DVDS: WALKING THE PLANK; PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MAN'S CHEST (12, Two-Disc DVD pounds 21.99) ** DVD OF THE WEEK.

Byline: JESSICA MELLOR

I wonder if Johnny Depp, Keira Knightley and Orlando Bloom all realised they had signed up for the most confusing sequel of the year when they said yes to this. Their fate was sealed when they first agreed to this profitable franchise, but I'm certain that no amount of money could have made them understand such an over-indulgent tale.

The story begins with Elizabeth Swann's (Knightley) wedding to Will Turner (Bloom). But before they can tie the knot they are arrested by Cutler Beckett (Tom Hollander) because they helped Jack Sparrow (Depp) escape in the first film.

After that, all I could garner was that they get the chance to buy their freedom and that Davey Jones (Bill Nighy) has the key to a chest everyone wants. Lucky old Sparrow has a compass that leads to the chest, but Davey wants Sparrow's soul because of an unpaid debt.

Everyone betrays everyone else in this tale that's big on looks but short on brains. The fancy effects are expensive and fantastic looking, but not a lot of it makes sense.

There's no doubt this was incredible fun for the cast to make and there's no shortage of breathless action. But I still can't help feeling that a film that cost $225m to make should have delivered the whole package.

Depp, as before, is perfectly cast in the lead role and provides most of the laughs. Bloom and Nighy both battle for second place, and Knightley at least manages to get her hands dirty this time round.

But no amount of pouting, corsets or crazy costumes can disguise the fact that this is a muddled mess. At one point director Gore Verbinski even resorts to having comic sidekicks Pintel (Lee Arenberg) and Ragetti (Mackenzie Crook) take time out to try and explain what the hell is going on.

Everything on the surface looks amazing, but the unnecessarily confusing story just detracts from any emotion Verbinski was trying to convey.

If you can look past the ridiculous plotline I'm sure you'll get something out of it, but let's hope that the third movie in the trilogy - At World's End - reins in the story.

Extras on the DVD include commentaries, bloopers, loads of behind the scenes stuff charting the filming, and bits with Bloom and Knightley showing off their swordfighting skills.

There's also plenty of insight into the special effects and stunts, a photo diary from producer Jerry Bruckheimer and a sneak peak at the premiere.

STAR RATINGS: ***** Must see at all cost **** A+ entertainment **** Average ** Poor * Save your money

CAPTION(S):

ACTION MAN: Johnny Depp' EVIL: Tentacle-faced Nighy as Davey Jones