N. American home video distributor announces Spring 2012 release

The North American home video distributor Discotek announced on Tuesday that it licensed the first season of the Lupin the 3rd television anime series for release on DVD next spring.

The first season consists of the first 23 episodes of the Lupin the 3rd television series. Director Hayao Miyazaki of Ghibli fame directed 14 episodes in the first season.

The second season of Lupin the 3rd was previously licensed by Geneon Entertainment USA and aired on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim block.

Monkey Punch's original manga began serialization in 1967 and features Lupin the Third, the great nephew of gentleman thief Arsène Lupin. He is routinely pursued by Investigator Zenigata while attempting to steal priceless items and woo women.

The manga was adapted into numerous movies, including a Detective Conan crossover special and most recently Lupin III: The Last Job in 2010.