Video:
Not much to say other than it's an excellent rip of a series that is about 30 years old. I didn't experience any distortions or glitches. Short of re-mastering (if that is possible with this, I know touch-up job on the Castle of Cagliostro is magnificent), I think this is as good as it gets.
In terms of the appearance of the series, everything is slightly 'cleaner' and a lot brighter.
At first, I wasn't too fond of the new 'look' to the characters, particularly Lupin's - I know a guy's got to change his clothes now and again, but I will always associate Lupin with the green jacket, black shirt and yellow tie combo. Also everyone has a much more pointed nose than in the original series and Jigen - sacrilege! - actually looks up from beneath the brim of his hat more often. However, all of this is just personal.
Tested on a Pioneer 636 (RGB output) + QED RGB Scart (video-only) cable + Hitachi 28" flat widescreen.
Audio:
Clear with no hissing or popping. I'm giving it five because the original sound is great - it could get better with re-mastering or re-recording (unlikely).
I think the most important thing is that Yamada Yasuo, Kobayashi Kiyoshi and Naya Goro are still behind the voices/characters of Lupin, Jigen and Zenigata respectively. Fujiko and Goemon's voice actors have changed, but this isn't really noticeable or, in my important, as significant.
Tested on a basic Sony Dolby Digital amp.
Subtitle:
Clear with no hissing or popping. I'm giving it five because the original sound is great - it could get better with re-mastering or re-recording (unlikely).
I think the most important thing is that Yamada Yasuo, Kobayashi Kiyoshi and Naya Goro are still behind the voices/characters of Lupin, Jigen and Zenigata respectively. Fujiko and Goemon's voice actors have changed, but this isn't really noticeable or, in my important, as significant.
Tested on a basic Sony Dolby Digital amp.
Comment:
Again, a nice gatefold set, which is similar in style to the First series' set. If you arrange/stack your DVDs like books - spines showing - it all looks very nice and professional.
The presentation on the discs, however, is not as good as the First series. The menus are no longer animated or as stylish and the chapter select screen doesn't offer small screenshots of each episode for easier reference. Nevertheless, they are still easy to navigate.
It took me a while to get into the Second series. First, the new look put me off slightly, but more significant was that the first few episodes weren't that gripping. Inevitably, things picked up and I began to enjoy myself though I don't think the overall standard is as good - is this because Miyazaki was behind some of the best of the First series?
Anyway, enough of the moaning. This is still essential for Lupin fans and I'm looking forward to the rest of the Second series.
Level: 7
Reviews: 18
Experience: 82,620
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