Plot: What’s it about?
Blake Edwards and Peter Sellers. Those two names alone conjure up images and thoughts of hilarity, slapstick, comedic timing and incredible sight gags. A Shot in the Dark is the second entry in the Pink Panther films about the ever bungling and confused Inspector Jacques Clouseau, played with impeccable wit, timing and grand physicality by the late Peter Sellers. If anyone out there doubts what a comedic genius Peter Sellers was, just pop this disc in the player. Though it doesn’t bare the moniker “Pink Panther” make no doubt that this one earns its keep among this vaunted collection.
The hired driver of a very rich man has been killed, which of course, has the man himself on edge. But when Inspector Clouseau (Peter Sellers) arrives on scene, it becomes clear that the trouble is just starting. The obvious suspect is the beautiful maid Maria (Elke Sommer), though Clouseau is convinced of her innocence. He is also convinced that he is in love with her, which could cloud his mind at times. He insists she is innocent, even has murders continue and all evidence points to his new love interest. Has Clouseau found some information that no one else is aware of, or is he letting his new romance fool him?
I, for one, am glad that William Peter Blatty and Edwards decided to have Clouseau in this. It’s way too funny to have NOT had him in it. We once again get the famous music by Mancini even though there is no Pink Panther opening. Sellers and Edwards continued the gravy train of Clouseau’s adventures for 4 more movies with varying degrees of success. In this film Sellers is the main focus and it is not a film filled with subtle gags and references. It is an all out sight gag of a film that shines and heralds nicely from the 1960’s. Highly recommended! Enjoy. Oh and watching Sellers play pool is amazingly funny.
Video: How does it look?
This, as is the case with the other Pink Panther films, has been given a proper 4K transfer which has removed a lot of the dirt and debris that plagued earlier versions. The darker scenes now have more visible detail and subtle visual presence, instead of blurred, smothered images. This allows the visuals to sparkle and in this series, that is essential. The colors look great also, with no muted tones and only vivid hues to mention. For a movie that’s over six decades old – this one looks pretty darn good.
Audio: How does it sound?
We get a DTS HD Master Audio mix on the film, but the limitations of the source material are evident, but given that, the audio is better than expected. A little thin at times and never all that impressive, but always more than solid. I was pleased to find more life and depth than anticipated, as some scenes really make good use of the surround channels. The rear speakers tend to be rather restrained, but provide extra depth and make sure the music is well handled. I heard no problems with dialogue either, which is consistent and never lets us down. Don’t expect a modern-day soundtrack and you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Supplements: What are the extras?
Disc One (4K)
- Audio Commentary – Kino is usually pretty good about unearthing (or outsourcing) new audio commentaries. No such luck here, but what we do get is a fact-filled track with Jason Simos of The Peter Sellers Appreciation Society. Simos clearly knows his stuff and gives us some anecdotes from the film, Sellers and The Pink Panther films as a whole.
Disc Two (Blu-ray)
- Audio Commentary – Kino is usually pretty good about unearthing (or outsourcing) new audio commentaries. No such luck here, but what we do get is a fact-filled track with Jason Simos of The Peter Sellers Appreciation Society. Simos clearly knows his stuff and gives us some anecdotes from the film, Sellers and The Pink Panther films as a whole
- Back to the Start: Origin of The Pink Panther with Walter Mirisch – Noted film producer Walter Mirisch tells of his encounter with Blake Edwards and the ensuing rapport that developed afterwards. We see some of the influence Sellers had after his first foray as Clouseau and so forth.
- The Dick Cavett Show – An episode with Blake Edwards and Julie Andrews is shown along with some clips of Peter Sellers as the iconic detective.
- Theatrical Trailer
The Bottom Line
The Pink Panther films aren’t for everyone, but for those that “get” them, they’re second to none. I’m convinced that Peter Sellers was a comedic genius. Fans of Sellers’ Clouseau will be tickled pink (see what I did there?) with this new 4K offering.
