'Pirates' Becomes Year’s Top-Grossing Film

LOS ANGELES (AP) – “Pirates of the Caribbean" is looking more like "Treasure Island." Already a record-shattering blockbuster, Johnny Depp's sequel "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" dug up $62.2 million in its second weekend, raising its 10-day total to $258.2 million, according to studio estimates Sunday. The movie has quickly become the year's top-grossing film, rocketing past "X-Men: The Last Stand," which has taken in $232 million in eight weeks. The "Pirates" sequel has grossed an additional $125 million overseas. "It's really fun when you're riding a comet like this," said Chuck Viane, head of distribution for Disney, which based the "Pirates of the Caribbean" movies on its theme park attraction. "This thing is just unbelievable. It creates its own wake." Hollywood's business dipped for the first time in two months. After eight straight weekends of rising revenues, overall receipts totaled $156 million, down 5 percent from the same weekend last year, when Depp also was at the top of the box office with "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." Still, the second weekend gross for "Dead Man's Chest" topped the debut of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," which opened with $56.2 million. "Dead Man's Chest" had the third-best second weekend ever, behind "Shrek 2" ($72.2 million) and "Spider-Man" ($71.4 million). By next weekend, "Dead Man's Chest" should climb past the $305 million domestic total rung up by its predecessor, 2003's "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl," Disney's Viane said. Ending with a cliffhanger, "Dead Man's Chest" will be closely followed by a third "Pirates" movie due out next May, with Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley and other co-stars on a voyage to rescue Depp's rakish pirate Capt. Jack Sparrow. "Huge expectations. 'Pirates 2' is maybe the toughest act in box-office history to follow," said Paul Dergarabedian, president of box-office tracker Exhibitor Relations. "'Pirates 3' is the definition of a predestined blockbuster."

52,000 Participate in Volvo Treasure Hunt

IRVINE, Calif. (PRNewswire) – Seven would-be pirates from around the world will converge in a secret location next month as Volvo Car Corporation's global, multi-media treasure hunt for a Volvo XC90 V8 SUVthat has been buried somewhere in the world reaches its final leg. The hunt, which Volvo is conducting as part of its official promotion of Disney's "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest," drew more than 52,000 US participants. The individuals participated for about a month in a challenging online adventure to solve a series of online clues and puzzles using an official treasure map obtained at Volvo dealerships nationwide. Throughout the course of the online hunt, participants created and joined in on message boards and blog sites sharing tips and information on the hunt's oft-times complex clues. The finalists who will now participate in the final leg will be selected from those who were the first to correctly guess the final clue when the online leg concluded July 12. The finalists – expected to be three from the United States and one-each from the United Kingdom, Spain, Japan and Austria – will, in August, be flown to the Volvo XC90's secret location, where for two days they will receive additional clues to lead them to the vehicle's burial site. Volvo's promotion of "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" grew out of the partnership with Disney for the worldwide Volvo Ocean Race. The Volvo ship bears the name of the same boat in the first "Pirates of the Caribbean" movie, "The Black Pearl." The Ocean Race began in Vigo, Spain on Nov. 12, 2005 and ended in Gothenburg, Sweden on June 17, 2006.

La Nouba By Cirque Du Soleil Celebrates Its 5 Millionth Guest at Walt Disney World Resort Thursday, Aug. 10, 2006

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., July 10 /PRNewswire/ -- La Nouba, the spectacular Cirque du Soleil production exclusively presented at Walt Disney World Resort, is about to reach the important milestone of having hosted 5 million guests. Attaining such an amazing number of spectators would not have been possible without the loyalty of the residents of Florida who have attended La Nouba since its opening in December 1998. This is why Cirque du Soleil has decided to thank its local fans with two remarkable events.

First, from July 20 to Sept. 30, Florida residents can enjoy the daring acts, live music and dazzling choreography of La Nouba for 20 percent off the regular price on select seats.

Second, to celebrate its 5-million-guest milestone, the cast and crew of La Nouba will select one of the Florida residents attending the 6 p.m. performance on Thursday, Aug. 10, to be its honorary 5 millionth guest. This person will enjoy an amazing and one-of-a-kind experience, which includes a personal on-stage recognition by the cast, interaction with select La Nouba characters during the show, unique La Nouba memorabilia gifts, and an exclusive backstage meet-and-greet with the artists.

La Nouba continues to perform twice nightly at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Tickets can be purchased at the Cirque du Soleil theater, by calling 407/939-7600, or on http://www.cirquedusoleil.com . For more information on the 20 percent-off promotion, Florida residents can call 407/WDW-SEAT.

Fun Facts:

* La Nouba celebrated its 3500th performance on Saturday, May 13, 2006.
* There are 1730 audio cables running through the theatre. Placed end to end, they reach a total length of 865,000 feet or approximately 164 miles!
* When La Nouba first opened to the public, it did not feature the Cycles act, which is now an intricate part of the show.
* The average age of the cast of La Nouba is 31 1/2. Ages range from 10 to 50 years old.
* The wardrobe department handles over 300 costumes and headpieces every day. Most of the 67 artists performing in La Nouba wear three different costumes per show.
* Over 1200 lighting fixtures are used for each performance of La Nouba.

For more information about Cirque du Soleil, please visit http://www.cirquedusoleil.com .

SOURCE Walt Disney World Resort

EarthCam joins POTC2 cast...kind of

Click here for the ultra cool, super fast and way too short Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest timelapse movie file. (Be sure to keep an eye out for the way scary Kraken arms!)




NEW YORK, July 11 /PRNewswire/ -- EarthCam (http://www.earthcam.net/),
the leader in providing webcam software and technology, is pleased to announce that it provided the producers of Walt Disney Pictures' record breaking blockbuster summer movie, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (in theaters now), with technology to monitor and document the filming.

Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley reunite in this sequel to the 2003 blockbuster, distributed by Walt Disney Pictures, produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and directed by Gore Verbinski.

"EarthCam's webcam technology was an invaluable tool for me and my production team to remotely monitor the set," said Jerry Bruckheimer, Executive Producer of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest. "In addition, the cameras created an HD time-lapse movie of the construction progress which could make for an exciting DVD extra."

"We are ecstatic to be working with Jerry Bruckheimer Films and Walt Disney Pictures," said Brian Cury, CEO and Founder of EarthCam, Inc. "Developing opportunities to record significant events for the entertainment industry that feature our unique technology is important to our company's growth." EarthCam's professional-duty MegapixelCam system provided high definition, megapixel color images with digital Pan/Tilt/Zoom, enabling examination of the smallest picture details. The HD images were archived around the clock, providing the producers with instant access to the highest quality digital photographs and time-lapse videos. To view a sample video, visit http://www.earthcam.net/pirates.

A second camera, an EarthCam ConstructionCam system, offered producers critical real-time monitoring of the set building process including construction of the largest open-water tank in the western hemisphere. The tank holds 60 million gallons of water, is 30ft deep and accommodates multiple ships. The professional duty camera includes a cooling system and wiper that kept it working through the Caribbean summer and a fierce hurricane.

EarthCam is the recognized leader in providing webcam technology and managed services to businesses since 1996. EarthCam provides complete infrastructure services to manage, host and maintain live streaming video camera systems for its corporate clients. Clients include Ford, Sprint, Toyota, Panasonic, Yahoo!, This Old House, Coca-Cola, Discover Card, Turner Construction, Bechtel Corp, Northrop Grumman, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, numerous government agencies, and the Department of Homeland Security.
Visit EarthCam at: http://www.earthcam.net/.

SOURCE EarthCam

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Related links:

http://www.earthcam.net/

http://www.earthcam.net/pirates

Disneyland Resort Debuts First-Ever Video Podcast; Introduces Newest Episode of Its Popular Audio Podcast

Dead Men May Tell No Tales But New Audio and Video Podcasts Tell
Behind-the-Scenes Story of Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean Film Premiere
and Attraction Re-Opening

ANAHEIM, Calif., July 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Following the groundbreaking
precedent of its popular monthly audio podcasts the Disneyland Resort in
Southern California today introduces a new monthly series of video podcasts
that will bring all the magic and fun of "The Happiest Place on Earth" to
fans around the world via their desktop computer or video iPod. As one of
the first organizations to successfully venture into audio podcasting
(launching its first podcast in May 2005), Disneyland Resort now debuts the
first episode of its all-new Disneyland Resort Video Podcast series.
In the premiere video episode, available now on the Internet, viewers
will witness the creation of one of the most spectacular movie premieres in
Hollywood history and certainly one of the most elaborate events ever
staged at Disneyland -- the official world premiere of the new Disney film
"Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" and the re-opening of the
classic attraction Pirates of the Caribbean, which has recently been
extensively enhanced. All the excitement of getting ready for this amazing
event is captured in this fun and entertaining mini-documentary.
Viewers will walk the red carpet with the film's stars Johnny Depp,
Keira Knightley and Orlando Bloom, plus meet many of the die-hard "Pirates"
fans who made the premiere an unforgettable event. It's a fast-paced look
(6 mins. 4 secs.) behind-the-magic at one of the most incredible nights in
Disneyland history.
Like the Official Disneyland Resort Audio Podcast, the new video
podcast is a free monthly Internet-based show accessible to a global
audience via a "Disneyland" search on the iTunes Podcast Directory.
Listeners can also subscribe to both podcast versions (audio and video)
through the iTunes Podcast Directory to receive new episodes automatically
each month.
The monthly video podcast takes viewers behind-the-scenes of what's new
and exciting at the resort plus showcases stories from the resort's 50-year
legacy of creating magical moments for guests from around the world.
Similar to its initial entree into audio podcasting, the Disneyland Resort
enters the emerging world of video podcasting in its infancy -- there are
currently only 150 free video podcasts available on the iTunes Podcast
Directory but interest in, and use of, the medium is rapidly increasing.
Additionally, the newest episode of the Official Disneyland Resort
Audio Podcast is now available online and takes listeners to all the
excitement of the world premiere of "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's
Chest," which had its official bow at Disneyland on June 24. Recorded live
on the world's longest red-carpet (2,000 feet from the beginning of Main
Street, U.S.A. to the riverfront in New Orleans Square) this podcast (38
mins. 50 secs.) features an array of segments, including:
* Interviews on the red carpet with "Pirates" film producer Jerry
Bruckheimer, actor Bill Nighy (Davy Jones in "Pirates of the Caribbean:
Dead Man's Chest") and Disney CEO Bob Iger.
* Actor Johnny Depp encounters the newly added Captain Jack Sparrow for
the first time inside the recently enhanced Pirates of the Caribbean
attraction.
* Walt Disney himself in a very rare clip from a 1965 press conference at
WED Enterprises (now Walt Disney Imagineering) where he describes his
vision for Pirates of the Caribbean, the use of models in the creation
of the attraction and his description of Imagineering.
* A new interview with Jason Surrell, Disney Imagineer and author of the
book "Pirates of the Caribbean: From the Magic Kingdom to the Movies."
* An encounter with one of the fans of the Official Disneyland Resort
Podcast.
* A meeting with two diehard "Pirates" fans who traveled all the way from
Atlanta, Georgia, and Mobile, Alabama, to visit Disneyland and
participate in the premiere.
* Meet a Disneyland Cast Member who was so enthralled with the film
"Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl" that she has
become a bona fide Pirate historian.
* A five-year old Pirate fan gives the newly enhanced attraction a
"Thumbs-Up!"
* Premiere recap and attraction overview from author and Disney historian
Tim O'Day.
Achieving a rating of four-and-a half stars out of a possible perfect
five on the iTunes Podcast Directory, the Official Disneyland Resort Audio
Podcast continues to be a hit with listeners. Each episode features an
engaging mix of original programming recorded live throughout the resort
including locations in Disneyland, Disney's California Adventure Park, the
Downtown Disney District and the resort's three landmark hotels -- Disney's
Grand Californian Hotel, Disneyland Hotel and Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel
-- creating a "you are there" audio experience.
More information about the continuing Disneyland 50th anniversary
celebration and vacations at the Disneyland Resort is available at
http://www.disneyland.com, by calling (877) 700-DISNEY, or by visiting local
travel agents.

SOURCE Disneyland Resort

You tell me...

Should Keith Richards really join the cast of Pirates of the Caribbean 3 as Captain Jack Sparrow's dad? Would commercial Hollywood have it any other way? Johnny Depp offered up part of his salary to make it happen? Keith fell out of a coconut tree? It's a perfect story.

Dad!


Son!

Pirates Breaks Record as Fandango's Top Day-Before-Opening Ticket-Seller

LOS ANGELES (PRNewswire) – Fandango, the online, phone, and mobile movie ticketing service, announced a new ticketing record: Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest now stands as Fandango's top day-before-opening ticket-seller. The previous record-holder was Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, followed by Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith. Pirates is making news across the board:

• Thursday, July 6 was Fandango's biggest ticket-sales day of the year, surpassing opening days for The Da Vinci Code, X-Men: The Last Stand and Superman Returns.
• For several hours on Thursday, Pirates was selling an average of seven tickets per second.
• On Thursday, Pirates broke Fandango's hourly sales record for the day before a film's opening.
• Hundreds of late night Thursday shows sold out in advance across the country.
• On Thursday, Pirates represented 91 percent of all ticket sales on Fandango.

"Pirates' advance ticket sales have been truly extraordinary," says Chuck Davis, Chairman of Fandango, "and we expect to break even more records on Friday. You don't usually see this kind of enthusiasm until the final installment of a franchise, so this bodes well for the series' future."

Pirate Ghost Ship Sighted at Disney's Castaway Cay

CELEBRATION, Fla. (PRNewswire) – A mysterious pirate ship has landed at Disney's private island, Castaway Cay, providing Disney Cruise Line guests with a swashbuckling photo opportunity and a sneak peek into movie-making magic. Starting in early July guests sailing on a Disney Cruise Line vacation will discover a 175-foot ghost ship anchored at Castaway Cay. The ship is the Flying Dutchman, which makes its silver screen debut on July 7 in Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest. The Flying Dutchman's commander is the legendary Davy Jones, who serves as nemesis to the infamous pirate, Captain Jack Sparrow, in the upcoming film. The intricate film prop is unlike any other pirate ship – with ragged sails and a barnacle-encrusted bow, the ship looks like it was raised off the ocean floor to haunt the open seas for eternity. The Flying Dutchman will provide a scenic photo backdrop, and guests renting boats on the island will be able to get an up-close look at the ghost ship. While visiting Castaway Cay, guests should also be on the lookout for the infamous Captain Jack Sparrow. With the Flying Dutchman lurking just off the shore, the eccentric captain may be spotted around the island. Guests are encouraged to approach the hero and hear his tales about adventure on the high seas. The charming pirate graciously accepts requests for portraits and autographs – if guests can manage to track him down. Disney Cruise Line will also hold a PremEAR at Sea of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest in the Walt Disney Theatre of both the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder. On Friday, July 7, guests aboard Disney Cruise Line will receive commemorative buttons and pirate-themed temporary tattoos and will be invited to view the premiere of the film at 12:01 a.m.

ABC absent from the top 20?

I guess Disney doesn't much care for the summer ad revenue. It seems they may have all their eggs in the "LOST", "Housewives" basket.

(AP) – Prime-time viewership numbers compiled by Nielsen Media Research for June 26-July 2. Top 20 listings include the week's ranking, with viewership for the week and season-to-date rankings in parentheses. An "X" in parentheses denotes a one-time-only presentation.

1. (33) "America's Got Talent," NBC, 11.0 million viewers.
2. (6) "Without a Trace," CBS, 10.9 million viewers.
3. (8) "CSI: Miami," CBS, 10.8 million viewers.
4. (3) "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," CBS, 10.6 million viewers.
5. (11) "House," Fox, 9.9 million viewers.
6. (18) "CSI: NY," CBS, 9.2 million viewers.
7. (16) "Two and a Half Men," CBS, 8.9 million viewers.
8. (56) "So You Think You Can Dance," (Wednesday), Fox, 8.8 million viewers.
9. (56) "So You Think You Can Dance," (Thursday), Fox, 8.5 million viewers.
10. (50) "CBS Sunday Movie: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days," CBS, 8.4 million viewers.
11. (35) "Law & Order," NBC, 8.4 million viewers.
12. (15) "NCIS," CBS, 8.3 million viewers.
13. (X) "Fox NASCAR Nextel Cup," Fox, 8.2 million viewers.
14. (23) "60 Minutes," CBS, 8.2 million viewers.
15. (28) "Criminal Minds," CBS, 8.1 million viewers.
16. (97) "Hell's Kitchen," Fox, 8.0 million viewers.
17. (19) "Cold Case," CBS, 7.8 million viewers.
18. (33) "New Adventures of Old Christine," CBS, 7.6 million viewers.
19. (X) "48 Hours Mystery," CBS, 7.5 million viewers.
20. (44) "Law & Order: Criminal Intent," NBC, 7.2 million viewers.