For millions of us, that sound doesn't just conjure images of Peter Sellers’ bumbling Inspector Clouseau. It brings to mind a long, lean, mischievous pink cat who never said a word but made us laugh until our sides hurt.

It is also remarkably sophisticated. There is no violence for violence's sake. The Panther isn't malicious; he is merely opportunistic. If your ladder collapses or your floor tilts, it is because you were trying to trap him first. He is the coolest cat in the room, walking away unscathed as the chaos unfolds behind him. The Pink Panther Cartoon Collection – Volume 1 is a perfect "rainy day" purchase. It is safe for kids (the slapstick is classic and bloodless), but the jazz score and minimalist animation will appeal more to adults who appreciate art history.

Volume 1 captures this lightning-in-a-bottle era, collecting the first 18 theatrical shorts from 1964 to 1966. This isn't the watered-down, Saturday-morning version many of us remember from the 80s; this is the original theatrical Pink Panther, uncut and unapologetically clever. For those keeping score at home, this collection (typically released via Kino Lorber or MGM HD) is a treasure trove. You get the shorts exactly as they were shown in cinemas, complete with the iconic brass-and-bongo intro.