Lupin The Third Movie 2019 Us Release Date

Okay, let's talk about something that's been bugging me. It's about Lupin the Third: The First, you know, that awesome CGI movie.
Specifically? Its US release date. Or, should I say, the lack of a clear, universally agreed-upon release date. Buckle up, because this gets a little... Lupin-esque.
The Great Release Date Heist
So, officially, Lupin the Third: The First hit US theaters (sort of) on October 18th, 2020. But wait! It was also available digitally earlier in December 2019!
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See what I mean? A release date that's both before and after other release dates! It's like Arsène Lupin III himself planned this whole thing.
It feels like we're trying to catch Lupin pulling off a grand heist of information.
My Unpopular Opinion
Here's where I might lose some of you. I think... I think the digital release is the real US release date.
Hear me out! The theatrical release was limited, right? Like, blink and you missed it limited.

But the digital release? Everyone could watch it! It was readily available. Seems like the real deal to me.
Maybe I'm biased. I watched it digitally. Loved it. The end.
The Mystery Deepens
Then there's the whole "limited theatrical release" thing. It felt more like a special screening or a promotional event.
It's as if GKIDS, the US distributor, was testing the waters. Dipping a toe into the Lupin-shaped pool.
I mean, who releases a movie for like, a week, and then acts like it was a major theatrical run?

I'm exaggerating, of course. But you get my point.
It reminds me of that time Jigen was trying to explain his fashion sense. Confusing, but somehow cool.
Let's Be Real
Look, I understand why they did it. They probably wanted to build hype for the digital release.
But, admit it, the whole thing was a bit of a head-scratcher. It made tracking the actual Lupin US debut harder.
So, my official stance is: December 2019 is the real MVP. The true date Lupin landed on US shores.

Don't @ me. (Okay, you can @ me, but be nice.)
The Legacy of a Confusing Release
Ultimately, the ambiguity surrounding the release date doesn't really matter. The movie was great.
That's why this article is humorous in nature. We are just having a casual chat, sharing some thoughts.
But it does highlight something about how we consume media now. Release dates are less clear-cut. Especially with streaming.
Maybe Lupin was just ahead of the curve, as usual. He always has been pretty forward-thinking!

Who knows, maybe the confusion was all part of the plan. Maybe this was a heist of our attention!
It worked on me, anyway. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go re-watch it. Digitally, of course.
And maybe check Wikipedia again. Just to be sure.
After all, one can never be too careful when dealing with Lupin the Third and his escapades.
So, what are your thoughts? Did you watch it in theaters? Did you catch it online? And most importantly, which date do you claim as the 'real' US release date?
