Pirates of the Caribbean

VFX Men Aaron McBride and Ben Snow Talk PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES; Plus 15 Things I Learned on My Visit to ILM

by Hunter Daniels    Posted: October 27th, 2011 at 7:02 am

 

Recently, I was invited to visit the ILM Campus in the Bay Area to discuss the development of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and see some of the new Blu-ray features that Disney has developed for the disc. While touring the effects house, I got to talk to visual effects art director Aaron McBride and visual effects supervisor Ben Snow.

During the interviews, Snow and McBride told me about how pirate maps influence the design of the films, why they can’t reuse digital armatures, what it’s like to be nominated for an Oscar, how the director influences the effects work, and more.  Read on for the complete interviews and a list of the 15 things I learned.

Disney’s Second Screen Technology Takes Special Features off the Blu-ray

by Hunter Daniels    Posted: October 23rd, 2011 at 7:17 am

When DVD first hit the scene it was, to steal a phrase from Disney’s Aladdin, “A whole new world.” The bonus features let cinephiles behind the scenes for the first time and laid bare the often-arduous mechanics behind crafting a feature film. But, as the medium matured, many of these features became stagnant. Now, with the advent of Blu-ray and the connectivity opportunities offered by iPads, film studios are once again finding new ways to expand upon the medium of bonus features.

Disney is out ahead of the pack, using big-ticket releases like Bambi and now Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides to introduce new ways to interact with the film and encourage consumers to buy, rather than rent. Read on to hear about the new, “Second Screen” technology.

ILM Reveals Alternate Mermaids from PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES

by Hunter Daniels    Posted: October 19th, 2011 at 8:08 am

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides was a very different film than its three predecessors. Whereas Gore Verbinski’s trilogy traded on the charm of Johnny Depp’s anti-hero swashbuckling his way through some of the biggest effects ever committed to film, this latest entry took a more intimate approach, focusing on the love story of a mermaid and a young missionary who fights to protect her.

Read on to find out why what became of the most extreme monsters.

Collider Visits ILM for PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES Blu-ray

by Hunter Daniels    Posted: October 18th, 2011 at 7:13 am

To promote the upcoming Blu-Ray release of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, hitting stores on October 18, Disney invited myself and a few other journalists up to the Bay Area to visit the Industrial Light and Magic campus and see how the film was made.

During my visit, I got to tour ILM, see concept art, some of which differs wildly from the finished product, and interview visual effects supervisor Ben Snow and visual effects director Aaron McBride. We’ll have write ups on the disc’s unique iPad-based interactive features as well as the interviews everyday this week, but today I just want to tell you about what it’s like to walk through the halls of ILM.  Hit the jump for the full story.

Johnny Depp Close to Signing on for Fifth PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: July 5th, 2011 at 4:40 pm

For a while there, it looked as if we might be spared another rushed entry in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, as star/lynchpin Johnny Depp was reportedly not entirely certain he wanted to return. Well apparently the actor realized that he doesn’t own enough houses in France and/or armbands, because now The Wrap reports that Depp is close to a deal to return once again in a fifth Pirates of the Caribbean film. (The Wrap now reports that Depp’s total profits from the entire franchise so far is $350 million. Holy hell).

This really isn’t all that surprising. The latest sequel, On Stranger Tides, just crossed the $1 billion mark at the global box-office. Obviously Disney and everyone involved behind the scenes that stands to make even more money was itching to go back to the well. Hit the jump for more.

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES Clears $346 Million in International Launch

by Nicole Pedersen    Posted: May 22nd, 2011 at 10:04 am

I’m gonna do us all a favor by not using the words matey, or scalliwag in this article.  I won’t be referring to the box office take of the latest Pirates of the Caribbean sequel as “booty,” either.  I’ll just tell you that On Stranger Tides has earned the highest first-weekend total of any release of 2011, with an estimated $90.1 million from 4,155 locations (over $346 million worldwide).  Then I’ll make with the equivocating, savvy?

	Title	Weekend	Total
1	Pirates 4	$90,100,000	$90.1
2	Bridesmaids	$21,100,000	$59.5
3	Thor	$15,500,000	$145.4
4	Fast Five	$10,630,000	$186.2
5	Rio	$4,650,000	$131.6
6	Priest	$4,600,000	$23.6
7	Jumping the Broom	$3,700,000	$31.3
8	Something Borrowed	$3,425,000	$31.4
9	Water for Elephants	$2,150,000	$52.4
10	Madea’s Big Happy Family	$990,000	$51.7

Friday Box Office – PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES Sails In with $35 Million

by Nicole Pedersen    Posted: May 21st, 2011 at 10:42 am

Captain Jack is back!  Come to rescue us all from Davy Jones’ Locker (a metaphor for this year’s dismal domestic box office or for the impenetrable plots of his last two sequels – you decide!).  Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides already had $44.2 million in international swag going into its domestic debut on Friday.  On these shores, Pirates 4 grabbed an estimated $35 million from 4,155 locations – 65% of which were 3D equipped.  That is just a bit better than the $34.3 million Fast Five saw three weeks ago in its (non-3D) debut.  But it’s also well under the $44.7 million At World’s End took in on its first Friday back in 2007.  Right now it looks like Pirates 4 will run aground before reaching its predecessor’s $114.7 million weekend gross – though it’s still possible for the Disney film to become the first of 2011 to open above the $100 million mark.  Details and analysis tomorrow.

	Title	Friday	Total
1	Pirates 4	$35,000,000	$35
2	Bridesmaids	$6,400,000	$44.8
3	Thor	$4,380,000	$134.2
4	Fast Five	$3,150,000	$178.6
5	Priest	$1,450,000	$20.4

Exclusive PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES IMAX TV Spot

by Steve 'Frosty' Weintraub    Posted: May 13th, 2011 at 7:00 am

With Walt Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides hitting theaters in a week, we’ve been given an exclusive TV spot reminding you to see it in IMAX 3D.  As most of you know, I’m a huge fan of IMAX, and if you have the option of seeing it in the large screen format, it’s definitely worth it.  Also, unlike most 3D films that are post converted and look terrible, Pirates was filmed in 3D.  Which means it should look great in 3D.

For more on Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, here’s all our previous coverage.  We’ve got on set interviews, posters, clips, images, and a lot more.  Hit the jump for the TV spot.

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES Premiere Images

by Christina Radish    Posted: May 10th, 2011 at 8:45 pm

In what was surely one of the biggest premieres of all time, Disneyland was shut down on Saturday, May 7^th so that the entire cast of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, including the monkey, could turn out to greet fans and sign autographs. Thousands of park guests showed up starting at midnight to see all of the special guests at the first-ever outdoor film premiere in 3D, which was also a benefit for Boys & Girls Club of America.

Joining Mickey Mouse himself were cast members Johnny Depp, Penélope Cruz , Geoffrey Rush, Ian McShane, Sam Claflin, Astrid Bergès-Frisbey, Kevin McNally, Óscar Jaenada, Greg Ellis, Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones, various mermaids and zombies, director Rob Marshall, producer Jerry Bruckheimer, composer Hans Zimmer, book author Tim Powers and Disney Chairman Bob Iger. Other celebs who made appearances on the black carpet were Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Jodie Foster, Desperate Housewives co-stars Teri Hatcher and Eva Longoria, Eliza Dushku with boyfriend Rick Fox, Kirstie Alley with Dancing with the Stars partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Martin Short, rocker Steven Tyler, Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas, Emma Roberts, Andy Garcia, Karl Urban and Steven R. McQueen of The Vampire Diaries, among others. Check out all of the exclusive photos after the jump:

4 Clips and 10 Minutes of Behind-the-Scenes Footage from PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES

by Brendan Bettinger    Posted: May 6th, 2011 at 8:58 am

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, the fourth film in the swashbuckling franchise, hits theater May 20 and darn it if I haven’t missed Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow in his five-year absence.  Disney has provided us four clips from the movie, not to mention 10 minutes of behind-the-scenes footage, to mark his return.  The last clip in particular is a great showcase for that guttural yell of Depp’s, a personal favorite.  The clips also highlight Penelope Cruz and Ian McShane’s introduction to the franchise — McShane is awarded an especially badass entry scene as Blackbeard.  Geoffrey Rush, Sam Claflin, and Astrid Bergès-Frisbey also star in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, directed by Rob Marshall (Nine).  Watch everything after the jump.

First Clip from PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: May 3rd, 2011 at 8:58 am

Disney has released the first clip from Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.  I’ve always felt like I was in the minority of being interested in a new Pirates film since I don’t know many folks who enjoy the sequels (they’re big, bombastic, and don’t always hit their mark, but they take a lot of chances that pay off).  However, last week, Company Town reported that On Stranger Tides could be the year’s first $100m+ opening weekend because the film is tracking so well.

But this first clip from the film gives me pause.  The way Jack frees himself from the guards with a simple flip of the wrists looks silly and for an escape from the palace, I’m confused as to why he’s going away from the window.  Of course, the big problem with clips is that they lack context, so hopefully this scene will work better when I see the film.  Hit the jump to check out the clip.  The film stars Johnny Depp, Penelope Cruz, Ian McShane, and Geoffrey Rush.  Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides opens in 3D on May 20th.

Exclusive: Producer Jerry Bruckheimer and Director Rob Marshall Talk PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES at CinemaCon

by Steve 'Frosty' Weintraub    Posted: March 30th, 2011 at 3:25 pm

Shortly after Disney’s presentation at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, I got to talk to producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Rob Marshall about Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.  While the studio has released a number of trailers, images and posters from the 4th installment, yesterday was the first time the studio had shown any significant amount of footage.  While we’ve been asked not to reveal anything specific, I can tell you we got to see three sequences: the first took place in London, the second was out at sea, and the third came from the end of the film and it featured many cast members searching in a jungle for the Fountain of Youth.

As you might expect, the footage was loaded with action, and it featured Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow having to escape from a variety of unique situations.  Also, with the presentation for theater owners, Disney showed us the footage in 3D and it looked fantastic.  Since the movie was shot using 3D cameras, I wasn’t surprised.

Anyway, hit the jump to see Bruckheimer & Marshall talk about making the film, how they choose what footage to show, and what’s their go to karaoke song:

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES Super Bowl Ad

by Max Lichtig    Posted: February 6th, 2011 at 8:28 pm

If you had the willpower to change the channel from the Puppy Bowl on Animal Planet to watch the Super Bowl, you not only witnessed consistent Green Bay talent (sorry Steelers fans), but you were also pleasantly surprised by tons of new footage from upcoming movies like Transformers: Dark of the Moon, Captain America (which featured an impressive Christian Bale-esque physical transformation by Chris Evans), Super 8, and the fourth installment of the series, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.

The new Pirates footage shows that the sequel will include all things “pirate” that were left out of the last three; i.e. mermaids, peg legs, sexy Spanish seafarers, Blackbeard (played by Ian McShane), and even zombies (alright, maybe zombies are not a usual staple in pirate stories, but by now we’ve learned to succumb to whatever floats Jerry Bruckheimer’s boat). You’ll also see Johnny Depp in all his Captain Jack Sparrow glory acting exactly as you would expect, though I’m not saying that’s a bad thing (Depp lightly explains his character’s “limited” character arch here). Pirates is slated to hit theatres May 20^th 2011, and also stars Geoffrey Rush, Penelope Cruz and Judie Dench. Hit the jump to check out the new footage.

Producer Jerry Bruckheimer On Set Interview PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN 4: ON STRANGER TIDES; Updates on LONE RANGER and More

by Steve 'Frosty' Weintraub    Posted: February 3rd, 2011 at 12:02 am

As the producer of over seventy movies and TV shows, you’ve all seen something made by mega producer Jerry Bruckheimer. But if you don’t recognize the name, maybe you’ve seen Pirates of the Caribbean, Bad Boys, Top Gun, Beverly Hills Cop, C.S.I., The Amazing Race, or Cold Case. To put it simply, Bruckheimer’s a big deal.

As you might imagine, someone who produces so many movies and TV shows is quite busy.  But a few months ago, on the London set of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, Bruckheimer took some time out of his busy schedule to answer a number of questions about how the production had been going.  He also addressed why they decided to shoot in 3D and the challenges of the format, how he’s been enjoying Twitter (follow him here), how new Pirates director Rob Marshall got the job, how they already have ideas for Pirates 5, how does he have the time to watch over everything, and he gave us updates on Lone Ranger and the National Treasure franchise.  Hit the jump to either read or listen to the interview:

Johnny Depp On Set Interview PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN 4: ON STRANGER TIDES

by Steve 'Frosty' Weintraub    Posted: February 3rd, 2011 at 12:01 am

Last October, I got to visit the set of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides while the production was filming at Pinewood Studios outside London.  Even though we were told that Johnny Depp would not have the time to do any interviews as he was in all the shots that day, before one of the set ups, he had a few minutes and he answered a some quick questions about how filming had been going and what it was like to work with Penelope Cruz and new Pirates director Rob Marshall.  For what he said, hit the jump:

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