Johnny Depp in "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest"
courtesy of Disney Home Entertainment
"The Middle Pirate"

Want to know what the highest grossing film of 2006 has been so far? The answer is "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest." Yes, Johnny Depp and company sailed off the screen and into the hearts of American and international moviegoers. Everyone thought the movie would be big, but no one knew it would be this big. It has taken in over a billion dollars worldwide!!!

The funny thing is this is the middle movie, and it acts like it. It ends with a setup to the next installment. Nothing is resolved. It is all waiting for the finale next summer. But in the meantime the "middle Pirate" is out now on DVD.

In 2003 Johnny Depp hit the screen as Captain Jack Sparrow in "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl." At first people didn't know what to make of his mascara lidded, slurred speaking, swaggering pirate; but the more they watched him the more they liked him. The film ended up being a major moneymaker and made Depp a huge star.

In the sequel Depp is back as Captain Jack and Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley also return as the young lovers Will and Elizabeth. This time out the Crown wants the "dead man's chest" that belonged to Davy Jones (Bill Nighy). Will is sent to capture it. Later Elizabeth escapes confinement and joins the search.

You get all this adventure plus bloopers, a documentary, featurettes, Jerry Bruckheimer's personal on set photo diary and more. So don't waste any more time. Grab the middle movie and start preparing for the final edition. 

Back in 1976 Barbra Streisand wasn't so political and wasn't so serious. In short she was fun and so were her movies. One that highlighted Barbra at her best was "A Star Is Born." Now thirty years later "A Star Is Born" is being released on DVD to celebrate its thirty-year anniversary.

Kris Kristofferson co-starred in this remake of the old James Mason/Judy Garland love story about a woman whose success eclipses that of the man she loves. The film was nominated for four Academy Awards and won for best song - the Streisand/Paul Williams hit "Evergreen."

When you get this DVD you even get commentary by Barbra Streisand. Now that's something special. Plus you get the re-mastered soundtrack that will keep you entertained for hours. It's been thirty years but this DVD was worth waiting on.

Lou Diamond Phillips and Yancey Butler star in an action adventure you will want to watch. It is "Striking Range" and it is full of twists and turns. Diamond plays a gun for hire who takes on jobs the law won't. He puts his life at risk but the pay is good and so are the thrills.

Phillips and Butler make a good team in the action and in the romance department. They help keep the movie speeding along. It is a fast journey and an exciting one that will keep your eyes glued to your TV set.

If you are a fan of the Ellen Degeneres TV show, and many people are, then you will want to get the DVD of "The Ellen Degeneres Show: DVD-licious." This two disc DVD features highlights form her TV show and some moments created just for the DVD. There are monologues, guest stars, and man on the street interviews.

Jennifer Aniston and Jim Carrey are just two of the guests featured on this DVD. Many, many highlights are there and you will enjoy every minute of the fun. So get Ellen and take her home in this DVD taken from the highlights of her Emmy winning show.

One of the Disney animated classics has been released on DVD and it is "Robin Hood: Most Wanted Special Edition." In this DVD treat you get the well known and well loved story of Robin Hood and his merry men, plus songs and even a special cartoon - "Ye Olden Days" starring Mickey Mouse. It's from Disney and it is family friendly.

When you are considering getting the DVD of "The Cheetah Girls 2" you should be aware there are two versions of the movie in this package. One is the extended movie version and the other is a singalong version. Yes Raven Symone, Adrienne Bailon, Sabrina Bryan and Kiely Williams sing and dance their way through another wonderful musical just meant for your kids to enjoy.

There is also a musical number by guest star Belinda Peregrin that will have your kids up on their feet and dancing to the beat. The fun and music are infectious and sure to entertain for months to come. So get this DVD with all the extras and sit back and watch your kids explode to the music they love

And while the girls in your family are having a great time with "Cheetah Girls 2" the boys can be enjoying a new Power Rangers adventure. "Power Rangers: Mystic Force: Legendary Catastros, Volume 2" and "Power Rangers: Mystic Force: Fire Heart, Volume 3" are available on DVD and they are full of fun and excitement.

 

 

 

 

 

©2006 Jackie K. Cooper

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