Blu-ray Review: Pirates of the Caribbean - At World's End

Part of: The Wild Blu Yonder

After hitting every necessary point in the first two films, the likely conclusion to the Pirates series, At World’s End, is a convoluted mess. The number of characters, storylines, and double crosses going on are simply ridiculous, enough to fill two movies instead of one. The lackluster soundtrack rarely brings in the wonderful theme fans are used to, and just short of three hours this one doesn’t want to end. Sure, the action is fun, but if you can’t understand why they’re fighting, what’s the point? Read the full movie review.

As with the other films, At World’s End provides the HD goods. This is the darkest entry in the franchise, and is thankfully aided by deep black levels. There’s noticeable grain to go along with the dimly lit sequences and it’s slightly more noticeable than it was in either of the two prior Pirates efforts. Details, sharpness, and clarity are stunning. It’s the weakest of three, yet still an amazing transfer.

Cannons, swords clashing, rain, thunder, and a money shot from a cannon. At World’s End is a showcase for home audio. Bass is rich, deep, and loaded throughout. The use of the surround channels is not limited to action scenes. Ships creak and groan as they traverse the seas while filling the sound field. It’s wonderfully immersive and perfectly mixed.

Following up the typical features of the Pirates efforts, Disney includes the interactive piece Inside the Maelstrom. During this feature, you can branch off into separate smaller pieces that detail how the scene came together. There’s a ton of material here if you get to it all. Disc one includes the latter and a HD five minute blooper reel. Sadly, there are no commentaries this time around.

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Article Author: Matt Paprocki

Matt Paprocki is a 12-year movie and game critic. He currently freelances for Blu-ray review site DoBlu.com and video game site MultiPlayerGames.com.

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