Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		3.0
Audio		3.5
Extras		3.0
Overall		3.5

Lupin III: Episode 0 - First Contact Blu-ray Movie Review

Lupin the Third: Episode 0 – First Contact is an essential film in the anime franchise. Broadcast on the Bandai Channel and the Nippon Television Network, Lupin the Third: Episode 0 – First Contact is produced by Hiromichi Oishi (Blood Lad, Requiem from the Darkness), Keiko Konori (Lupin III: Operation Return the Treasure, Lupin III: Return of Pycal), and Yasumichi Ozaki (Lupin III: Dragon of Doom, Lupin III: Elusiveness of the Fog).

Featuring superb animation production by Tokyo Movie (Case Closed, Lupin III: Crisis in Tokyo), Lupin the Third: Episode 0 – First Contact is produced by the Nippon Television Network and TMS Entertainment. Created by Monkey Punch, Lupin the Third: Episode 0 – First Contact is the 14^th television special in the popular franchise. The feature-film highlights exquisite voice-work by Kanichi Kurita, Kiyoshi Kobayashi, Makio Inoue, Eiko Masuyama, Jūrōta Kosugi, Gorō Naya, Romi Park, Shunsuke Sakuno, Shuuichirou Moriyama, Ichirō Nagai, Masaru Ikeda, and Tamio Ohki.

Lupin the Third: Episode 0 – First Contact is a special adventure in the franchise. The television special recounts the first-time famed thief Lupin III (Kanichi Kurita) met Jigen Daisuke (Kiyoshi Kobayashi), Goemon Ishikawa XIII (Makio Inoue), and Fujiko Mine (Eiko Masuyama). Before Fujiko became a constant love-interest for Lupin, Fujiko was dating Lupin’s rival Brad (Jūrōta Kosugi).

Meanwhile, Inspector Zenigata (Gorō Naya) changes the course of his career sights – shifting gears from following Fujiko because of Lupin the Third. Longtime fans of the franchise and newcomers alike can enjoy in the new adventure – of an old union of friends. See the beginning of the Lupin adventures.

The characters are at the forefront of the film. This is an essential part of the experience. The cast of characters are undeniably fun and charming. There is so much to appreciate about the cast and the journey these characters go on. Plenty of fun moments are given to all of the main characters – an essential part of the experience. The character designs by Satoshi Hirayama (Cat's Eye, Lupin III: Crisis in Tokyo) capably bring these huge personalities to life, too. What exquisite work by Hirayama – adapting the original designs and finding something that works well for an origin story.

The animation is outstanding in the film. The animation features art direction by Takashi Miyano (Lupin III: Crisis in Tokyo, Lupin III: The Secret of Twilight Gemini) and chief animation direction by Satoshi Hirayama (Lupin III: Elusiveness of the Fog, Lupin III: Crisis in Tokyo). The production also features additional animation direction by Kōji Kataoka (Naruto Shippūden, Golden Time) and Shigeyuki Miya (Aoi Bungaku Series, Buzzer Beater). There are so many great contributions to the film by the animation team and that is something to celebrate. The storyboards by Minoru Ohara are brought to life by the team of animators and the mecha designs by Eiji Ishimoto (Sakura Wars, Lupin the 3rd: Green vs Red) add some additional flourishes to the production as well.

The score composed by Yuji Ohno (Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro, Lupin the 3rd: The Mystery of Mamo) is exciting and energetic fun. Ohno is arguably the M.V.P. of the entire production. Ohno provides energy and style to the production in equal measure. Part of the charm is the jazzy music elements. These suave and hip aspects of the score provides a sense of life and adventure that is as unmistakable in this special as it was during the early years of the anime series.

Written by Shoji Yonemura (Fairy Tail, Lupin III: Island of Assassins), Lupin the Third: Episode 0 – First Contact is a fun and adventurous film. There is plenty to appreciate about the filmmaking and the screenplay is a testament to the production. The script has a lot of fun exploring the origin tale, providing some fun moments to bring something new to a past chapter in the Lupin saga.

Directed by Minoru Ohara (Gakuen Basara: Samurai High School, Glass Fleet), Lupin the Third: Episode 0 – First Contact is highly entertaining as a Lupin feature-film. Exploring the origin element, it might not manage to check off every box for those drawing comparisons to The Castle of Cagliostro or some productions in the Lupin franchise but it does add plenty of charm and energy that is undeniable. Outstanding fun and a must-see for franchise fans.

Lupin III: Episode 0 - First Contact Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Released on Blu-ray by Discotek Media, Lupin the Third: Episode 0 – First Contact is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition in the original television broadcast aspect ratio of 1.33:1 full frame. The high-definition presentation comes from upscaled source video. The standard-definition source video is not in the best condition and shape compared to newer productions in the Lupin the Third franchise.

The transfer has some modest improvements in clarity and color reproduction as provided by the format and the superior encoding methods. However, the transfer still retains occasional jaggies and slight artifacts – not so much as to be significantly distracting but this is certainly not a robust native high-definition image. The transfer is limited to the technology of the time in which the special was produced. Despite some flaws in the presentation, showcasing source-related issues in the original standard-definition material, the presentation still provides superior encoding to streaming video platforms (with the upscaling provided by Discotek Media designed to eek out every last detail possible).

Lupin III: Episode 0 - First Contact Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release includes a selection of lossless audio options: English uncompressed PCM 2.0 stereo and Japanese uncompressed PCM 2.0 stereo (with English subtitles). The all-new English dub features the original voce cast from the classic Lupin the Third anime. The release also comes with a music- only audio track. The presentation capably highlights the sound direction by Satoshi Katō (Lupin III: Return of Pycal, Space Adventure Cobra).

The score is beautifully reproduced on the release and there is an abundance of charm to the soundtrack. The dynamics of the audio presentation are well-reproduced. Audiophiles who want the best audio experience will want to opt for the Blu-ray release. Streaming services simply can't hold a candle by comparison – the streaming bit-rates are lower and are always presented in a lossy (non-lossless) format. For those seeking the best experience possible, the Blu-ray provides the best audio presentation possible. Dialogue is crisp and clear on the release. A quality audio encode by Discotek Media.

Lupin III: Episode 0 - First Contact Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The release comes with an attractive o-card slipcover. Unfortunately, the slipcover art does not feature alternative/additional key art from the artwork highlighted underneath the slipcover. Despite this packaging design aspect being less preferrable to double artwork, it is a beautiful slipcover. There is something wonderful about holding it in hand. One could almost "smell" the slipcover as one pulls it off of the case. For slipcover enthusiasts, Discotek Media produces quality slipcovers for their anime releases. 

Audio Commentary with Lupin Historian Reed Nelson

TV Commercials (SD, 1:26) advertising the television special.

English Trailer (HD, 2:12) promoting the television special. 

Creditless Ending (SD, 2:44)

International Ending (HD, 2:45)

Lupin III: Episode 0 - First Contact Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Lupin the Third: Episode 0 – First Contact is a must-see for fans of the beloved Lupin anime franchise. The film explores the origins of the characters in a fun and charming way. The production showcases excellent animation. Lupin the Third: Episode 0 – First Contact provides a fun and fast-paced thrill ride. Directed by Minoru Ohara (Gakuen Basara: Samurai High School), Lupin the Third: Episode 0 – First Contact might not feel like an outright instant-classic when compared to The Castle of Cagliostro but it has some great moments and plenty to offer fans. The Blu-ray release provides an impressive video and audio presentation alongside a selection of bonus features – including an audio commentary track with Lupin historian Reed Nelson. Fans won't want to miss this wonderful release – with a nice slipcover to boot. Highly recommended.