Son of the Pink Panther Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Son of the Pink Panther" on Blu-ray provides a generally satisfactory viewing experience. The AVC encoded image with a 2.35:1 aspect ratio largely suggests an older transfer, rather than a fresh remaster. Detail clarity is most noticeable in close-up shots, where the expressions of Roberto Benigni are effectively captured, along with Herbert Lom's more nuanced performances. Some depth is retained in location shots, lending a measure of dimensionality to the film. Colors are acceptable but tend towards a slightly fatigued look, though brighter hues in costumes help balance this out. The source material is commendably clean without any significant damage and shows good delineation.

However, it's important to note that wide shots and establishing scenes tend to present a softer image. The film grain and detail are appreciable in close-ups and middle-distance shots, but not as sharp or fine as one might expect from a contemporary restoration. There is a slight presence of strobing which could be distracting. Additionally, while black levels are solid, the overall image lacks a certain desired depth, giving it a somewhat flatter appearance. Colors can occasionally appear bleached, causing some flesh tones to look paler than ideal. Despite these issues, the robustness of primary colors provides a more vibrant visual experience overall.

In summary, while not an exceptional transfer, the Blu-ray presentation of "Son of the Pink Panther" is far from subpar. It offers a relatively clean and decent visual experience with occasional issues such as soft wide shots and some minor strobing. With acceptable depth and color robustness, this transfer stands as a middle-of-the-road effort, capturing the essence of the film without showcasing the pristine qualities of more recent restorations.

The audio presentation of "Son of the Pink Panther" on Blu-ray showcases a commendable 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix, particularly excelling in its musical elements. Bobby McFerrin's opening number benefits from pleasing range and depth, ensuring the full display of his nuanced vocal talent. The film’s scoring, led by the iconic Henry Mancini, is both robust and dynamic, enhancing action sequences with an inviting presence while subtly underscoring mood and tension when needed.

Dialogue clarity is a significant strength of this track, consistently remaining clear and resistant to interference from background elements. Accents and vocal urgencies are handled accurately, without distortion, maintaining a natural quality that aligns with the film’s comedic tone. Sound effects are crisp and boomy, heightening comedic moments effectively yet retaining a sense of authenticity rather than seeming over-engineered. The mix also manages atmospherics well, delineating room environments and ensuring an immersive acoustic experience overall.

Free of hiss, pops, or other audio imperfections, this Blu-ray audio mix is in fine shape. It provides a balanced auditory experience that fulfills the demands of the film, blending dialogue, music, and effects into a cohesive and enjoyable soundscape. This mix demonstrates significant technical prowess in delivering a high-quality audio presentation suited perfectly to the needs of "Son of the Pink Panther."

The Blu-ray extras of "Son of the Pink Panther" offer a comprehensive and engaging glimpse into the making of the film and its place within the series. Highlights include an informative commentary by Jason Simos from the Peter Sellers Appreciation Society, providing rich context and behind-the-scenes details. The set also features an assortment of deleted scenes showcasing director Blake Edwards' characteristic bawdy humor, although some are presented in foreign languages, which might perplex viewers. Complementing these are a vintage making-of featurette and a collection of Pink Panther trailers, offering both nostalgia and additional insight into the film's promotion and legacy.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Insightful track by Jason Simos from the Peter Sellers Appreciation Society.
• Making Of: A vintage EPK featurette from 1993 with film clips and brief crew interviews.
• Deleted Scene #1: Gambrelli playing with a condom.
• Deleted Scene #2: Gambrelli and Yasmin in a puzzling Italian scene.
• Extended Alternate Trailer: An alternative promotional trailer.
• Theatrical Trailer: The original theatrical release trailer.
• Trailers: Includes trailers for "Trail of the Pink Panther," "Revenge of the Pink Panther," "The Pink Panther Strikes Again," "Return of the Pink Panther," "A Shot in the Dark," and "The Pink Panther."

In "Son of the Pink Panther," Roberto Benigni steps into the oversized shoes of Inspector Clouseau's illegitimate son, Gendarme Jacques Gambrelli. While Benigni's knack for physical comedy and slapstick humor offers sporadic moments of amusement, the film struggles under the weight of a lackluster script and uninspired direction. Blake Edwards' attempt to rejuvenate the franchise, marked by previous soft entries like "Trail of the Pink Panther" and "Curse of the Pink Panther," falls considerably short, often relegating Benigni to salvaging weak jokes through sheer comedic grit and broken English.

The plot centers around the abduction of Princess Yasmin (Debrah Farentino) by a sinister terrorist organization led by Hans (Robert Davi). Police Commissioner Dreyfus (Herbert Lom) is entrusted with rescuing her, unwittingly enlisting the bumbling Gambrelli in the process. This dynamic offers echoes of past glories but lacks the brilliance that Peter Sellers brought to the series. The screenplay’s over-reliance on juvenile antics, such as Gambrelli's spontaneous dives into fresh cement, mainly appeals to a younger audience, further underscoring its comedic inadequacies.

Despite its title and heritage, "Son of the Pink Panther" fails to capture the heart or hilarity synonymous with its predecessors. Benigni does exhibit occasional brilliance with his kinetic slapstick, yet these flashes are insufficient to overcome the tenuous plot and often flat humor. Herbert Lom's enduring performance as the beleaguered Dreyfus provides a glimmer of coherence, but it's not enough to elevate this film beyond mediocrity. Ultimately, "Son of the Pink Panther" is a poignant reminder of a franchise that has run out of steam, serving more as a swan song for Blake Edwards and composer Henry Mancini than a triumphant return to comedic form.

The Blu-ray release of "Son of the Pink Panther" by Kino Lorber Studio Classics aims to revitalize a classic comedic franchise. The film, directed and written by Blake Edwards, attempts to infuse fresh humor through the character of Jacques Gambrelli, portrayed by Roberto Benigni. Unfortunately, while Benigni's performance is enthusiastic, the film struggles to capture the charm and wit that defined its predecessors. The jokes often fall flat, and the central conflict proves overly complex, leaving the narrative feeling cumbersome.

Technically, the Blu-ray presentation is fairly competent. The video quality captures the exotic locations with clarity, though it lacks the sharpness seen in more recent high-definition releases. The audio is serviceable but not particularly dynamic, maintaining clarity without showcasing any striking depth or range. The assortment of bonus features included by Kino Lorber provides a respectable value for fans and completionists, offering insights into the production and featuring some interviews and archival material.

While "Son of the Pink Panther" tries to keep the spirit of the franchise alive and includes familiar faces from previous installments, it is evident that the film does not achieve its ambitious goal. Roberto Benigni’s potential to spearhead a new beginning for the series is hindered by a tepid script and underwhelming comedic moments. Existing fans may appreciate the effort for nostalgia's sake and will likely add it to their collections. However, new viewers are advised to approach with caution and may prefer to rent before deciding on a purchase. Ultimately, despite the solid Blu-ray treatment, Edwards' last attempt to rejuvenate his beloved franchise falls short of its intended mark, leaving "Son of the Pink Panther" as another misstep in the series’ latter history.