Wow! Blu-ray3d had really been making less than a rousing impact on either the masses or its quality, since its debut. However, within only a 3 month period, mostly due to BUENA VISTA, some outstanding blu-ray3d releases have rightfully generated some much needed excitement over the format’s potential!

BUENA VISTA’s Blu-ray3d release of “PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES” is one fine example of those “exciting” releases mentioned above!

While having to admit not being a big fan of the “PIRATES” series, much of the negative criticism towards the latest film appears to be ridiculous. Many critics have cited “ON STRANGER TIDES” as being nothing more than a tired attempt to rebuild the franchise. Well, then, what were the two sequels then? In fact, the original “PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN” wasn’t all that original either!!!

Sure, this one doesn’t have Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley. But, it has Depp! Honestly, “he” is the reason for any of the film’s success or entertainment value. He has been able to make scenes, otherwise weighted down by production values or a cumbersome script, entertaining! Geoffrey Rush is almost as exciting to watch and Ian McShane, like James Earl Jones, could make the recitation of the phone book exciting! As far as imagery goes, it’s hard to find an image more captivating than Penelope Cruz is presented here. Cruz takes what could’ve been a throwaway part and makes it engaging! As Blackbeard’s daughter, Angelica, Cruz offers a blend of sensuality and toughness that was arguably absent with Knightley. The plot, filled with zombies, frequent chase scenes, a quest to find the Fountain of Youth, and more, is, as with the rest of the series, convoluted. But, Director Rob Marshall’s skills offer a visual flair differentiating this entry from the rest, and it’s arguably to the film’s betterment.

The subplot revolving around the growing love between a mermaid and missionary is perhaps the weakest part of the script, but even the confusing quest ordered by King George II and the equally confusing unnecessary of massive participants in the race to find the fountain of youth, don’t prevent “ON STRANGER TIDES” from entertaining.

 The correct 2.40:1 aspect ratio has been preserved for this MVC MPEG-4 1080p blu-ray release.  The blu-ray3d release also offers the 2d blu-ray, dvd and digital copy.

Having been shot in native 3d, rather than post-formatted into 3d like so many crappy looking “3d” studio releases of late have been, “PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES” offers plenty of impressive 3d thrills.  From the opening scenes, it’s obvious this isn’t going to be a dull looking 3d release. Compositions are typically conceived with 3d in mind. Even though there are a number of scenes wherein 3d isn’t pushed to its full potential, the level of depth and detail enhanced by this format is simply outstanding! The impact of a torch’s flame moving in the distance, or a carriage as it moves at an ever increasing speed with the background rushing by, all make the most of the 3d process, typically with very impressive results. While there is still some ghosting on occasion, this is never as intrusive as it’s been on earlier blu-ray3d releases, and the format is really exciting as far as what it does to enhance the elaborate production at hand. While the dark overtones and night scenes, could’ve easily led to diminished quality, as has been seen in other blu-ray3d releases, the image never feels too dark here!

Colors are solid and vibrant in both 3d and 2d formats. Contrast is excellent, with inky blacks retaining fine depth. Showcasing just how masterfully handled this transfer is, neither great detail nor vibrancy in color is lost between either format. “PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES” looks great in both 3d and 2d, but of course, the extra effects of the former make it easy to recommend!

BUENA VISTA has provided a DTS-HD 7.1 mix. Between cannons firing, swords clanging, and the wonderful score, it would be understandable if some dialogue was overshadowed. However, this isn’t the case! There wasn’t a single instance wherein captioning was needed or a scene had to be replayed to capture something missed. Dialogue is perfectly balanced and the culmination of various discrete/panning and bass effects make this 7.1 lossy mix, easily the best of the series, but also one of the most immersive experiences available on blu-ray, thus far! A GREAT MIX!!!

Along with both the 3d and 2d formats of the film, an extra blu-ray provides numerous extras. Along with a commentary(at times entertaining, but mostly just self-congratulatory), featurettes built around the mermaids, fountain of youth, visual effects and more, offer interviews with cast and crew, and are all in HD.

Deleted and extended scenes are also offered.