DISC 1: The Pink Panther (1963)
It seems hard to believe now, but initially United Artists had so little faith in The Pink Panther that they let Lew Grade produce it in exchange for distribution rights. You can bet UA was regretting that decision after the film became a hit and spawned several sequels.
Setting the tone for the series, The Pink Panther might best be described as an easy-going caper. Directed and co-written by Blake Edwards (Breakfast at Tiffany’s) with Maurice Richlin, The Pink Panther serves as an introduction to Peter Sellers bumbling Clouseau. However, as originally conceived, Panther was to center around a sophisticated jewel thief Sir Charles Litton, played by David Niven. Hence, Niven’s name above Sellers in the credits. However, as filming commenced, it was clear that Sellers bumbling detective was driving the plot and getting most of the laughs. Sellers was the breakout star of The Pink Panther despite the presence of a star-studded ensemble cast of Robert Wagner, Claudia Cardinale, and Capucine.
While not quite as laugh-out loud funny as future films, Edwards keeps things well paced throughout and gives both Peter Sellers and David Niven the opportunity to shine. Now, more than sixty years after its initial theatrical run, The Pink Panther remains a fun movie to watch.
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 Pink Panther has ever looked. The boosted colors make darker scenes look clearer than ever. There are only a few small scratches and no apparent fluctuations.
While I prefer the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, this release also includes the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track. Everything is the clearest I’ve ever heard, from dialogue, score and sound mix.
English SDH subtitles are included.
The following extras are available:
- TALES OF THE PINK PANTHER: 24 Page Booklet by Jason Simos with William Patrick Maynard
- Audio Commentary with Director/Co-Writer Blake Edwards
DISC 2: A SHOT IN THE DARK (4KUHD)
Originally a stage play by Harry Kurnitz, and envisioned as a vehicle for Sophia Loren, the original script for A Shot in the Dark didn’t include Clouseau, and Anatole Litvak was to direct. When those plans fell through, Blake Edwards significantly rewrote the script with William Peter Blatty (The Exorcist), making Inspector Clouseau the lead character, and producing what many believe is the best Pink Panther film of the series.
Clouseau has the same bungling personality as the in the first film, but it was A Shot in the Dark that introduced a hallmark of his character – the exaggerated French accent – and established the basic framework for future Pink Panther films by the Sellers/Edwards team: The plot offers the the ‘fearless’ Inspector a whodunit to sink his teeth into. In the case of A Shot in the Dark, Clouseau is called in when the Spanish driver of a very wealthy man (George Sanders), is found dead, the victim of an assassin’s bullet. Evidence initially points to the wealthy man’s gorgeous maid Maria Gambrelli (Elke Sommer).
The film also serves as an introduction to the great Herbert Lom as Inspector Dreyfus, Burt Kwouk as Clouseau’s faithful servant Cato, and several classic gags that would be reworked in subsequent sequels – follow-ups that would not be produced for over a decade due to the rocky relationship between Edwards and Sellers.
Presented in the 2.35:1 aspect ratio, Kino’s release is created from a 4K scan of the original 35mm camera negative with HDR/Dolby Vision. The result preserves the original look of the film, while brightening the colors. The darker scenes are clearer than ever. There are a few small scratches, but nothing that mars the overall viewing experience.
Like The Pink Panther 4K release, while I prefer the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, this release also includes the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track. Everything is the clearest I’ve ever heard, from dialogue, score and sound mix.
English SDH subtitles are included.
The following extras are available:
- Audio commentary by Jason Simos of The Peter Sellers Appreciation Society
DISC 3: THE RETURN OF THE PINK PANTHER
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:
- Audio commentary by Jason Simos of The Peter Sellers Appreciation Society
DISC 4: THE PINK PANTHER STRIKES AGAIN
Released in 1976, The Pink Panther Strikes Again is inspired, zany fun. Recovering from his stint in a mental hospital, Herbert Lom’s Dreyfus seeks revenge against Clouseau. Yes, the storyline is utterly preposterous but so be it. There are several memorable gags, and Peter Sellers is at his over-the-top best. It’s impossible not to laugh at the interplay between Clouseau and Burt Kwouk’s Cato. If that’s not enough, there’s the perfect ending (scored to Henry Mancini’s love theme, “Come to Me,” performed by Tom Jones.); A personal favorite of mine, I’ve seen Strikes Again countless times over the years.
Presented in its original aspect ratio, taken from a brand new HDR/Dolby Vision transfer created from a 4K scan of the original 35mm camera negative, The Pink Panther Strikes Again looks the best it ever has on home media. The 4K disc is presented in HDR, resulting in a bright color palette and strong details throughout. While there are a few minimal scratches, they don’t affect the overall viewing experience.
Like Kino’s other recent UHD releases of Pink Panther films, both the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track are available. Both provide a clear listening experience, be it dialogue, score or sound mix.
English SDH subtitles are included.
The following extras are available:
- Audio commentary by Jason Simos of The Peter Sellers Appreciation Society
DISC 5: REVENGE OF THE PINK PANTHER
Continuing box office success brought Peter Sellers back for Revenge of the Pink Panther which ended up being his last outing as Clouseau, due to his death in 1980, aged 50. Sadly, this entry has only a few laughs here and there and seems largely uninspired. It has a lot of the same trappings of the earlier films, but it feels like those involved – even Sellers – are simply going through the motions. Clouseau is trying to break up a drug ring, he just does it with a lot less panache than the earlier films. The best part is the Hong Kong climax of the film, set to Henry Mancini’s wonderful “Hong Kong Fireworks” composition. If nothing else watching The Pink Panther Collection will make you realize just how important Henry Mancini’s music was to the success of these films.
Of the sequels, the 4k of Revenge of the Pink Panther is the best looking. While there are a few brief shots with some scratches, details are strong throughout, offering a crisp look to the proceedings. Grain is present but never distracting. If anything, it helps create a filmic appearance. Colors are vibrant and skin tones look natural. Whites are clean and blacks are inky. Fans should be very pleased with the overall appearance of this release.
Like the other Pink Panther 4K releases, Kino offers a DTS-HD MA 2.0 and 5.1 audio track. Both are well balanced, though the 5.1 track offers a slightly fuller listening experience. Dialogue is clean, clear and concise on both mixes.
English SDH subtitles are included.
The following extras are available:
- Audio Commentary with Film Historian William Patrick Maynard
DISC 6: BONUS FEATURES (BLU-RAY)
- THE PINK PANTHER – The Pink Panther Story
- THE PINK PANTHER – Behind the Feline
- THE PINK PANTHER – The Coolest Cat in Cortina
- THE PINK PANTHER – An Italian Indian
- THE PINK PANTHER – Diamonds: Beyond the Sparkle
- THE PINK PANTHER – The Tip Toe Life of a Cat Burglar
- THE PINK PANTHER – Theatrical Trailer
- A SHOT IN THE DARK – Back to the Start
- A SHOT IN THE DARK – Blake Edwards and Julie Andrews on The Dick Cavett Show
- A SHOT IN THE DARK – Theatrical Trailers
- THE RETURN OF THE PINK PANTHER – A Bit of Passion and Lots of Laughs
- THE RETURN OF THE PINK PANTHER – Production Designer Peter Mullins on Making the Pink Panthers
- THE RETURN OF THE PINK PANTHER – The Return to Laughter: 1975 Featurette
- THE RETURN OF THE PINK PANTHER – Radio Spots
- THE RETURN OF THE PINK PANTHER – TV Spots
- THE RETURN OF THE PINK PANTHER – Theatrical Trailers
- THE PINK PANTHER STRIKES AGAIN – Panther Musings
- THE PINK PANTHER STRIKES AGAIN – A Cut Above
- THE PINK PANTHER STRIKES AGAIN – Clouseau, the Greatest Fumbler in the World: 1976 Featurette
- THE PINK PANTHER STRIKES AGAIN – Radio Spots
- THE PINK PANTHER STRIKES AGAIN – TV Spots
- THE PINK PANTHER STRIKES AGAIN – Theatrical Trailers
- REVENGE OF THE PINK PANTHER – Radio Spots
- REVENGE OF THE PINK PANTHER – TV Spots
- REVENGE OF THE PINK PANTHER – Theatrical Trailers
