". . . This tale reveals the relationships between a number of men and women deplorably lacking in moral responsibility."
Marvin Albert, The Pink Panther, 1964

OK, I'll admit it. When I first saw the "Pink Panther" DVD set at Costco ($38.99, before tax), something about it jumped out at me and reeled me in, though I have no idea why. If I'd ever seen any of the films, it had been YEARS ago, like when my age was still in the single digits. But, regardless, I wanted that set, even though I only recognized Blake Edwards from "10" and Peter Sellers and David Niven from the James Bond send-up "Casino Royale." Alas, I (or, rather, my mother) coughed up the dough for the six-disc set.

Five of the seven "Pink Panther" movies are included in the set, along with a special features disc that contains a retrospecive documentary as well as "Pink Panther" cartoons and another documentary looking back at that phenomenon. Of course, the 1964 original "Pink Panther" film is there, along with 1976's "The Pink Panther Strikes Again," 1978's "Revenge of the Pink Panther," and 1982's "Trail of the Pink Panther," which can be viewed as Edwards' posthumous tribute - whether or not it was - to Sellers, who died of a heart attack before filming was completed.

What surprised me about the set was not only what was included but what was excluded. Disc Two contains "A Shot in the Dark" - released the same year as the first "Pink Panther" film - which was supposed to be a film adaptation of the Broadway play starring Sellers, who didn't want to do the film unless Edwards directed. Edwards' advice? Do Clouseau, the accident-prone Inspector from "The Pink Panther." So, following an Edwards and William Peter Blatty ("The Exorcist") rewrite, "A Shot in the Dark" evolved into a Clouseau picture, though is not a "Pink Panther" sequel. Yet, it is here in the set.

(Are you getting all of this? Good, 'cause neither am I.)

However, the first sequel, 1975's "Return of the Pink Panther," isn't included, nor is 1983's "Curse of the Pink Panther," which was teased at the end of "Trail of the Pink Panther" and featured a cameo by Roger Moore as Clouseau. Incidently, it was also Niven's final film. According to Amazon.com, "Curse of the Pink Panther" is only available on VHS, while "Return of the Pink Panther" can be purchased on both VHS and DVD formats. Had these two films been included in this set, the entire "Pink Panther" film series would have been complete and available for new generations to encounter. Unfortunately, someone in charge of distribution at MGM has to pick and choose what films are to be release, like us viewers have to be told what to watch.

So, is this set really worth the forty bucks? Let's examine the contents forthwith:

Disc One: "The Pink Panther" centers around a conspiracy to steal the Pink Panther diamond, the identity of the prime suspect The Phantom and the detective sent to unravel it all, Inspector Jacques Clouseau (Sellers). Hilarity abounds when Sir Charles Litton (Niven), who's thick in plot with Madame Clouseau (Capucine), and his nephew George (Robert Wagner) trip over Clouseau - literally - and appear to share the Inspector's idea of protecting the diamond, despite their ulterior motives and Clouseau's aloofness to the truth, particularly when it stares him in the face. Along with the special edition film version, also included are a trivia game, original movie trailer and photo gallery.

Disc Two: "A Shot in the Dark" focuses on a murder investigation that seems to have an obvious conclustion - that is, until Clouseau (Sellers), with the assistance of a fellow officer (Graham Stark) and at the behest of the Chief Inspector (Herbert Lom), proves that the correct solution isn't always the most obvious. Trailer and photo gallery are also included.

Disc Three: "The Pink Panther Strikes Again" is thick with plot, mainly one to kill Clouseau (Sellers), but one of the bounty hunters falls in love with him after another "fills in" in his stead. Again, trailer and photo gallery included.

Disc Four: "Revenge of the Pink Panther" has another plot to kill Clouseau (Sellers), this time by a real mean dude (Robert Loggia), acting by proxy of the former Chief Inspector (Lom), who's former lover (Dyan Cannon) assists Clouseau in foiling his Hong Kong-ean plot. Once again, movie trailer and photos included.

Disc Five: "Trail of the Pink Panther" once again finds Loggia's mean dude sending henchmen to kill Clouseau (Sellers). But when Clouseau's plane disappears, a curious reporter interviews his friends (Niven, Capucine, Stark) and foes (Lom). Film includes clips from previous "Pink Panther" films. Trailer and photo gallery - with informational tidbits - also included.

After viewing all the films - including their accompanying special features - the retrospective documentary and the "Pink Panther" cartoons (those took me back!), the DVD set was defintely worth the money. Sure, a few more features on Disc Six besides two documentaries and handful of vintage cartoons would have been cool; and, granted, it would have been better if all seven "Pink Panther" films were included, but I'm sure that MGM will someday release an extended edition DVD set (which means I'll have to buy it again; thanks a lot!).

OK, at times, the current set may not seem 'all that,' but really: "Would you kill someone who tore your dress off?"

Copyright © 2004, Talia M. Wilson
posted: Aug. 4, 2004

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