top of page

'The Pink Panther' 4K UHD Review

Updated: Jan 31

Physical Media Release Date: 01/13/26.

Label: Kino Lorber.

Form of Release: 4K UHD.

The Verdict: A Must-Buy


Comedic genius Peter Sellers first tickled the world pink with laughter as the bumbling yet tenacious Inspector Jacques Clouseau in director Blake Edwards’ riotously funny caper The Pink Panther. David Niven stars as Sir Charles, an urbane British playboy who is secretly also smooth criminal “The Phantom.” Trailed by the accident-prone French detective among the jet set, the suave jewel thief sets his sights on stealing The Pink Panther — a large pink diamond whose name derives from its shimmering resemblance to a leaping feline — away from its keeper, the lovely and feisty Princess Dala (Claudia Cardinale). Robert Wagner and Capucine co-star, as Sir Charles’ sly nephew George and Clouseau’s utterly unfaithful wife Simone. Filmed on gorgeous European locales including Cortina d’Ampezzo, the movie created a sensation with its animated opening credits introducing composer Henry Mancini’s unforgettable theme music accompanying the title cartoon character — a cool cat who became a beloved icon for all ages!

Technical Review:

For it's 4K UHD debut, The Pink Panther is presented in its original 2:35:1 aspect ratio, taken from a brand new HDR/Dolby Vision transfer created from a 4K scan of the original 35mm camera negative. Kino Lorber's restoration preserves the integrity of the original vision of the film with minimal cases of scratches and tears present. In comparison to all other physical releases of the film, this is by far the most superior in terms of both audio and visual.


Once again when it comes to previous releases, the audio is hardly comparable to the other outings. With a lossless 2.0 dual mono soundtrack and a 5.1 surround soundtrack, every aspect of the audio from the dialogue, sound mix and score are the clearest they've ever been with some noticeable distortion that comes with age.


Special Features:

  • Audio Commentary with Director/Co-Writer Blake Edwards

  • The Pink Panther Story: Documentary (28:44) SD

  • Behind the Feline - The Cartoon Phenomenon: Featurette (10:52) SD

  • The Coolest Cat in Cortina - A Conversation with Robert Wagner: Featurette (10:56) SD

  • An Italian Indian - The Pink Panther Princess with Claudia Cardinale: Featurette (11:11) SD

  • Diamonds - Beyond the Sparkle: Featurette (6:55) SD

  • The Tip Toe Life of a Cat Burglar - A Conversation with Former Jewel Thief Bill Mason: Featurette (9:45) SD

  • Theatrical Trailer


Rotten Tomatoes Scores:

  • Tomatometer: 89% (as of 01/13/26)

  • Popcornmeter: 78% (as of 01/13/26)


Physical Release Specs & Other Details:

  • MPAA: Approved

  • Runtime: 115 minutes

  • Original Release: 1963


Video

Codec: HEVC / H.265

Resolution: Native 4K (2160p)

HDR: Dolby Vision

Aspect ratio: 2.35:1

Original aspect ratio: 2.35:1


Audio

English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)

English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (48kHz, 24-bit)


Subtitles

English SDH


Discs

4K Ultra HD

Blu-ray Disc

Two-disc set (1 BD-100, 1 BD-50)


Digital

Not Included


Packaging

Slipcover in Original Packaging

Reversible Cover


Playback

4K Blu-ray: Region free

2K Blu-ray: Region A

Positives and Negatives

+ First Time on 4K UHD

+ Positive Critical and Audience Reception

+ A Peter Sellers Classic

+ x08 Special Features

+ Audio Commentary

- NO Digital Code Included

 
 
bottom of page