Lupin III: The Columbus Files Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		1.0
Overall		4.0

Lupin III: The Columbus Files Blu-ray Movie Review

More fast-paced action-packed fun in the Lupin anime franchise.

Lupin the Third: The Columbus Files is an action-packed extravaganza with tons of exciting fun for fans of the franchise. Produced by Yasumichi Ozaki (Cat's Eye, Lupin the Third: Tokyo Crisis) and Hiroshi Yamashita (Lupin III: Missed by a Dollar, Tenchi Muyo! GXP), the feature-film has plenty to offer audiences around the world. Based on the manga created by Monkey Punch, Lupin fans should consider Lupin the Third: The Columbus Files a must-see in the hit franchise.

Lupin III (Kan'ichi Kurita) and Fujiko Mine (Eiko Masuyama) are having a “good ol' time” together (as the pair find themselves in romantic entanglement). The fun comes to an abrupt halt with a villainous madman, Nazaroff (Shigeru Chiba), sets out to take the Columbus egg which the pair discovered: exploiting its rare and special ability to help to harness the powers of the wind.

Originally discovered by Christopher Columbus, the egg contains clues to the hidden treasure. In order to prevent total calamity, Fujiko destroys the egg and its clues to the treasure. Fujiko memorizes the information it provided. Yet it isn't long before Fujiko discovers that she has developed amnesia. Is everything going to go back to normal? Can Fujiko get her lost memories back? Can Lupin be the hero? Lupin, Goemon (Makio Inoue), and Jigen (Kiyoshi Kobayashi) set out on a new adventure.

The animation is outstanding. The production had a remarkable team of animators involved behind the scenes. The efforts were terrific and the results speak for themselves: the animation breathes life and vitality in to each segment of the feature-film. The character designs are impressive (as are elements showcasing the background art). Under the art direction crafted by Seiko Akashi (Seraphim Call, Viewtiful Joe), the results are impeccable from beginning to end.

A new adventure awaits.

The action scenes are intense and well crafted. There are so many compelling sequences which add a sense of excitement to the production. Lupin, Fujiko, Goemon, and Jigen are all given lots of nice moments to shine during the feature-film. The opening sequences were especially engaging (with Lupin showcasing his unique skills in rapid-fire succession). The closing act was also potent with a number of classic sequences.

The cinematography by Hajime Hasegawa (Lupin the Third: The Legend of the Twilight Gemini, Lupin III: The Pursuit of Harimao's Treasure) also impresses and makes a splash. The visual aesthetic works on a number of levels. The lighting is pitch-perfect and seems to convey the ethereal elements of the storytelling with ease.

The music score to Lupin the Third: The Columbus Files as composed by Yuji Ohno (Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro, Lupin III: Dead or Alive) is full of unbridled life and vitality. Ohno consistently manages to be one of the most valuable players in the entire Lupin anime franchise. Ohno infuses the production with a score that blends together traditional film composition with old school jazz music. The upbeat tempo and rhythm makes the exciting action even more intense. The characters have an impeccable “cool” factor as conveyed by the music as well.

The screenplay by Shinzo Fujita (Lupin the Third: Tokyo Crisis, Monster Rancher) was worthwhile in the Lupin anime canon. The script had a fun concept and the ideas were well executed throughout the film. Fujita remembers to give each lead character ample opportunity to shine while simultaneously focusing in on the action and suspense tenfold.

Directed by Setsuo Takase (Cardcaptor Sakura, Mobile Suit V Gundam) and Shin'ichi Watanabe (Puni Puni Poemy, Excel Saga), Lupin the Third: The Columbus Files is a slam-dunk. What outstanding animation (and storytelling). Takase is a perfect choice for the franchise and his efforts were undeniably worthwhile here. Lupin the Third: The Columbus Files is fantastic fun that no fan should overlook.

Lupin III: The Columbus Files Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from Discotek Media, Lupin the Third: the Columbus Files is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition in the original aspect ratio of 1.33:1 full frame. The film looks spectacular in high-definition. The animation is dynamic and pleasing to watch throughout – and fans will certainly have a good time.

The anime film is remarkably sharp and detailed (especially given the production-year of the film). Colors are well-preserved and manage to convey the intended aesthetic of the animators. The encoding is superb, also – never struggling to convey the action scenes or dramatic moments. A glorious effort by Discotek.

Lupin III: The Columbus Files Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release includes a variety of lossless audio options: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 stereo, and Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 stereo. The English dub track sounds surprisingly good and does a solid job of implementing the music score in to the surround staging. Whether a dub or sub fan, the release covers all of the bases and provides fans with immersive high-resolution audio to accompany the video presentation.

Optional English subtitles (and songs/signs translations) are provided.

Lupin III: The Columbus Files Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The release comes with an attractive o-card slipcover. The inside cover-art features additional art from the Lupin the Third: The Columbus Files production.

Vintage English Credits (SD, 7:03) showcasing the English titles for both the opening and ending segments of the feature-film.

Linear Notes feature six slides discussing a variety of topics: a guest cameo highlighted in Lupin the Third: The Columbus Files, Japanese-specific cultural jokes, the Orgone energy sub-plot, the time-period of the Minoans and the historical context, Lupin-related pun names, and references within Columbus Files (including a call-back to a Miyazaki directed episode of the Lupin franchise).

Lupin III: The Columbus Files Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Lupin the Third: The Columbus Files is an outstanding film in the beloved anime franchise. The story is compelling while the direction is intense and engaging. The animation remains outstanding as well. The Blu-ray release from Discotek provides an exceptional presentation. Highly recommended.