With their careers in decline, Peter Sellers and director Edwards put their differences aside, joining forces for 1975’s Return of the Pink Panther, more than a decade away from the franchise did nothing to dull the humor of Peter Sellers as Inspector Clouseau. Eager for a hit both Sellers and Edwards (which he co-wrote with Frank Walkman) were at the top of their game. Some regard this film as the funniest, if somewhat disjointed, entry in the Pink Panther series.
As daffy as ever, Clouseau finds himself in pursuit of the Phantom (Christopher Plummer in the David Niven role), whom he suspects has stolen the world-famous Pink Panther diamond. Naturally, Clouseau is quite excited to be taking on his old foe again. The same man who landed him in prison not too many years earlier (tying this film to the original quite nicely). With a handful of memorable laughs, and an impressive title sequence courtesy of Richard Williams, Return of the Pink Panther is a worthy entry in the franchise.
Presented in the 2.35:1 aspect ratio, Kino Lorber’s new HDR Dolby Vision 4K transfer is a solid one. Sourced from the original camera negative, with bold colors and lush textures, this is the best The Return of the Pink Panther has ever looked. The boosted colors make darker scenes look clearer than ever. Viewers should be pleased with transfer, despite a few imperfections along the way.
Like Kino Lorber’s previous Pink Panther 4K releases, both DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track are available. Both provide the clearest listening experience available. Henry Mancini’s legendary theme sounds wonderful, and dialogue is clean, clear and concise throughout.
English SDH subtitles are included.
The following extras are available:
DISC 1 (4KUHD):
- Audio commentary by Jason Simos of The Peter Sellers Appreciation Society
DISC 2 (BLU-RAY):
- Audio commentary by Jason Simos of The Peter Sellers Appreciation Society
- A Bit of Passion and Lots of Laughs with Catherine Schell: Featurette (21:48)
- Production Designer Peter Mullins on Making the Pink Panthers: Featurette (28:03)
- The Return to Laughter: 1975 Featurette (8:21)
- Three Theatrical Trailers (6:09)
- Four TV Spots (3:25)
- Four Radio Spots (2:29)