Ring (1998) [DVD] [2000]

Many Japanese films scarcely get a mention, well foreign films in general are universally ignored. But thanks to a shoddy Hollywood remake, this masterpiece has achieved the recognition it so rightfully deserves. So how to recommend this film? Well it all depends on whether or not you have seen the remake or not. From the perspective of those who have not (like me until a week ago), here is what I loved about this original version: I ordered the film having heard fantastic things about it. So one night when my housemate went out I unplugged the phone (very helpful given the plot), switched off the lights and watched the film. I was locked to the screen. Throughout 90 minutes where plot wise, not a great deal happens I was unable to look away. It was simply so beautiful and so chilling, that I was mesmerized. But when the film ended I realised I was not scared in the way I expected to be. My heart only once skipped a beat. But what I did feel was indescribable. It was as though I had been lit up inside, and the blood was coursing through my veins. It was one of the greatest movie experiences of my life. The constant tension, suspense and subtleties left me unnerved, as though the film had raped my brain. It didn’t make me jump, but it scared me in an entirely different way. Then we come regrettably to the distasteful remake. If you have been unlucky enough to see it then don’t worry, this original version will still leave you in awe. The suspense is not based on quick thrills and sudden tricks, it is based on pure and unending terror, so knowing the plot should not ruin this for you. But be warned about this film, it’s not for everyone. You will notice the few bad reviews trumpeting the glory of the Hollywood remake. But look at why they prefer it: cgi, sound effects, sudden shocks and constant action, not to mention those subtitles. If that kind of cheap entertainment is what does it for you then you should avoid this one, get the American version, sit down with your friends, eat your popcorn and have a scary little laugh and prank call each other saying ‘7 Days’. If however you found those funny little moments, dumb gimmicks and quick shocks in the Western remake annoying, then get this film, and be amazed. Hideo Nakata’s Ring is a masterpiece. It is subtle but utterly enthralling and a work of sheer motion picture genius, unfettered by the glitz of Hollywood. But if that glitz is for you, then best leave this one, order the remake and then watch the latest blockbuster in the meantime. But for this film, it was, in a word, wonderful.

RING is a welcome respite from the now hellishly trite world of 20th century horror cinema. It eschews glitz in favour of shadows, and is all the more potent for it. RING tells the story of a Japanese reporter tracking down a local urban myth about a curse circulating on a videocassette. The myth though becomes very real once teenagers start biting the big one, and a tense race against time begins to discover who or what is behind the mystery deaths before it claims the lives of the reporter and everyone she holds dear. RING has more in common with old school horror, from the days before massive budgets and generally brain-damaged audiences who's palettes have been dulled by 80's slasher movies and gimmick-horror. So be warned, if you have a short attention span, don't like reading subtitles or require CGI, prosthetics and 40 gallons of grue to remain happy, don't bother with RING. But if you like feelings of paranoia and real fear, RING has got to be your movie - just unplug your telephone first This DVD has several nice extras, including it's own disclaimer-flagged copy of the curse video, which has to be seen to be believed, and standard stills gallerys and filmographys of cast and crew. RING is a worthy addition to any collection of Eastern or Horror cinema, and has pride of place in my collection - right up there with The Evil Dead and The Wicker Man. It really is that good.

I purchased this film after having read so many reviews that said "don't buy into the hype!" I expected to be disappointed, and even my friends had told me the film is "a bit slow." Couldn't agree less, this is a great horror film and far more original than most horror plots these days. It's similar to the Grudge Ju-On in terms of it's style. Many people say the film is slow but realistically I think people just aren't used to horror films where there isn't scene after scene of limbs being hacked off. I don't really fancy giving a proper review but I just want to say that most horrors these days focus on people being tortured, or blood and guts: If you want a decent classic horror story without all the unnecessary violence then I would say ignore the bad reviews and purchase this, it's thoroughly enjoyable, atmospheric and unique. The only flaw I would identify is the subtitle quality is poor. The subtitles are in white writing and often if there is any sort of white object behind them (like a lamp) then they become obscured from vision. Great film though!

Creepy, atmospheric horror packed with understated weirdness from beginning to end. It isn't a thriller, or a loud, noisy horror film. You have to buy into it, to a certain extent, and allow the film to win you over; but it really is worth it. Wonderfully shot, great use of colour and incredible sound. I've seen it four times now. I still sometimes hear that weird scrunching noise in my nightmares. The scene with discovery of the mirror still freaks me out, and I couldn't tell you why.

A classic film and a lovely steel book, one of my favourite steel books. The art on the box is superb and the transfer is spot on. Lovely steel book.

I'm talking from the position of having watched other Japanese horror classics such as Tetsuo, Audition and The Grudge, those movies I found more enjoyable, creative and scarier. This movie has good ideas, but I found the execution mostly dull, and I hardly found this scary at all. Arrow Video has done a fantastic job with packaging the restored movie and its extras, but I hardly recommend this movie to horror buffs.

A great film that’s still as unnerving today in 2023 as it was on release in 1998, definitely one for the collection of any true horror collectors.

This is probably the best horror film I have ever seen - and believe you me, I've seen more'n you could shake a stick at. One of the rare films without blood, guts, foam rubber, unnecessary violence, explosions or gratuitous sex - just pure, tense, psychological evil - all the nastiness is implied, and more the better for it. And isn't Sadako a total darling?!! errrrr.... maybe not, but still a classic character. She could eat two Draculas and a Blair Witch for breakfast and still have room for a Frankenstein for dessert. The sequel is equally good - buy 'em both at once and do yourself a favour 'cos once you've seen the first one, you won't want to wait for the second. Now how's about a release for Ring 0, Ring Spiral and Rasen in the UK?!!