Lupin Zero: Complete Collection Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		2.5
Audio		3.0
Extras		0.5
Overall		2.5

Lupin Zero: Complete Collection Blu-ray Movie Review

Lupin Zero is a short-run anime series in the Lupin franchise. Created by Monkey Punch, Lupin is one of the most iconic characters in anime history. The entire medium of anime has been shaped somewhat through the adventures of the legendary character.

Executive produced by Hiroyasu Shinohara (Lupin III THE FIRST, Teasing Master Takagi-san), Lupin Zero is a divisive entry in the long-running franchise. Produced by Kōji Nozaki (Lupin III: Goodbye Partner, Lupin III: Prison of the Past) and Takahiro Koda (All Out!!, Baki), the Lupin Zero series divided fans with some viewers appreciating its early-years approach to the character and others finding the production a bit underwhelming compared to other installments. The anime features animation produced by Telecom Animation Film (Lupin III: Elusiveness of the Fog, Lupin III: Farewell to Nostradamus). Lupin Zero has voice-work by Tasuku Hatanaka and Shunsuke Takeuchi.

It’s time for another origin story of epic proportions. Lupin III (Tasuku Hatanaka) has an interest in the legacy of his granddad. Dear old granddad was one of the most elusive and suave thieves in world history. In fact, Lupin Sr. was considered by some to be the world’s greatest thief of all time. The youngster Lupin III wants to follow in those footsteps and be a master thief, too. Ka-pow!

The only issue: an upbringing in which Lupin III’s dear old pops won’t let him skirt to the wrong side. Despite a parent attempting to persuade Lupin III away from troublemaking, Lupin III wants nothing more than to be an outstanding thief. Becoming a world- renowned thief is Lupin’s life mission and his passion. When Lupin III meets schoolmate Daisuke Jigen (Shunsuke Takeuchi), trouble is only starting to brew as the two youngsters become close friends and an epic journey towards master thieving is a work in progress. Can Lupin outsmart and out-steal his granddad to become the new master thief?

The designs for the Lupin Zero series are a bit different compared to other Lupin entries. Some of the design changes are rooted in the earlier origin story for the character. The character designs are by Asami Taguchi. The designs are somewhere between staying true to the original and trying to do something new. The designs work for the most part but are not as enjoyable as in some Lupin productions.

The animation is a mixed-bag. The animation features art director by Hiroki Ozaki (Million Doll) and Tetsuhiro Shimizu (Cinderella Nine). The chief animation direction is by Asami Taguchi (Chain Chronicle: The Light of Haecceitas, Lupin the Third: Part 5), Hiroaki Noguchi (Lupin the Third: Part 5, Lupin III Italian Game), Koichi Suenaga (Lupin III Italian Game, Lupin the Third: Part 5), and Yumiko Shirai (Aikatsu!, Orange). The animation seems to be aiming for a long-lost documentary vibe – showcasing old reels of the earlier days of Lupin.

The aesthetic doesn’t work as well as the animators hoped that it would. The style feels a bit amateurish and underwhelming compared to most Lupin installments. The cinematography by Hiroyuki Chiba (Code Geass: Akito the Exiled, Phi Brain - Kami no Puzzle) is underwhelming and it doesn’t seem as engaging as it could have been. The style is often hazy and through a nostalgic lens which doesn’t work as well as it should.

The score composed by Yoshihide Otomo (INU-OH, Orange) is not up to par when compared to the classic Lupin scores by Ohno. The music by Otomo isn’t in the same league – not even remotely. A disappointing aspect of the production (to be sure). The score is decent background music but the compositions don’t find the same level of creativity as what came before.

Written by Ichiro Okouchi (Azumanga Daioh, Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion), Lupin Zero is a decent concept. The writing is relatively fun. The charm is mostly in the writing. The idea of these earlier adventures with Lupin is a nice diversion and offers fans something interesting in the canon.

Directed by Daisuke Sakō, Lupin Zero is not as well directed as it could have been. The directing falls a bit flat and is uninspired compared to most Lupin installments. It isn’t terrible, but it isn’t great, either. The directing feels average and fans will be left wanting more. Worth checking out? Maybe. It’s a far cry in comparison to the original or to most Lupin installments, though.

Lupin Zero: Complete Collection Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Released on Blu-ray by Sentai Filmworks, Lupin Zero is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition in the original aspect ratio of 1.78:1 widescreen. The presentation on the release is surprisingly lackluster. The presentation is one of the worst qualities of the release. This is an underwhelming presentation through-and-through. The issue may be source related but it is frustrating nonetheless. The transfer has an aesthetic designed to look faded and like an old vintage memory.

The idea is badly executed and the transfer has an abundance of DNR and the presentation looks smeary, underwhelming, and lackluster. One of the more disappointing presentations I have seen on any Blu-ray release in recent memory – the transfer is shockingly bad looking. It is abysmal and it doesn't make the series any more fun.

Lupin Zero: Complete Collection Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented in Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 stereo (with English subtitles). The audio quality sounds unremarkable but fine. Dialogue is clear and easy to understand. The soundstage is a bit limited sounding and less robust than expected. The sound direction by Yuji Tange (Fantasia Sango - Realm of Legends) is kept intact. The audio design could have fared better if it had more LFE and a surround sound track might have added some extra punch to the dynamics here.

Lupin Zero: Complete Collection Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The release has a lackluster supplemental package. Unfortunately, the release is barebones in most respects. The set could have benefited by the inclusion of audio commentaries, behind-the-scenes documentaries, interviews, and other featurettes exploring the production. On disc extras include:

Clean Opening Animation (HD, 1:09)

Clean Closing Animation (HD, 1:23)

Japanese Promos (HD, 5:42)

Lupin Zero: Complete Collection Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Lupin Zero is a mixed-bag at best. The concept is decent but the execution leaves a lot to be desired. Lupin fans won't be as impressed by this entry as by other installments. The writing is fun at times. However, the vision of the series is lackluster. The aesthetic is especially cringe-worthy at times – featuring an underwhelming video presentation. Perhaps consider streaming first if on the fence. Lupin Zero divided the fanbase.