The Pink Panther 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		5.0
Audio		5.0
Extras		4.5
Overall		4.5

The Pink Panther 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Dr. Svet Atanasov January 8, 2026

Blake Edwards' "The Pink Panther" (1963) arrives on 4K Blu-ray courtesy of Kino Lorber. The supplemental features on the release include archival audio commentary by Blake Edwards; archival program with Robert Wagner; archival program with Claudia Cardinale; archival program with former jewel thief Bill Mason; vintage trailer; and more. In English, with optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature. Region-Free.

Until next time.

Contemporary films are vastly inferior to their much older relatives that people flocked to see at the cinema many decades ago for a variety of different reasons. However, the two biggest reasons are the two most obvious, and both have everything to do with talent. In the old days, there were excellent directors and genuine stars, both capable of creating the magic that made Hollywood famous. It really is this simple, and the streaming era we are forced to endure could not have made this any clearer to even the greatest skeptics. If someone is denying it, it is because that someone is dishonest, almost certainly for an obvious reason or two as well.

A film like Blake Edwards’ The Pink Panther cannot be made today. Shawn Levy’s 2006 remake gathers several fine actors, all not in their prime, surrounded by plenty of not-so-good actors, and the best it could do is crack a few decent jokes here and there, which is the least a film could produce with a character like Inspector Clouseau. The Pink Panther offers vastly superior entertainment with an entirely different atmosphere, both made possible by the talent that dominates it. Also, The Pink Panther is special because its biggest star dominates his colleagues as if he were struggling to match the quality of their work, which is a genius trick only a genuine star can pull off.

While vacationing in the exclusive Italian ski resort Cortina D’Ampezo, the exiled Princess Dahla (Claudia Cardinale) becomes a target for the world’s greatest thief, Sir Charles Lytton (David Niven), better known as The Phantom, who intends to separate her from her greatest possession, a giant, priceless jewel referred to as The Pink Panther. The seemingly perpetually clumsy Inspector Clouseau (Peter Sellers), who has been closing in on The Phantom, arrives in the area, too, completely unaware that his beautiful wife, Simone (Capucine), has been cheating on him and working with his target. However, soon after engaging Princess Dahla and arousing her curiosity, as his plan requires, The Phantom bumps into his nephew, George (Robert Wagner), an aspiring young thief, who has arrived to claim The Pink Panther, too. While The Phantom adjusts his plan and continues seducing Princess Dahla, the clueless George then concludes that a beautiful older woman like Simone deserves some of the same manly attention and uses some of his free time to impress her.

The Pink Panther is not a flawless film. Several parts of it are too busy, and some of its slapstick is a tad overpolished, which is why occasionally it seems slightly dated now. However, as is usually the case in Edwards’ best films, the chaos that flourishes in it is enormously entertaining. Some of this chaos is carefully controlled, and some of it is simply mad in that terrific old-fashioned way that makes viewing gems like The Party an unforgettable experience.

Niven is brilliant as the perfect gentleman, irresistible playboy, and elusive thief, and rightfully demands all the attention. However, it is Sellers who shines in an unforgettable way and does the most to give The Pink Panther its identity. A crucial portion of this identity is also relatable to Henry Mancini’s iconic score.

Edwards and Oscar-nominated cinematographer Philip Lathrop shot many of the famous sequences in The Pink Panther on location in Italy, plus additional footage in Paris and Los Angeles.

The Pink Panther 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Kino Lorber's release of The Pink Panther is a 4K Blu-ray/Blu-ray combo pack. The 4K Blu-ray is Region-Free. However, the Blu-ray is Region-A "locked".

Please note that some of the screencaptures included with this article are taken from the 4K Blu-ray and downscaled to 1080p. Therefore, they do not accurately reflect the quality of the 4K content on the 4K Blu-ray disc.

Screencaptures #1-9 are taken from the Blu-ray.
Screencaptures #12-25 are taken from the 4K Blu-ray.

The release introduces an exclusive new 4K restoration of The Pink Panther, sourced from the original camera negative. In native 4K, the 4K restoration can be viewed with Dolby Vision and HDR grades. I chose to view it with HDR.

We posted an early review of the Blu-ray release of the 4K restoration, and if you have seen it, you already know that I like how The Pink Panther looks now a lot. It has a very healthy, lush, and very accurate period appearance, the best I have seen to date. The biggest discrepancies between the native 4K and 1980p presentations are in two predictable areas. In native 4K, the expanded color gamut helps some parts of the film appear more vibrant. The outdoor daylight footage where The Phantom makes contact with Princess Dahla is one such part. However, the darker footage, and especially the mayhem in the final act, reveals fluctuations, which are introduced by unique lensing preferences. The HDR grade tends to exaggerate some of these fluctuations, which is why I prefer how the same footage looks in 1080p on the Blu-ray. Additionally, in native 4K, the superior resolution helps most visuals look sharper on a large screen. However, I must again clarify that the 1080p presentation already produces great visuals, so I do not think this would be a universal improvement that all viewers will easily see and appreciate on all systems. Everything else is as described in our review of the Blu-ray release. There are no traces of any problematic digital corrections. Image stability is excellent. The entire film looks immaculate as well.

The Pink Panther 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

There are two standard audio tracks on this Blu-ray release: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided for the main feature. When turned on, they appear inside the image frame.

I have viewed the 4K restoration on 4K Blu-ray and Blu-ray. The comments below are from our review of the standalone Blu-ray release of The Pink Panther.

I chose to view the film with the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track. However, in a few places, I switched to the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. Both tracks are very healthy. During the chaos in the final act, they perform the best, for obvious reasons, but in a lot of other areas, especially when Henry Mancini's soundtrack is prominent, dynamic contrasts can be wonderful as well. All exchanges are very clear, sharp, and easy to follow.

The Pink Panther 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

4K BLU-RAY DISC

• Commentary - this archival audio commentary was recorded by Blake Edwards and has appeared on various home video releases of The Pink Panther. Edwards recalls, often in great detail, how and where various sections from the film were shot, what specific choices were made to make them appear as attractive as possible, and what it was like to work with the various stars.

BLU-RAY DISC

• Commentary - this archival audio commentary was recorded by Blake Edwards and has appeared on various home video releases of The Pink Panther. Edwards recalls, often in great detail, how and where various sections from the film were shot, what specific choices were made to make them appear as attractive as possible, and what it was like to work with the various stars.

• The Pink Panther Story - this archival documentary takes a closer look at the conception and production of The Pink Panther, as well as the various sequels it inspired. Included in it are clips from interviews with Blake Edwards, producer Walter Mirisch, and stunt coordinator Joe Dunne, amongst others. In English, not subtitled (29 min).

• Behind the Feline - The Cartoon Phenomenon - this archival program takes a closer look at the famous cartoon character, its unique qualities, and lasting appeal. Included in it are clips from interviews with Blake Edwards, David H. DePatie, and Walter Mirisch, amongst others. In English, not subtitled (11 min).

• The Coolest Cat in Cortina - in this archival program, Robert Wagner recalls what it was like to be involved with The Pink Panther, and explains why, ultimately, the original choice for the part of Inspector Clouseau, which was Peter Ustinov, was not the best. Wagner also comments on Peter Sellers' ability to improvise and his wonderful sense of humor, as well as David Niven's irresistible charm in front of and behind the camera. In English, not subtitled. (11 min).

• An Italian Indian - in this archival program, Claudia Cardinale recalls what it was like to contribute to The Pink Panther and comments on her interactions with Blake Edwards and fellow cast members. Cardinale also comments on her work with Federico Fellini and Luchino Visconti. In French, with English subtitles. (12 min).

• Diamonds - in this archival program, several diamond experts explain why a real stone like The Pink Panther would be priceless, and clarify what makes a perfect diamond perfect. In English, not subtitled. (7 min).

• The Tip-Toe Life of a Cat Burglar - in this archival program, former jewel thief Bill Mason, who was once considered the best in the business, and novelist Lee Gruenfeld discuss David Niven's character, The Phantom, and some of the real job Mason did. In English, not subtitled. (10 min).

• Trailer - presented here is a remastered vintage trailer for The Pink Panther. In English, not subtitled. (4 min).

• Cover - reversible cover with vintage poster art for The Pink Panther.

The Pink Panther 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The definitive home video release of Blake Edwards' The Pink Panther is here. Whether you choose to add to your library this combo pack release or this standalone Blu-ray release, you will be getting a gorgeous, very accurate 4K restoration of The Pink Panther, which will allow you to experience the film in an entirely new way. This statement, I assure you, is not an exaggeration. If you reside on the other side of the Atlantic and plan to acquire the combo pack release, please keep in mind that only the 4K Blu-ray is Region-Free. The Blu-ray included in it is Region-A "locked". VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.