5.6 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.0 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
An Arabian princess is kidnapped, and it's up to Chief Inspector Dreyfus (Herbert Lom) to save her. Fortunately, there's no Clouseau around to plague him this time! But when a klutzy local cop with the unfortunate name of Jacques (Roberto Benigni) is assigned to help him, he manages to run Dreyfus over and blow him up - all on his first day on the job. Soon Dreyfus begins to fear that if Clouseau has a long-lost son, he would be a lot like this.
Starring: Roberto Benigni, Herbert Lom, Claudia Cardinale, Shabana Azmi, Debrah FarentinoComedy | 100% |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0
English SDH
Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region A (C untested)
Movie | 1.5 | |
Video | 3.0 | |
Audio | 4.5 | |
Extras | 2.5 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
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.
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.
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.
"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.
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