Rating summary

Movie		1.5
Video		3.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		2.5
Overall		3.0

Son of the Pink Panther Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf June 30, 2017

If there was anyone capable of doing something with a shot at becoming the next Inspector Clouseau, it’s Roberto Benigni. While he wasn’t a household name in the U.S. in 1993, Benigni was making his way to global recognition with films like “Johnny Stecchino,” “Down by Law,” and “Night on Earth,” earning raves for his special sense of humor, with emphasis on slapstick. That co-writer/director Blake Edwards cast Benigni in “The Son of the Pink Panther,” his second attempt to revive a dead franchise, is not a surprise. What is amazing about the production is how little comedy it gives its star, who’s often out there on his own, working to make weak jokes work with help from his special way with broken English and physical endurance, hoping to live up to Peter Sellers standards with his take on Clouseau-ian tomfoolery.

When Princess Yasmin (Debrah Farentino) is abducted by a terrorist organization led by Hans (Robert Davi), Police Commissioner Dreyfus (Herbert Lom) is tasked with solving the crime and returning the young woman home safe and sound. Flopping into his field of vision is bumbling police officer Gambrelli (Roberto Benigni), who’s soon pulled into the case, using his special skills of timing and buffoonery to help find Yasmin, discovering along the way that he’s the illegitimate son of Inspector Clouseau.

After managing franchise softness in the 1980s with “Trail of the Pink Panther” and “Curse of the Pink Panther,” Edwards attempts to butch up the series for a new generation of clowning. The opening of “Son of the Pink Panther” almost plays like a “Die Hard” rip-off, establishing Hans as a no- nonsense villain willing to kill his way through any situation, collecting Yasmin for financial and political reasons. Some automatic guns and mild action choreography welcome viewers to the movie (along with a main title sequence that showcases Bobby McFerrin performing his take on the famous Henry Mancini theme), but silliness isn’t far behind, finally getting to Benigni and his wacky ways. Unlike Alan Arkin and Ted Wass, Benigni has the goods to be a fine Clouseau replacement, but the screenplay doesn’t permit the actor to come alive in the role, often stuck managing dismal antics that seem geared toward children, including Gambrelli accidentally riding his bicycle into fresh cement, pulling apart his ride as he tries to manage an escape.

Son of the Pink Panther Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (2.35:1 aspect ratio) presentation doesn't offer much in the way of freshness, resembling an older transfer dusted off for a Blu-ray debut. However, detail isn't totally problematic, coming through with close-ups, capturing Benigni's rubbery reactions, and Lom's subtle eye- based gags. Locations also retain some depth. Colors are acceptable, looking slightly fatigued. Costuming brings out some brighter hues, and skintones are natural. Delineation is adequate. Source is clean, without overt points of damage.

Son of the Pink Panther Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix is best with music, finding Bobby McFerrin's opening number achieving pleasing range and depth, securing the nuances of his vocal gifts. Scoring is also sharp and loud, supporting the action with inviting presence. Dialogue exchanges are accurate, detailing accents and urgency without distortion. Atmospherics are good, feeling out room environments, and sound effects are crisp and boomy.

Son of the Pink Panther Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features Jason Simos of the Peter Sellers Appreciation Society.

• Making Of (7:06, SD) is an EPK featurette from 1993 that attempts to build a bridge between the Sellers years and Benigni's introduction, offering ample film clips to help sell the latest chapter, along with some brief crew interviews.

• Deleted Scene #1 (1:09, SD) features Gambrelli playing around with a condom.

• Deleted Scene #2 (2:27, SD) focuses on a barely conscious Gambrelli and Yasmin interacting while locked in a room, ending with a very strange oral sex joke. The scene is presented in Italian, making it even more puzzling.

• And an Extended Alternate Trailer (2:09, SD) and Theatrical Trailer (1:09, SD) are included.

Son of the Pink Panther Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"The Son of the Pink Panther" boasts average technical appeal and exotic locations, and Edwards tries to keep the spirit of the franchise alive by bringing back old faces, but the movie should belong entirely to Benigni, who remains weirdly leashed throughout. There isn't a joke that lands and the central conflict is more complicated than it needs to be, leaving "The Son of the Pink Panther" winded despite Benigni's welcome presence. Edwards wanted a new beginning for his beloved brand, and he ends up with yet another dud.