Extras DVD
posted by Jas, 02/28/07
The 2-disc Extras Season 2 DVD is out now in the UK, it contains exclusive extra clips, including behind the scenes footage, a video diary and lots more unseen exclusives. More info in the press release from Lisa.

Oscar winners weigh in on victory
posted by Jas, 02/26/07
Backstage comments from John Knoll after winning an Oscar for Visual Effects.

The winning visual effects team for "Pirates of the Caribbean 2" is already hard at work on the next film, due out this summer. "We have a meeting with the director early tomorrow morning" said ILM's John Knoll, adding that "Pirates 2 is just the starting point for where we're going with 'Pirates 3.'" They promised a big battle scene, and lots and lots more computer-generated water, which Knoll said "is just making our life difficult and miserable."

Photos: Vanity Fair Post-Oscars Party
posted by Jas, 02/26/07
Some photos of Orlando at the Vanity Fair 2007 Post-Oscars Party at Ka-Bloom

DMC wins Oscar
posted by Jas, 02/25/07
Dead Man's Chest has won an Oscar for Best Visual Effects at the 79th Annual Academy Awards.

John Knoll: You know the naysayers said that four blind kids from the Bronx couldn't make it in visual effects, but here we are. First, I got to thank Jerry Bruckheimer for entrusting us with this great, big project. Thanks to Gore Verbinski, your vast imagination, your humor, your tireless work ethic, and that's why we're up here. Thank you. Bill Nighy, thanks for being such a wonderful partner in creating this character. Sorry about the deeply embarrassing computer pajamas, but we think it was worth it. And thanks to the crew.

Hal Hickel: My son Lex Addison. The pinkie promise worked. OK, bud. Thanks very much. I love you.

Video Download: Global Green Pre-Oscar party - Cable TV & TVB
posted by Jas, 02/24/07
Szeki has captured another green carpet interview with Orlando from Hong Kong's Cable TV and TVB, download edited clip here. People.com has the same clip I posted the other day.

Photos: Orlando at pre-Oscars Gala
posted by Jas, 02/23/07
Some photos of Orlando at the US-Ireland Alliance Honor Van Morrison at the Ebell Club in Los Angeles, CA from Film Magic and Daily Celeb. Hi-res at Ka-Bloom

Video Download: Orlando at the Global Green Pre-Oscar party
posted by Jas, 02/22/07
Download a green carpet interview with Orlando at the party last night. E! Online also has a short clip, will grab it and post it later. Update: Elf Lady has grabbed it download here

Plenty of green in pre-Oscar party scene
posted by Jas, 02/22/07
A report on the Global Green pre-Oscar party held last night. Update: A quote from Orlando about the event, he said, " It's a legacy that's going to be left behind for our children."

One way to Orlando Bloom's heart is through his passion for green. The Pirates of the Caribbean heartthrob was at the Global Green pre-Oscar party Wednesday night, walking the emerald-colored carpet in support of more energy-efficient cars, homes and lifestyles. Bloom, who arrived solo, said he's glad to speak out on issues like this because it might inspire some fans to do more than put his poster on the wall.

"I got a really sweet birthday message from a bunch of girls who said 'I'm unplugging my mobile phone charger and using energy-efficient light bulbs, and I'm really into the environment,' " he recalled. "I sent a note over the Web, and said, 'You know, I never do this, but thank you so much.' " Though he's an avowed sports-car buff, he said he tries to offset his fuel consumption with solar panels on his London home and by using energy-saving household appliances.

If he could change one person's mind to become more environmentally conscious, Bloom said: "The president of this country. He's an outdoorsy guy. It's for our kids and kids' kids, and he's a family man. It's got to start with governments and big business." The party, which took place at Hollywood's Avalon club with a performance by the band Maroon 5, was organized by Global Green USA. Full report

Orlando Bloom endorses green lifestyle at pre-Oscar party
posted by Jas, 02/21/07
Orlando attended the Global Green pre-Oscar party and talked about his house, photos from the event at Ka-Bloom

Orlando Bloom says he's building his house in London with the environment in mind. "It's as green as I can make it," Bloom said Wednesday from a pre-Oscar party benefiting the environmental organization Global Green USA and its efforts to combat global climate change. "It's got solar panels on the roof, energy efficient light bulbs — newer technology basically that is environmentally friendly," he said after arriving at the event in a plug-in hybrid vehicle.

Not everyone can live a totally green lifestyle, Bloom said, but they can start by unplugging their cell phone chargers or turning off their TV when not in use."It doesn't have to be overwhelming, there are simple things we can do," he said. The event also drew celebrities such as Penelope Cruz, Chevy Chase, James Blunt and members of Maroon 5. It kicked off a campaign to shuttle celebrities to Oscar-related events in environmentally friendly cars.

Interview with Johnny in Total Film
posted by Jas, 02/20/07
Click Orlando has the scans from the April issue of Total Film where Johnny reveals alot about Pirates 3. Spoilers ahead!

AWE storyline
posted by Jas, 02/19/07
Jim Hill Media talks about Pirates 3 storyline. Spoilers ahead!

You can't say that Disney & Jerry Bruckheimer stinted on this one. They wanted 'At World's End' to be the blockbuster that tops all of the other blockbusters this summer and that's what they got. A movie that you have to see at least twice in order to take in all of the special effects and the great performances." Full report

New Flying Dutchman captain
posted by Jas, 02/18/07
A description of Pirates 3 action figures reveals the new captain for the Flying Dutchman, don't read if you don't wanna know.

Why Orlando dropped Paris je t'aime
posted by Jas, 02/14/07
French diirector Frederic Auburtin was in Singapore recently to promote Paris je t'aime (Paris I Love You) and in an interview with a local paper he explained that, "Gus Van Sant wanted Orlando Bloom opposite Gaspard Ulliel in his segment but chose Elias McConnell - who he worked with in Elephant - because Orlando was filming Pirates of the Caribbean."

Interview with John Knoll and Hal Hickel
posted by Jas, 02/14/07
CG Society has an interview with John Knoll and Hal Hickel about their work in the Pirates movies. Thanks to Karen for the tip

In May, we'll all get a chance to meet Jack again, in 'Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End.' How will they top last year's effects for the third 'Pirates' film? "The big storm sequence," Knoll says. We can't wait. Full interview

China's pirates boast colorful history
posted by Jas, 02/14/07
An article about China's pirates in the past.

While Western pirates are a familiar feature of Hollywood movies, Disney is introducing a Chinese sea bandit in "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End." Capt. Sao Feng - played by Chow Yun-fat - is a key figure in saving Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) from the world of the dead in the third installment of the megahit movie series, due out May 25. Production photos show him with a bald head, long nails and long, thin mustache. He's wearing several layers of dark green armor and a jade ring on his pinky finger. Sao Feng is fictional, of course. But what were real Chinese pirates like?

New AWE stills
posted by Jas, 02/12/07
Ain't It Cool has 5 new stills from At World's End but none of Will Turner.

Interview with Terry Rossio
posted by Jas, 02/12/07
Moviehole has an exclusive interview with Pirates writer, Terry Rossio.

Tell us how Keith Richards is faring over there?
Well you don't hire Keith Richards to get a guy who shows up in the morning, on time wearing a suit and tie. You get a guy who shows up at night, on time, with a bottle of wine. There were good times on the set.

Online rumors say this is the final 'Pirates' movie - but I'm sure Disney has other plans. What do you think? Any more 'Pirates' movies left in you?
It's like the fourth Indiana Jones picture. There are forces in play to make it happen, and forces in play to make it not happen. I think we will try to write a screenplay. I can't say if we'll be able to solve the challenge of making a good fourth film, or if our screenplay will be enough to get a film made.

Petersen to 'Troy' again
posted by Jas, 02/11/07
Warner Home Video has ponied up more than $1 million for a new director's cut of Wolfgang Petersen's "Troy," which will bow Saturday at the Berlin Film Festival before receiving a limited theatrical re-release in Germany on March 23.

The director spent three months working on the new version, adding more sex and violence -- and about a half hour -- to a movie some already considered long at 162 minutes. To accommodate the extra footage, he had to get SAG clearances from the actors involved. "This is more the film I wanted it to be," Petersen said. "It's very violent, but that's Homer and 'The Iliad.' "

The director said time constraints and ratings pressures took their toll on the original theatrical version, which was a hit overseas but considered a disappointment at the domestic B.O. It earned $364 million in international markets and $133 million Stateside. Recutting a film after it's made almost half a billion, "the sword is not hanging over your head," Petersen told Daily Variety. "You can give it more time to breathe."

Although the homevid division is underwriting the director's cut, there is no release date set. Petersen said he planned to record a commentary and work on additional bonus material for that release, expected sometime later in the year. Regardless of when it bows, Petersen hopes it becomes accepted as the true "Troy," much as his director's cut of "Das Boot" has been.

If all goes well with the new "Troy," Petersen said, it could be re-released theatrically beyond Germany before its homevid bow in various territories. "Don't we all want a second chance?" Petersen said. "That's what's great about DVD."

DMC wins Bafta award
posted by Jas, 02/11/07
Dead Man's Chest did not win a Grammy tonight but it has won a Bafta award for Special Effects.

Pirates 3 premiere at Disneyland
posted by Jas, 02/08/07
Magical Mountain reports that The Disneyland Resort website has announced that Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, will be premiering at Disneyland on May 19, 2007.

The movie will be shown on a screen that will be constructed on Tom Sawyer Island, which has been closed for refurbishment. The audience will be seated on a stage currently being constructed at the Rivers of America water front. Guests who are planning to attend the premier that day, or even just the park in general, should be prepared. Park hours will be 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and areas such as Adventureland, Frontierland, Critter County, and New Orleans Square will be closing around 3:00p.m. to allow for setup. Parade schedules and guided tours will also most likely be affected that day. California Adventure will be open that day with extended hours from 10:00a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

DMC nominated for Kid's Choice Awards
posted by Jas, 02/03/07
Dead Man's Chest has been nominated for Kid's Choice Awards for Best Movie. Kids can vote online beginning March 5

New Will Turner picture
posted by Jas, 02/03/07
Aquilah has posted new pictures of Will and Jack from Pirates 3.

Global Cool commits 10 years and targets $250 million to engage public in reversing global warming
posted by Jas, 01/31/07
Global Cool is organizing an ongoing series of worldwide live musical events that will be announced in the coming weeks. The live concerts will be augmented by an ambitious slate of 25 annual webcasts featuring such acts as Maroon 5, The Scissors Sisters, Kasabian, KT Tunstall and others. More than 100 musical acts, film stars and athletes have committed to the effort to date -- including Josh Hartnett, Orlando Bloom and the mainstays of action/extreme sports -- helping Global Cool reach audiences worldwide through webcasts, SMS messaging, PSAs, personal appearances and performances. Full press release