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Ringu

Nanako Matsushima (Actor), Miki Nakatani (Actor), Hideo Nakata (Director) Rated:

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Format: DVD

403 ratings

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Editorial Reviews

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A grainy, enigmatic videotape has the power to kill people seven days after they watch it. This brilliant premise fueled the 2002 Hollywood hit The Ring, but before that it conquered Japan in Ringu, Hideo Nakata's quietly unsettling study in terror. Fans of the U.S. version will find a less elaborate storyline and more primal fear in the original; the basic plot, however, still has a worried reporter (Nanako Matsushima) tracking down the meaning of the video--and, having watched it herself, she has only a week to work. The film's calm, economical style actually adds to the creeping sense of dread throughout, and the hair-curling set-pieces stand out in contrast. Like an old photograph of something evil, Ringu has the strange-but-familiar power to unnerve. Guaranteed, its effect will linger for at least seven days. Longer... if you're lucky. --Robert Horton

Product details

Aspect Ratio : 1.85:1
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer : No
MPAA rating : s_medNotRated Unrated (Not Rated)
Product Dimensions : 7.5 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches; 3.2 Ounces
Item model number : GB38369
Director : Hideo Nakata
Media Format : Anamorphic, Color, Dolby, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
Run time : 1 hour and 36 minutes
Release date : March 4, 2003
Actors : Nanako Matsushima, Miki Nakatani, Yûko Takeuchi, Hitomi Satô, Yôichi Numata
Subtitles: : English, Spanish, French
Producers : Makoto Ishihara, Masato Hara, Shin'ya Kawai, Takashige Ichise, Takenori Sentô
Language : Japanese (Dolby Digital 5.1)
Studio : Dreamworks Video
ASIN : B000088NQR
Writers : Hiroshi Takahashi, Kôji Suzuki
Number of discs : 1

Best Sellers Rank: #118,201 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)
- #3,086 in Foreign Films (Movies & TV)
- #5,530 in Horror (Movies & TV)
- #10,807 in Mystery & Thrillers (Movies & TV)

Customer Reviews:
403 ratings

Customer reviews

5 star		81%
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1 star		4%

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Amazon Customer

Seriously Awesome!

Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2016

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This movie is seriously awesome and not a lot of people I talk to actually give it credit. Like "The Ring" is a classic or something like that and I tell them "No, Ringu is a classic, not The Ring." Then what I do is invite them over to my house and show it to them and most of them think Ringu is better because....it is! The product itself also came super fast and was in very good condition. All in all, I am satisfied with my purchase and would definitely recommend this movie who is interested in Mystery, Horror, or Suspense because this movie has all of that!

7 people found this helpful

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Andrew Terrey

Great original classic! That inspired The Ring movies

Reviewed in the United States on January 1, 2021

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I really enjoyed Ringu and can’t wait to see more of the movies. This is the original that the remake of The Ring is based on. It has good scares and makes use of practical effects instead of CG but I think there’s some very minor CG special effects in certain parts but not too sure but I prefer practical over full blown CG anyday lol

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Skye Cockman

Good Movie! Not like the US remake much

Reviewed in the United States on January 27, 2021

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I saw the US remake way before I watched the original. I love both now! The original story is a bit different and I can see why the changes were made. If you want some nice 90s Japanese horror aesthetic look no further!

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Dana Wheaton

The Original

Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2015

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It is a little awkward watching the original film in a franchise after you've seen the big American version. One of the things I enjoy about Japanese Horror is they understand that gore is not what makes a film scary. Like the American version, some of the scariest elements are the B&W video & B&W memories.

6 people found this helpful

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Alex

Awesome!

Reviewed in the United States on April 9, 2019

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Arrived well before it was due. Excellent condition, unopened,not scratched. One of my favorite horror flicks!

One person found this helpful

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MICHAEL ACUNA

Lean

Reviewed in the United States on May 23, 2003

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This is the original Japanese version of the American "The Ring."
What is so striking about this Japanese version is that it is so lean, devoid of extraneous, supposedly illuminating detail. The Japanese get right to the meat of a particular scene assuming that we will put the pieces together in our mind and therefore there is no reason to spell it out/hammer us over the head with extraneous exposition. In the process they anoint their audience with a lot more credit for being intelligent than do the Americans.
Another interesting point is that, in the American version, the Naomi Watts character is the main protagonist while her ex is merely eye-candy. But in this film Asagawa, the female lead shares the spotlight with her ex-husband who has a lot to do with the denouement and therefore the solving of the mystery.
As to the question, which version is scarier: it's a draw with the American version having a slight edge I think because the world of "The Ring" is more familiar to us than is that of "Ringu" and as such we can relate more to the everyday horror of it.

5 people found this helpful

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Dine Fuss

A true eerie atmosphere when the tape rolls...

Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2003

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A teenage girl dies after she has watched a video and her cousin Reiko, who is a reporter, begins to investigate what killed her niece. Reiko gets a hold of the same tape, which she watches and odd things begin to happen. She asks her ex-husband Ryuji to help her and he watches the tape too. Their research and the myths say that one will die seven days after one has seen the tape. Reiko and Ryuji now have to fight time in order to not only find an answer as to why people die, but also save their own lives. Ringu is a very chilling horror story that uses the technique of both contemporary horror as well as old fashion horror with a delicate touch. The film masters the elements of both surprise and expectation, and this crafts a truly great horror story that will keep the audience squirming and sweating in their seats.

2 people found this helpful

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EAS

Wait Until the End

Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2004

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Having been a fan of horror movies since I was a kid, I've come to a point where nothing scares me. Then one day I saw Ringu and its slow pace at first turned me off but when I reached the end not only was I truly scared, I was scared for days after, even just thinking about it. I've become a fan of Japanese horror movies and Dark Water was just as scary. I love American horror, but sometimes it's just so obvious and they always go for the blood and gore. Now I like the slow pace, watching the characters doing daily chores, just like we do in our lives. They seem a lot more like real people than in American horror films so the horror that they experience makes you think that it could happen to you. Face it, none of us are going skinning dipping in a lake and having a guy with a chainsaw come after us, but all of us go to the grocery store, make dinner and many of us pick kids up from school. It's the monsters that invade our normal lives which have the power to terrify.

11 people found this helpful

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Top reviews from other countries

Simon Omnes

Frolic in brine, goblins be thine

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 31, 2019

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In 1991, Koji Suzuki released his novel Ring. A classic of paranormal horror where a videotape containing a curse makes all its viewers die seven days later; a mystery which a reporter and his best friend try to resolve in a race against time as they have both watched the device.

From its publication, the novel gave nationwide success to its author. As for worldwide recognition, it would be thanks to the movie adaptations of his novel. First Hideo Nakata’s film — which would win prizes at festivals in Montreal, Copenhagen, Sitges, and Brussels — and Gore Verbinski’s remake, which would give a wider public mass success to the story’s urban legend. To the pleasures of its fans, though some still feel that Nakata’s adaptation is much more superior.

As for the 1998 film, which concerns this review, I think that though it doesn’t have wider special effects as the Verbinski remake, its horror is much more frightening and down to earth.

Just like in the horror novel, we start with Tomoko’s home revisions that end in a tragedy, but this time another classmate is there. And unlike the Verbinski remake, no CGI manipulations present the horror occurring to the ill-fated character. Instead, her death and assailant are off-screen & we only witness a stunning look of horror before the attack. An efficient way to puzzle audiences and wonder what is going on. Which makes the tragedy more frightening.

As for the narrative, Hiroshi Takahashi did a great script. Keeping fidelity to the story’s tone and dramatic, but changing much about the characters. For Asakawa and Ryuji, Asakawa is now a woman called Reiko, and of Ryuji, he is her ex-husband. A good initiative as it reinforces the family aspect of the film and of the curse behind the video (which I won’t reveal). Even her character’s kid is more present; has perceptive powers that can help him be in contact with Tomoko’s ghost. And as for Ryuji, a much more different personality from the original novel. Sympathetic and friendly; he is the polar opposite of his novel counterpart who was sinister and ambiguous in his lifestyle. Making viewers relate as much to him as to Reiko’s quest to resolve the tape’s mystery.

And as for the mystery itself, though the major pieces remain, much of the secrets behind it are more simpler. Easier to understand, but more related to the paranormal than the original novel which was linked to a virulent disease the viewers contracted.

So between the novel and the film, though they are both very good, I felt the movie improved on much of the book’s minimal flaws. So kudos to both Takahashi and Nakata-sensei for their excellent work in bringing forth a successful adaptation of the film.

As for the length of the film, I found it well-paced in its 90 minutes. Not once did I tried to look at my watch or at the movie`s time info to see how many minutes remained. So people can dive into the story quite well, without expecting any unbearable time stretches.

Now for the horror qualities of Ring , I love how these moments occur in subtle ways. Through small camera movements, a realistic lighting, and clever editing that make these scary/suspenseful scenes unbearable. And in its soundwork, music appearing only at crucial instances; at the presence of a major location or during a paranormal event. Making the non-musical instances as important and as tense as those with music.

Therefore, kudos to Kenji Kawai who made a very frightening soundtrack. Which did not surprise me for having heard his work on the spooky Devilman anime OVA series, I knew his work would be as epic/efficient as frightening.

And for the actors, all of them excellent. Never overacting or unbelievable in their performances, I felt like I saw real people standing before me in the film. Especially in their most frightening states as they uncover the horrors of the curse.

Finally for the special effects, they remain subtle, mostly in cloud effects or certain paranormal instances. And not once are they hokey or flagrant as I have seen in some Japanese horror films where the CGI was disappointing. Indeed, through this whole film, they remain excellent and faithful in their employment.

So in conclusion, to all those who want to see a good Japanese Horror film, I encourage you all to see Ring.

8 people found this helpful

L.W

Sinister stuff..

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 9, 2016

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A truly creepy film, without relying on shock tactics, violence or jump scares the film successfully builds up an atmosphere of dread. The film is low budget and simple but pretty original too. The overall look of it favours subdued colours and a blue tint to the picture. I liked the slow pace of the film too and the rising stakes once the little boy becomes involved with the story.

I really recommend buying the Blu Ray. The film was given a 4K transfer supervised by the director of photography. The difference between this Blu Ray and the old DVD transfer is night and day. While still holding onto it's inventive, low budget look the Blu Ray gives you a much higher bit rate, more natural colours while still looking organic and keeping a light layer of fine grain.

The film manages to be both incredibly creepy but also kind of sad. I swear the little boy never smiles or laughs once. There's some nice subtext to the film about how modernity is sort of the real monster. The television and the video tape become suddenly sinister. A phone ringing can become an effective scare filling you with dread. Parents are now divorced, live in faceless tower blocks, work long hours and the children are left to raise themselves. The backstory of what happened all those years ago also manages to be both disturbing and tragic.

The actual video itself is refreshingly short and restrained rather than the big obvious kind of stuff you might expect. Its amazing how uncomfortable it is for a grainy camera to be fixed on a well for just a bit too long.

Right from the first scene the cinematography is really well thought through. One girl has longer hair and a red top the other shorter hair and a blue cardigan.

The film starts of as a sort of mystery and the stakes gradually build as it goes on. The film wisely knows the importance of keeping things hidden and only hinted at. The idea of some kind of prior evil having an effect in the present day is also a very popular theme in horror films.

5 people found this helpful

Pete

Brilliant.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 13, 2018

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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.

6 people found this helpful

Jojo Chanway

Good Concepts, but Overrated Horror Movie

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 20, 2021

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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.

Mr. A. E. Hall

Not Conventionally Scary, But Absolutely Wonderful!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 27, 2004

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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.

8 people found this helpful

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