In October 2002 Dreamworks released "The Ring" in theatres. The film experienced both a commercial and artistic success. Week after week, packed movie-houses were terrified by the film's story and its terrifying imagery. What many viewers may not have been aware of is that "The Ring" was a remake of "Ringu," a Japanese film. Previously this film was not available for Americans. You had to purchase a bootlegged copy or download it through a file-sharing program such as Kazaa. Now Dreamworks has released "Ringu" on DVD in the United States.
The story remains the same: a person watches a cursed videotape. After watching the tape, that person receives a phone call that informs him that he has seven days left to live. Sure enough, the prophecy becomes true when the viewers die seven says later. However, the American filmmakers put some interesting twists in their remake by adding some elements. For example, the scenes pertaining to the ranch and the horses are not in "Ringu." Also, Sadako (Samara) is given more of an origin, and Takayama (Noah) is psychic. There are also other twists in the Japanese film.
I was extremely disappointed with this DVD. First, I was holding out for a Criterion edition, which would entail two discs and all sorts of goodies. The Dreamworks edition only has the movie and some trailers. That's it. There aren't any commentaries, behind-the-scenes featurettes, or documentaries. However, the story of "Ringu" is continued through two sequels, a prequel, three television programs and a manga. There is also a Korean remake. I'm hoping that all these will be released with extra features on DVD in America.
Which one is better? There's a rule of thumb in the "Ringu/The Ring" community, and that's whichever version you see first will be the one you prefer, and it's true. I saw "The Ring" and I feel that it's better, because it had a more complex storyline and better production values. That's not to say "Ringu" is terrible. It's a great movie, and it's just as creepy and atmospheric as the remake. You see even less in "Ringu" than you do in "The Ring" which works to its advantage, particularly in Sadako's case.
If you liked "The Ring," then check out "Ringu." If you're expecting a gore-packed shock fest, then look elsewhere. However if atmosphere and psychological terror is your forte, then pick it up.
For more information on all things Ringu/The Ring, head to Ringworld.
Responses:
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Name: Greg
Comments:
How the hell was "The Ring" successful? Whoa, "Ringu" Japanese? Sounds good!
Name: b.faust
Comments:
I had no idea there was an original prior to this. I'll have to look into watching "Ringu," thanks for the heads up, Shaun.
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