Search - The Pink Panther Film Collection on DVD

MGM Tries Again... Still Not Quite Right.

Dave Y. | Kennewick, WA USA | 01/20/2009

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Well, MGM tries again to re-package the Pink Panther collection... and, sadly, it's only marginally better than the last attempt (so I give it BARELY three stars). This one contains all the same features as the first run (the black collection set from 2004) and adds "Curse of the Pink Pather" (starring Ted Wass) and "Son of the Pink Panther" (starring Roberto Benigni).

Unfortunately, this set still leaves out one of the funniest films in the franchise; "Return of the Pink Panther". It also leaves out the non-Sellers film in the series, "Inspector Clouseau" (starring Alan Arkin). Granted, "Inspector Clouseau" was not directed by Blake Edwards, but "Return of the Pink Panther" (arguably the best film in the franchise) was directed by him - yet is left out AGAIN in this set.

I also agree with the previous reviewer who noted that the packaging with this set is not as nice as the former. The 2004 edition looks nicer and has a much more durable cover.

At least they didn't screw up this new set by throwing in the latest version by Steve Martin, which is a disaster in my opinion... but I wouldn't even complain about that if the essentials had been included in the set and they're not. Come on MGM, give us a complete set!!!

Personally, I liked "Son of the Pink Panther". It is the best of the more recent attempts to keep the story going. I think it worked so well for me because they weren't trying to replace Sellers... Instead they give us his son, and Roberto Benigni was brilliantly funny. No, he's no Sellers, but I really enjoyed his character and the rest of movie just felt more like a Pink Panther flick (especially since they brought many of the old character favorites back). The earlier movie, Inspector Clouseau, was not that funny (because they tried to replace an irreplaceable character), but it still had its moments and Alan Arkin was still much funnier and his character far more believable than Steve Martin's horrible immitation.

All-in-all, I agree with the former reviewer... Get the 2004 set (much nicer packaging and nice extra features) and then buy the other essentials separately; "Curse of the Pink Panther", "Son of the Pink Panther" and "Inspector Clouseau" (if you want Arkin's film in the mix), and of course Steve Martin's if you really must. ;) Or, if you like the Cartoons too, get the "Pink Panther Ultimate Collection" and just add "Return" and "Inspector Clouseau", as it has the rest (including Martin's 2006 version).

Hope that helps. :)"

To the point

K. Lamont Watley | 01/31/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Okay. So, the Pink Panther film collection was released a few years back. I picked it up because I am a fan of all the films. This year, it was re-released, with "Curse of The Pink Panther" & "Son of The Pink Panther" now included. The reasons are two fold: 1)so those other films I just mentioned could be included to make it a complete collection. And, 2)to redeem the "Pink Panther" name & franchise, due to the new "Panther" garbage w/ Steve Martin that is unfortunately becoming a series of movies (sadly, Pink Panther 2 will be coming out soon). And, for those people (and, I'm amazed at how many do not know or understand this) that keep complaining about "The Return of The Pink Panther" not being included with the collections: NEWS FLASH: MGM (the company that owns all the films) does not have the rights to "The Return of The Pink Panther". I forget the exact reasons for it at this point. And, quite frankly, it's old news. Which is partly why I'm so amazed that more people don't know about it. There was a full decade in between "A Shot In The Dark" & The Return of.....". So, old deals most likely were no longer in effect. But, things worked out again by the time of "The Pink Panther Strikes Again". I hope this is coming in crystal clear to certain individuals. With all this being said, I'm going on record as saying I will be purchasing this set as well. I obviously can't comment on the packaging. I don't own it yet."

MGM DID IT RIGHT!!!

Nick | New York | 09/05/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I know it's hard to believe that MGM, the company that was so bad at their DVD releases they actually had a website form called [...], got it right. This collection is awesome for any Pink Panther fan. While I agree, it stinks that Return Of The Pink Panther is not included, it is NOT an MGM film. For legal reasons, they cannot include it. Do what I did, just buy it seperate. Amazon sells it for 9.99. Can't beat that price. Worth every penny."