Copyright © MONKEY PUNCH / TMS

The first Miyazaki film to be released in the United States is out, and it's not MONONOKE HIME. Nope, instead, it's Manga Entertainment's version of LUPIN III: CAGLIOSTRO NO SHIRO. Known in English as CASTLE OF CAGLIOSTRO, this is a film that longtime anime fans have been waiting for.
One of the first films directed by Miyazaki, this film showcases his creativity and talent with a character that wasn't his own. Lupin and company arrive in the small European country of Cagliostro to pull off a job, but it's not going to be as easy as they thought. And, to complicate matters, the Count is getting married and the security is very tight.
When a girl in a wedding dress speeds by Lupin's car, with a group of thugs in hot pursuit, that's when Lupin gets involved. Lupin, although a thief, has a good heart, and he can't bear to see a damsel in distress. But, although he saves her from death, he can't grant her freedom and she is ultimately re-captured.
The focus of Lupin's trip now shifts to the girl, as he begins to learn more about the situation. He realizes that the impending marriage is nothing more than a ruse to give the Count power over the entire country. And, what's more, he begins to remember who the bride-to-be is.
With its out-of-this world stunt scenes, clever dialog, and unusual direction CASTLE OF CAGLIOSTRO distinguishes itself as a true masterpiece among anime films. What's more, watching this film gives a glimpse into the mind of Miyazaki, as we see in Clarisse the beginnings of the character who would later evolve into the female heroine archetype in NAUSICAA.
The animation is beautiful and vibrant, and it doesn't seem dated at all. In fact, the only thing that really dates this anime is the music. Most of the vocals are sung in English and range from the cheesy "I'm a Superhero..." to the undeniably seventies disco-influenced. Still, it doesn't detract from the viewing and in fact the music adds an additional dimension of fun to the experience.
After several initial delays of its initial VHS release, the DVD came out in April of this year. On the plus side, it boasted digital remastering, with nice, vibrant colors and widescreen format (although videophiles will complain that the transfer is not anamorphic), and a Dolby stereo Japanese and English soundtrack.
On the minus side, there really are no extras on this disc, and the menus—a weird animated sequence of gears shifting—doesn't really suit the movie.
But then again, it's CAGLIOSTRO, one of the greatest anime films of all time, and it's on DVD. And it's been remastered to boot. That in itself should be reward enough.

Released in North America by Manga Entertainment
DVD, 109 minutes
MANGA4051-2
$29.95
Available now in the USA
Where to buy