Ring, The (US)

A truly disturbing and unsettling movie.
It somehow seems to be a combination of an episode from "The X-Files" and an episode from "Twin Peaks" - it`s intense, weird on occasions and doesn`t let go.
The video transfer is very good. There are no compression signs and the grayish-blue hues add a lot to the movie`s creepy atmosphere.
The DTS and DD 5.1 soundtracks are both very good. The surrounds are constantly used and will scare you (almost) to death on several occasions.
The menus are animated with sound.
The extras include several deleted scenes, that`s all.
Bottom line - a very good thriller, which is scary, but yet, not too gory. Too bad the disc is almost bare.

The Ring is a rare example of a good American Remake, based on the excellent Japanese thriller Ringu, the Ring manages to deliver what many people (including me) thought they never could. Naomi Watts is a good choice in the lead role and a disturbing cameo by Brian Cox along with lots of chilling moments The Ring is a good and scary thriller-chiller, but if you don`t like your films like that then stay well away.
A great audio transfer, the DTS and Dolby Digital are great, though the prefered choice is DTS. The picture is also brilliant.
Though don`t expect any special features because the disc is poor with some crappy features just slapped on the disc for the sake of having extras. There is so much Dreamworks could have done Audio Commentaries by Naomi Harris, Director Gore Verbinski and what about information on Rick Bakers chilling effects?

Before you die, you see the ring, Did she show you the horses?

The script, based on the almost identical (although now it`s actually inferior) Japanese film Ringu, is possibly the best for a thriller since Se7en.

After four teenagers watch a video, the phone rings and a child`s voice informs them that they have seven days left to live. (How spooky is that!) Then as the four teenagers mysteriously die on the same day and time, the aunt (Naomi Watts) of one of the victim goes in search of this urban myth. The plot thickens as she realizes that she is becoming entwined in a mystery that dates back over twenty years. As an investigative reporter, she continues to pursue this mysterious supernatural story. But it`s not for a hot scoop of a story, rather it is to save her own life! Will she get to the bottom of this mystery before it`s too late? I was on the edge of my sofa for the better part of this movie.

Like many good supernatural thriller films, The Ring makes very effective use of the sound design to aurally heighten the fear factor for audiences in surround sound-equipped commercial movie theatres and home theatres. The availability and selection of the DTS soundtrack on this DVD further heightens this effect. The sound design, the nicely shot cinematography, and the solid acting performances made for a great viewing experience. That brings me to the most important thing about The Ring: it's scary. I'm the type of person who is rarely if ever frightened by a movie outside of the occasional cheap shock, but this film had me on the edge of my seat. I was downright terrified through much of the movie. So be sure to grab a buddy or a loved one and enjoy this supernatural thriller together. I highly recommend this movie to supernatural thriller fans. It`s frightfully good. And you must tell others to watch this movie (ha! ha! ha!).

Feature:

based on the 1998 Japanese thriller Ringu, directed by Hideo
Nakata (Dark Water) The Ring succeeds in remaking the original. It is a highly enjoyable and scary. Director Gore Verbinski and Writer Ehrin Kruger have created a film that won`t destroy the Name and the original, though the films are alike and sometimes no way near each other in executing the plot. Naomi Watts give`s a convincing performance as the reporter who has seven days to unravel the mysterys of the tape...before you die you see the ring. With some truly suspense filled moments including the end the film is a good and probaly one of the best horror films of the last 10 years. In which it deciedes to give us horror through suspense ot loads of blood and gore.

Sound:

Dreamworks have given The Ring two very good sound options
The Dolby is good and the DTS brilliant, it will really scare you
to death.

Picture:

A good transfer from Dreamworks.

Extras:

This where the company lets the side down, only a Short Film
directed by Verbinski about The Ring, pretty rubbish. This release has so much potential, a commentary by cast and crew members would have been nice or some featurette on Rick Bakers make up and effects.

Quite a few scary moments are afloat in the Ring, the critically acclaimed horror film staring Naomi Watts. Gore Verbinski; the director, does a phenomenal job keeping this film scary without turning it into a poorly acted gore fest.

The video is fairly good and was well transfered to the dvd however it could look a little more sharp.

The sound is good and easily heard throughout.

The special features for the Ring dvd aren`t very exiting. There is a trailer for the original Ringu film made in Japan and there is a short film created by the director that takes us even deeper into the film.

Overall the Ring is a good, solid horror film that keeps the audience interested. Quite suspensful.