Some may remember at the very end of the third installment of the Pirates of the Caribbean series - At Worlds End, we found Capt. Jack Sparrow once again without his beloved Black Pearl all alone in a small boat. In his hand, the middle portion of a map with his destination - the Fountain of Youth. Little did we realize we were being set-up for the very premise of the fourth installment of the POTC series.
Capt. Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) is back and is still in search of the mysterious Fountain of Youth. However he is not alone, everyone from the Spanish to the British and even a dreaded pirate more notorious than Sparrow, Blackbeard (Ian McShane), have their eyes on the alluring waters. If that’s not enough, Jack’s old nemesis Capt. Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush) is now a privateer working with the British Navy and there’s an imposter posing as Jack looking for a crew.
On the way, Jack tries to help his former first mate Gibbs (Kevin McNally) from going to the gallows, his Dad (Keith Richards) saves him from an untimely death and a former lover name Angelica (Penélope Cruz) kidnaps him and makes him a mere crew member on Blackbeard’s ship.
These are just a few of the many storylines intersecting in On Strange Tides. Of course we haven’t even gotten into the presence of scary ferocious zombies, equally scary but alluring mermaids, a mercenary that is trying to see the good in Blackbeard and several ships in a bottle. But I don’t want to spoil it all for you – go see the movie yourself. Contrary to what you may have heard about the latest installment, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides is an enjoyable ride. The film looks amazing, from the sets to the exotic locations. On Stranger Tides makes the franchise proud. Make sure you stay until the credits finish to see one additional scene.
Extras
There are several options in picking up On Stranger Tides. However, if you own a Blu-ray player (or plan on getting one) then choose the 5-Disc Combo Pack. The main reason because it includes an additional Blu-ray of bonus material that the 2-Disc Combo Pack doesn’t offer. With the 5-Discs you get it all - a 3D Blu-ray, two standard Blu-rays that gives you the film and bonus material, a standard DVD and a digital copy of the film.
As usual, Disney has gone all out to offer the most for your home viewing pleasure. Earlier this year with the release of Bambi: Diamond Edition and Tron Legacy, Disney introduced an interactive feature entitled - Disney Second Screen. In the past, there was picture-in-picture where there would be links or pop-ups on the film as you watched it on your TV. Now with Disney Second Screen, you no longer have to have this interrupt the film. Disney Second Screen syncs with your iPad or laptop and transmits additional material pertaining to the film, if not the scene it’s self. This can include galleries, storyboards, trivia, back stories of characters or the filming and even short videos. It’s really a new unique way to watch the film for a second and third time and you have complete control on the pace of viewing this material. If you need one reason to own the film this feature alone is the reason.
Yet, there’s so much more for you to explore and experience in this combo pack. In addition to the Disney Second Screen option you can also watch the film with a commentary track by Director Rob Marshall and executive producer John DeLuca. I’ve always been a fan of the commentary track and especially when it’s by the creative forces like the director. Both Marshall and DeLuca give the viewers personal insight into the process and the decisions in bringing the latest installment to the big screen. Of course there’s a lot of kiss ass to Depp and the other stars but hey what do you expect? There are also a short blooper reel that has been a part of all the POTC releases and a series of LEGO Animated Shorts: Captain Jack’s Brick Tales.
There are several documentaries and featurettes included in the bonus Blu-ray disc. Legends of On Stranger Tides, In Search of the Fountain, Last Sail/First Sail, Under the Scene: Bringing Mermaids to Life, and Johnny vs. Geoffrey. All are worth your time to explore and are full of information on the making of the film. Rounding out the bonus material is the five Deleted and Extended Scenes with introductions by director Rob Marshall. It’s shocking even for time, the scenes that get cut sometimes, especially when the makers put in a lot of time to give homage to a classic scene from the Disney ride (like the cut scene that takes place in the pub with two kitties). See for yourself and you decide…
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Special Features
