Ringu [DVD]

*Although it upsets me somewhat that this DVD is being released by Universal Studios (which will more than likely result in them plastering their own corporate logo at the opening and ending credits and likely removing the original Japanese studio logos and credits), I am most pleased that FINALLY they are going to offer this original masterpiece in a crisp, high quality ''Region-1'' DVD!Previously, when DreamWorks SKG purchased the rights to remake their American version of this film (as ''The Ring''), they subsequently pressured other distributors to discontinue marketing ''Regionless'' DVDs of this original Japanese title out of fear that we here in the US just might get our hands on our own personal copies of the original film and BYPASS the American remake in theatres (...and judging from what I have seen for myself and have heard from others about how much Verbinski's remake deviated from the original, it would seem that the studio exec's fears were clearly justified). So, until now, the only way this title could have been acquired in the US was on VCD (which are about as fun as those old ''laserdiscs'') or pirated DVDs. So I have high hopes for this ''official'' American release DVD!If no one has yet seen the DreamWorks remake, I would strongly suggest holding off on that idea UNTIL you have first experienced this movie in its original spectacle! Many people will say this movie is ''scary,'' but that's not really true; it is more ''creepy'' and ''sinister'' than anything else -- but it has ALL of the trappings of a truly good eerie and spooky movie: dark lighting, creepy sets, moody film score, subdued acting, an easy-pace, and suspenseful script.If you have already been ''polluted'' with the Verbinski version, there's a good possibility you may not like this version, precisely for of the very reasons I have just mentioned. Not only does the DreamWorks/Verbinski project ''brighten'' things up to eliminate the dark & eerie look and feel of the original film, but it also tacks on a lot of extra stuff and details which (though perhaps present in the Japanese prequel and alternative sequels) were NOT present nor expressed in this Original film. But even if you have seen the DreamWorks fare and felt that somehow it could have been better or should have been handled differently, then THIS is the movie that is going to make you want to kick yourself for believing the hype and wasting nine bucks & time spent in line at the movie theatre -- and on top of that, the popcorn was stale._

I don't know what it is about Asian cinema, but when they make a scary movie, they make a SCARY movie. I saw the American version (The Ring with Naomi Watts) first and thought it was pretty scary. In fact, I paid to see it twice in theaters and bought it as soon as it came out on DVD. When I heard that the Japanese predecessor was better, I had to watch it. I was impressed. At the time, I still didn't think highly of foreign films; I still expected the bad dubbing and horrible special effects. This movie marked the beginning of my newfound appreciation for foreign films. Even more astonishing was that this movie helped me better understand the American version that I had already watched and loved. I think what makes Ringu better is that the Japanese aren't afraid to bring elements of the paranormal into their movies. Psychics (from what I read and hear) are pretty common in Japan, and the idea of psychic abilites plays into Ringu a lot. I think if the American version had played that angle up more the movie would have been even better. Ringu's ending is more sinister than The Ring's ending; it poses some difficult questions (at least it did for me). The only downside for some people will be that there is no English soundtrack; you have to read subtitles while you watch the action. This didn't bother me, but my brother says he won't watch it because he "watches movies, not reads them." He's missing out on something great.

This movie is seriously awesome and not a lot of people I talk to actually give it credit. Like "The Ring" is a classic or something like that and I tell them "No, Ringu is a classic, not The Ring." Then what I do is invite them over to my house and show it to them and most of them think Ringu is better because....it is! The product itself also came super fast and was in very good condition. All in all, I am satisfied with my purchase and would definitely recommend this movie who is interested in Mystery, Horror, or Suspense because this movie has all of that!

Having an interest in Japanese culture (I live here after all), I became very interested in this movie after seeing the American remake. I loved the remake, although you have to take it for what it is. I didn't expect a seemless plot or anything like that, but a good movie to freak me out and put me on edge...The remake did all that. Extremely creepy visual effects, just enough special effects to be unnerving without being eye candy, great little touches. I had heard the original was better.I did not find it to be. Instead I found it a humdrum B movie that didn't really hold my interest. Sure, I knew most of the plot already and perhaps that helped steal the show. But for me the best part of the remake is how the larger movie continually incorporates portions of the "video" into the whole story (the ladder, the chair, the centipede, etc.). The original is pretty straightforward. The story is tighter, the acting about the same... but the little touches that take the remake over the top just aren't there.I would only recommend this if you already have an interest in Japan and really liked the original. Otherwise, leave it at the warehouse.