Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

Lupin the 3rd: The Mystery of Mamo Blu-ray Movie Review

Lupin the Third: The Mystery of Mamo is an exciting and action-packed entry in the beloved Lupin the Third feature- film franchise. Created by Monkey Punch, Lupin the Third is one of the most iconic and memorable characters in anime. The film features a theme song composed by Yuji Ohno and ending theme performed by Haruo Minami. Lupin the Third: The Mystery of Mamo was the first theatrical feature-film produced in the Lupin the Third film series. Executive produced by Yutaka Fujioka (Lupin III: Part II, Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro), Lupin the Third: The Mystery of Mamo offers plenty of thrilling adventure for series fans and it is a solid starting point for the theatrical film series.

The word on the street is that the world’s most notorious master thief Lupin III (Yasuo Yamada) is dead. The word spreads like wildfire. Yet Inspector Zenigata (Gorō Naya) is convinced that the death of Lupin has been exaggerated and that the master thief still has some playing cards up his sleeve. It isn’t even that long before Zenigata discovers that Lupin is alive and well – just as he had suspected all along. Nothing is over for the master thief.

Joined by Jigen Daisuke (Kiyoshi Kobayashi) and Goemon Ishikawa XIII (Makio Inoue), Lupin embarks on a new mission alongside his devoted allies. The trio have set off to Egypt and are determined to find the legendary Philosopher’s Stone in their new adventure. Meanwhile, billionaire Mamo (Kō Nishimura) has lured the sexy sleuth Fujiko Mine (Eiko Masuyama) to his corrupt home with the promise of providing a secret to immortality and to eternal youth. Lupin soon finds himself in a new tango with Fujiko. Can the gang defeat the evil billionaire Mamo on his island of modern art? The stakes are high as Lupin and co go up against Mamo once and for all.

Lupin the Third: The Mystery of Mamo is an interesting entry in the long-running film franchise. The film is one of the entries that is most in tune with the original concept and vision as created by Monkey Punch. As such, Lupin the Third: The Mystery of Mamo is a raunchier and more daring entry when compared to some of the later films in the series. Lupin the Third: The Mystery of Mamo is a film featuring more intense violence and action than some entries and the mixture of dark comedy and edgier sexiness is something that sets the film apart. Compared to Miyazaki’s The Castle of Cagliostro (which was a more upbeat and lighthearted adventure), Lupin the Third: The Mystery of Mamo offers a darker glance at the roots of the character and the over-the-top antics of the protagonist.

The cast of characters are essential to the Lupin experience. Lupin is one of the most essential anime characters in the entire medium. Lupin the Third: The Mystery of Mamo does a solid job of delivering good moments for the legendary master thief. Even though the tone of the film is different from some other Lupin franchise entries (as it is a bit edgier on the whole), the character remains as unmistakable as in the premiere episode of the original series. The character designs by Yoshio Kabashima and Yuzo Aoki are exquisite and play a big role in the vibe created for all of the main supporting cast members. Even though Lupin is undeniably the lead of the series, the ensemble is one of the main reasons for the series success: Lupin just wouldn’t be the same without Jigen Daisuke, Goemon Ishikawa XIII, and Fujiko Mine.

The mecha designs by Yasuo Otsuka (Lupin the 3rd: Napoleon's Dictionary, Kinkyuu Hasshin Saver Kids) are impressive and add to the adventurous tone of the production. Otsuka delivered some worthwhile mecha designs for Lupin the Third: The Mystery of Mamo. Lupin the Third: The Mystery of Mamo is quite the effort in this regard. Otsuka certainly helped to expand the film in an ambitious way.

The animation is compelling and unique in the canon of the Lupin the Third film franchise. The animation is a bit rougher around the edges compared to the majestic animation in The Castle of Cagliostro. There is a bit of a “free-wheelin’” energy to the production and the animation. It is not in the same league as some of the later works but the animation is still an essential part of the foundation. Art by Yukio Abe (Chiisana Jumbo, Ringing Bell) strikes an impression throughout the film. The animation direction by Yoshio Kabashima (Folktales from Japan, Samurai Pizza Cats) and Yuzo Aoki (Lupin III: The Legend of the Gold of Babylon, Omakase Scrappers) is creative and distinct (showcasing the red jacket Lupin in all of his glory).

The cinematography by Keishichi Kuroki (Anne of Green Gables, Heidi - A Girl of the Alps) is one of the main highlights of the production. The aesthetic is outstanding and the cinematographic efforts add enormous weight to the production. Kuroki understands the darkness inherit in the film and gave a cinematographic approach to the material that helps to reflect that aspect. The results are excellent.

The score composed by Yuji Ohno (Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro, Lupin III: Part II) is remarkable and engaging. The music plays a big role in the filmmaking and why the film is so entertaining. Composer Ohno is the mastermind behind much of the Lupin soundtracks and the composer has such a keen understanding of the character and the world he inhibits that there is no mistaking the theme. The composer provides a great balance between a jazz-infused score and the action soundtrack beats that add to the exciting energy of the filmmaking.

Written by Atsushi Yamatoya (Lupin III: Part II, Lupin III: The Legend of the Gold of Babylon), Jiku Omiya, and Sōji Yoshikawa (Armored Trooper Votoms, Lupin the 3^rd), Lupin the Third: The Mystery of Mamo is certainly a strong starting point for the feature-film series. Bringing the television series to the big screen, the screenwriters had some fun exploring the “Lupin is dead” idea at the beginning while bursting away from it right away for some classic mad-cap action. The script handles the evil billionaire concept well and makes good use of the storyline. The script provides good moments for all of the main characters.

Directed by Sōji Yoshikawa (Tensai Bakabon, Ashita no Joe), Lupin the Third: The Mystery of Mamo is a thrilling adventure. Yoshikawa is a talented director and the filmmaker brought together a solid group while making the first feature-film in the franchise. Though Yoshikawa’s style is a bit looser and more carefree compared to someone as masterful as Miyazaki and some of the other directors who have played in the Lupin feature-film sandbox, Lupin the Third: The Mystery of Mamo is nonetheless an entertaining endeavor and a film that fans of the series won’t want to miss. Though not one of the greatest Lupin entries, Lupin the Third: The Mystery of Mamo remains an essential film as it is the first installment in the film franchise. Don’t miss it.

Lupin the 3rd: The Mystery of Mamo Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from Discotek Media, Lupin the Third: The Mystery of Mamo is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition in a theatrical aspect ratio of 1.78:1 widescreen. The high-definition presentation on the release is excellent on the whole. The presentation provides a native HD scan that preserves the original animation. The line art looks outstanding. The image quality is crisp and engaging. The scan is superb and is free from any significant print damage (such as warps, burn marks, and other video-related detriments). The scan is free from egregious scratches and the crisp animation certainly appears far more robust than on earlier DVD releases of the film. Watching the film on Blu-ray was arguably a revelation compared to seeing it in standard-definition for the first time many years ago. The Blu-ray release offers a huge improvement and fans will find the release is a nice testament to the efforts of distributor Discotek Media.

Lupin the 3rd: The Mystery of Mamo Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The lossless audio encoding on the release is exceptional. The Japanese language soundtrack sounds especially compelling with the 2019 remix in 5.1 surround sound. The surrounds are actively engaged throughout the presentation and the sound mix capably expands the soundstage for the soundtrack. A quality mix and one that will please franchise fans. The English subtitles are excellent and are free from any significant spelling or grammatical errors.

For more information, please refer to this breakdown of the audio and subtitle options provided on this release:

English options (with signs & songs subtitles):

2003 Pioneer Version (5.1 Surround)

2003 Pioneer Version (Stereo)

1996 Manga UK Version (Mono)

1995 Streamline Pictures Version (Stereo)

1979 Toho Version (Mono)

Japanese options (with English subtitles):

2019 Remix (5.1 Surround)

2019 Remix (Stereo)

1979 Theatrical (Mono)

1979 Isolated Score (Mono)

Lupin the 3rd: The Mystery of Mamo Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Promo Materials:

Theatrical Teaser 1 (HD, 1:00)

Theatrical Teaser 2 (HD, 1:00)

Theatrical Trailer (HD, 2:32)

Overseas Trailers (HD, 5:05)

Television Spot (SD, 00:16)

Creditless Ending (HD, 2:08)

English Titles & Localizations:

International Version Opening and Closing (SD, 7:28)

International Version Animated Edits (HD, 1:55)

2003 Pioneer Version Opening and Closing (SD, 7:30)

1996 Manga UK Version Opening and Closing (SD, 7:20)

1995 Streamline Version Opening and Closing (SD, 7:47)

1979 Toho Version Opening (SD, 1:24)

Editorial:

Liner and Translation Notes includes 27 click-through slides.

Interview with Bill Dufris includes 10 click-through slides.

A History of Mamo in English includes 22 click-through slides.

Essay: Why Mamo Matters includes 10 click-through slides.

Original Movie Program Translation includes 36 click-through slides.

Art Gallery includes 105 click-through images.

Lupin the 3rd: The Mystery of Mamo Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Lupin the Third: The Mystery of Mamo is an exciting and action-packed gateway drug to the world of Lupin the Third. Newcomers and seasoned fans of the franchise will find Lupin the Third: The Mystery of Mamo delivers a good time with exciting adventure and plenty of edge-of-your-seat thrills. The film is the first in the film series and it marked a turning point for the franchise (as it transitioned from television series to big-screen filmmaking for the first time).

The Blu-ray release features an impressive high-definition presentation and a plethora of audio options – including every English language dub version ever to be produced. The set comes jam-packed with bonus features. While Lupin the Third: The Mystery of Mamo is not the best entry in the film franchise, it's a solid introduction. The release is exceptional. Highly recommended.