***THIS BLOG IS NOW BROUGHT TO YOU IN PART BY "HIGH-DEF ULTRA-REALISM" (now in color)****33. The Pink Panther (1963) - 01/28/09 - Blu - Ray:
Believe it or not, this is a film that I had never seen before until last night. I've seen bits and pieces of the sequels, but never the original. Don't EVEN get me started on the re-makes starring Steve Martin!
First thing that jumps out at me, Henry Mancini at his finest and arguably one of the most recognizable opening theme songs in the history of film. Just pure magic. Also, the opening credit sequence paved the way for one of the greatest MGM Cartoons of all time "The Pink Panther" (duh!).
This movie stars Peter Sellers as the bumbling inspector Clouseau and he is just GREAT in it! My only gripe would be the lack of screen time for Mr. Sellers during the middle portion of the film. The comedy definitely has an acquired taste, but if you're a fan of Sellers this is him at his finest. Subtle, subtle, subtle. It's refreshing to look at a time in Film history where the comedies didn't revolve around dick and fart jokes. Seller's brand of comedy is top notch and paved the way for the tons of knock-offs and has-beens of today's generation. the supporting cast is great, especially David Niven as Sir Charles Lytton, Robert Wagner as his nephew George Lytton, and Capucine and too hot for her time Claudia Cardinale as the princess. Great caper movie with a ton of chuckle out loud moments. 4/5
