Search - Henry Mancini :: Ultimate Pink Panther

Not Quite "Ultimate"!! Fran Jeffries' song is still missing

05/09/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Between the lack of content and effort between the DVD set and this CD, you wouldn't know this is MGM's big 40th anniversary celebation for the panther.
What they have on the CD is ok, but there is alot more out there that could have been included. Whoever put this CD together made some bad choices. Why not all the original variations of the panther theme from each film. Personally I thought the version used for the end credits of Curse of the Pink Panther was one of the best versions. Another song that seems to have never seen release ever is Fran Jeffries' version of 'It Had Better Be Tonight' from the first film; this is one song that deserves release; that MGM has with held it is very unfortunate. None of the songs seem to be the versions heard in the actual films. The Shadow of Paris song from A Shot In The Dark, is sung by the Mancini Chorus, where is the original version? Many other great songs from the first film that have been released before are now missing, like 'The Tiber Twist'. The slow version of panther played during the robbery at the beginning of Return also should have been included.
The Majority of what is on this CD are selections that were heard briefly during the films. There are only a couple songs that make this CD worth buying. Lets hope for a "more ultimate" Panther CD some day, I would not call it "ultimate" until we get Fran Jeffries' song!!!"

Best collection of Pink Panther tunes

Sean Brady | Victoria Australia | 04/21/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you're a fan of the music used in the Pink Panther films (including A Shot In The Dark), then this is a CD you have to own. The best versions of the title theme are used, including the rare Bobby McFerrin acapella version from The Son Of The Pink Panther which is a favourite of mine. The wonderfully infectious theme from A Shot In The Dark is also included. This theme was also used in The Inspector cartoons that were part of the Pink Panther cartoon series. There's lots of other great tracks from the film series to enjoy too."