El Capitan Theatre Hosts 'Pirates of The Caribbean' Marathon

With the release office Pirates of The Caribbean 4: On Stranger Tides today, some of the series’ most diehard fans are already buzzing about the movie thanks to a special event screening in Hollywood.

On Thursday, the most dedicated of Jack Sparrow followers made their way to the to attend an all-day Pirates of the Caribbean movie marathon.

The event, which began at 9 a.m., featured the first three Pirates flicks, ultimately leading to an early showing of the fourth. Thursday's attendees were among the first of the public to see the latest installment of the franchise.

"They saw the first movie and then they had a lunch break. They saw the second movie, and then they had an ice cream break. The saw the third movie and then they’re gonna do a dinner break and then they finally see the fourth one,” said Nicole Ribelli, the theatre's spokesperson.

During the 12 hour marathon, fans were treated to appearances from special guests from the movie and the Pirates franchise, prizes, giveaways, and the opportunity to meet and mingle with fans of an equal caliber.

According to Ribelli, this is the second Pirates marathon that the theater has put on. Back in 2007, they did a marathon for the first three movies, and had such a great turnout that a follow up to celebrate the release of the fourth made total sense.

“The turnout was fantastic – very close to selling out," said Ribelli.  "We’re a 980 seat theater and to find that many people that have all these hours to spare to watch all of those movies — on a work day too — is definitely something special. These are the most dedicated fans that you will find anywhere.”

In addition to the marathon, the El Capitan hosted a special midnight screening of the film, which they were enthusiastically promoting.

Outside the theater, a band of jolly pirates sang, chanted, and greeted passerby’s while yelling out, “Pirates at midnight!” Stilt walkers bearing eye patches and satin bandanas stood in the street and juggled while entertaining the masses.

People dressed in pirate attire were seen walking the streets of Hollywood and Highland.

Patch caught up with Carianne Long who was browsing in the Disney Soda Fountain and Studio Store for Pirates attire. “I’m attending the midnight screening and just arrived,” explained Long, who admitted to wearing her pirate attire to work for the day.

“I teach during the day and wore this at school. The kids were going crazy,” she said. 

When asked about what most excited her about the new film, Long said she is a huge Penelope Cruz fan and is excited to see her in action. “Oh and Johnny Depp too of course,” she said with a laugh.

Pirates of The Caribbean 4: On Stranger Tides is playing at the El Capitan for the next four weeks and will be showed in 3D. Props and outfits from the movies, such as Captain Jack Sparrow’s compass, Barbossa’s wooden leg, and Angelica’s costume, are on display in the theater lobby and lower level. If that isn’t reason enough to see the film, El Capitan is offering movie attendees the chance to win authentic gold coins worth up to $2,500 each.

For tickets and showtimes visit the the theatre's website.