Lupin the 3rd: Goemon's Blood Spray Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		1.0
Overall		3.5

Lupin the 3rd: Goemon's Blood Spray Blu-ray Movie Review

Lupin the Third – Goemon’s Blood Spray is an action-packed anime feature-film in a line of rebooted tales with the iconic character. It is the second feature after Lupin the Third – Jigen’s Gravestone, expanding on the reboot. Created by Monkey Punch, Lupin the Third – Goemon’s Blood Spray is impressive filmmaking with a compelling style for the Lupin franchise.

Produced by Yu Kiyozono (Lupin III: The Woman Called Fujiko Mine, Lupin III: Part IV), Lupin the Third – Goemon’s Blood Spray features animation production by Telecom Animation Film (Blue Thermal, Lupin III: Farewell to Nostradamus). The theme song music is composed by James Shimoji, lyrics are by Takumi Iwasaki, and it is performed by Rob Laufer. Lupin the Third – Goemon’s Blood Spray features voice performances by Daisuke Namikawa, Kanichi Kurita, Kiyoshi Kobayashi, Miyuki Sawashiro, and Kōichi Yamadera.

 Goemon Ishikawa (Daisuke Namikawa) is the hero of the tale in this epic side quest. Taking over the reign from Lupin III (Kanichi Kurita) for this outing, Goemon is hired by a yakuza boss for a special mission. The mission is to protect the yakuza boss from enemies while on a luxury cruise ship. Everything is complicated when the “Ghost of Bermuda” boss enters the equation.

Meanwhile, Lupin attempts to rob the ship himself! Goemon is tossed in to an unexpected situation and must decide what path to go on as he fights for his own honor as a warrior. Can Goemon take on the enemies and perhaps even get some help from allies Lupin and Daisuke Jigen (Kiyoshi Kobayashi)? Everything is at stake. Fujiko Mine (Miyuki Sawashiro) even tags along for the grand show. Inspector Zenigata (Kōichi Yamadera) is never far behind.

The character designs by Takeshi Koike (Afro Samurai, Lupin III: The Woman Called Fujiko Mine) are an interesting design element. The designs differentiate from the original anime series and manga with distinct style in a similar vein to The Woman Called Fujiko Mine. The designs are avant garde. This manages to add a unique flavor to the anime.

The animation is breathtaking. The animation direction is handled by director Takeshi Koike. The art direction by Ayami Hidaka (Tokimeki wa, Sugu Soba ni.), Natsue Muramoto (Shenmue the Animation, We Rent Tsukumogami), Seiki Tamura (Lupin III: The Woman Called Fujiko Mine, K-ON!), and Tamiko Kanamori is also remarkable. The art style is rewarding and with a lot of beautiful stylistic flourishes.

The score composed by James Shimoji (Lupin the IIIrd: Fujiko Mine's Lie, Redline) is engaging and fun. The music is a nice component of the film. A good score and a nice backdrop for the action.

The cinematography by Jiro Tazawa (Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone, Full Metal Panic!) is beautiful looking. The film has a dark and gritty aesthetic that is remarkable. Tazawa brought out the best in the animation.

Written by Yūya Takahashi (Lupin the IIIrd: Fujiko Mine's Lie, Lupin the IIIrd: Jigen's Gravestone), Lupin the Third – Goemon’s Blood Spray is an entertaining and engaging script. The dialogue is fun and the action is well written. The script does a good job of providing nice moments for Goemon to shine. Goemon usually isn’t the star of the show and here the character gets time in the spotlight.

Storyboarded and directed by Takeshi Koike (World Record, Afro Samurai), Lupin the Third – Goemon’s Blood Spray is a lot of fun. This is a brisk and fast-paced action-adventure film in the Lupin film series. Wonderfully entertaining, Lupin the Third – Goemon’s Blood Spray is a must-see for Lupin fans.

Lupin the 3rd: Goemon's Blood Spray Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Released on Blu-ray from Discotek Media, Lupin the Third – Goemon's Blood Spray is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition in the original aspect ratio of 1.78:1 widescreen. The film has an outstanding presentation. The color reproduction is excellent on the release. The encoding is superb. Amazing detail and clarity on the release. A fine presentation from Discotek Media.

Lupin the 3rd: Goemon's Blood Spray Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release includes lossless audio: English uncompressed PCM 2.0 and Japanese uncompressed PCM 2.0 (with English subtitles). The lossless audio capably handles the sound direction by Youji Shimizu (The Princess and the Pilot, Lupin the 3rd: Blood Seal of the Eternal Mermaid). The soundtrack is beautifully reproduced. The score sounds crisp and clear. Dialogue is easy to understand. A good encoding from Discotek Media.

Lupin the 3rd: Goemon's Blood Spray Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The release includes a nice o-card slipcover.

Japanese Trailers (HD, 1:10)

English Trailer (HD, 1:45)

International Credit Sequences (HD, 1:14)

Lupin the 3rd: Goemon's Blood Spray Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Lupin the Third – Goemon's Blood Spray is a thrilling action-packed anime film. A wonderful entry in the Lupin saga, Lupin the Third – Goemon's Blood Spray is an incredible piece of entertainment. The film is noteworthy for giving a chance for Goemon to take the reign. The Blu-ray release has a strong video presentation and nice lossless audio encoding. The release comes with an o-card slipcover. A nice edition. Recommended.