The Pink Panther DVD Review

"The Pink Panther" reviews

DVD

The Pink Panther

Author

anonymous

Date reviewed

2006-07-18 15:41:26

Provider

DVD Review

Oh dear. If ever there was a comic creation that could pass easily from generation to generation, that didn't need reinterpreting, it's Peter Sellers' Inspector Clouseau. Steve Martin could be considered brave taking on another comedy institution after his far from celebrated Sgt. Bilko stint.

It's not as bad as you might imagine although Martin's Clouseau is a lot more hammy than Peter Sellers. Martin is all physical awkwardness and general wackiness while the original character always appeared convinced he was the only sane person in the room. The one-time comic genius also does quite a karaoke take on the famous accent too but there are enough, largely predictable, gags, to keep viewers amused. More so if you're new to Clouseau rather than a fan of the original.

Kevin Kline, a brilliant physical comedian himself, slightly misfires as Dreyfus, Clouseau's mentally deteriorating boss, though Jean Reno fares better as a gendarme and Emily Mortimer is passable as his short-sighted secretary. The plot is, of course, pretty basic (Clouseau investigates the murder of a French football coach), more memorable is Beyonce as singer Xania, bringing much needed topicality and more than a little sexiness.

Special features: Audio commentary from director Shawn Levy, deleted scenes with optional audio commentary, alternative opening title sequence with optional audio commentary, Cracking The Case documentary, Animated Trip featurette, Sleuth-Cam 1: 'Killer' Press Conference, Sleuth-Cam 2: Soccer Set Up, Sleuth-Cam 3: Curtain Call, Beyonce Knowles Check On It music video and A Woman Like Me: an exclusive performance from the singer.