Thanks for checking it out for me.  It's a pity, since that's one of my more favorite scenes, but it likely won't deter me from the rest of the film.

There were no reported problems with Dead Man's Chest, were there?

None that I've seen while researching the CotBP problem.  I don't see Disney just ignoring the problem either.  I think Sony had issues with Fifth Element and allowed for a disc swap, so Disney can afford to do the same.

I'll pass, I think.  If I could get a 60 GB PS3 for $400 with the full backwards compatibility, I might think about it, but the gimped 40 GB looks like a waste to me.  At this point, I'm almost thinking of just waiting until Toshiba puts out its rumored version of the X360 with a massive HD, DVR functionality, and built in HD-DVD player.  If it ever materializes and isn't just a rumor, it might come around the time MGS4 gets ported to 360, or at least that's what I'll be telling myself to stop myself from buying a PS3 in March just to play MGS4.

There is no excuse for this.  Given the expense of the player, these next-gen disc format movies should be absolutely flawless.

Gamestop is now selling the backwards compatible 20 GB PS3 for $380, though its website is now listing the product as backordered, so they may be all gone by now.

If they are clearancing them, there goal would be to move them to store shelves and out of the warehouse, especially with the holiday season rolling in.  If anyone wants one, they should check locally, wouldn't you think?

That makes sense, but I personally have never seen a 20 GB PS3 in stores.  Keep in mind that Game|Life and Kotaku (and who knows how many other sites) have been running the story, so it's possible people have been jumping at one of their last chances to get a fully backwards compatible PS3.

Looks like they're finally getting on the ball.  From The Digital Bits:

"Also today, we have a follow-up for you on one other Blu-ray issue. Some of you may recall that a few months ago, viewers reported a framing problem with a few scenes in Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl Blu-ray Disc. Disney has apparently corrected the problem in production, so future copies going into stores will feature the correct framing (we'll try to find out if there's a way to identify corrected copies by the packaging - UPC number variation or something). In the meantime, if you have a copy with the mis-framed footage, you will SOON be able to call the studio's Blu-ray customer service hotline at 1-800-723-4763 (U.S.) or 1-800-877-2843 (Canada) to arrange an exchange. Don't call quite yet - we'll let you know when the fixed discs are ready. Just know that Disney has been working on the problem, and a solution will be available to you all shortly."

Great.  An "exchange" through the mail.  Ugh, that is so annoying, but it is better than nothing.

While I'm just complaining, The Digital Bits site is overtly biased for blu-ray to the point that it gets rather annoying, and that white text on a black background is painful.  Still a good site though and the guy's passion for home entertainment is evident.

Thanks for the heads-up!