The Pink Panther: 1993 Series

[JordanS.]

Hello Pink Panther fans

Listen, can we talk about The Pink Panther: 1993 Series?

How came Boomerang dosen't want to aided that show, why?

JordanS.

[stargirl]

Wait, wasn't that the show where Pink Panther spoke? If it was, then maybe that's why...!

[tb4000]

It wasn't a bad show, it just kind of took the Pink Panther's sly persona and made him more of a geeky everyman, which was a problem. If he had been any other character, it would have been fine.

[Blackstar]

Hello Pink Panther fans

Listen, can we talk about The Pink Panther: 1993 Series?

How came Boomerang dosen't want to aided that show, why?

JordanS.


If you mean the syndicated series with Matt (Max Headroom) Frewer speaking for PP, two possible reasons come to mind as to why we've yet to see the reruns on Boomerang:

1) Lack of interest: The series wasn't hugely popular with Panther fans. It only ran for a single season and hasn't seen the light of day since. The talking Pink Panther had an altogether different personality than the silent Pink Panther, and the episodes relied much more heavily on dialogue and verbal humor than original shorts did. Many of the syndicated shorts placed the Panther in generic "everyman" situations that could have been applied to any character. Overall, most people seem to prefer the Pink Panther when he doesn't speak.

2) Lack of availability: The series was produced by MGM animation in association with Claster Television, so really it depends on who owns the rights to the episodes now. As we know, Boomerang can only air the shows that they own.

[John Dorian]

MGM owns all of The Pink Panther.

[Daikun]

I saw only a few scenes from that series. Even as a kid, I couldn't stand it.

[Tobias]

If USA's Cartoon Express was still up and running, they'd prbably air this series, as well as 'Pink Panther & Son's' all in one package.

[Blackstar]

MGM owns all of The Pink Panther.

Then it's most likely my theory #1. ;)

[JordanS.]

Yeah, that's the one. The talking Pink Panther. :anime:

JordanS.

If USA's Cartoon Express was still up and running, they'd prbably air this series, as well as 'Pink Panther & Son's' all in one package.

USA's Cartoon Express has aired "Pink Panther & Son?" No way! :eek:

Dame, I was hook up on Cartoon Network in that time.

I wish MGM Channel would have a sister (like Boomerang) that plays all the Pink Panther shorts and series, even the new ones.

Also your favorites like cartoons from the 60s-2000s

JordanS.

[Blackstar]

USA's Cartoon Express has aired "Pink Panther & Son?" No way! :eek:

Dame, I was hook up on Cartoon Network in that time.

Um...no. Tobias didn't say that Pink Panther & Sons ever aired on USA Cartoon Express. He was just theorizing that the series would have aired on Cartoon Express if it were still on the air now.

[JordanS.]

Well, I know how you all feel. I think the key is that the Panther should be 90% action and perhaps 5% picture thinking and 5% talking. I think, a new Pink Panther that can deliver that plus some new Characters that sets him in new comic adventures is the key. But then again you never know. Maybe the Panther is a mute, and the other character can speak ocassionally. How about the little (bugger) Man, he talks sometimes.

I think the reason why there is no Pink Panther Movie is because no one ever has come with the right verbal equation. So, what do you guys think. How would you bring back the Panther into the new millenium, still keeping his basic character style but change it a little for new generations.

JordanS.

However, I read somewhere in a website that, particular series 90's had won an acadamy award for music, in 1994. So go figure, what makes something works or not. Perhaps is the sign of the times, new generations can not relate to that character.

I guess the beauty of the Panther is not that he couldn't talk but that it talk to everyone in the world, because it didn't or had very few words. So someone from a different language background could understand the sequence of action.

JordanS.

[Silverstar]

I think the reason that there's been no Pink Panther feature film so far has nothing to do with his verbiage (or the lack of it); I think a lot of it stems from the fact that PP made his mark in shorts, and like many other shorts characters such as the Looney Tunes, Tom & Jerry or Woody Woodpecker, The Panther's personality and the relative simplicity of his style of humor doesn't really lend itself to a feature film format.

The average short tells a relatively simple story and is usually packed with gags; features, by contrast, usually tell a much more complicated story and can't be so intensely crammed with gags. As much as I enjoy the Panther, I don't think he's deep or layered enough to sustain an audience's attention for more than an hour.

A new PP series, however, I could see working, provided the right people were in charge of it.

[Tobias]

USA's Cartoon Express has aired "Pink Panther & Son?" No way! :eek:
.

I think they actually did air the series at one point, but if they did, it wasn't too long after NBC let the show go. USA was good at snatching up shows just as they were leaving the networks/syndication while they were still relatively new.

[JordanS.]

I think the reason that there's been no Pink Panther feature film so far has nothing to do with his verbiage (or the lack of it); I think a lot of it stems from the fact that PP made his mark in shorts, and like many other shorts characters such as the Looney Tunes, Tom & Jerry or Woody Woodpecker, The Panther's personality and the relative simplicity of his style of humor doesn't really lend itself to a feature film format.

The average short tells a relatively simple story and is usually packed with gags; features, by contrast, usually tell a much more complicated story and can't be so intensely crammed with gags. As much as I enjoy the Panther, I don't think he's deep or layered enough to sustain an audience's attention for more than an hour.

A new PP series, however, I could see working, provided the right people were in charge of it.

From your mouth to God's ears, I would love to see a new Pink Panther Series. However, we should remember that Tom & Jerry and the Looney Tunes have their first feature films in the 90s, and are still being air in cable.

I think that the key to make it work for the panther, is that the writer(s) should intertwine shorts into a big story, that way we are getting shorts that are related to the main story idea, and still is keeping with his traditional character layout (shorts).

JordanS.

I think they actually did air the series at one point, but if they did, it wasn't too long after NBC let the show go. USA was good at snatching up shows just as they were leaving the networks/syndication while they were still relatively new.

Is amazing how some of this network do retro things, but I think the Pink Panther character, and series should be recreated in a way to will appear to old and new generations. Is too bad they don't air the 90s series, I would love to see it in cable. I asked a friend of mine from youtube, to show episodes he has of the 90s Pink Panther, you might be able to find them there if you choose to check it out.

JordanS.

[Eric B]

Pink Panther should be one of the easiest to adapt to any time period without it getting "old", because almost all he does is walk and try to avoid whatever trouble comes his way. So all you have to do is update the settings. There are plenty of things today that didn't exist 30-45 years ago when the original series ran.
There was no reason to give him sons or make him talk at all. Those should have been specials, not series. Another thing about Pink Panther was the music. Since you had no dialogue, they were very musical (though it may have been the same stock over and over). This was another high point of Tom & Jerry as well. That last series with its dialogue killed all of that, because the original concept was basically him walking and doingwhatever as the music played. The best use of this, and his "prime" was the extended theme by Walter Greene from '66-7 to about '74.

[Blackstar]

I think the Pink Panther character, and series should be recreated in a way to will appear to old and new generations. Is too bad they don't air the 90s series, I would love to see it in cable.

You're the 1st person that I've ever heard from who actually liked the 90s Pink Panther syndicated series. I personally didn't care much for the series because it was too much of a departure from the norm of PP. The Panther was too bland and generic in that series, and the plots were nothing more than run-of-the-mill toon stuff. I respect your opinion and like you, I'm all for the idea of a 'new' Pink Panther series, but that 1993 series just didn't cut it for me.

Also, I disagree about the Panther needing to be "recreated". he's the fine the way was in the original DePatie-Freleng shorts. He doesn't need to talk nor to become a single parent with talking offspring. Granted, the Panther did also speak in his comic book series, but comics are an entirely different medium; comic books emphasize reading, so logically, there must be words. The visual gags probably wouldn't translate well in a comic book format. Tom & Jerry and the Road Runner were likewise given the ability to speak in their respective comic book series' for this reason. Making new shorts that would capture the spirit of the original shorts would be just fine for me. The problem as I see it is that too many "creative" people tend to think that classic characters need to be "updated" in order to appeal to a contemporary audience, and so they give them a 90s/21st century makeover that usually fails miserably. That's the mode of thinking that led to Hanna-Barbera studios believing that drawing Yogi Bear shorter, giving him a lime green 80s high collared jacket and red hi-top sneakers and transforming Jellystone Park to Jellystone Mall for a Saturday morning series titled Yo, Yogi! would totally appeal to cool kids. Well, it didn't.

I think that the key to make it work for the panther, is that the writer(s) should intertwine shorts into a big story, that way we are getting shorts that are related to the main story idea, and still is keeping with his traditional character layout (shorts).

That just sounds like those Looney Tunes/Merrie Melodies movies and prime-time specials that were basically hodgepodges (collections of old shorts with new linking material). Not necessary, IMHO. Not every cartoon character lends themselves to a feature length format. The Pink Panther doesn't need to make a movie. Some new theatrical shorts would do the job just fine.

[Joe]

Well, the Pink Panther did actually make his debut in a feature film, being "The Pink Panther," in which he premiered in the very well-recepted opening credits. That popularity gave the Depatie-Freling Studios a shot at creating a series of shorts around the character, and later Inspector Clouseau himself.

Does the remake with Steve Martin have a Pink Panter animated opening? That's probably the closest thing the a recent theatrical debut for the character.

[JordanS.]

I do miss the Pink's shorts too, but we can not live in the past. Sometimes, things can be adapt it, sometimes they don't work. I'm not talking about physically changing the Panther, or making him talk alot or all the time. For perpuses Mr. Pink could be a mute. I'm referring to a movie with many shorts relating to a big story.

JordanS.

[Silverstar]

I do miss the Pink's shorts too, but we can not live in the past. Sometimes, things can be adapt it, sometimes they don't work. I'm not talking about physically changing the Panther, or making him talk alot or all the time. For perpuses Mr. Pink could be a mute. I'm referring to a movie with many shorts relating to a big story.

Ancient Chinese proverb: "If it ain't broken, don't try to fix it." ;)

I don't think anyone here wants to live in the past; the point people are trying to make here is that the Pink Panther simply doesn't need a glossy 21st century makeover; his antics are pretty much timeless. I can't put it better than Eric B. already did:

Pink Panther should be one of the easiest to adapt to any time period without it getting "old", because almost all he does is walk and try to avoid whatever trouble comes his way. So all you have to do is update the settings. There are plenty of things today that didn't exist 30-45 years ago when the original series ran.
There was no reason to give him sons or make him talk at all. Those should have been specials, not series. Another thing about Pink Panther was the music. Since you had no dialogue, they were very musical (though it may have been the same stock over and over). This was another high point of Tom & Jerry as well. That last series with its dialogue killed all of that, because the original concept was basically him walking and doing whatever as the music played. The best use of this, and his "prime" was the extended theme by Walter Greene from '66-7 to about '74.

As for a PP movie that would just be a compilation of shorts, I don't really see the point of that myself. I'd prefer to see new theatrical shorts. The Panther doesn't really lend himself to a feature-length story, whether it be a combination of shorts or (especially not) one giant story. David H. DePatie and Friz Freleng never tried to get more than 7 minutes out of the Panther when they had some of the best writers in the business working for them. Why tamper with a proven successful formula?

[JordanS.]

Yes, I see your point. However, there's another proverb "Nothing vensure, nothing gain."

On another note, perhaps instead of the network putting their money on the Pink Panther 1993 TV Special.

Anyone of you creative individuals have any idea on the subject of Pink Panther TV Specials:D

JordanS.

[Blackstar]

Yes, I see your point. However, there's another proverb "Nothing vensure, nothing gain."

It's "Nothing ventured, nothing gained", actually. And I don't see how that proverb is relevant to this discussion. Correct me if I'm mistaken, but it seems to me that the basis of your 'argument' is that anyone who didn't enjoy the 1993 syndicated New Pink Panther series is automatically against the idea of any new material for the character. In this regard, you are very much mistaken. Myself, I would love to see new Pink Panther shorts, or even a new PP series, provided it was done well. I'm not an anti-fan just because I didn't care for that one show. I like the Pink Panther, I just felt that that 1993 series where he was given the ability to speak and was placed in several generic everyman situations was not the best representation of the character, and I still don't think so this very day. No one is saying that a new PP series should never happen, as you seem to be implying that we were, all we've been saying is that there is nothing wrong with the original formula and that it doesn't need to be tampered with. Your argument is based on the fact that you fondly remember the 1993 syndicated New Pink Panther series and want to see it be run on Boomerang or otherwise return to TV in some capacity. In this regard, you are in the minority, as most PP fans don't share the same nostalgic fondness for the 1993 series that you do. No one is saying that you are wrong for feeling the way that you do, but there's no need for you to take it out on us for feeling differently than you do and not desiring a return of the 1993 syndicated PP series that you are apparently longing for.

On another note, perhaps instead of the network putting their money on the Pink Panther 1993 TV Special.

Anyone of you creative individuals have any idea on the subject of Pink Panther TV Specials:D The 1993 show was a series, not a special, and no, I wouldn't know where to start writing for a Pink Panther short. I'll leave that up the the professionals.

[Uncle_Lina]

The show wasn't really all that bad, the animation was decent, but they really should have kept the panther mute.

[JordanS.]

Okay.

Does anyone likes the show... beside.... me? :sweat: Come on, don't be shy.

I know my best friend from New York loves the Pink Panther.

Anyway, my friend only knew that Pink Panther, she never saw the mute verson from the 60s, and it's true. Also she loves it alot.

Wonder if they ever going to have that series in a DVD box set, like Cool McCool had his.

JSCARTOONFAN

[Silverstar]

Wonder if they ever going to have that series in a DVD box set, like Cool McCool had his.

In order for anything to be released on DVD, there'd have to be a demand for it. And based on what I've seen, heard and read (this thread included), while I wouldn't say a DVD release of the 1993 New Pink Panther series is impossible, I don't see it coming down the pike anytime soon, since there doesn't seem to be a burning desire on most peoples' parts to see that show again.

I know my best friend from New York loves the Pink Panther.

Anyway, my friend only knew that Pink Panther, she never saw the mute verson from the 60s, and it's true. Also she loves it a lot.Then I would suggest that your friend check out a copy of the original Pink Panther Show DVD and give it a look, for regardless of how one may feel about a remake, you can't say you've truly seen a character unless you've seen them at their prime, where they got their start. Anyone whose only exposure to the Pink Panther is one of his remakes (Pink Panther & Sons, The New Pink Panther) hasn't truly seen the character, IMHO. It's like someone claiming that they "know" Tom & Jerry when all you've seen of them are Tom & Jerry Kids and Tom & Jerry: The Movie.

[Brandon Pierce]

I have vague memories of this series. I do remember Wallace Shawn ("Inconceivable!") voicing the little white guy, and Inspector Clouseau appeared in a couple of shows. The Ant and the Aardvark were highlighted too I think.

I never really cared for the newer characters they added. They added three bully junkyard dogs (who could easily have been viewed as prototypes for The Greasers in CatDog), an oblivious old lady, a bratty teenage girl who was obsessed with the color pink (and I seem to recall the panther trying to hit on her a couple of times), a crazy native, and a parrot named Jewels.

I think Friz Freleng, David DePatie, and Art Leonardi still supervised the show, which may have been why the show didn't suck completely. I do recall it being relatively entertaining. But, then again, I was 5 at the time. I woulda watched anything.

[Blackstar]

Anyway, my friend only knew that Pink Panther, she never saw the mute version from the 60s, and it's true. Also she loves it alot.

:confused: You're friend's only exposure to the Pink Panther was the 1993 series? She never saw or even heard of the original shorts or any of the movies starring Peter Sellers? That's like saying you've never seen Scooby Doo before the addition of Scrappy. Unless your friend is under 10 years old or she didn't own a TV for the first 15-20 years of her life, I don't see how that's possible.

If you haven't seen the original Pink Panther, then you really haven't seen it. You and your friend should do yourselves a favor and check out the original PP shorts on DVD. The shorts run rings around the 1993 show, IMHO.

[JordanS.]

:confused: You're friend's only exposure to the Pink Panther was the 1993 series? She never saw or even heard of the original shorts or any of the movies starring Peter Sellers? That's like saying you've never seen Scooby Doo before the addition of Scrappy. Unless your friend is under 10 years old or she didn't own a TV for the first 15-20 years of her life, I don't see how that's possible.

If you haven't seen the original Pink Panther, then you really haven't seen it. You and your friend should do yourselves a favor and check out the original PP shorts on DVD. The shorts run rings around the 1993 show, IMHO.

I know it's weird, but that's the only Pink Panther she knows.

Anyway, I did told her about the short ones from the 60s, and she didn't say anythink.

I think I might try to tell her about the DVDs.

JordanS.

Anyway, I forget to tell you that Dogfather and his goons (Puggs and Louie) got a make-over. And they're the only villains in the show who are truly evil, but the Pink Panther always captures them.

You didn't know it was them. :D

JordanS.

Say, does anyone like... Wallace Shawn as The Little Man (Friz)? :sweat: :anime: :D

I think he's perfect for him.

JordanS.

[Brandon Pierce]

Say, does anyone like... Wallace Shawn as The Little Man (Friz)? :sweat: :anime: :D

I think he's perfect for him.

JordanS.
Inconceivable!

Sorry, couldn't resist..... again.

[Spiderman]

I love the theme song , When is this Dvd series coming out ?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fuwblv0yCaE

[Blackstar]

I love the theme song , When is this Dvd series coming out?

According to TVshowsonDVD.com, not anytime soon. My advice: check out one of the DVDs of the Pink Panther (http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/releases/Pink-Panther-Volume-Release/5444) theatrical shorts. No, it's not the 1993 syndicated series, but trust me, this is better. ;)

[JordanS.]

According to TVshowsonDVD.com, not anytime soon. My advice: check out one of the DVDs of the Pink Panther (http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/releases/Pink-Panther-Volume-Release/5444) theatrical shorts. No, it's not the 1993 syndicated series, but trust me, this is better. ;)

I already saw the theatrical shorts of the Pink Panther for four years and I don't need to see it again, until later. I know the shorts by heart.

But I want do see the Pink Panther doing new tricks, that's all. :D :D

JordanS.

I love the theme song , When is this Dvd series coming out ?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fuwblv0yCaE


I know, I love theme song opening too. And I that someday soon they'll have that series in a DVD, but not now. MGM's is busy with the old shorts (just the co-stars friends of the panther) and putting them in a DVDs. Just get them some them, and someday they'll do it.

JordanS.

[AardvarkDog]

Actually, here in the UK, they have released the first series of the New Pink Panther Show on DVD. It mentions of a Vol.1 so perhaps there could be more to follow in the future. Then again, this was released about 2 years ago, so...maybe not: :shrug:

http://hmv.com/hmvweb/displayProductDetails.do?ctx=280;-1;-1;-1&sku=471029


And yes, that's where I first discovered Wallace Shawn's voice. Every time I watch a Disney film (where he seems to be used a lot in) I hear his voice and I immidiately remember this show. Remarkable, isn't it? ;)

[Blackstar]

I already saw the theatrical shorts of the Pink Panther for four years and I don't need to see it again, until later. I know the shorts by heart.

But I want do see the Pink Panther doing new tricks, that's all. :D :D

That recommendation was for Spiderman (the poster who asked about the PP DVD), not for you. I already know what you want. I wouldn't mind some new Pink Panther shorts either, but no talking and no divinely produced offspring, as such tactics simply aren't necessary. Like Silverstar already said, "If it ain't broken, don't try to fix it."