One of MGM's best known animated icon turns 40 on April 11th.

© MGM

"From stylish clothes and accessories to a modern club remix of the theme music, we're offering all kinds of ways for the general public to participate in this birthday celebration," said Travis Rutherford, Senior Vice President of MGM Consumer Products and Interactive.

The pink cat was originally created in 1964 by animators Friz Freleng and David DePatie for the opening credits of the classic film comedy "The Pink Panther". "The Pink Panther's style and personality are traits that click with male and female audiences all over the world. His wordless antics translate well to any culture, which helps make him an international star that has stood the test of time," Rutherford added.

Highlights of the Pink Panther's year-long birthday bash include:

- MGM commissioned asleek new set of Pink Panther designs from famed gallery artist SHAG (Josh Agle) that reinterpret the character's original elegant simplicity with current trends in fashion and design. SHAG's new Pink Panther designs are the inspiration for a variety of consumer products -- ranging from designer shirts by international clothier Thomas Pink and women's fashions by JEM Sportswear, to martini sets and golf accessories, to playfully painted Nirve beach cruiser bikes and Vespa scooters.

- Special Edition DVD Gift Set -- MGM Home Entertainment is releasing a boxed set of Pink Panther films, starring Peter Sellers as Inspector Clouseau, in the U.S. on April 6 (international release dates vary by region). Domestically, the set will include digitally re-mastered versions of five Pink Panther movies and a bonus disc of special features including six original animated short films and commentary by the director.

- The MGM Grand Hotel and Casino will feature a Pink Panther store-within-a-store at the Grand and Company store in the hotel's main lobby. The MGM Grand will also feature Pink Panther on the Jumbotron and on special room key cards. Just down the street, the famous dancing fountains at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino will be bathed in pink lights and feature a number choreographed to the new Malibu remix of the Pink Panther theme during the hourly water show.

- Pink Postage -- Starting April 13, the Pink Panther will be featured on a U.S. Postal Service stamp honoring his theme composer, the late Henry Mancini.

- Modern Mancini -- Virgin Records is releasing a lounge/pop music collection called "Pink Panther's Penthouse Party" including remixes of Mancini's Pink Panther theme by modern producers St. Germain, Fischerspooner and Malibu. Virgin has also created a new Pink Panther music video for the Malibu theme remix. Concord Records is issuing "Ultimate Mancini" featuring the composer's most memorable songs, including the Pink Panther theme, performed by daughter Monica Mancini and celebrity musical guests. BMG is releasing two CDs -- "Midnight, Moonlight & Magic: The Very Best of Mancini" and "Ultimate Pink Panther," including all the music, songs and themes from the Pink Panther films.

- Pink Panther A-Thon -- Beginning April 11th, MGM Networks will feature a promotion for the anniversary on most of the branded services currently available around the globe. Over 100 countries will witness a programming marathon of Pink Panther material, and many will take part in different types of promotions and contests.

- Shanghai Pink -- The first-ever retail establishment totally devoted to the Pink Panther is under development and slated to open later this year in Shanghai, China.

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