The Pink Panther (1963) Blu-ray Review | Peter Sellers as Inspector Clouseau

As a young child I used to watch the cartoon The Pink Panther. I would marvel at the adventures of The Pink Panther. Then as I got older, I discovered The Pink Panther movies with Peter Sellers.

Blake Edward's and Peter Sellers started the film series with The Pink Panther in 1963. Now 62 years later Kino Lorber Studio Classics have released this classic comedy film on Blu-ray featuring a new 4K scan. 

Synopsis: Sir Charles (David Niven), an urbane British playboy who is secretly also smooth criminal “The Phantom.” Trailed by the accident-prone French detective Inspector Jacques Clouseau (Peter Sellers) among the jet set, the suave jewel thief sets his sights on stealing The Pink Panther — a large pink diamond whose name derives from its shimmering resemblance to a leaping feline — away from its keeper, the lovely and feisty Princess Dala (Claudia Cardinale). Robert Wagner and Capucine co-star, as Sir Charles’ sly nephew George and Clouseau’s utterly unfaithful wife Simone.

Blake Edwards co-wrote the screenplay with Maurice Richlin. It is a wonderfully woven script. Edwards brings the screenplay to life as je also sits in the director's chair. Edwards uses the beauty of the European locales including Cortina d’Ampezzo. It almost becomes a character itself. 

The cast is perfect. Everyone brings their A game to the roles. Sellers of course is simply hilarious. Then there is the score by Henry Mancini is simply unforgettable. And pretty much anyone that hears the first few bars will know it. No wonder The American Film Institute listed The Pink Panther as No. 20 in its 100 Years of Film Scores.

Kino Lorber has transferred The Pink Panther to Blu-ray in 1080p and is presented in 2.35:1 aspect ratio. The audio track is an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. There is also the option for English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing. 

This Blu-ray transfer is taken from a brand new 4k scan of the 35mm Technirama Camera negative. The picture is crisp and clean. The colors are simply gorgeous. The flesh tones are correct. I was simply blow away at how gorgeous this film looks on this release. 

Now in addition to a stunning new 4K scan of this classic comedy. Kino Lorber ported some classic bonus features to this Blu-ray take a look at what is included.

* Commentary track by C-writer and Director Black Edwards
* The Pink Panther Story: Documentary
* The Coolest Cat in Cortina - A Conversation with Robert Wagner
* An Italian Indian: The Pink Panther Princess Claudia Cardinale
* Behind the Feline
* Diamonds
* The Tip-Toe Life of a Cat Burglar
* Theatrical Trailer

All these bonus features really take this release from good to great. But Kino Lorber didn't even stop there. The Blu-ray insert is a reversable one with two different kinds of artwork. I love the artwork so for me this is a truly wonderful bonus feature.

There is nothing like the comedy of Peter Sellers as Inspector Clouseau. And now to see his first adventure in spectacular crystal-clear quality. Simply priceless. So, if you enjoy The Pink Panther why not add this new Blu-ray release to your home video library by heading over to Kino Lorber or Amazon and ordering your copy today. You won't be disappointed.   


Out of 4 Film reels (4 being the best) The Blu-ray of The Pink Panther receives.....