Ever since I first viewed the Disney-released version of Princess Mononoke last year, I have done everything in my power to see Hayao Miyazaki's other films. My Neighbor Totoro and Kiki's Delivery Service, at least the dubbed versions, were readily available, and they were perfect. The next one I found was this film. It was released on DVD by Manga company. This one does not contain the visual mastery, or even the storytelling mastery, as the other three films of his that I've seen, but there is definitely great promise shining through. The animation is not great. It's a lot more stiff than what would come later. There are a few physics-defying scenes that kind of made me cringe (the car driving sideways up a steep incline, Lupin jumping off the roof of the castle is still able to catch the side of a turret). The story is quite good. It has a lot of excitement, reminiscent of the Indiana Jones movies. The characters are fun. In short, it is just a very entertaining film.

So if you have any interest in anime or in Miyazaki, by all means, the DVD is worth buying. Unfortunately, the Japanese soundtrack is a little weak. The English side is much better for its sound quality, but I realize most animephiles despise dubs; this one is particularly good, and the remastered soundtrack makes it worth it. The DVD has a really nice layout. I was kid of expecting it just to have been thrown on a DVD and sent out. At least they took their time. Now, if Buena Vista Home Entertainment (which had no part of this pre-Ghibli film) would release all of his other films to DVD!!!

Lupin the 3rd was a very popular manga when it appeared in the 1960s. It was so popular that it spawned several anime television series, several animated films and even some live action films. And, it hasn't just been popular in Japan but other countries, such as Italy. In the case of "Lupin 3rd: The Castle of Cagliostro", it's a great film not just for Lupin fans but of Studio Ghibli, as it's Hiyao Miyazaki's first movie...which isn't surprising since he animated/directed many of the television shows before this full- length version. As for me, despite their popularity, I have never seen nor read any of the Lupin stories...so you might want to keep this in mind when you read the review. I have seen just about everything from Ghibli...and that is why I watched the movie.

One thing I noticed up front is that this film, quality-wise, is nothing like a typical Ghibli movie. It looks like a made for television animated show and lacks the high quality animation you've come to expect after seeing such great films as "My Neighbor Totoro" and "Spirited Away". Anyone who would give this film a score of 10 is, in my opinion, completely ignoring the picture's visual shortcomings...as it really looks cheap. Repetitive backgrounds, garish colors and a lack of depth to the animation...it really looks like a TV anime stretched to full-length. But, you have to start somewhere!

Another thing you can't help but notice is that this film is NOT intended for kids...which is true of a lot of anime and manga. With ample cursing, it's obvious this is a more adult movie. This is not necessarily meant as a criticism...but you might want to keep this in mind when you think about showing it to young kids. The language isn't horrible...but it is PG-13.

Overall, a mildly entertaining film that may please some Miyazi fans but which bored me and left me marveling at how much better Ghibli became with subsequent films. Only for the curious or insanely devoted fans of Lupin III who, no doubt, will find no fault in this less than inspiring feature. Not terrible but not at all what I was hoping it would be.

And I have to say, to some extent, I agree with him. This is certainly the funniest of the pre-Studio Ghibli movies, all of which are extremely good. Even PomPoko and Cat Returns, considered as the weakest Ghibli efforts are well worth watching. Anyway, the best aspect of Castle of Cagliostro is the hilarious mix of James Bond, Hitchcock and the Marx Brothers. When Zenigata is flying the plane, that is one of the funniest bits of the film, as it reminds me of that hilarious plane scene from It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World. The title song is so beautiful, and I have it in my head still while writing this review. The script is witty, and very inspired, and the character of Lupin is very likable. The Count isn't exactly sinister, but he is a very convincing and somewhat creepy villain. The animation is very good, as are the voice talents, none of the stars are huge names, unlike Princess Mononoke and the Cat Returns. I also want to say, Studio Ghibli do so many landmark animes, that are completely superior to the atrocious follow up movies from Pokemon. Before I round off, there is one thing, I am confused about. Is Clarice a lady, or a princess, because the version I have on DVD, I think is different to the one I saw on TV? Anyway, Castle of Cagliostro is a 9/10. Bethany Cox