New DVDs: ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’

By David Germain

updated 3:43 p.m. ET Dec. 4, 2006

“Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest”
Johnny Depp returned to the sea and sailed away with the year’s biggest hit. In the blockbuster sequel, Depp’s woozy buccaneer Capt. Jack Sparrow tries to weasel his way out of a mortal debt owed to Davy Jones — who rules the bottom of the ocean — with Jack’s pals (Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley) in tow trying to save his soul. The movie comes as a single DVD with a blooper reel and commentary from the screenwriters or in a two-disc set with a treasure-trove of other extras. There are featurettes on Depp’s rascally character, which earned him an Academy Awards nomination for the first movie, “The Curse of the Black Pearl,” and on Bill Nighy’s slimy Davy Jones, along with segments about the cast’s sword-fight training and the special effects that went into creating a giant sea beast. The two-disc set also has a look at the new incarnation of Disney’s “Pirates of the Caribbean” theme-park attraction, which inspired the movie franchise. Since the extras do not include a look ahead at next summer’s third “Pirates” adventure, it’s a fair bet there’ll be another “Dead Man’s Chest” DVD release out then with a sneak peek at the third flick. DVD set, $34.99; single DVD, $29.99. (Disney) Read the review

“Miami Vice”
The 1980s pop-culture sensation leaps from the small screen to the big one, but unlike other TV adaptations, this one is squarely in the hands of its original mastermind. Michael Mann, who oversaw the cop show that starred Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas, wrote and directed the movie version featuring Jamie Foxx and Colin Farrell. While the original was filled with light, bright fashion, pop hits and buddy-cop banter, the movie is nocturnal, somber and down and dirty as Foxx and Farrell’s undercover cops infiltrate a gang that runs drugs into southern Florida. Fans have two DVD choices: the R-rated theatrical version or an unrated director’s edition that adds a few minutes of footage. Both DVD versions have segments on the filming locations and Foxx and Farrell’s undercover training, while the unrated edition has commentary from Mann and two extra behind-the-scenes featurettes. DVD, $29.98. (Universal) Read the review

“Idlewild”
Andre Benjamin and Antwan A. Patton, the musical partners of OutKast, are joined by a great cast that includes Terrence Howard, Ving Rhames, Macy Gray, Ben Vereen and Cicely Tyson for this glitzy musical drama centered on a 1930s speakeasy down south. Benjamin plays a quiet pianist and songwriter who’s a lifelong pal to the club’s flashy star (Patton), the two finding their world hurled into chaos after a crime boss and a beautiful singer come into their lives. Written and directed by Bryan Barber, who made such OutKast music videos as “Hey Ya,” the movie is accompanied on the DVD by a deleted scene, a song that was cut from the film and the OutKast music videos “Morris Brown” and “Idlewild Blue.” DVD, $29.98. (Universal) Read the review

“Beerfest”
The comedy troupe Broken Lizard (“Super Troopers”) presents a cinematic kegger about five boozy American buddies who train for the ultimate chugging contest — a secret, Olympics-style suds-quaffing competition in Germany. The movie gets off to a slow and dreary start but turns funnier and hits a few truly hilarious notes toward the finish; it's sort of how the laughs get louder and come easier as the evening progresses during a night of heavy imbibing. The movie comes in a DVD edition with the R-rated theatrical release or an unrated version with a few extra minutes of footage. The five Broken Lizard members team for two commentary tracks for the full movie and deleted scenes. Featurettes include one with the gang recollecting their own booziest misadventures. DVD, $28.98. (Warner Bros.) Read the review

“How to Eat Fried Worms”
You’ll want to go easy on the munchies during this cute little family flick adapted from the children’s book by Thomas Rockwell. The movie centers on the grossest day ever for 11-year-old Billy (Luke Benward), the new kid who crosses the class bully on his first day at school. Trying to save face, Billy agrees to a disgusting challenge — to eat 10 worms in a single day, with the bully and his followers concocting more and more repulsive ways to present the slimy entrees. Benward joins co-stars including Hallie Kate Eisenberg for commentary along with director Bob Dolman, who also offers remarks for a handful of deleted scenes. The DVD also has two featurettes. DVD, $27.95. (New Line) Read the review

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