The Normanic Vault: Unboxing [UK]: Lupin the Third Part IV: The Italian Adventure - Complete Series (Japanese Broadcast Version): Collector's Edition (Blu-ray)

Lupin and his crew make a return to the UK with Part IV, but this release is a unique one thanks to TMS. While Discotek are releasing the English/Italian Broadcast first, Anime Limited will be releasing the Japanese Broadcast Version first.

Lupin the Third Part IV: The Italian Adventure is the fourth main series in the Lupin the Third franchise from TMS, which is also known as the Blue Jacket series. This is the first Lupin series to be produced since Part III aka the Pink Jacket series back in 1984. Part IV aired in 2015 first in Italy as it was co-funded over there with a special Italian broadcast, followed by a Japanese broadcast a couple months later.

Going by the title you'll be confused by what this release is about, here's a brief explanation on what's going on with regards to this series. As the series was co-funded in Italy, the Italian Broadcast differs to the Japanese Broadcast, including a different soundtrack, different opening song and other bits and pieces throughout the series which makes the Japanese materials not compatible. Due to licensing restrictions the English dub (which also aired on Toonami) had to use the Italian Broadcast.

Discotek are releasing the English/Italian Broadcast first followed by the Japanese Broadcast Version which is taking some time due to a mishap with the quality of the translation provided. Anime Limited are doing the reverse, offering the Japanese Broadcast Version first with their own version of the translation, then release the English/Italian Broadcast later as a standard Blu-ray release exclusive to their online store.

The Anime Limited release also has a special deal going on. If you order Lupin the Third Part IV's Japanese Broadcast Version through Shop AllTheAnime or at their convention booth, you will be able to acquire the English/Italian Broadcast for £10. This deal is not available for those who order the Japanese Broadcast Version set at any other retailer.

Now back to the release itself. This is the Anime Limited Collector's Edition set of the Japanese Broadcast Version. The release includes all 24 episodes and the 2 OVAs across 4 Blu-ray discs in Japanese audio with English and French subtitles only. The discs are locked to Region B while the subtitles are locked during playback. This release does not include the "Italian Game" special (which going by the info that's around is pretty much a recap). The physical contents of the release feature the usual digipack packaging as well as a 60-page hardcover booklet.

You can order the collector's edition release on AllTheAnime and Amazon UK.

Blu-ray Specs:

Languages: Japanese

Audio: DTS-HD MA 2.0

Video: 1080p HD Native 16:9

Region: B

Subtitles: English, French

Subtitles Locked: Yes

Discs: 4

Plot Synopsis (via Anime Limited):

There's a message from Lupin the Third, but this time, he's not announcing a heist. Instead, it's an invitation to his wedding. He is marrying the young and famous tabloid queen, Rebecca of the wealthy Rosselini conglomerate. Lupin's true motive behind his nuptials is to steal the Libertas crown, also known as San Marino's national treasure. The crown is only brought out during their marriage ceremony.

But as Lupin attempts to steal the crown, his arch-nemesis Inspector Zenigata is ready to pounce, having been tipped off on Lupin's attempted heist. But who tipped him off, and why?

The story that begins in San Marino will reach all over Italy as Lupin pursues love and freedom in this exciting new adventure.

On-Disc Extra Content:

OVA episodes "Venice of the Dead" and "Non-Stop Rendezvous" (Episodes 6 & 23 respectively)

Collector's Edition Extras:

Chipboard Artbox: Clean design with title on spine & a slipcover for the logos, Digipack for Discs, Info/Specs on Slipcover

60-page Hardcover Booklet