The Pink Panther Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		5.0
Audio		5.0
Extras		4.5
Overall		4.5

The Pink Panther Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Dr. Svet Atanasov December 31, 2025

Blake Edwards' "The Pink Panther" (1963) arrives on 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-A "locked".

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 Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 2.35:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, The Pink Panther arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Kino Lorber.

The release introduces an exclusive new 4K restoration of The Pink Panther, sourced from the original camera negative. The 4K restoration will also be available on 4K Blu-ray in this combo pack release in a few weeks.

The Pink Panther looks sensational now. I was floored by the quality of the visuals my system produced, and I cannot see how the native 4K presentation of the 4K restoration could be significantly better. (I do not have a 4K Blu-ray copy of it yet). Delineation, clarity, and depth are at what I consider 'reference levels', while the density of all visuals is outstanding. Perhaps the best news is that the 4K restoration is perfectly graded, which is why the entire film has a fabulous period appearance. Indeed, all primaries and supporting nuances are expertly set, and, perhaps unsurprisingly, the dynamic range of the visuals is pretty incredible. There are no traces of any problematic digital corrections. Image stability is excellent. The entire film looks immaculate as well. (Note: This is a Region-A "locked" Blu-ray release. Therefore, you must have a native Region-A or Region-Free player in order to access its content).

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

• 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 Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The wait is over. In a couple of weeks, whether you choose this Blu-ray or this 4K Blu-ray/Blu-ray combo pack, you will be adding a definitive home video release of Blake Edwards' The Pink Panther to your collection. The new 4K restoration of the film is a jaw-dropper that will be one of the biggest treats for collectors in 2026. It truly is flawless, and I could not be happier that it turned out so well. If you reside on the other side of the Atlantic and are planning to grab this release, please keep in mind that it is Region-A "locked". VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.