Customer Reviews

The Pink Panther (Music from the Film Score)

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Arguably Mancini's finest film score now gets the sound and packaging it deserves. RCA really disrespected Mancini's scores in their earlier CD configurations, with terrible sound and flimsy booklets. The Buddha remasters are terrific and the original LP liner notes are included along with some contemporary notes. Now that they've done this title (and "Peter Gunn"), I hope they get around to Mancini's other memorable works.

I believe that this and the soundtracks to *Breakfast at Tiffany's* and *Charade* might well define the sounds of sixties films for me. That they're all by the same composer merely surpises me more, as I'm perpetually impressed by the range of styles Henry Mancini is capable of--invoking an enormous range of emotional responses in his listeners.

Here, you'll find great upbeat tunes such as "The Tiber Twist," "It Had Better Be Tonight," "Something for Sellers," and "Shades of Sennett." Not many of them come quite close to the liveliness of the *Breakfast at Tiffany's* soundtrack--opting instead for a more low-key, European style instead of the lively latin-esque style of many of *Tiffany's" pieces. Nevertheless, the slower style works perfectly here.

The other slower instrumentals here *do* surpass those of some of his other works, in my opinion. "Royal Blue," "Village Inn," and "Cortina" are all perfectly gentle, jazzy and altogether lovely.

I owned the cassette version of this soundtrack years ago. It did not include the four "bonus tracks" featured here from 1974's *Return of the Pink Panther,* which I'm not sure add much to this already great album. "Dreamy" and "The Return of the Pink Panther" seem to fit the atmostphere set by the other pieces well enough, but "The Greatest Gift" seems ridiculously airy and romantic in comparision to the others. "Here's Looking at You, Kid," although a great song, is practically disco. It sounds more like a song from the soundtrack of any '70s film with Pam Grier and seems very out of place in this otherwise jazzy, European-styled album.

Despite its new incongruities, this is still a great soundtrack--perfect for the Henry Mancini fan as well as any fan of the sounds of sixties films

I'll begin this review with a left-handed compliment. That being.... this cd may, perhaps, be the most perfect background music I have ever heard! And when I say "background" that isn't necessarily a slander against Mr. Mancini's composing skills. While foregoing mentioning the movies from which they came it is truly amazing how well the music stands on it's own. Granted that while the songs may be considered by some as little more than "mood pieces" I tend to think of them as lovely,elegant and sophisticated. Pearls...each and everyone! Each song has it's own character and sitting here listening to them again I can see how they would enhance any film they might belong to. And granted,to a degree,while the material may seem slightly dated that does tend to add a certain charm to these pieces.

It's actually very difficult to find music these days that is, simply put, easy to listen to and is capable of setting certain moods. Granted the music here doesn't require much from the listener but don't be fooled. The musicianship on these songs is impeccable and each tune is very well crafted and kept, how to say, "short but sweet". And for that alone Mr. Mancini deserves a Grammy. Subtlety is a rare art form these days!!

In ending, this may not be your cup of tea...but if you ever find yourself in the mood for something that is truly relaxing, something that enhances your senses and makes you feel oh so sophisticated than you may wish to purchase a copy.So break out a new bottle of wine and call an "old flame" and perhaps make some new memories. This cd will most definitely get you there! Enjoy....and Good Luck.

Actually, that was Fran Jeffries who sang that version of "It Had Better be Tonight" in the film. She played the role of the "Greek" Cousin. Visit this link for an excellent biography and discography:

http://www.swinginchicks.com/workinitfordaddy.htm

It received a lot of top 40 radio play after the film release. Don't know why it has not appeared on any of the compilations.

In remembering this album, I also had the same thought as the afore-mentioned scene by the previous reviewer regarding the bearskin rug with the antics of Claudia Cardinale and David Niven. How glamorous? Henry Mancini was the "King of Glamorous" music. Look at his other scores and who he worked with? (re: Audrey Hepburn and "Breakfast at Tiffany's"). His music for "The Pink Panther" was absolutely delightful, romantic, danceable, elegant, chic, suave, etc. and any other words you can think of to describe that sophisticated, funny film. Henry Mancini could make nearly anyone get up and cha cha, fox trot, samba, twist, rhumba, or just about anything else with his music scores. "It Had Better Be Tonight" is one of my favorites, along with the polished "Champagne and Quail". Mancini's background music never failed either. One of the best scenes in the movie has to be when Capucine changes her "looks" in the Paris hotel elevator. What fun? Clever scene without a doubt. Also, one of the best production numbers in a movie period, was Fran Jeffries stunning rendition of "It Had Better be Tonight" sung in Italian in the ski resort of Cortina, Italy. Too bad it didn't make it to the album. Still "The Pink Panther" absolutely glistens still like diamonds as it did back in 1963/1964. We still miss Hank Mancini.

Henry Mancini's classic soundtrack to THE PINK PANTHER is very timely for the carefree period in which it was released and captures the feel of this film and those great times that still resonate in the mind. THE PINK PANTHER theme is an endearing and enduring melody that has become instantly identifiable with both the cartoon character and the film series. The soundtrack captures a lot of source music that was certainly in vogue and has captured that tantalizing cocktail jet set quality in the numerous compositions especially in IT HAD BETTER BE TONIGHT. The aplomb and easy nature of this recording is on target capturing the great feel of this film giving the listener the chance to relive the experience.

"Smooth" is a great way to describe this CD. If its raining/cold outside, and you have friends inside, play the CD. Everyone will immediately get hooked on the almost ubiquitous first title, "The Pink Panther Theme". From there get ready to experience a mellow trip down various snazzy tracks with a European/Latin beat that adds some kick to the tunes, but always in balance with the strings and other instrumentals. The one exception is "Shades of Sennett" which sounds like a carnival tune - and is thankfully brief. Overall, an excellent CD.

The Pink Panther became a "property" for Peter Sellers and many other writers and actors - and it's not hard to imagine how they came to dislike the many limitations of character and comic possibilities.

However, the first movie showed the most originality and life. And the same could be said for Henry Mancini's score. Before the Inspector becomes a complete buffoon, the storyline called for a great deal of sophistication, mystery and intrigue, and Mancini delivered it all and more.

There are many great tracks here, foremost of which was the theme itself. However, "Meglio Stasera" stands as a great hallmark of this mid-1960s era.

"If you're ever gonna kiss me - it had better be tonight."

Go - go - GO!

I bought this album when the movie came out. I made my then boyfriend take me to the drive-in two nights running to see the movie. I still have the album, minus most of the grooves. Listening to this CD conjures up all the feelings my nutty, innocent 15 year old self felt at the time. Watching David Niven attempting to seduce a champagne-soaked Claudia Cardinale reclining on a bearskin rug in front of a fireplace just seemed to be the absolute height of sophistication. How I longed to be the "Princess". Listening to these songs by Henry Mancini erases the 36 years that have followed since my love affair with the movie, the characters (oh, Peter Sellers I love you) and the music began. Every song elicits memories - and what beautiful songs! Henry Mancini's timeless tunes and arrangements sparkle as much now as they did then bringing forth emotions as strongly as only music can. Each composition is beautifully written, arranged and orchestrated, and each is timeless. I suppose I could live without the "Tiber Twist", but it was part of the era and the album would not be complete without it. Do yourself a favor - buy this album - and certainly see the movie if you've not done so already. Suggestion: Make a date with your significant other (or someone you're hoping will be), turn the lights down low, get "slinky" comfortable, put lots of champagne on ice and listen to The Pink Panther. If you're not in love now, you will be by the time it's over. You've really got to trust me on this. You won't be sorry.

This is a totally cool CD. I just got and can't stop listening to it. I'm so glad it's on CD. Hey if anyone knows where I can the sheet music book for Piano for this Soundtrack, I'd really apprecaite it.