The Pink Panther Classic Cartoon Collection

The Pink Panther is - paws down - the world's grooviest cartoon star. In 1964, this pink-inked feline slinked onto the opening credits of Blake Edwards' caper film by the same name and threatened to steal the entire show. Sleek, sophisticated and witty, the animation, produced by Friz Freleng and David H. DePatie, was a stylish departure from its contemporaries...and an instant hit. A subsequent short film, The Pink Phink, would go on to win* an Oscar(r) and spawn a celebrated series of six-minute cartoons featuring the sly cat. Now, for the first time, 124 cartoons produced by Freleng and DePatie between 1964 and 1980 are collected here in a swingin' 5-disc set.

With over 14 hours of "pink comedy," you can't help but lick your whiskers! While most people know of the Pink Panther cartoons as the title openers to the many live-action feature films, there were also 124 cartoons produced that were released in theatres in the 60s and 70s, and then rebroadcast on tv in the 80s. In fact, I remember watching the Pink Panther before Go-bots and the old Mr. T cartoon would come on during weekday afternoons. All I remember is the unique and minimalist style the cartoons had - solid colours, a few lines in the background, and then the Pink Panther matching wits with a hilarious rendition of Inspector Clouseau and other nefarious foes... Watching these now in this 5 DVD collection, the cartoons stand very well on their own two (pink) feet.

Sure, there's always going to be the obvious and unbreakable association with the feature films, but 124 cartoons builds up quite a solid collection of hilarious, decent and boring cartoons to collect and enjoy. A whole lot of pink, to be sure, but you can't complain about getting every single cartoon ever made with everyone's favourite fuzzy panther. All of the classic cartoons are presented in their original fullscreen aspect ratios, but look surprisingly good given their age. There is a fair bit of grain in some of the older episodes, but it's not that big of a deal... Dolby 2.0 stereo mix is clean & solid - not overly dynamic, but no complaints.

What all's on the DVD?

Behind the Feline: The Cartoon Phenomenon" documentary "Pink Patter:

The Story Behind the Animation" featurette "Remembering Friz" tribute

"Think Pink: How to Draw the Pink Panther" featurette "From Page to Screen" storyboard comparison opening credits to first 5 Pink Panther films

 "Life in a Pink Panther Factory" article

Gently used

No refunds-product in good condition