Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #8364 in DVD
• Released on: 2007-06-11
• Rating: Suitable for 12 years and over
• Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
• Formats: Anamorphic, PAL
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 137 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
The movie that helped breathe new life into the summer blockbuster, the success of Pirates Of The Caribbean: Curse Of The Black Pearl is remarkable for several reasons. Firstly, there’s the unlikely source material. There’s no previous history of theme park rides inspiring major hit movies, yet that’s just what’s happened here. Secondly, there’s the patchy performance of pirate-related movies over the years (does anyone remember seeing Cutthroat Island in a cinema?). And then there’s that performance from Johnny Depp, the one that had Disney executives in a flap prior to the release of the movie. His Captain Jack Sparrow is a fantastic, unlikely creation, proving to be both unpredictable yet utterly compelling. Such is his impact on the film that it’s hardly surprising Depp snared an Oscar nomination for the role.

Yet Depp’s performance shouldn’t blind anyone to the film’s many other qualities. The supporting cast, particularly the likes of Geoffrey Rush, Jack Davenport and Jonathan Pryce are all clearly having a whale of a time, while Gore Verbinski’s pacey yet controlled direction rarely lets the momentum slow. And with all their work grounded by a quality script and worthwhile story, the end result is a film that clicks in many, many different ways.

Of course, it’s now proved the inspiration for a pair of sequels, yet no matter how they turn out, Pirates Of The Caribbean: Curse Of The Black Pearl will always stand as a quite brilliant example of what happens on those rare occasions when Hollywood blockbusters get it absolutely right. And it’s a treat that can easily be enjoyed time after time. --Simon Brew

Synopsis
Loosely inspired by the a Disney theme-park ride, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl is a swashbuckling high-seas tale directed by Gore Verbinski. When camp Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp), an eccentric rogue, arrives at Port Royal, he barely avoids going down with his ship. Soon enough, he's in the market for a new one, but not before he saves the life of Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley), the beautiful daughter of the governor (Jonathan Pryce). This act of bravery sets into motion a sweeping adventure involving Elizabeth's childhood friend, blacksmith Will Turner (Orlando Bloom); a mysterious medallion; and a legendary pirate ship, the Black Pearl. The Pearl's mottled Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush) wants Elizabeth's doubloon necklace, and when she's kidnapped by the ol' salty dog and his crew, Sparrow and young Will must rescue her and find out the truth behind the ship's curse. Verbinski's Pirates...is a welcome throwback to Hollywood offerings of yesteryear, filled with rope-swinging heroes, crusty villains, treasure hoards, swift swordplay, and even wittier wordplay. Screenwriters Terry Rossio and Ted Elliott have crafted one of the most clever action-movie scripts in many moons, and this gives the filmmakers and cast (especially Depp) plenty of room to cut loose. Although the skeletal pirates may be a bit frightening for small children, there's lots of humour to temper the scary moments, making Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl a nearly flawless fun film.

Customer Reviews

Entertaining film - but where is the audio commentary?
Enough has been said about the film itself - it's big, it's funny and it's silly. And there might be a slightly mad and charming performance from a certain mr. Depp in there... So far, so very good. (If you happen to like that kind of thing - and I do.) But - here's the rub: A sticker on all three films proudly states that the Blu-rays contain "all the bonus features of the standard DVD version". The highlight of those features, in my opinion, was the audio commentaries, especially the funny one by Jack Davenport and Keira Knightley. Are they on the Blu-ray disc, and, if so, where do I find it?

Does anyone know?

Accomplished, Disney pirate movie combined with a high quality blu-ray finish
Pirates of the Caribbean is a fine, swashbuckling non-stop action movie. The 3 principal protagonists Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley all put in commanding performances to compliment the well written script. There are plenty of twists to the tale that are unexpected and Jack Sparrow seems to change sides almost at a whim. This feature not only combines action with fantasy but enriches the tale with humour and a romance between Wil and Elizabeth aswell.

The Special Effects in this movie are pretty impressive. The transformation from pirate to living dead is a particular highlight and looks incredible in blu-ray. In fact the whole movie looks fantastic in blu-ray and the step up in class from dvd in this feature is really apparent.

The battle sequences are enthralling aswell. The attack on Port Royal and the sneak attack on the Dauntless especially stand out, as does the final sword fight between Barbosa and Sparrow. Furthermore, there is a good deal of humour in this movie; much of it is provided by the character of Ragetti and his sidekick. The monkey is really funny aswell and I like the shock that it delivers to Elizabeth in undead form. Jack Sparrow is excellently portrayed by Johhny Depp and he had me laughing a lot too.

To conclude, POTC the Curse of the Black Pearl is an excellent movie that is a real visual treat in blu-ray and is fully deserving of a 5 star accolade.

Ultimate Home Version
In my opinion POTC COTBP is easily the best in the series.

This bluray verion is awesome. Picture quality is amazing and incredibly atmospheric - the film draws me in more than ever on this format.

I imagine most people are aware of the plot but essentially it revolves around the more-than-slightly-potty "Captain" Jack Sparrow trying to regain his control over the Black Pearl by manipulating pretty much anyone he can to help him achieve his end! Johnny Depp is great in this film, he brings so much panache to Jack Sparrow you can't help but love him.

To complicate Jack's goal however is the fact that the Black Pearl is currently under the control of a cartain Captain Barbosa (Geoffrey Rush) and his crew who have a rather unfortunate curse on them...the power to lift the curse resides in a medallion hanging around Kiera Knightley's neck...

The film is really great fun, has some good action scenes and swordfights and is dryly humorous. There are many minor characters who are very memorable too one of my faves being the monkey.

If you like the film and are wondering if to upgrade form dvd for example I'd say just go for it - the increase in quality is worth it and you will have one of the best looking blurays so far.

Great Bluray, highly recommended.