Both of those sound quite good.

Ill be purchasing them, especially the first one.

I love "in universe" merch like that.

But, one thing:

With due respect, I really didn't find POTC confusing, as long as you paid attention.

I thought that there was a reference in POTC: AWE by Jack to Gibbs about Gibbs not being able to read. If he cannot read, how can he keep a journal?

Chris

I was able to follow the movie because I wanted to and was trying very hard. Something like the "Guidelines" is very welcome. As a fan, I'll pick up the book. I'll probably be referring it to others who "don't get" the movie because they haven't seen and/or paid attention to all of the details in the first two films.

I've heard some comparison of POTC: AWE to BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA, which is IMO a stand-alone movie with "too much plot" that makes it really hard to follow, and therefore less enjoyable.I can see somebody who has not seen either of the two previous POTC movies walking out of the theater after seeing AWE with a headache due to trying to follow such a rapidly and continually twisting plot!

Thanks for the info, Jim!

Chris

Jim hill!!!

I had to buy a new bookcase to house all the awesome books ive bought because of you!!

Thank goodness this one is cheap! Thanks!!

AWE wasn't too confusing for me, but there's definitely at least one plot point that didn't come across.  The writers have explained Will's fate differently than how it's presented in the movie.  It's a huge difference, the movie has a fairly tragic ending but according to them the curse is lifted at that point.  It's a shame they weren't able to make that clear in the film.

I own and have read the original "Pirates of the Caribbean : From the Magic Kingdom to the Movies" It was a great book. I recently bought the updated one, one because it was updated and two because I was at the Pirates event at WDW and was able to get it signed! It has made a great addition to my disney library. Now, however, I have yet another book I will need to add... It looks like on my next trip to Disney I will be picking up the "The Pirates' Guidelines". One thing I hope is that it has some info on the pirate lords. They all seem interesting but have little info. I did enjoy your recent article about how they each are a lord of a different sea.

I totally would have bought a sourcebook like the GUIDELINES for just CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL, but I found AT WORLD'S END so... unfortunate... that I'm actually considering pawning my copy of DEAD MAN'S CHEST so I don't feel compelled to be a completist with the trilogy. I didn't find it to be a confusing film really; it was just an emotional deadzone where I found myself no longer caring what happened to Jack, or Will and Elizabeth, or Calypso and Davy (which is fine since they dropped that plotline like a hot potato once she went all Harryhausen). At this point I just want to pretend that Tia Dalma, Cutler Beckett and the cuttlefish man don't exist.

I still want Surrell's book though... I just have to luck out and find a $1 copy like I did for his Haunted Mansion book.

I actually enjoyed PIRATES 3 because it didn't dumb down its plot machinations, thus making it a better movie than #2.  American audiences are dumb enough. Make them think! I have always loved Disney's use of supplemental material to enhance projects, like those metioned in the article. They aren't neccesary but add a richness to the material.

(have been reading for a while and often thought of commenting on a number of issue posted here. Today is the day I start adding my two cents.)

Just found this site and really enjoy the comments and insight.

Why is there not much said about Barbossa and Geoffrey Rush's great handling of this character.  He could hae played it so "cliche" and he was fresh and interesting.  Every time I watch his character I get more.  I am playing a pirate in Grand Cayman for their Pirates Week and I am killing myself searching for a good "Barbossa" hat.

Thank you again Jim

dj