Castle of Cagliostro
Discotek Media is continuing to build their Lupin the 3rd empire nicely as they’ve now acquired the rights to Castle of Cagliostro, largely considered to be the most mainstream and well known feature from the long running franchise. Discotek’s release of it will land on DVD with a planned August time frame while a Blu-ray edition will come later in the year or early 2015 depending on a number of factors. Both releases will feature the original Japanese language track and English subtitles as well as both of the previously produced English language dubs. The release was specifically mentioned to include the original intro.
The feature was originally released in 1979 in Japan and was co-written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki, which has plenty of his influences throughout it. It was released in North America in English only form by Streamline Pictures back in 1992 and then received a new dub in 2000 when Manga Entertainment picked up the feature, which has been released several times since then.
Plot concept: After a successful robbery leaves famed thief Lupin III and his partner Jigen with nothing but a large amount of fake money, the so called “Goat Bills”, he decides to track down the counterfeiter responsible – and steal any other treasures he may find in the Castle of Cagliostro, including the ‘damsel in distress’ he finds imprisoned there. However, as usual, Inspector Zenigata is hot on his trail.
Tracking the legendary counterfeits known as “Goat Bills,” international thief Arsene Lupin III arrives at the Duchy of Cagliostro. Once there, he nearly rescues a damsel in distress from the Regent’s guards. Following his failure, Lupin takes it upon himself to save her from captivity.