Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides Limited 3D Edition

From Disney and Producer Jerry Bruckheimer comes all the fun, epic adventure, and humor that ignited the original. Johnny Depp returns as Captain Jack Sparrow in Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. A tale of truth, betrayal, youth, demise—and mermaids! When Jack crosses paths with a woman from his past (Cruz), he's not sure if it's love or if she's a ruthless con artist using him to find the fabled Fountain of Youth. Forced aboard the ship of the most feared pirate ever, Jack doesn't know who to fear more—Blackbeard (McShane) or the woman from his past. Suggested by the novel by Tim Powers. Based on Walt Disney's "Pirates Of the Caribbean." (Tricia Spears)

Special features on the Blu-ray Disc™ of the movie include the option to watch the film with Disney Second Screen and an overview of what Second Screen is, "Bloopers Of The Caribbean" (HD 03:29), five "Lego® Pirates Of The Caribbean" shorts (HD 05:19), commentary by Director Rob Marshall and Executive Producer John Deluca, "Discover Blu-ray 3D™ With Timon & Pumbaa" (HD 04:23), sneak peeks, and up-front ads. Special features on the Bonus Materials Blu-ray Disc include the featurettes Legends Of "On Stranger Tides" (HD 36:16), In Search Of The Fountain (HD 10:59), Last Sail, First Voyage (HD 08:20), and Under The Scene: Bringing Mermaids To Life (HD 09:20); five deleted & extended scenes with introductions by Marshall (HD 08:49); and another featurette Johnny Vs. Geoffrey (HD 02:41). The five-disc set includes the 3D version, the Blu-ray, a bonus material disc, the DVD, and a digital copy of the film.

Theatrically released in Disney Digital 3D, D-Cinema 3D, and IMAX DMR 70 mm blowup dual-strip 3D, the 2.40:1 1080p MVC 3-D picture appears perfectly natural in dimensional relationships and perspectives, and plays within the comfort zone of 3D, with much of the imagery at the screen plane or in the positive parallax to project depth. Thus, throughout, there is the sense of non-exaggerated depth perception. Due to much of the imagery set within dark environments, such as night-scene backdrops, to the dingy lit hulls of ships, bars, and caves, or during the vampire Mermaid scene, for optimum picture quality the picture should be viewed in a darkened environment, preferably a black theatre setting, on a display system capable of excellent native contrast performance, in order to preserve the deep black levels and reveal the intricate shadow delineation of the set pieces. Cinematographer Dariusz Wolski's aesthetic visuals are effectively enhanced in 3D, particularly the subtle depth perspectives. In this regard, the 3-D treatment enhances and makes for a much more exciting visual experience. The Fountain of Youth scene, for example, is an impressively wonderful visual experience in 3D. Other than a few instances of swords and a skeletal hand poking out of the screen, there are virtually no other negative parallax moments. Still, overall, the 3-D dimensionality is genuinely impressive during certain segments, but generally reserved. There is virtually no distracting crosstalk or ghosting artifact. Color fidelity is excellent, with well-balanced fleshtones. During brightly lit scenes, hues are richly vivid and warm. Resolution also is generally excellent, though, the darker scenes tend to mask fine detail. Overall, this is a fine visual experience, though, dark imagery is prevalent. The 3-D treatment is mostly reserved but definitely enhances the sense of natural dimensionality and perspective, for a more engaging and preferred immersive experience compared to the 2-D experience. (Gary Reber)

The DTS-HD Master Audio™ 7.1-channel soundtrack is sweepingly holosonic® in its aggressively enveloping soundfield presentation, especially when all the sound elements are fully engaged. At times the soundfield SPL pushes the limits of the reference level. Atmospherics and sound effects are quite prevalent, as is the almost continuous Hans Zimmer orchestral score that envelops the soundfield and projects a wide and deep soundstage presence. Effects are impressively directionalized. The added two channels effectively bolster the sense of dimensional space with atmospherics that really define believable soundscapes. Bass extension is excellent and natural sounding, particularly the transient attacks on the kettle drum strokes. At times low frequencies are energized at sub-25 Hz .1 LFE frequencies, which provide dramatic impact. Dialogue sounds natural, though, at times the ADR is wanting in spatial integration and sounds "produced." This is a quite active soundtrack, with a divergent portrayal of soundscapes and dynamics, supported by an engaging orchestral score that suspends the storytelling. (Gary Reber)