Rating: 
Summary: More Important for what it accomplished
Review: The best thing about this film is that it returned Peter Sellers to the role of Inspector Jacques Clouseau under Blake Edwards' direction after Alan Arkin's single portrayal in 1968's INSPECTOR CLOUSEAU directed by Bud Yorkin. More importantly it did not only return Sellers but it also instituted the Pink Panther and Sellers as Inspector Clouseau in a legitimate film series instead of just a few sporadic sequels and it launched a huge cinematic rebirth and phenomenon. Unfortunately this film seems to lack the magic of 1964's THE PINK PANTHER and the sophistication of A SHOT IN THE DARK. Christopher Plummer replaced David Niven as Sir Charles Lytton in this film. Plummer is good but it seems a shame since Niven reprised his role later in 1982's TRAIL OF THE PINK PANTHER and 1983's CURSE OF THE PINK PANTHER, which were made after Sellers' death (in 1980) in an attempt to revive the series without him. Catherine Schell as Claudine Litton lacked the charisma of earlier leading ladies Capucine and Elke Sommer. On the plus side, Sellers is brilliant as Clouseau as are Herbert Lom as Chief Inspector Charles Dreyfus and Burt Kwouk as Kato back and featured prominently in the rest of all the subsequent Pink Panther films. Much needed and returning is a score composed by Henry Mancini a very integral component of this series. THE RETURN OF THE PINK PANTHER has some very good comic sketches and a very good opening jewel heist but the script just doesn't seem to be a very cohesive force. However, better things were yet to come. As for the DVD, the quality is just average. For me, the picture quality is just too soft. The MGM prints of the other Pink Panther films on DVD are much crisper.
Rating: 
Summary: The Most Brilliant Comedian
Review: The Return of the in ant . . .I mean, Pink Panther, is a work of comic genius. Peter Sellers as the idiot inspector, Herbert Lom as his boss and Chief of Police, deliver two of the most inspired comic performances ever captured on screen. The rapport between the two of them is priceless.The film begins with the theft of the famous Pink Panther diamond. The famous inspector who rescued it last time it was stolen, Inspector Clousseau (Peter Sellers), is assigned the case. Completely incompetent, yet unwaveringly persistent, the inspector manages -with the help of a phone call from his boss- to solve the crime and apprehend the infamous thief. This sounds easy enough, however, things get complicated when Clousseau's superior sets out to murder him.
Rating:
Summary: Great Movie, No Extras
Review: Except for a trailer, there are no real extras on this dvd, thats why it loses a star. The film itself, however, is magnificent. I've noticed a few reviewers that have chosen to point out that the plot isnt as "cohesive" as it was in the original "Pink Panther" or it's legendary follow up "A Shot in the Dark." Phooey. Who cares? I didn't see this movie for the plot anyway - I was there to see Peter Sellers reestablish himself as Inspector Jacques Clouseau, and that's exactly what I was given. This movie is painfully funny at times (particularly when Herbert Lom is onscreen as Clouseau's boss, the long suffering Dreyfus), and if the plot is a little weak, all is forgiven thanks to a series of sight gags that are the best of their type since Chaplin did his thing. For those who must have a plot, it goes like this: the Pink Panther diamond is again stolen from a museum in Lugash, and a white glove emblazoned with a letter P is left behind- the sign of the jewel thief the Phantom. Sir Charles Litton (Christopher Plummer, doing an admiral job of assuming the role after David Niven) - the original Phantom, and the one who stole the diamond the first time - is accused of the theft. He is innocent of the crime, though, and sets out to clear his name. While this is going on, the worlds worst detective is assigned to the case at the behest of the Lugash govt. They figure that if he caught the Phantom the first time, Clouseau can do it again. Havoc ensues.
You have to understand, it doesn't matter where he is or what the circumstances, Clouseau walks into a room and literally manages to destroy it within minutes. This leads to some very , very funny moments (my favorite being a scene involving a hapless bellboy, a sauna and some VERY slippery shoes). This could be absolutely supid, but Blake Edwards still has a great sense of comic timing, and Peter Sellers could do slapstick like nobody else before or since. If you're a fan of the "Pink Panther" films, then you'll definitely want to have this in your collection. As comedies go, its indispensible.
Rating:
Summary: One of the Best Comedies You Can Get on DVD!
Review: This has been a favorite movie of mine since I first saw it in January 1998, and I'm very proud to have it in my collection. There are few comedies I've seen that are as good as this. It can almost be classified as a suspense comedy. Throughout the plot, you are rushing through Europe at a hurried pace. It's almost hard to keep up with this movie. It delivers and delivers, and the performances by Sellers, Christopher Plummer, Herbert Lom, Catherine Schell and even Burt Kwouk are all excellent, superb, inarguably classic. This is downright the best film in the Pink Panther series, even better than A Shot In the Dark. The things Clouseau gets himself into are just unbelievable, and only Peter Sellers could make them seem believable. This movie's got a little bit of everything-it's smart,..., involved, features outstanding performances and a fantastic, unfaultering plot, as well as superb comedic genius from Sellers that permeates the film. It also has a satisfying and hilarious conclusion that you'll really love. Just WHO DID actually steal the Pink Panther? You may never figure it out until the you are told, but you will still enjoy. THE RETURN OF THE PINK PANTHER is an essential comedic gem that all film fans need to see AND own, especially fans of Petter Sellers.
Rating: 
Summary: Poorly mastered video
Review: No need to comment on the plot which is hilarious, just the DVD picture quality.
While it's in letterbox, the image is fuzzy (as in VHS quality). I suspect that instead of using 35mm film, Artisan Entertainment simply pulled this from a laserdisc and burned it down to DVD. If you see it in a bargain bin it's ok for the kids, otherwise wait for a newer version to be released.
Rating:
Summary: NOT The Same
Review: Make no mistake, this is not the same sort of movie as the original "Pink Panther". David Niven, Capucine, and Claudia Cardinale are long gone, and, whereas the original had a large dose of sophistication, wit, and style to go along with some classic slapstick from Peter Sellers, this addition to the franchise is entirely a vehicle for Sellers. The change is not necessarily a negative, but the product is much different. Christopher Plummer replaces Niven and Catherine Schell takes Capucine's role. In addition, Herbert Lom (as Clouseau's boss, Chief Inspector Dreyfus) and Bert Kwouk (as Cato) have joined the mayhem. The animated Pink Panther and Henry Mancini's musical theme are still here to help maintain continuity. Again, the changes aren't necessarily a negative. It simply depends on what you're looking for. A quick look at the other reviews here will show that some even prefer this sort of "Pink Panther" movie to the original. Personally, I wouldn't go that far. This isn't quite the stylish classic that the original was. Sophistication and subtle wit are gone and the underlying plot is stretched a bit thin. It begins with another theft of the fabulous "Pink Panther" (supposedly the world's largest diamond). This time, it has been cleverly snatched from a museum in the fictional country of Lugash. Given his past success in recovering the diamond, the local authorities request the services of Clouseau to get it back once again. The retired Sir Charles is the prime suspect. Sellers performs his brand of slapstick with brilliance. Observe the edgy relationship with the increasingly twitchy Inspector Dreyfus, Cato's efforts to keep him alert and prepared for trouble, the scene with the blind man and the monkey, and his attempt to bug Sir Charles' phone. There are more funny hotel room antics, too. If you're a Sellers fan and a large dose of him is what you crave, this flick is right up your alley, but if you're looking for something along the lines of the original "Pink Panther", you may be a little disappointed. I liked it and recommend it to anybody who likes great slapstick comedy in large doses.
Rating: 
Summary: Fair to middlin' sequel
Review: The movie had a few humorous moments, but I found some of it tedious. Cato and Dreyfus are still a riot. though. Cato and Clouseau have their karate fights, culminating in Cato dressing as a Japanese waitress. Clouseau finally drives Dreyfus into the nuthouse after Dreyfuss repeatedly shoots himself with a cigarette lighter.
I still prefer "A Shot in the Dark" and think it is the best of the series. I did not care for the original "Pink Panther" as I found it unfunny. Although the picture was not razor-sharp, it is not as bad as the one-star whiners would have you believe. With minimal extras, if you don't have high expectations, then the low-priced DVD may be worth your time.
Rating:
Summary: Inspector Clouseau strikes again...
Review:
Peter Sellers is great as Inspector Clouseau, with his mispronunciations and bumbling, especially when teamed up with Chief Inspector Charles Dreyfus (Herbert Lom), who hates him.
The wonderful David Niven, of course, is gone from the series, but is replaced by Christopher Plummer as Sir Charles Lytton (The Phantom). Both Lom and Sellers are a great comedy team and provide a laugh a minute, as they try to catch a jewel thief in Lugash. I suggest you see the whole pink panther series. Joseph (Joe) Pierre
Rating:
Summary: Vaaaa Vaaaa Voooom
Review: The Return of the Pink Panther
DVD ~ Peter Sellers
Tell us what you think. Write a review of this item and share your opinions with others. Please be sure to focus your comments on the DVD. Read our review guidelines for more information. You can also look at some example customer reviews before you write your own. OK. Let's get started!
Rating:
Summary: Great movie, not-so-great DVD
Review: Peter Sellers was one of the most gifted comic actors of the 1960s and 1970s; Inspector Clouseau was his most beloved role. Blake Edwards, the film's director and creator, was a master of both subtle humor and slapstick. For these reasons, The Return of the Pink Panther is a true classic for many of us. It's a movie that never fails to leave me in a great mood. However, as other reviewers have noted, there are some serious issues with the DVD. I purchased it (and am glad I did) because I didn't have a VHS copy of the film. To be honest, I don't know what advantage this particular DVD can offer versus a VHS, since there are no real extras here, and no choice between widescreen and full screen (and no anamorphic widescreen!). I sincerely hope that this film is reissued in the future, complete with outtakes and remastered sound, and treated with the respect it deserves.
|
