Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		0.5
Overall		4.0

Lupin the Third: Fujiko's Lie Blu-ray Movie Review

A must-see spin-off in the Lupin anime universe

Lupin the Third: Fujiko's Lie is a feature-film/OVA continuation of the anime spin-off Lupin the Third: The Woman Called Fujiko Mine. The anime brings a new perspective to the classic Lupin style that began with the original manga created by Monkey Punch. The spin-off takes a different approach (focusing predominately on the character Fujiko and her exploits while having Lupin become a supporting character in his own anime universe).

The OVA sequel is a follow-up to the Lupin the Third: Goemon's Blood Spray OVA. The storyline centers upon the latest adventure of Fujiko (Miyuki Sawashiro) as she encounters new dangers and endless excitement. A young boy named Gene (Tomoe Hanba) needs her protection. A dastardly villain is after Gene and his key to bountiful fortune: the information that only Gene knows about unlocking the $500 million which Gene's father stole.

With Gene's life at risk (as the villains would kill to get access to the fortune), Fujiko takes on a paternal role as she guards him while taking out the baddies one-by-one. With a ruthless killer named Bincam (Mamoru Miyano) hot on her heels, Fujiko will do everything she can to come out ahead in the race to the finish line. Who will get the $500 million and will Gene survive the chaos ahead?

"My yoga classes are paying off!"

The action sequences in Lupin the Third: Fujiko's Lie are breathtaking and will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The OVA never lets up the non-stop energy and there is a sense that the entire production is aimed at viewers as if it were an adrenaline-rush. The fight scenes are intense and masterfully choreographed with the animation looking stunning throughout each sequence. The animators clearly had fun with the production and the line art is extremely fluid and detailed. The background art looks impressive and the canvas the art team creates (who worked together on the previous Fujiko Mine spin-offs), looks outstanding.

The production benefits from the fantastic music by James Shimoji (Lupin the Third: The Gravestone of Daisuke Jigen, Lupin the Third: The Blood Spray of Goemon Ishikawa). The energy of the score certainly keeps the entire experience engaging. The score is hip, jazzy, and fun. The action scenes certainly excel even more as the upbeat tempo kicks things up a notch. Viewers will be glued to their seat.

Yuuta Takahashi (Lupin the Third: The Blood Spray of Goemon Ishikawa, Tiger & Bunny) penned the script with as much gusto as the material requires: the action is never side-stepped while character development is still maintained throughout the entire sequence of events. The storytelling is fast, slick, and exciting. Lupin fans won't be disappointed by the well-polished screenwriting. There is something to be said about how engaging the storyline in the OVA is: the focus is always on Fujiko while never forgetting Lupin altogether (as he has a fun side-plot that fans will also enjoy seeing). The main story works well and builds to an exciting conclusion.

Directed by Takeshi Koike (The Animatrix, Redline), Lupin the Third: Fujiko's Lie is a major hit. The direction is never a bore (not even for a single solitary moment) and the impeccable action staging will keep viewers entertained for the entire film. A spin-off that is simultaneously its own thing (while remaining true to the spirit of the original), Lupin the Third: Fujiko Mine is a breezy experience that any fan of the Lupin franchise would regret missing out on. A home-run.

Lupin the Third: Fujiko's Lie Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from Discotek Media, Lupin the Third: Fujiko's Lie arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition presentation in the original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 widescreen. The OVA looks spectacular on the release and it is hard to imagine any fans being disappointed by the sharp animation and the spectacular color reproduction on display. This is exceptionally well-animated and the sharp encoding by Discotek capably handles the material throughout. There are no egregious issues with regards to banding or other encoding anomalies.

Lupin the Third: Fujiko's Lie Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release arrives with two impeccable lossless audio options: a Japanese uncompressed PCM 2.0 mix or English uncompressed PCM 2.0 sound mix. Either audio option on the release will provide viewers with a crisp and engaging presentation. Dialogue is crisp, clear, and easy to understand from start to finish. The music score is similarly well presented and has crisp highs and exceptional clarity. The subtitles are available with standard English subs or English sign subtitles (which only translate moments showcasing Japanese signage).

Lupin the Third: Fujiko's Lie Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The release comes packaged with an attractive o-card slipcover (which is glossy and a perfect fit for the case). The Blu-ray also comes with reversible cover-art with an inner art print which showcases more artwork. The disc contains an impressive disc-art label as well. On disc supplements are as follows:

Japanese Trailers (HD, 1:48)

English Trailer (HD, 1:44)

Creditless Ending (HD, 2:00)

International Credits (HD, 00:36)

Lupin the Third: Fujiko's Lie Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

An action-packed powerhouse anime, Lupin the Third: Fujiko's Lie is terrific fun and a blast to watch from start to finish. The action scenes are impressive and the fluidity of the animation makes the film a truly outstanding visual experience that never lets up. While I often prefer original language audio, the English dub was impressive and the voice-actors were perfect in their respective roles. The film is fun and fans of the anime would do well to check out this great spin-off OVA. The storyline is compelling and the journey taken it one well worth taking. Highly recommended.