Pirates Of The Caribbean - The Curse Of The Black Pearl - 1 disc [2003]

Product Details

Director : Gore Verbinski
Actor : Johnny Depp, Lee Arenberg, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, Geoffrey Rush
Format : PAL
Binding : DVD
EAN : 8717418090500
Product Group : DVD
Region Code : 2
Release Date : 2006-05-22
Running Time : 138minutes
Studio : Walt Disney Home Video

ASIN : B000FAOB6Y

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Editorial Reviews

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: 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

The most fun you could have with your clothes on... (2008-02-21)

As countless people have remarked the success of Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (*phew*) came as somewhat of a surprise given its origins as a ride at one of the Disney theme parks. The threat was that it would be a "comedy adventure", and we all know those words side by side normally lead to dire scripts, slapstick violence, and poor acting. Somehow though the whole thing came together wonderfully thanks to a number of factors.Firstly there's the script. Its a tight beast that maybe could have done with the tiniest bit of trimming but not so much as to be a flaw. Its difficult to imagine how the cast couldn't have had a whale of a time delivering the lines they've been given. The crosses, and double crosses that twist and turn the story are fun to watch (unlike in the later films in the series) and the pace rattles along brilliantly.Then there's the effects and the battle scenes. Ghostly pirates (and a monkey) make for creepy villains that will excite kids without giving them nightmares. Fantastic sea battles with all cannons blazing (not necessarily with cannonballs) are a treat for the eye, and the swordfights are choreographed to perfection. All this takes place to a thumping, piratey soundtrack. Its impossible to describe a piratey soundtrack but just listen to this one... You'll agree with me I promise.Then there's the cast. Kiera Knightly spends a movie just having to be gorgeous and pouty and she does so with aplomb, its even forgivable when they have her do other things because she gets back to being gorgeous and pouty quickly enough. Similarly Orlando Bloom is more wooden than a pirate ship's deck but he's being paid to be handsome and dashing and let Johnny Depp get the good lines and he does these things remarkably well. The supporting cast is also top class with Johnathan Pryce and Jack Davenport obviously relishing their roles as the stuffed shirts amongst the anarchy. Special mention has to go to Geoffrey Rush as the mutinous, mangy, tricky and undead Cap'n Barbossa who chews up the scenery with a bout of glorious buccaneer based overacting that is a joy to watch. In any other film it would have been Rush's show but he had to play second fiddle in this one. From the moment we see Captain Jack Sparrow's "grand" entrance he's enthralling to watch. Johnny Depp's demented performance raises laughs and excitement all the way through as he lurches onward stealing all the best lines and boats. If there is a better movie character from this decade than Jack Sparrow I'll be amazed- although if there is it will probably be Johnny Depp that plays him too.I've watched this movie more times than I remember and I never get bored of it. The plot is stupid enough to allow kids to follow while the script offers plenty for adults to buy into. Its that rarest of things, a blockbuster that succeeds on every level and its just a pity they couldn't maintain that momentum in the sequels.

Entertaining, light hearted fun. (2008-01-18)

The first time I watched this movie it did nothing for me. I only watched the sequel out of boredom but found I enjoyed it enough to revisit 'The Curse of the Black Pearl' to give it another try. I do prefer the second 2 movies but this is still good. Johnny Depp is excellent and the supporting cast all turn in good performances. This is a comedy and as long as you dont take it too seriously, you will find it an enjoyable watch ... just leave your brain at the door and enjoy. That goes for the whole trilogy aswell.

Excellent (2007-12-18)

Pirates- everyone loves them. The script and the plot has a sardonic wit which shows the film never takes itself seriously, and it has magical cinematography. In many ways it conforms to the Disney hallmark of quality, and in so doing brings Disney a much welcome triumph of artistic merit.The 1 Disc DVD contains the 1 Disc and that is all you need. And it has an audio commentary which is revealing at times just to get a gist of the production.A reasonable score is 4. But the more you watch it, the more solid it looks. Clearly one self contained movie.

Great movie (2007-07-28)

I really enjoyed this movie and I think it is definitely the best of the trilogy. This movie is filled with comedy and it has a really good storyline.Johnnie Depp and Keira Knightly are both great actors but I don't like Orlando Bloom. The plot is basically about Elizbeth Swan being captured by pirates and they try to get the Black Pearl off her. The film is exciting and I highly reccomend it to most movie fans.

Great adventure (2007-07-24)

What can I say? This is a great adventure film - full of laughter, rum, pirates, rotten teeth :-), beautiful landscape. Great family entertainment!!!Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

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