Reviewed By Jason LockardMost film fans feel that Japanese horror films are the best. Many Japanese horror film has made it on lists of the greatest horror films of all time.
Arrow Video known for releasing cult, foreign and classic films has now given the films that inspired the US releases of The Ring and Thr Ring 2. Now on Blu-ray The Ringu Collection from the fine folks at Arrow Video.
Our Rating System:
****=Don’t Miss it!
***=Worth a look.
**=An Ok way to spend some time.
*=You haven’t missed anything.
Ringu (1998) A reporter and her ex-husband investigate a cursed videotape that is rumored to kill the viewer seven days after watching it. ***
Ringu 2 (1999) Reiko takes Yôichi into hiding when her son begins to display frightening powers. Meanwhile, Mai Takano and the authorities begin a desperate search for them, as the mysterious Ring curse spreads. **
Ringu 0 (2000) In this prequel to Ring, a young Sadako becomes an actress in hopes of escaping her troubled past. But strange visions and terrifying powers begin to manifest. **
These three Japanese horror films have a real creepy feel two them. Japanese horror seems to have an unsettling tone. They transcend language barriers and just take you on a strange ride. If perchance you have seen the US versions and feel that these are unnecessary viewing. I think you are doing yourself an injustice by not experiencing these films.
While the sequels don't seem to hit the same level of story telling as the original in my opinion they are still worth checking out.
Now for the Blu-ray transfer. Ringu has been restored in 4K from the original camera negative. It is presented in 1080p widescreen format and 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The audio is lossless Japanese DTS-HD master audio 5.1 and PCM 2.0 soundtracks. If you don't speak Japanese don't worry there is English subtitles.
The first film's restoration looks stunning. The sequals on Blu-ray but have not received restoration so there not as stunning. But as they are newer films they still look very good.
Now as amazing as it is to have these three films on Blu-ray. Arrow Video continually goes above and beyond and brings us so much great bonus material in their releases. That is the whole reason why these are so sought after by film fans.
Bonus Materials
- Bonus feature: Spiral, George Iida’s 1998 sequel to Ringu
- Audio commentary on Ringu by film historian David Kalat
- Audio commentary on Ringu 0 by author and critic Alexandra Heller-Nicholas
- The Ringu Legacy, a series of interviews from critics and filmmakers on their memories of the Ringu series and its enduring legacy
- A Vicious Circle, a video interview with author and critic Kat Ellinger on the career of Hideo Nakata
- Circumnavigating Ringu, a video essay by author and critic Alexandra Heller-Nicholas on the evolution of the Ringu series
- Spooks, Sighs and Videotape, a video essay by critic Jasper Sharp on the J-horror phenomenon
- The Psychology of Fear, an archival interview with author Koji Suzuki
- Archival behind-the-scenes featurette on Ringu 0
- Ringu 0 deleted scenes
- Sadako’s Video
- Multiple theatrical trailers for the Ringu series
So if your a fan of Japanese horror or just plan horror films. I highly recommend this release from Arrow Video. The films look amazing, but the bonus features make this a must-own. You can pick up a copy of this Blu-ray release at MVDShop.com or at Amazon.com today.
Offensive Material: Violence, very mild profanity
Audience: Teens and Adults
Genre: Horror
Length: Over 6 Hours
Blu-ray Value Rating: A
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