold the custom YouTube player!

Mon, 29 Oct 2007 12:45:41 GMT

YouTube continues to roll out new features, and the latest one, custom players, makes life for this lazy webmaster a bit easier. Instead of having to manually rotate the video on the homepage, I can now display a custom player that displays an entire playlist of videos. Makes it a lot easier to shuffle videos around, add new ones, etc. So, I should have no excuse to keep that front page content fresh.

On a side note, I hope to get back into watching the third series and finish writing up summaries for the episodes. Keep your eyes peeled, as I won't be announcing every new episode posting. I'll be posting them as I go along.

The new OVA will be called "Green vs. Red"

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 16:38:32 GMT

Via Hot Shot News, the recent Akiba chat revealed that the new OVA will be titled Green vs. Red. Not many details beyond that at the moment, but the image in the news piece looks very intriguing.

Monkey Punch art exhibit and new OVA

Fri, 21 Sep 2007 01:12:43 GMT

Hot Shot News (official Japanese site) has two new reports up. Haven't fully translated them, but here is the general gist.

2007 TV special DVD pre-order

Sat, 25 Aug 2007 02:21:04 GMT

The DVD for the 2007 TV special is finally hitting the on-line stores for pre-order. Once again, there are two versions: just the DVD and a DVD/CD limited edition combo. You can pre-order from the usual sources -- CD Japan (regular, limited edition), Amazon Japan (regular, limited edition), DiscStation (regular, limited edition), and others I'm sure.

Back to school refresh!

Sun, 19 Aug 2007 23:35:34 GMT

Finally overhauled the design of the site, and I have transitioned to a new content management system. That last bit won't mean a thing to the non-web geeks in the audience; however, it makes my life a lot easier in terms of managing content and giving the site a make-over now and then.

Still trying to work out a few server configuration issues, so the site may be unreachable at points. Try back in a few minutes, and you'll be all set. Hopefully will have all of these issues ironed out in the next day or two.

Fujiko tops survey of "Most Beautiful Manga Girls"

Thu, 12 Jul 2007 13:56:47 GMT

Via Japan Probe, an Oricon survey (Japanese) of 1,000 Japanese women had Mine Fujiko taking the top spot for "Most Beautiful Manga Girl".

Kinro pages for 2007 special

Sun, 08 Jul 2007 15:42:18 GMT

Not much information available, but they have the story summary, cast/staff, and overall summary available.

Babelfish translations give a decent idea of the special's concept. They are dipping back into the first TV series and basing this story off of the 13th episode "Beware of the Time Machine!".

They are being coy about the overall plot and villain, but it appears that Kyosuke Mamo or own of his descendants is after Lupin once again. The time machine is mentioned along with a "special guest". They are not revealing the voice actor for this special guest and/or villain either.

They are hyping up the 40th anniversary (manga) angle also. Hope this turns out better than the 30th anniversary (anime) Pycal story they did.

Replacement program for Gemini goof

Tue, 19 Jun 2007 15:11:50 GMT

Funimation now has a replacement program for the First Haul box sets that contained the edited version of Twilight Gemini. Send an e-mail to orders@zstore.com with "Lupin Movie Replacement" as the subject line. They will send you instructions on how to get a replacement disc in their reply.

Edited Twilight Gemini ends up in Funimation's "First Haul" box set

Tue, 19 Jun 2007 15:10:51 GMT

Reports are flooding in that the first Funimation box set of their Lupin titles contains the edited version of Gemini. It is currently unclear if this is a small batch of the sets or all of them. Follow the AnimeOnDVD.com thread for the latest news.

Mega Lupin box set in Japan!

Tue, 19 Jun 2007 15:09:42 GMT

Decided to check out Vap's Lupin site today and found quite a surprise. Vap is producing a limited run of a DVD box set, but not just any old Lupin box set... This set features all three TV series, Mamo, Cagliostro, and Babylon. Oh, no; that's not all. They are using the HD masters produced for the recent satellite broadcasts with 5.1 soundtracks. Add in a booklet, box artwork by Yasuo Otsuka for good measure.

Seven Days Rhapsody DVDs out in November

Tue, 19 Jun 2007 15:07:51 GMT

November 22 will see the now standard practice of releasing a DVD only version of the year's special and a limited edition DVD/CD bundle version. You can pre-order the standard version or the limited edition version at CD Japan.

FUNimation to release two Lupin movie packs

Tue, 19 Jun 2007 15:06:58 GMT

Via AnimeOnDVD.com, FUNimation will be releasing two "movie packs" of their Lupin titles. Both are priced at $29.98 and will contain five titles. No word on packaging or which titles will be in which pack, but the release dates are November 7 and December 19. For those of you who complain about pricing, you are getting a bargin here; so quiet down and pony up that cash!

Gun-do Musashi DVDs already?!

Tue, 19 Jun 2007 15:04:00 GMT

Via Akiba Blog (Japanese), there is a DVD box set of Gun-do Musashi being released this month. According to the CD Japan listing, it is a five disc set titled MUSASHI Original Version (on-aired) DVD-BOX [Limited Release]; it contains the first eight episodes, additional footage for the first three episodes, bonus footage, and more.

"Lupin the Flame" DVD & CD single in Japan

Tue, 19 Jun 2007 15:02:46 GMT

Found on Lupin-3rd.net (Japanese), Japanese hip-hop artist Seamo is releasing a single called Lupin the Flame on 2006 July 26. Both a DVD version featuring the production of the music video and a standard CD single will be released.

Lupin cosplayers unite and immortalize yourselves!

Tue, 19 Jun 2007 15:01:27 GMT

According to Anime News Network, one of the extras Manga is hoping to have for the upcoming Cagliostro DVD re-release will be a gallery of Lupin cosplayers. You can mail your photo to keith@manga.com for consideration. So pull out your red jackets, your green jackets, fedoras, etc. and have yourself immortalized and associated with one of the most well known anime films ever.

Cagliostro getting another US release?

Tue, 19 Jun 2007 15:00:15 GMT

Follow the bouncing AoD thread on the subject. The interviews and "other" extra material they are looking to acquire would have to be really exceptional for me to triple dip this title on DVD (I have the existing R1 and the R2).

Discotek Media joins the US/R1 Lupin market

Tue, 19 Jun 2007 14:58:42 GMT

First announced on AnimeOnDVD.com, Discotek Media has acquired three Lupin titles to release in the US. Overall, they are planning to release a number of live-action Japanese films along with some anime films. Their first scheduled Lupin release will be the live-action film Strange Psychokinetic Strategy. They have stated that the release date is firm for 2006 February 21.

2005 TV special DVD release date

Tue, 19 Jun 2007 14:57:15 GMT

The DVD for the 2005 TV special "Angel's Tactics" will be released on 2005 October 21. As with the past two specials, a normal and limited edition release will be produced. The limited edition version will include a soundtrack CD.

Mankatsu R2 DVD box release date

Tue, 19 Jun 2007 14:55:53 GMT

Not sure if I have missed this for awhile or they are just announcing it way late, but the official Japanese site for Mankatsu has a release date for the Japanese DVD box set for the series.

AnimeOnDVD.com reviews of the latest Lupin releases

Tue, 19 Jun 2007 14:54:00 GMT

AnimeOnDVD.com has posted reviews for Geneon's release of TV volume 11 and for Funimation's release of Farewell to Nostradamus.

Release date for TV DVD volume 12

Tue, 19 Jun 2007 14:50:29 GMT

Recent new title solicitations have listed a release date for DVD volume twelve from Geneon. The DVD will street on 2005 October 11 and retail for $24.98. The running time is listed as 150 minutes. You should go and pre-order a copy from RightStuf.com now while the pre-order price of $18.74 is a bargain.

Release date for The Columbus Files (a.k.a., Fujiko's Unlucky Days)

Tue, 19 Jun 2007 14:48:49 GMT

Recent new title solicitations have listed a release date for the The Columbus Files DVD from Funimation. The DVD will street on 2005 October 25 and retail for $29.98.

Fuma Conspiracy on sale until July 12 for $7.99

Tue, 19 Jun 2007 14:47:34 GMT

AnimEigo is selling their Fuma Conspiracy DVD for only $7.99. This is an incredible deal on one of the best Lupin titles out.

First details on 2007 TV Special

Tue, 19 Jun 2007 14:19:36 GMT

A LTT forum member posted that Japanese blogs have revealed the title and date of this year's special. Airing on July 27, the title appears to be "Elusiveness of the Fog". Telecom, the studio that animated Cagliostro, will be animating the special. NTV has yet to post their information about the special, but they should be posting something within the next week or two.

Geneon delivers Lupin via Akimbo Video-on-Demand service

Tue, 19 Jun 2007 14:18:15 GMT

Geneon keeps pushing Lupin into new distribution channels; Anime News Network reports that the Akimbo video-on-demand service is the latest player to be peddling Lupin. The service requires Windows XP or Vista, Roxio Venue, and Windows Media Player 10 or higher for computers. Specific settop boxs for televisions can also deliver the service.

Geneon to also offer Lupin via Xbox Live

Tue, 19 Jun 2007 14:17:03 GMT

Geneon pushes further into digital distribution by offering titles via Xbox Live. No word yet on pricing, availability, etc.

Geneon offering Lupin for download via Vuze

Tue, 19 Jun 2007 14:15:59 GMT

Anime News Network is reporting that Geneon will be distributing Lupin via BitTorrent. No word yet on pricing other than they will be giving away the first episode for free. Geneon will be using the Vuze video service; Vuze requires digital rights management software from Windows XP or Vista, as well as Windows Media Player 10 or higher.

While I'm not wild about it being restricted to Windows only, that is OS of choice for most of the downloading nation. Will this revitalize the franchise in the US? It certainly couldn't hurt.

Pre-order soundtrack for this year's special

Tue, 19 Jun 2007 14:14:24 GMT

While it does not reveal any details about this year's special, the soundtrack is set to be released on 2007 August 01. Spotted by a member of the LupinTheThird.net forums, you can pre-order it at CD Japan months in advance.

Cagliostro in Japanese theaters again

Tue, 19 Jun 2007 14:12:42 GMT

Hot Shot News (Japanese) is reporting that the Toho Gifu theater will be showing Cagliostro for six days starting on November 11. If you are lucky enough to be in Japan, go see one of the great classic films.

My thoughts on "Seven Days Rhapsody" and screen captures

Tue, 19 Jun 2007 14:10:43 GMT

Find them both on my blog. Currently one other Lupin item you might be interested in on there also. Check back often if you like as I will be slowly but surely posting pics of my Lupin toys and generally rambling on about things.

Enjoy!

New TV special = new Lupin game on Japanese cell phones

Tue, 19 Jun 2007 14:09:19 GMT

From Hot Shot News!, there is going to be a Seven Day Rhapsody game released for Japanese cell phones. Not many details beyond that, but it is interesting to see this decades old franchise pushing the boundaries of new media and marketing.

Wonder if they will put a version of the game in the DVD release...

Lupin movies coming to cell phones in Japan

Tue, 19 Jun 2007 14:08:02 GMT

Via Anime News Service (likely by way of Hot Shot News and other Japanese sources), Mitsui & Co. Ltd., TMS Entertainment and Nippon Television Network Corporation will be releasing Lupin TV specials to the i-mode and EZWeb phone services starting 2006 August 7.

Seven Days Rhapsody airing September 8

Tue, 19 Jun 2007 14:06:18 GMT

It is official; Hot Shot News has posted the time and a small official description and pics of the 2006 special.

2006 special to air in September

Tue, 19 Jun 2007 14:04:09 GMT

No solid date from NTV yet, but they have posted a small message that the special is coming in September.

Lupin 2006 special definitely delayed

Tue, 19 Jun 2007 14:03:07 GMT

As another Friday in Japan has rolled on by, I decided to check out the NTV Kinro page to see if they had added the first Friday in August to the schedule listing. They had, and it was not good news.