Just announced from Buena Vista Home Entertainment is a December 2nd street date for Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. The second biggest hit of the year, this two-disc set comes complete with a 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer and Dolby Digital 5.1 surround track, three audio commentaries with director Gore Verbinski and star Johnny Depp, producer Jerry Bruckheimer and stars Keira Knightley and Jack Davenport, and writers Stuart Beattie, Ted Elliot & Terry Rossio and Jay Wolpert, the "An Epic At Sea: The Making of Pirates of the Caribbean" documentary, deleted scenes,a "Moonlight" scene progression, blooper reel, "Below Deck: An Interactive History Of Pirates" notes and a still gallery . Retail is $29.95.

Say it Loud - 12:29pm

Time to welcome another new distributor to DVD. Shout Factory has just announced their first few waves of new titles, specializing in top documentary, music and special interest programming. Titles out now include Divine Trash: The John Waters Story, Superstar: the Life and Times of Andy Warhol, Spike & Mike's Sick & Twisted - Full Frontal and Unprotected, Joni Mitchell - Shadows and Light Live and Timothy Leary's Last Trip.

Due next on September 16th are four new Warren Miller ski specials in one box, dubbed The Power of Snow: Cold Fusion, Ride, Storm and exclusive to the set, Fifty. Retail is $39.95. Then due on October 14th is the seven-DVD box set The History of Soccer, Jim Croce: Live and Jamie Oliver in Oliver Twist. Retail is also $19.95. Watch this space for more announcements to come.

Music for the Masses - 12:29pm

Rounding out today's news are a couple of announcements for you music lovers. Due on October 21st from Rounder Records is the first concert DVD ever from legendary rock trio Rush, Rush in Rio. Captured with 22 cameras, this complete concert is presented in 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen with DTS and Dolby Digital 5.1 and 2.0 options. Spanning two discs, extras include a documentary, multi-angle options, interviews, behind-the-scenes footage and a still gallery. Retail is $29.95.

Also due on October 21st is Depeche Mode 101, D.A. Pennebaker's document of the synth-pop pioneer's landmark Rose Bowl concert in 1988. This two-disc set features the complete film presented in its original 4:3 aspect ratio and Dolby Digital 2.0 plus an audio commentary by the band, and also includes a second disc of new supplements: a 60-minute concert special with unexpurgated performances, additional interviews, the "Everything Counts" video and a still gallery. Retail is $29.95.

Rounding it out is another 80's fave, INXS, who will reissue their 1990 concert film Live Baby Live through BMG Music in a new special edition on October 7th. Presented in 4:3 full screen with a new Dolby Digital 5.1 remix, extras include new band interviews, backstage footage and a still gallery. Retail is $24.95.