Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (Two-Disc Collector's Edition)
by Gore Verbinski
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Keira Knightley, Orlando BloomDirector: Gore Verbinski
Brand: Buena Vista Home Video
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown), Dolby Digital 5.1; Spanish (Subtitled); French (Subtitled); English (Original Language), Dolby Digital 5.1; French (Original Language), Dolby Digital 5.1; Spanish (Original Language), Dolby Digital 5.1; French (Dubbed), Dolby Digital 5.1; Spanish (Dubbed), Dolby Digital 5.1
Format: Dolby, Dubbed, NTSC, Widescreen
Picture Format: 2.35:1
Running Time: 151 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2006-12-05
Audience Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Walt Disney Video
Product features:
- Condition: New
- Format: DVD
- Dolby; Dubbed; Widescreen; NTSC
Movie Reviews of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (Two-Disc Collector's Edition)
Movie Review: Yo Ho, Yo Ho, A Blockbuster Sequel For Me
Summary: 5 Stars
2003's "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl" was so entertaining that it was difficult to comprehend the possibility of failure. I was absolutely enthralled with that film: a cleverly designed action/adventure/ghost story whose freewheeling plot was second only to its incredible visuals and highly energetic pace (no small feat considering it was almost two and a half hours long). Everything about it was over the top in a way that most audiences can't get enough of, from choreographed swordfight sequences to frenetic sea battles to strategically placed one-liners. But I think most of the film's success is attributed to Johnny Depp's performance as the flamboyant Captain Jack Sparrow. Never in the history of pirate films has there been a character outrageous enough to hit the audience like a ton of bricks. Depp is known for his remarkable sense of perception, and for that alone, it's no small wonder that he was inspired by the mannerisms of rocker Keith Richards for the role (and as ridiculous as that may sound, keep in mind that it earned him an Oscar nomination for the first film).
With an eventual total of over $600 million in worldwide box office, it became impossible to miss the telltale signs of a sequel. And now we have it. "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" is, quite simply, a lot of fun, retaining all of the qualities that made the first film such a winner. This is especially true of the cursed pirates, all of which undergo some digital enhancements. We were originally treated to a crew of undead pirates, left to walk the earth as decaying skeletons (as seen only in the moonlight) for stealing cursed Aztec gold. Now we're treated to new a shipload of cursed pirates, all of which supernaturally take on the characteristics of various marine animals (some examples: one has the head of a hammerhead shark while another has the exoskeleton of a crustacean). They're all in the service of Davy Jones (Bill Nighy), the one-legged, tentacle-faced captain of the Flying Dutchman. Apparently, he has a score to settle with Captain Sparrow, one that relates directly to his service on the Black Pearl. Thus, the waterlogged corpse of Bootstrap Bill Turner (Stellan Skarsgard) is sent to give Jack the dreaded Black Spot, a mark indicating that a debt needs to be repaid.
This basic plot serves as the catalyst for score of subplots, and while they all come together nicely, they're also a little hard to follow at times. For one, there's the continuing saga of Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) and Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley). Their romance (and as it turns out, their wedding) is abruptly put on hold when both are arrested by the cold-hearted, conniving Lord Cutler Beckett (Tom Hollander). Supposedly, the charges are conspiring to help a wanted pirate escape. Of course, we all know whom he's referring to. From that alone, it becomes obvious he wants something more with Jack than to just catch him and lock him away. From what the audience can gather, Jack and Beckett have run into each other before, each one leaving a lasting impression on the other (and I mean that in more ways than one). Beckett then offers a way for Will and Elizabeth to be cleared of all charges: Will must track Jack down, retrieve his compass (the one that never points north), and give it to Beckett. (Why exactly does he want it? I suppose I could tell you, but that would take all the fun out of watching the movie, wouldn't it?)
While Will sets out on his mission, Elizabeth makes plans of her own, ones that don't exactly coincide with those of her father (Jonathan Pryce). It's a good thing she's so headstrong; her escape and eventual search do wonders for enlivening the plot. (Granted, her methods aren't exactly realistic. Then again, nothing about this movie is.) And it couldn't happen at a better time, especially when it comes to another subplot directly involving Jack. After his meeting with Bootstrap, he takes his crew on a frantic quest around the Caribbean for a special key, one that fits into the lock of an equally special treasure chest (the Dead Man's Chest, the contents of which I won't reveal). He also tries his hardest to stay in shallow waters while sailing; Captain Jones has the ability to call upon the Kraken, a mythical sea beast of gigantic proportions, with long tentacles and breath that can only be compared to decaying corpses (and believe me when I say that this creature eventually makes its presence known). Any nautical foul ups could wind up costing Jack his very soul (let alone his very life).
Even more subplots, characters, and locations work their way into the story, including an island of natives who worship Jack (and wish to show their devotion by killing him), the mysterious voodoo woman Tia Dalma (Naomie Harris), the reunion of Will and his father, and the unexpected return of Commodore Norrington (Jack Davenport). In one way or another, all the characters are connected to the Dead Man's Chest. Some are more desperate to reach it than others, and like any good treasure hunt story, some are just greedy enough to fight over it. An incredibly elaborate swordfight scene comes to mind; most of it is fought on a water wheel that barrels out of control down hills, through forests, and over cliffs.
But this is the kind of movie that depends on intense action sequences. When it comes to a pirate movie, no one steps into the theater hoping to be intellectually stimulated. It's pure escapism, fueled by the need for entertainment and made to deliver exactly what it promises. In every sense, "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" most definitely delivers (especially in terms of its ending, with a surprising plot twist no one will see coming). As I've already said, it's really nothing more than a fun movie, meant to provide a few hours of nonstop enjoyment. While it doesn't manage to outdo its predecessor, it does remain on perfectly equal terms with it. That's a good thing, considering director Gore Verbinski and writers Ted Elliot and Terry Rossio got everything right the first time. It helped that they cleverly yet respectfully paid tribute to the Disney theme park attraction, reinterpreting some of the ride's most famous vignettes. They do the same thing for this new film, and if they're smart, they'll do it again for the third (which everyone knows is on the way).
But I'm looking ahead when I should be focusing on this current film. I think everyone should focus on this film, not because of the special effects or the story (which are both excellent), but because of the entertainment factor. You just can't walk out of the theater feeling bored or unsatisfied (and this is in spite of its running time; a decent 150 minutes). It's definitely not a subtle movie, nor is it gentle or relaxed. But I loved every minute of it, and I think anyone with a playful side to their personality will too. It appeals to the youthful pirate enthusiast in us all, and it will leave you wishing that every film could be just as much fun.
More Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (Two-Disc Collector's Edition) reviews:
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Summary of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (Two-Disc Collector's Edition)
PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN:DEAD MAN'S - DVD MovieTake the first Pirates of the Caribbean film, add a dash of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and a lot more rum. Shake well and you'll have something resembling Dead Man's Chest, a bombastic sequel that's enjoyable as long as you don't think too hard about it. The film opens with the interrupted wedding of Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) and Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley), both of whom are arrested for aiding in the escape of Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) in the first film. Their freedom can only be obtained by getting Captain Jack's compass, which is linked to a key that's linked to a chest belonging to Davy Jones, an undead pirate with a tentacle face and in possession of a lot of people's souls. If you're already confused, don't worry--plot is definitely not the strong suit of the franchise, as the film excels during its stunt pieces, which are impressively extravagant (in particular a three-way swordfight atop a mill wheel). It may help to know that Dead Man's Chest was filmed simultaneously with some of Pirates 3, so don't expect a complete resolution (think more The Empire Strikes Back) or the movie will feel a lot longer than it really is.
Bloom shows a tad bit more brawn this time around, but he's still every bit as pretty as the tomboyish Knightley. (Seriously, sometimes you think they could swap roles.) Bill Nighy (Love, Actually) weighs in as Davy Jones and Stellan Skarsgård appears as Will's undead father. But the film still belongs wholly to Depp, who in a reprise of his Oscar-nominated role gets all the belly laughs with a single widened eyeliner-ed gaze. He still runs like a cartoon hen and slurs like Keith Richards--and he's still one of the most fascinating movie characters in recent history. --Ellen A. Kim
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