“Part 1” getting 4K home video release in Japan!
Lupin III: Part 1 is getting a 4K Blu-ray release in Japan in 2027!
TMS Entertainment has announced that the set will release on January 27th for ¥29,700 RRP. The three-disc set contains all twenty-three episodes of the original television series, with the highest visual quality seen to date. The original 35mm film has been preserved and used for this release, with improvement to image quality, including colour correction, and reduced shaking. The set is also due to come with a special booklet and three pin badges (pictured below), while stocks last.
It can currently be pre-ordered via VAP, Amazon, Rakuten, Tower Records, and more. Further details can be found over on the sets official website.
While I understand the importance of 4K releases with high-end visual quality for the videophiles of the world - personally speaking, I do not feel this treatment is necessary for Part 1. The show was originally broadcast between 1971 to 1972, and the visual “quirks” such as film grain help add to the charm. When Discotek Media released their DVD version of the show, which featured some image stabilisation and colour correction, I never felt like we needed anything better. I still stand by this, and would not be rushing to pay over $100 for the improvements shown in the video above.
With that said, the set itself may be a nice piece to have on the shelf - especially if the box artwork ends up looking similar to the recent Castle of Cagliostro and Mystery of Mamo 4K sets. It is also important we still see Part 1 celebrated - especially on its 55th anniversary - so to that end, this is good news!
