Peter Sellers is the only Inspector Clouseau. In my house, The Pink Panther does not refer to that remake with Steve Martin bobbling his way to another paycheck. We dont discuss the Pink films that came after Peter Sellers death that Blake Edwards directed with Ted Wass (Curse of the Pink Panther) and Roberto Benigni (Son of the Pink Panther). Trail of the Pink Panther is viewed as a bonus feature filled with outtakes of Sellers from the early films. This is a movie series that only belongs to Sellers. The Pink Panther mixes a sophisticated jewel heist plot with a slapstick caper to create a perfect cinematic cocktail.
For folks new to the film series, the Pink Panther is not an animal. Its a rare pink diamond with a tiny imperfection that looks like a panther. Its on a necklace given by the Shah of Lugash to his daughter (Claudia Cardinale). While she merrily vacations on the ski slopes of Cortina dAmpezzo, devious minds plot to heist her prized jewel. Sir Charles Lytton (David Niven) has a crooked past as the notorious thief known as The Phantom. Hes eager to use his noble suave ways to swipe it. However hes got competition from his American nephew (Robert Wagner). The younger conman wants to snag the diamond and blame it on the Phantom. Her only hope is Inspector Jacques Clouseau. Except he doesnt realize his wife (Capucine) is having an affair with Lytton. Shes the Phantoms secret helper. This is a jet-setting piece of cinematic fun. Like all great 60s comedies, the ending involves guys in gorilla costumes driving small sportscars.
What separates The Pink Panther from its 70s sequels and Steve Martin remakes is sensuality. Claudia Cardinale is so tempting and alluring while tipsy and wrapped around a tiger skin rug. The same is true with Capucine in her nightgown while distracting her clueless husband. This film wasnt completely played for outrageous laughs. Director Blake Edwards gave our eyes plenty of beauty to blend with the slapstick action. The same can be said about the tone of the film. The Pink Panther isnt out to be a complete spoof of a jewel heist film. David Niven brings a level of sophistication to the screen that wouldnt be found in the rest of the series. The film plays like To Catch a Thief with a little more than Hitchocks sly humor.
The Pink Panther is a rare beast as a mix of elegant charm and goofball jokes. Niven and Sellers bring their best in this face off. They maintain the light charm to make sure the action doesnt get too foolish or serious. Its a shame that the rest of the films werent able to keep to this formula. This is a posh romp and not a gutter stomp. The Pink Panther deserves to be watched with a properly mixed martini.
The video is 2.20:1 anamorphic. The detail brought out by the Blu-ray is heightens the weirdness. Cardinale glows while wrapped around the Tiger skin rug. The image transfer sticks around 45 Mbps. The audio is 5.1 DTS HD Master and the original mono mix. You get a really nice earful of Henry Mancinis score. The dubs are Spanish, French and Portuguese 5.1 DTS. The subtitles are in English, Spanish, Korean, Cantonese, Mandarin and Thai.
Audio Commentary by Blake Edwards. After the director warms up, he starts unleashing tales from the set. He points out when he let the cameraman act as a cop.
The Pink Panther Story (28:42) allows the living major players minus the explain the evolution of the series. Blake reminds us that working with Sellers wasnt always fun and games.
Beyond the Feline: The Cartoon Phenomenon (10:51) discusses how the Pink Panther went from a cartoon on letterhead to the opening credit sequence to his own cartoon series. The lack of real words in most of the cartoons helped make him an international superstar.
The Coolest Cat in Cortina: Robert Wagner (10:53) is recent interview with the actor. He talks about how he snagged the role in the middle of a bad divorce. He had a great time working off the unpredictable Peter Sellers. He has a twisted tale of taking a bathroom break on a mountain top with David Niven. This is in HD.
The Tip-Toe Life of a Cat Burglar: A Conversation with Former Jewel Thief Bill Mason (9:43) has a real felon talk about what it takes to steal. He didnt leave clues or calling cards. He did dress up to party with his rich victims. He stole Phyllis Dillers diamonds! He was in the real estate business for his day job. Where is the movie based on this guy? This is in HD.
Diamonds: Beyond the Sparkle (6:53) seems to be a promo from the diamond industry. They do talk about the Pink Panther diamond. This is in HD.
The Pink Panther Trailer (3:50) has the Panther giggling while checking out the film straight from the reel.
If you only get one Inspector Clouseau film on Blu-ray, let it be the original version of The Pink Panther. The film doesnt stoop to being purely foolish. Theres a sophisticated charm to the heist hijinks. David Niven classes up the comedy. This isnt a dumb comedy with a French accent. The bonus features allow you to appreciate the wit and debonair attitude.
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MGM & 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment present The Pink Panther. Directed by Blake Edwards. Starring David Niven, Peter Sellers, Robert Wagner, Capucine & Claudia Cardinale. Written by Blake Edwards & Maurice Richlin. Running time: 115 minutes. Not Rated. Released on DVD: January 27, 2009. Available at Amazon.
