"The Pink Panther" might not hold up as well as it used to, but it's still a clever, good time.
The Pink Panther (1964, Blu-ray)
Directors: Blake Edwards
Producers: Various
Writers: Maurice Richlin (screenplay) and Blake Edwards (screenplay)
Features: * Commentary * Featurettes
Characters:
David Niven ... Sir Charles Lytton
Peter Sellers ... Insp. Jacques Clouseau
Robert Wagner ... George Lytton
Capucine ... Simone Clouseau
Brenda De Banzie ... Angela Dunning (as Brenda de Banzie)
Colin Gordon ... Tucker
John Le Mesurier ... Defence Barrister (as John LeMesurier)
James Lanphier ... Saloud
Guy Thomajan ... Artoffeau
Genre: Comedy
Review:
The Pink Panther (1964) Blu-ray Review
Im now writing for IGN as well, and from time to time will be featuring exclusive reviews over there. But, dont fear, Ill be posting reviews and links to my IGN reviews over here as well, keeping you up to date on the latest in DVD and Blu-ray releases!
MINI-REVIEW:
There's an age-old saying, "smoke comes before fire." That much is definitely true for the Blake Edwards-Peter Sellers comedy franchise that started with "The Pink Panther." The first film barely features Sellers' classic character, instead focusing on David Niven (who plays a jewel thief named "The Phantom") and Robert Wagner (who plays his scheming nephew). Both actors deliver charming performances.
When Sellers takes center stage, he's undeniably funny (though he's much different than he is in later films). There are certainly some comic elements in this caper, but compared to the series' vastly superior sequel, "A Shot in the Dark," this one's lacking in many departments.
Still, a classic's a classic, so I'm not going to try and convince anyone otherwise.
Now, is it better than the Steve Martin remake? Yes, but not by much. Martin's film is much better paced, but it's crass and dumb with little new to add the story or character. Seller's film is remarkably slow and a little thin on laughs, but when you note the sheer amount of "classic" moments in this film, it's hard to deny the obviously higher quality of the '64 original.
"The Pink Panther" is a fine start to a great franchise. But, in order to get the most bang for your buck, check out the sequels instead. Start with "A Shot in the Dark" and work your way forward. Just remember, skip the one's without Peter Sellers.
Film Report Card:
Entertainment Value: B+
Film Value: B
Final Grade:
B
The Disc:
Video:
"The Pink Panther" is presented in 2.35:1 widescreen using the AVC MPEG-4 codec on a dual-layered BD50 disc.
Audio:
Audio choices are English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, English Mono, Spanish and French and Portuguese DTS 5.1. Cantonese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese and Spanish subtitles options as well as English captions for the hearing impaired.
Special Features:
Commentary by Writer/Director Blake Edwards
The Pink Panther Story Featurette (29 minutes, SD)
Beyond the Feline: The Cartoon Phenomenon Featurette (11 minutes, HD)
The Coolest Cat in Cortina: Robert Wagner (11 minutes, HD)
The Tip Toe Life of a Cat Burglar: A Conversation with Former Jewel Thief Bill Mason (10 minutes, HD)
Diamonds: Beyond the Sparkle (7 minutes, HD)
Trailers
Recommendation: Worth owning
On Blu-ray: January 27, 2009.
CLICK HERE TO READ MY REVIEW of the Blu-ray disc over at IGN!!
Here's the film's theatrical trailer:
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