Ringu
Dreamworks Home Entertainment
Movie:1998 DVD: 2003

reviewed by Julian James

When Ringu was first released in Japan in 1998, it was met with critical acclaim and record-breaking box office sales. Based on a series of best-selling novels by Koji Suzuki and later turned into a TV movie that proved incredibly popular, Ringu became an international hit. Unfortunately, the only way we (as in Region 1 viewers) could ever hope to see this was to import the poor quality Region 2 DVD. That is, until now. On March 4th, Dreamworks Home Entertainment will allow every horror fans dream to come true. This Mack Daddy of the Asian horror film genre is finally getting it’s long awaited and overdue release on Region 1 DVD. So has it been worth the wait and the MSRP of $29.99? Let’s take a look...

The film opens with two young high-school students joking around about a videotape that, when watched, kills the viewer in seven days. We soon learn that one of the girls, named Tomoko (Yuko Takeuchi), actually watched the tape with her friends and wouldn't ya know it, they all saw it exactly seven days ago. Tomoko and her friend run downstairs when they hear the phone ring. Both are scared at first, but ease up when they realize that it’s just Tomoko’s mom. After the call, Tomoko decides to pour herself some juice while her friend goes to the bathroom. As soon as her friend leaves the room, the television mysteriously turns on by itself. Tomoko slowly walks over to it and turns it off, but as she walks away from it, the TV turns on again and we see Tomoko for the last time.

The story then switches to the main character of the movie, a TV reporter by the name of Reiko (Nanako Matsushima). When we’re introduced to her, she is working on a story about the same strange video tape that Tomoko and her friend were talking about. When Reiko rushes home to pick up her son and get ready for a funeral, we learn that Tomoko was actually Reiko’s niece. At the funeral, Reiko overhears some of Tomoko’s friends also talking about the tape and begins questioning them. She finds out that both Tomoko and one of her friends had seen the tape and both mysteriously died seven days after viewing it. Reiko then launches her own investigation and in doing so actually watches the dreaded tape. As the story progresses, the stakes are raised and Reiko must unravel the mystery behind the video before her time runs out.

Ringu is a very interesting, slow moving and sometimes creepy movie. From the beginning, it does an excellent job at creating likable characters that the viewer feels attached to. Also positive is the well written script. While it is often times slow, all of the story elements mesh together and allow the story to move along smoothly. The downside to these slow spots is that it greatly affects the viewers interest in the story and almost had me reaching to hit the fast-forward button. That’s not to say it isn’t good stuff. I just don’t want fifteen minutes of character development right in the middle of an extremely intense moment. Luckily though, these spots are few and far between. The only thing I can say Ringu is truly lacking is scares. The overall story is the real fear factor of the film and what makes it a good horror movie. Just don’t watch it the idea that it’s going to scare the crap out of you because you’ll probably be disappointed.
The video and audio presentation is the best reason to buy this DVD. The video is absolutely gorgeous, especially when compared to the Region 2 release from Tartan video. Dreamworks put a lot of effort into doing a completely anamorphic high definition digital transfer and it shows. The audio on the disc is also top notch. Presented in remixed Dolby 5.1, the dialogue is crystal clear and the sound really booms when it should boom.

In terms of special features, all we’re really given is a few trailers. One for the remake, one for Catch Me If You Can, one for 8 Mile and one for Empire. Now, I absolutely love theatrical trailers and feel that a DVD without a movie’s trailer is a crime. Unfortunately, the only way you’re going to see Ringu’s trailer is if you purchase the US remake on DVD. Totally lame.

Overall picking up Ringu is a tough choice. The lack of special features and the high suggested retail price will probably turn off most casual viewers. If you’re a fan of the movie, chances are you either own the import or probably already have this one pre-ordered. If you really want Ringu and are debating between the import and the Region 1, I would suggest the Region 1. Not only will you pay roughly the same amount, but you get MUCH better video and audio quality. And in case you were wondering, you aren’t missing much from the Region 2 DVD special features, just some additional trailers, filmographies, some press info and the ability to watch the deadly video on it’s own. If you haven’t seen the move before, rent it first and then if you really feel the need to add it to your collection, go ahead and do so.

Official Website:
http://www.Dreamworks.com