Director: Blake EdwardsScreenplay: Blake Edwards, Maurice Richlin
Starring: David Niven, Peter Sellers, Robert Wagner, Capucine, Claudia Cardinale
Country: United States
Running Time: 113 minutes
Year: 1963
BBFC Certificate: PG
Peter Sellers unleashed a comedy juggernaut onto the world when he pratfell off a spinning globe as the foolish Inspector Jacques Clouseau.
Moments later, it’s revealed the Frenchman is so unobservant his wife Simone, played by French model Capucine, is bedding and conspiring with his arch-nemesis gentlemen diamond jewel thief, the Phantom, real name Sir Charles Lytton, played by David Niven.
Clouseau now has to stop the Phantom from getting hold of the Pink Panther diamond, which is owned by Princess Dala, played by Claudia Cardinale. Robert Wagner rounds off the main cast as Sir Charles’ nephew George.
88 Films is releasing a 4K Remaster from the original negatives presented in ultra-high definition (2160p) in 2.39:1 aspect ratio. It also comes with Dolby Vision High Dynamic Range (HDR10 Compatible). Along with a 5.1 Surround DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack and the uncompressed mono soundtrack.
It also features a range of archival special features but no new additions with this package. This includes six featurettes and a director’s commentary.
The 1963 film, directed and co-written by Blake Edwards, is racy and feels ahead of its time with Sir Charles unsuccessfully trying to seduce Princess Dala, both playing their respective roles to sublime perfection. Cardinale has this one incredible scene where she’s plastered and teasing Sir Charles with her seductive powers. Her bewitching charm radiates off the screen.
Then, there’s this ludicrously great bedroom farce which sees Sir Charles and George, in cahoots with Simone, hiding from Clouseau, under the bed and in the bath. This scene is electric and so well-choreographed with minimal cuts.
There’s a famous weakness to this beloved film, and it’s that Clouseau was not the main character and is absent from long swathes of the movie. It’s true that his absence is felt and the film comes alive when Sellers is given centre stage to perform in his breakout-role.
Picture and Sound
The 4K upgrade is stunning. It was filmed in Technicolor, so we get the bright, rich and colours of the era in the picture, with burnt oranges, bright pinks and muted blues accentuating the vivid backdrop. The jet white surrounding of the Italian ski resort much of the film takes place in, with its snow-peaked mountains, provides a beautiful landscape and there’s a scene with a fireworks display which looked fantastic. Those hoping for lots of film grain may be disappointed, however, as it’s a very clean sharp image.
That famous Pink Panther theme tune was wonderful in surround sound, filling the room with its slinky jazz and big band melody, ramping up the style and suspense. The soundtrack is really accentuated by the 5.1 track, however, most of the in-scene noise still felt quite linear.
Film:
Extras
Director’s commentary – Blake Edwards provides a whole range of amusing anecdotes about the cast and crew and developing a chemistry with Sellers who came onto the project late.
Behind the Feline Featurette – (10.51 mins) About the huge success of the spinoff animated character. Interesting insight into animation studio behind it.
The Pink Panther Story Featurette – (28.47 mins) A look at the film’s conception, near crisis losing original Clouseau actor Peter Ustinov and the franchise’s life after the original film.
That’s Panthertainment Featurette – (46.41 mins) Really old and very dated archival clips with interviews of the cast during the release of The Return of the Pink Panther. Lots of clips that ruin future gags.
A Conversation with Robert Wagner: The Coolest Cat in Cortina Featurette – (10.53 mins) Wagner spoke about getting involved with the project, working with key cast members and getting injured when performing the bath sketch.
The Tip-Toe Life of a Catburglar: A Conversation with Former Jewel Thief Bill Mason Featurette – (9.43 mins) Fascinating featurette and really well presented, compelling watch.
Diamonds – Beyond the Sparkle Featurette – (6.53 mins) This covers the history of diamonds. Another interesting watch.
With these last two features, it does feel like this package covers everything – but I would have liked couple of video essays analysing key scenes or providing some cultural commentary.
Extras:
88 Films releases The Pink Panther in 4K on 24 August, 2026.