The Pink Panther stands as one of the few film franchises immediately recognizable worldwide thanks to its iconic theme tune. Fans who wish to revisit the classic entries, or newcomers looking to experience them for the first time, can now acquire four definitive films in the series on stunning 4K Blu-ray format, starting next week.
Each new release features a comprehensive set: the movie presented on 4K Blu-ray, alongside a standard Blu-ray disc that also includes various special features. Initially available for preorder at a discounted price of $31.49 (down from $45), these releases mark a major event for classic cinema collectors.
The Initial 4K Lineup
The Pink Panther (1963)
First-ever 4K release.
This is where the cinematic journey began, introducing the world to the bumbling and accident-prone French police inspector Jacques Clouseau, brilliantly portrayed by Peter Sellers. In this debut film, Clouseau is tasked with matching wits against the sophisticated European jewel thief, Sir Charles Lytton (David Niven), to prevent the theft of the priceless titular Pink Panther diamond.
A Shot in the Dark (1964)
Releases December 30.
The second installment saw Peter Sellers return as Inspector Clouseau. As a standalone sequel, it established the dynamic that would define the series, notably introducing Clouseau’s superior, Commissioner Dreyfus, who became the perennial, unwilling victim of the inspector`s near-lethal incompetence and clumsiness.
The Pink Panther Strikes Again (1976)
Releases December 30.
While the immediate preceding film, *Return of the Pink Panther* (1975), is slated for a 4K Blu-ray release later in 2026, its direct 1976 follow-up is part of the initial launch. This entry focuses on the now-deranged Commissioner Dreyfus, driven mad by Clouseau’s antics in previous films, as he hatches increasingly elaborate schemes designed to assassinate the inspector.
Revenge of the Pink Panther (1978)
Releases December 30.
This movie concludes Peter Sellers` core run as Inspector Clouseau. In this adventure, the detective takes on the powerful French drug kingpin, Philippe Douvier. This release, along with the others in the initial wave, offers a pristine look at the final cinematic appearance of the beloved actor in the role.
Restoration and Special Features
While this collection covers most of the mainline films featuring Peter Sellers, fans should note that the third film in the series, *Return of the Pink Panther*, is currently slated for a 4K Blu-ray release later in 2026.
All four films in this initial set are brand-new remasters, meticulously created from high-resolution 4K scans of the original camera negatives. The discs also include various bonus materials, such as behind-the-scenes documentaries and audio commentary tracks. These special features are retained from the previous DVD releases in the 2000s and, while presented in standard definition, they still offer an invaluable and detailed dive into the production of the Pink Panther movies and their enduring impact on pop culture.
The Later Legacy of the Pink Panther
Following Sellers` passing in 1980, the Pink Panther franchise attempted to continue through various spin-offs and remakes, though they generally failed to capture the magic of the originals:
- *Trail of the Pink Panther* (1982) was created entirely from deleted scenes and outtakes from the earlier films, a choice that was poorly received by the fan base.
- *Curse of the Pink Panther* (1983) attempted a relaunch with Ted Wass starring as the inept American detective Clifton Sleigh.
- *Son of the Pink Panther* (1993) featured Roberto Benigni as Inspector Clouseau’s illegitimate son.
Neither the 1983 nor the 1993 film found critical or commercial success. The series was eventually rebooted in 2006, starring Steve Martin as Clouseau, followed by a sequel in 2009. These later entries are readily available on Blu-ray for those looking to complete the entire history of the franchise.