2-Disc Special Collector’s Edition
Rating: PG-13
Release Date: December 5th, 2006
Run Time: 150 Minutes
Very rarely does a sequel pack the same punch as the original, and unfortunately Pirates 2 is no exception. It’s imperative that I point out how much I really (really) liked the first one. With that said, I’m going to take opposition to a lot of the other reviews out there that tore it apart and proclaim once and for all that I did indeed like this film (sorry though, no reallys).
Pirates 2 picks up not long after the end of the first, with the interrupted wedding of Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) and Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley), both of whom are arrested for aiding in Captain Jack Sparrow’s (Johnny Depp) escape. They can only win back their freedom by obtaining Captain Jack’s compass, which is later revealed to have a roundabout connection with a chest owned by Davy Jones (Bill Nighy), tentacled pirate of the deep and captain of the Flying Dutchman.
It’s essential to know in advance that Pirates 2 is a link, or a cliffhanger, to Pirates 3. For that reason many feel that it fell short by breaking a lot of the supposed standards for movie serials. There are no plot points resolved whatsoever. No “mini-battle” has been won. In all actuality, the plot creates far more questions than it gives answers, but manages to do so without losing pace or direction. The action and special effects alone are mind-blowing, most notably the CGI work done for Davy Jones and his crew of indentured souls. And if you are expecting to see a re-hashed version of the first film, beware — there is a noticeable difference in how the main characters handle themselves in the new situations and developments of Pirates 2. Don’t worry too much though, you can still expect Captain Jack to slur and swagger around while Will takes the hard and higher road.
The special features on this DVD complement the film to the extreme, offering an in-depth look at the making of Pirates 2, including the particular woes for the director and producers while trying to wrap both movies (2&3) in 200 days. Along the way they faced countless obstacles, including budgetary constraints, hurricanes, and even the logistical nightmare of planning locations and casting parts around an unfinished script. There are also some great extras about the extensive CGI artistry done for Davy Jones and his barnacled crew, and how Disney “re-imagineered” the Pirates of the Caribbean ride to include Captains Jack and Barbossa.
The special edition DVD is a must-have in any collection, especially for fans of the first film. Even those disappointed in this second installment of the franchise will find the level of detail exposed within the extras to be engaging. As for the third adventure, which is due out Memorial Day 2007 and titled Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, rest assured that each viewing of Pirates 2 will only add to the mounting anticipation for what is set to be an amazing theatrical release.
Click here to purchase Pirate of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest 2-Disc Special Collector’s Edition
