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130 of 131 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Maybe not the 'complete edition' but still great., 29 Nov 2003
Having read other reviews who trashed this set for not including 'Return of the Pink Panther', while I agree that it's a shame we couldn't have the COMPLETE set as the box claims, 'Return' wasn't included for the simple reason that MGM do not own the rights to this film, as it was made by Lew Grade's ITC company and not by MGM/UA. Grade wanted to make a Clouseau live-action TV series but director Blake Edwards convinced him to make it into a film. When the box office bells rang loudly, MGM were suddenly convinced that the series had life and produced the films you see in this box set. It is misleading for them to label it as a limited edition complete series however, and 'Return' is absent from the new documentary, so Clouseau's comeback is incorrectly regarded as 'Pink Panther Strikes Again'!However, the picture quality throughout this set is superb, beautifully shap and clear images, with remastered surround sound stereo so you can enjoy Henry Mancini's seductive theme music coming from all the speakers. Best of all, the films are presented in their original anamorphic widescreen scope. The extras are impressive too, with an all-new documentary, a 1978 TV special and 'The Unknown Peter Sellers'. Blake Edwards also provides an interesting audio commentary over 'The Pink Panther'. 'Trail of the Pink Panther' isn't a classic in the series but deserved to be included as a tribute to Peter Sellers genius, and a reminder that no-one else could (or should) play Clouseau. All in all, while it would have been more perfect if 'Return' had been included, this is still a highly collectible and impressive set.
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