Lupin the III The Castle of Cagliostro (El Castillo de Cagliostro) [NTSC/REGION 1 & 4 DVD. Import-Latin America] by Hayao Miyazaki (Spanish audi/subtitles)
D**R
Excellent release of an excellent movie
As with any collector's edition of an old movie, one must review both the movie itself and the quality of its release. However, I imagine that most people interested in buying this edition already love this film, so just scroll down to "But you probably already know all this" if you only want to know about picture quality/bonus features, etc.To put it bluntly, Lupin the Third: The Castle of Cagliostro, is an excellent film. It's amazing to realize while watching this film that it was released in 1979, because it's a movie that hasn't aged a day. Sure, aesthetically, it looks like an old anime film, and it's relaxed pace sets it apart from modern action anime, but in terms of animation and scene planning, this movie easily holds up when viewed through a modern lens. The action is simply brilliant, structured and animated to perfection. And when I say perfection, I mean perfection. Despite being Hayao Miyazaki's first film, his talent is on full display. Everything, from the beautifully complex detail of the clock tower scene to the quiet wholesomeness of Lupin's interactions with Clarisse just looks great, breathing life into some of the most creative setpieces ever put to animation.But you probably already know all this. Thankfully, this Blu-ray release does this film justice. The picture quality is great, being very well upgraded to modern quality. The lines are sharp and the colors are vibrant. The audio has been very well restored too, and yes the original Japanese audio is included, alongside no less than both of this film's past English dubs. Personally, I like to stick to the original Japanese, but I imagine that old school fans will appreciate the inclusion of the old dubs. Additionally, this release has both the original 1980 English subtitles created for the film's limited festival runs as well as a brand new set of subtitles which, in my opinion, is probably the best English translation we've gotten so far (no more of that "goat bills" nonsense).Alongside this restoration, the bonus features are very solid. I love it when film ner–er, scholars record audio commentaries, and Reed Nelson's delightfully info-filled commentary track does not disappoint. This release also includes a hefty assortment of production material, including a large gallery of posters, key art, and the complete set of storyboards and concept art that Hayao Miyazaki created during post production. It's a fascinating insight into Miyazaki's creative process, and it's interesting to see how so much of the film really was his vision.Rounding out the bonus feature selection is a set of five interviews, including with David Hayter (2000 English Lupin), Bob Bergen (1992 English Lupin), Yasuo Ohtsuka (director of animation), Kazuhide Tomonaga (one of many key animators), and Monkey Punch (creator of Lupin the Third). Hayter and Bergen's interviews are the only ones freshly conducted for this release, with the other three being much older. While none of these interviews are terrible, only Ohtsuka and Tomonaga really have much insight into the production process, with Hayter and Bergen's interviews being typically actor-focused while Monkey Punch's is complete fluff. Considering how much the influence and talent of Hayao Miyazaki hangs over the film, I'm a little disappointed that no interview with him was conducted for this release, though I understand that he's probably a very busy guy.All in all, with a robust selection of bonus features, great video and audio, and a nice selection of viewing options, this is an excellent release of an excellent movie. I fully recommended to fans of Lupin the Third, Hayao Miyazaki, and anime films in general.
A**N
Great experience, even if you're unfamiliar
Very charming. There are quite a few moments that pop out to me but I don't want to elaborate too much, partly out of risk of spoilers and partly out of laziness.Nevertheless I found it super enjoyable. My copy has this lovely film grain to it, I'm not sure if that's just part of the movie itself or not, but I like it a lot. The English dub is fantastic and works as it should. I enjoyed a few other Miyazaki flicks before this one (both Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro) and I'd argue this movie is better than both. Maybe it's just my tastes, but the characters seem to interact much more naturally together in this film as opposed to the aforementioned two.Basically, it's really good. With any luck, I'll be able to check out more of the Lupin III series itself.
C**I
ABSOLUTE CINEMA
ABSOLUTE CINEMA, also best edition by discotheque media, a ton of extras including Miyazaki watercolors, various dub versions and the entire storyboard of the movie by Miyazaki himself, a better class of cinema than the school ones.
X**N
Legendary Japanese animation before CGI
I bought this DVD to replace the original DVD which I seem to have misplaced. The quality of the DVD was quite good, perhaps even more vivid than the one I lost. It was so vivid that, at times, it seemed as though I was seeing footage that was not in that other DVD. So, kudos to the seller.If you already know this story then there's little I can tell you that you don't already know...if you are not familiar with this movie, then you are in for a wonderful treat. It's the combination of brilliant story-telling, legendary animation and unforgettable soundtrack from the legendary jazz composer Yuji Ohno. Starting from the haunting theme song "Honō no takaramono" (Fire Treasure Song) at the opening credits you will be hooked. It's a simple story really...a jewel thief rescues a young princess being held by the evil count, yet it's so much more. You will want to watch this repeatedly - with the original Japanese dialog and Engish subtitles. I can not recommend this movie any more. It is truly worthy of the highest accolades.
L**
My son loves it.
We got this movie for my son, & he said he loves it, was everything he expected.
A**L
Buena peli!!
Gran película, viejita pero bonita, muy divertida, la recomiendo para toda la familia, al parecer es el primer largo metraje de estudio gibli!!
L**D
Un indispensable pour les fan de MIYAZAKI
Voilà un Miyazaki assez méconnu, son tout premier film d'animation et à mes yeux l'un de ses meilleurs. C'est l'adaptation libre des aventures de Lupin III, réappropriées et réinventées par Miyazaki. Le personnage de Lupin version Miyazaki est vraiment très attachant, un anti-héros au grand cœur à la fois drôle et touchant. La réalisation du film (1979) se situe avant la création des studios Ghibli (1985), donc pas de Joe Hisaishi à la B.O, malheureusement ! La musique composée pour l'occasion, très jazzy et funk, n'est pas désagréable, mais très datée. Elle est typique de cette époque de la fin des années 70/début de années 80 (on pense tout de suite à Cobra) et résiste moins bien au temps qui passe que les B.O orchestrales de Joe Hisaishi. Bien que l'animation n'égale pas celles de ses productions ultérieures de l'ère Ghibli (à partir de Nausicaa et le Chateau dans le ciel), elle est étonnement très soignée et travaillée pour l'époque. Et à chaque plans, les décors fourmillent de détails. Autant la B.O trahit tout de suite l'âge du film, autant l’animation a très bien vieilli.Le Château de Cagliostro c'est donc un film d'aventure très drôle et divertissant, une aventure sans le moindre temps mort ... un Indiana Jones à la japonaise, quoi !
J**M
a refreshing change from robots, ninjas and demons
The Castle of Cagliostro is one of the earliest feature length films bought to us by the highly acclaimed director Hayao Miyazaki who has since produced titles such as Kiki's Delivery Service, Castle in the Sky and Spirited Away, for which he won an academy award for best animated film at last years oscars.For me Miyazaki is one of the most exciting anime directors because he is not afraid to try something new and unconventional. Most of the manga films that I have seen follow a formula which has become tiresome through a reliance on traditional devices such as martial arts, gore, violence, monsters, demons, robots and futuristic dystopias. However Miyazaki's themes, storylines and characters are imaginative and fresh and his films therefore broaden the scope of anime as a genre.In this particular film we are introduced to Wolf (alias Lupin lll) and his sidekick Jigen as they flee from the seen of their latest crime. When they realise that the money they've stolen is in fact counterfeit, they decide to investigate the source of the fake notes. When their inquiry leads them to the small country of Cagliostro they find an evil count with a castle and an army of guards, a princess who is being imprisoned by the count and the possibility of hidden treasure. The combination of the danger, the girl and the loot not to mention the counterfeit notes mystery, is enough to lure Wolf and Jigen who are joined by their samuri friend Goemon and femme fatale Fujico, into concocting a plan to infiltrate the castle and overthrow the count.The plot is exciting yet simple enough to ensure that you wont get lost, unlike other highly rated titles whose plots have been far too complicated for me, like Ghost in the Shell (maybe I'm stupid.) The animation is good, the script is witty making for a very funny film and the characters are well developed.Overall its an excellent film and a breath of fresh air if your collection is full of violent, futuristic titles. I think that manga lovers, manga virgins and even those who hate manga would enjoy this film. I am going to buy the next one in the series: the secret of mamo, for sure. buy this
T**A
名作です
作者の伝えたいことがストレートに胸に響いて、余韻がいつまでも続きました。
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