Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar's Revenge 3D Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		5.0
Audio		5.0
Extras		2.5
Overall		4.0

Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar's Revenge 3D Blu-ray Movie Review

Disney did not release 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales' (known as 'PotC: Salazar's Revenge' in the UK) in 3D in the United States, where the format is, by broad accounts, fledgeling, despite a dedicated group of collectors and enthusiasts. This region-free release carries over, essentially, the same 2D Blu-ray as was released in the US with the 3D disc added to the mix. Read below for more on what's included and how the 3D fares.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar's Revenge 3D Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar's Revenge features some very good distance effects as the film opens. Not only does the image stretch on for, seemingly, as far as the eye can see along the water's surface (even at night), the shape of and space inside the small boat carrying young Henry are plainly evident, too. The pair make for a nice little bit of contrasting 3D, large space and small volume in one shot that compliment one another very well. Moments later, on the deck of the Flying Dutchman, as the crusty surfaces are nicely shaped and spread out, as characters feel realistically placed on it, the viewer gains an appreciation for the location's size and element positioning. Of course daytime, well-lit scenes fare just as well, if not better. As the movie forwards a few minutes and time advances nine years, young Henry Turner peers out of a port with the help of a mirror. There's a nice sense of depth from outside the window looking in, and a bit of stretch as he sticks that mirror out to see what's happening around him. Essential depth is a welcome constant. High seas reach out well into the distance, the space between buildings on shore is obvious, characters are nicely distinguished and separated in the world, and there's a real volume to ships, hats, and other shaped elements that lend themselves to well defined 3D spectacle.

Debris during sea battles appears to shove out of the screen (and in other places, like the vault robbery early in the film, which also sees coins and other treasure being tossed at the viewer). Likewise, infantry rifles or ship's bowsprit, masts, and cannons offer solid extension beyond the screen, all poking out as the camera positioning allows. The film is filled with some nifty perspective shots, and even small things, like Salazar's hair floating out from his head and seemingly out of the screen, give the movie a very complimentary dynamic that enhances its visuals and better defines what it is the characters are made of, and what the heroes are dealing with. The world just comes to life in 3D. It's not just those small things, which complement the essentials, but also the constant depth and sense of volume and shape that make this a very enjoyable 3D presentation.

Unsurprisingly, the image's general attributes shine. Colors are very rich, losing almost no vitality or spunk compared to the 2D image. Natural greens are healthy, blue water shines, clothing colors dazzle. Firm textural goodness on seafaring costumes, crisp military uniforms, brick façades, sandy streets, natural vegetation, and skin textures all impress with significant complexity. Even digital constructs, like Salazar and his crew, are showcases for 1080p goodness, featuring remarkable clarity in all the little textural complexities that define the characters. Black levels and flesh tones are very good. No source or encode flaws are immediately apparent, and the review display revealed no crosstalk or "ghosting" effects of note.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar's Revenge 3D Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar's Revenge contains the same core DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 lossless soundtrack as the US release. Note, however, that the Spanish and French language options are configured differently, and that this release contains additional subtitle options not found on the US release. For a full audio review, please click here.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar's Revenge 3D Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar's Revenge contains all of the same bonus features as the US release. For full reviews, please click here, and see below for a basic list of what's included.

• Dead Men Tell No Tales: The Making of a New Adventure: A Seven-part feature.
• A Return to the Sea
• Telling Tales: A Sit-Down with Brenton & Kaya
• The Matador & The Bull: Secrets of Salazar & the Silent Mary
• First Mate Confidential
• Deconstructing the Ghost Sharks
• Wings Over the Caribbean
• An Enduring Legacy
• Bloopers of the Caribbean
• Jerry Bruckheimer Photo Diary
• Deleted Scenes

Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar's Revenge 3D Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar's Revenge is a film that is extending a fatigued franchise, but its extra dimensional extension is certainly most welcome. This is a strong all-around 3D performer, boasting constant, agreeable depth and plenty of good examples of little details that seem to extend beyond the screen. The 7.1 audio and included supplements, both identical to the US 2D release, are very good. This region free 3D release comes recommended to 3D fans and fans of the film.