... The real problem is that the tape is cursed and after watching it you receive a phone call telling you you only have seven days to live.
This may sound far fetched and moving into 'B' movie territory, with a cursed videotape instead of the usual cursed '(insert object here)' however the ... Read review
It begins as just another urban legend - the whispered tale of a nightmarish videotape ... more
that causes anyone who watches it to die seven days later. But when four teenagers all meet with mysterious deaths exactly one week after watching such a tape, inves...
This is the US version of the Japanese film 'Ringu'; continuing the recent vogue for ... more
Hollywood remakes of foreign movies. It begins as just another urban legend - the whispered tale of nightmarish videotape that causes anyone who watches it to die se...
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: 3-5 working days
The Ring is a cinematic thrill ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat from the ... more
stunning opening to the astonishing conclusion!It begins as just another urban legend - the whispered tale of a nightmarish videotape that causes anyone who watches it to die seven days later. But when four teenagers all meet with mysterious deaths exactly one week after watching just such a tape, investigative reporter Rachel Keller (Naomi Watts) tracks down the video... and watches it. Now, the legend is coming true, the clock is ticking and Rachel has just seven days to unravel the mystery of The Ring.
From Academy Award-winning director Richard Attenborough (Gandhi, Shadowlands) comes ... more
Closing the Ring, a deeply moving love story of an American woman who honours a wartime promise of love with a lifetime of heartache until the discovery of a gold ring reawakens her.
The terror continues as Naomi Watts reprises her role as investigative reporter Rachel ... more
Keller in The Ring Two, the heart-pounding suspense thriller that's even scarier and more intense than the first.To escape their haunting memories, Rachel and her son start a new life in a small Oregon town. But when evidence at a local crime scene reveals a mysterious unmarked videotape, Rachel realises that the vengeful Samara is back and more determined than ever to continue her relentless cycle of terror. In a desperate, life-or-death battle, Rachel must confront Samara once again to save herself and her son.
The Ring - Vienna's Casual Luxury Hotel is one of the city's chicest and most modern ... more
5-star design hotels, situated right in the centre on the famous Ring boulevard, 200 metres from the Opera.The hotel's 19th-century façade conceals a sensual interior. Historic details like the listed elevator are combined with a flair of contemporary design.The rooms are atmospheric spaces featuring an inspiring mix of contemporary and classic furniture complemented by an innovative light concept and luxurious bathrooms. Many guest rooms have a beautiful view of the historic Viennese Ringstraße.Wireless internet access is available throughout the entire hotel.Experience outstanding cuisine in the luxurious yet casual atmosphere of the restaurant. A special highlight is the wine cellar, where 770 bottles of the best international and Austrian wines and champagnes are stored.The inviting bar serves coffee, cakes and snacks, and specialises in Vodka drinks.The Ring Day Spa with its top-floor fitness and spa area boasts magnificent views over the rooftops of Vienna. The fitness area features state-of-the-art training equipment, with every machine being equipped with a television, video and headphones.The fitness area is open to all guests of The Ring free of charge, 24 hours a day.From the spa area you enjoy exquisite views of the beautiful Karlskriche. Guests can choose between various treatments for both body and face..
Postage & Packaging:refer to website Availability:Price is per double room per night and may vary depending on date booked...
Advantages: Excellent well developed scares Disadvantages: Some slightly dull parts
THE FILM
I watched this film recently with very little background knowledge to the film (which is very unlike me as I usually go in with a good idea what is going on). I knew the film was based on a Japanese horror movie 'Ringu' and also the basic premise:
Somewhere in Urban Legend land there exists a tape. This tape is supposedly a literal video nasty, made up of seemingly unrelated and surrealistic images, likening ... ...The real problem is that the tape is cursed and after watching it you receive a phone call telling you you only have seven days to live.
This may sound far fetched and moving into 'B' movie territory, with a cursed videotape instead of the usual cursed '(insert object here)' however the Japanese version hit on a genuinely terrifying idea and this remake attempts to copy the atmosphere and creeping terror for an American audience. more
THE FILM
I watched this film recently with very little background knowledge to the film (which is very unlike me as I usually go in with a good idea what is going on). I knew the film was based on a Japanese horror movie 'Ringu' and also the basic premise:
Somewhere in Urban Legend land there exists a tape. This tape is supposedly a literal video nasty, made up of seemingly unrelated and surrealistic images, likening it to someone's nightmare. However this isn't the true horror. The real problem is that the tape is cursed and after watching it you receive a phone call telling you you only have seven days to live.
This may sound far fetched and moving into 'B' movie territory, with a cursed videotape instead of the usual cursed '(insert object here)' however the Japanese version hit on a genuinely terrifying idea and this remake attempts to copy the atmosphere and creeping terror for an American audience.
The lead character is Rachel Keller (a pre-King Kong Naomi Watts). She is a reporter struggling to make time for her young son, whilst at the same time persuing her career. She comes into contact with the tape when her son's cousin Katie dies horribly exactly seven days after watching it. Rachel sets out to investigate (and get a story) and ends up exposing herself, her son Aidan (a very creepy David Dorfman) and her estranged boyfriend and helper Noah (Martin Henderson) to the same danger. The race is now on to unravel the mystery of the tape in just seven days or face the same grisely end as Katie.
The remainder of the film sees the three heroes slowing putting together the story of how the tape came into existance and what it's true meaning is, although as this happens they are subjected to move and move horrific visions and experiences with the girl from the tape.
To give to much away would ruin the film but I will admit that I was genuinly scared for large parts of the film. Some scenes are brilliantly put together by director Gore Verbinski, who uses a slow pace and excellent lighting to put you on edge. The scares are often false one's using the old tricks of silence and darkness to create a false sense of manace, which then heightens the shocks when the do come.
The true shocks are genuine, jump in your seat moments, often because they are only one frame or so long and so you get the sense of the image being flash burnt into your memory, much as it probably was from the central characters point of view. The enemy also creates a sense of uneasiness as well as supernatural power is so much scarier than pnysical power.
Also the general creepy atmosphere of the whole film sets the tone. All of the scenes on the island (and also the ferry) are designed to set you on edge, as are the flashback near to the films finale.
The ending of the film is good as you are built to a cresendo, like in all good horror films, left to settle and then scared again and the final epiphany of the characters is one that I think will have most people reaching for the rewind button to check certain details now they know the truth. I also like a film that has one massive scare near the end and this film had that, and for me a scare I didn't see coming.
As I have mentioned the film scares well which is it's primary aim and the actors all do god jobs. Watts is believable as the heroine, Brian Cox has a good cameo as the tortured father, although creepiest (and hence best) is David Dorfman as Watts's son. He puts in a performance reminisant of 'The Shining' and the knowledge he seems to have backs up this likeness. The director also sensible avoids almost all gore and blood, instead relying on the imagined horror to scare us. The body count is very low and if you removed just a few frames they're be no actual horror at all.
The only real downside I see to the film is that the ation seems very spread out. Rachel travels to a cabin, then back to the city, then to an island, then city, then cabin, then city and you have to wonder how she felt spending most of her last seven days on earth in a car?
However overall I could forgive this and I can certainly see how this warrented a sequel as the ending leaves enough of an opening to bring audiences back. Also the film contains a number of fingle frame flashes and subliminal images which might be fun some some people to spot, although for me just made my dark bedroom seem even more claustrophobic.
THE EXTRA'S
Most of the extra's were promotional and this disappointed me a little. I hear stories of some people (maybe pre-ordered copies) getting the actual cursed video as a gift although this wasn't the case for everyone.
The best extra is a short film called 'Rings' that builds into The Ring Two. It sets-up the sequel well, introducing a character Jake (Ryan Merriman) who actually stars in the sequel. He is brought into a 'cult' by his friends, who have all viewed the cursed videotape... (NOTE I won't explain anymore as this relates directly back to the the first film which you might not have seen, however decisions Jake makes in this short affect his character in the sequel)
We get a small featurette of cast/crew interviews, with Verbinski, Naomi Watts and Martin Henderson.
"Don't Watch This" which contains some deleted scenes from the film and introduce some decent rejected sub-plots which I thought were a shame to lose (relating to the ending).
We also get some trailers, one of which is for The Ring Two
Advantages: Thought provoking and chilling Disadvantages: none
The Ring is a strange, yet intriguing, it did get me thinking a couple of times and in parts it was very eerie. Rachael Keller ( Naomi Watts) is an investigative journalist who is reluctantly persuaded to investigate a mysterious video tape.
The tape appears to contain random images which do not have any apparent meaning. It is however strange that within one week of viewing the video it’s watchers suffer death in a scary manner. Rachael watches ... ...she has grave concerns about the safety of her son Aiden Keller ( David Dorfman ) whom she had to an ex lover Noah Clay ( Martin Henderson ) now helping with her investigations. Noah after having been informed about the video tries to find a rational explanation for the weird sequence of events which follow.
The two struggle with their impending doom whilst trying to solve what has now become some kind of riddle from beyond the grave. After each ...
donf18 22.04.2007
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The Ring (DVD)
Advantages: good original story Disadvantages: plot holes
The ring was first a japanese film, released in the mid ninties and fitted its usual scary japanese horror style. So in the early 2000's the guys at hollywood thought they would have a crack at it. It was good, but they lost some of the horror along the way. To be honest, the overall film isnt that scary - its just the footage on the tape that freaks me out. Take that out and it becomes a mysterious drama of sorts. Without the tape, the balance of ... ...thriller. Other events such as the horse part and the bit in the well (which I wont go into too much detail about) as it may spoil the film) are slighly scary but lack something that didnt really give that horror feel. The films main characters are a single mother journalist and her young, extremely dependant son. The film is not that slow to start - but the way the so called cursed "tape" is introduced in a very mundane way. The film finally begins ...
theskysthelimit 26.01.2007
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of The Ring (DVD)
...seen, however still very memorable. The plot consists of a journalist investigating a videotape with very disturbing images that may have killed four teenagers, now even through the cheesy plot of a killer video tape, it really drawed me in. The reason she begins to investigate, is one the teenagers that was killed was her niece, after hearing about the urban legend about this killer video tape that after 7 days of watching it you will die. Rachel ... ...the legend is true, she only has seven days to reverse the evil that is now after her, and after her son after he watches the tape. The plot was very different to other horror films, and normally I don’t enjoy horrors as I believe most of them have the same plot over and over again.
The director called Gore Verbinski has directed great other films like pirates of the Caribbean 2, the weather man and the Mexican. All other great films of mine, this ...
xx-baby-davies-xx 03.05.2007
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of The Ring (DVD)
...brilliant film. My brother got the DVD for me last christmas but I had already seen it.
The basic plot of the story is that a group of teenagers have seen this killer tape and they die 7 days later and a girls aunt is a reporter and has to find out why the tape kills before it kills her.
The main character is Rachel Keller (Naomi Watts)
If you get it on DVD there is some extra features like The trailer and The wideo long version and a thing called ... ...anything like this before (except the Japanese version which came out a few years before here) also it does the whole horror thing it scares you . I can't think of any reasons why not to buy it
The director has done a outstanding job and so have the actors. A few parts are a bit gruesome but all horror movies have to have a bit of blood!
The special effects are super the way they manage to do some of it I don't know. It alsot scares you alot so ...
tasha_92 03.08.2005
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful Review of The Ring (DVD)
The basic storyline is;- watch a videotape and the telephone rings and tells you you will die in 7 days.....when told this you are totally freaked out while watching the tape and waiting for the phone to ring.
A group of teenagers try to prove the story wrong by watching the tape but, they end up dead - so, is there any truth in it? journalist Rachel stumbles across the tape after her niece is one of the teens to die - she watches the film and is ... ...of it...it totally kept me intrigued all the way through...
in the collectors edition you get ring1 and ring 2 - in ring 2 the story continues after rachel thought she had escaped the curse - not so, she now has to struggle to save her and her son. ...
magoogy 05.02.2007
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful Review of The Ring (DVD)
Did you enjoy it?
Story
Characters / Performances
Special Effects
How does it compare to ...
Similar reviews »
Reviews which might be of interest for "The Ring (DVD)"
Advantages: Lots of scares Disadvantages: A slow burner
.
I was quite disappointed with the ending, the last 10 minutes really heat up only to fizzle out at the last second, the ending was left open which of course leads onto The Ring Two which was released in 2005.
I?d recommend this to people who are tired of the usual textbook horror films and want something a bit different, The Ring has a very unique story to it and has some genuinely unnerving moments which will keep you watching until the very end.
The DVD is available from play.com for the extortionate price of £14.99, I suggest looking out for this on TV as it?s regularly shown.
The special features include:
Short film created by director Gore Verbinski exclusively for this release (15 mins)
Trailer
Interactive menu
Scene access ...
Great_reviewer07 01.07.2009
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The Ring (DVD)
Advantages: Good cinematic effects, graphics and landscape Disadvantages: A little too long
A visual threat of roiling flames, cool clashes of metal and a clear distinct fight between good and evil, Lord of the Rings had outdone many other shows, bagging acclaimed awards and leaving people hungry for more. It is able to blend a kind of fantasy- like orcs and goblins, mages and wizards with a very rustic and ancient setting of Middle East, The Shire, Mordor, and other architectural sets. It leaves us gasping and transfixed in our seats, for every battle, every story stimulates the senses, coupled with good humour and wisdom. This movie shows the rise and ebb of civilizations, great kings and ultimately, the fight between Good and Evil. Wow! A great buy with all three sequels bunched in! A must watch indeed! ...
up to the lodge where the teenagers had spent the weekend before their deaths, and finds an unmarked videocassette in the reception. She stay in the same cabin as Katie and others did. She pops the tape in and starts watch as bizarre images flicker across the screen: an eclipse; a woman brushing her hair; a box of twitching, severed fingers; a spectral little girl. The tape ends and then the phone starts rings. She picks up the phone and someone whispers "Seven days," Unless Rachel can find out where the tape originated and put a stop to the curse, she will face the same fate as her unfortunate niece.
The DVD
Features
Bonus Feature - 1. DON'T WATCH THIS VIDEO
Bonus Short - 1. THE RING VIDEO
Trailer
Scene to Scene Access
Interactive Menus
My thoughts
The Ring is based on the Japense film Ringu. Alot of people are ...
galaxynicole 24.06.2003 (11.04.2005)
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of The Ring (DVD)
Rings A Short Film, Making Of The Ring, Don't Watch This, Rings A Short Film, Making Of The Ring, Dont Watch This
Aspect Ratio
1.85 Anamorphic Wide Screen
Sound
Dolby Digital 5.1
Dubbing Sound
Dolby Digital 5.1 English
Professional reviews
Review
"...Very elegantly crafted....Watts has a live-wire charisma reminiscent of the young Debra Winger..." (Entertainment Weekly, p.54, 25/10/2002)
"...One of the keys to making THE RING work as well as it does is the strong performance of Watts....Her presence succeeds in making us believe..." (Los Angeles Times, p.C5, 18/10/2002)
"...THE RING sticks very close to the original script....The film-makers add some impressive sequences..." (Sight and Sound, p.49-50, 01/04/2003)
"...Smart, savvy and distinct....There's a troubling atmosphere that clogs up your throat..." (Total Film, p.96, 01/03/2003)
"...It creates a gloomy and disturbing mood..." (USA Today, p.3E, 18/10/2002)
"...A stylish Hollywood remake....[The] craft elements are fine, with special kudos to the Method Studios for creating the compellingly mysterious Ring video as well as visual effects..." (Variety, p.21-9, 07/10/2002)
DVD Description
In Gore Verbinski's remake of Hideo Nakata's chilling horror film, a group of teenagers all die suddenly and inexplicably exactly one week after watching a mysterious videotape at a remote cabin in the Pacific Northwest. Journalist Rachel Keller (Naomi Watts), a relative of one of the victims, begins an investigation that leads to a mountain resort where she discovers the tape, which contains footage of random and surreal images. After viewing the tape, Rachel receives a phone call stating that she, too, has seven days left to live. As the clock ticks away, Rachel enlists the help of her former boyfriend, Noah (Martin Henderson), who is the father of her startlingly serious young son, Aidan (David Dorfman). Assisted by the intuitive illustrations of Aidan and the initially reluctant research of Noah, Rachel attempts to discover the significance of the cryptic tape before her time is up. The original RING, based on a novel by Koji Suzuki, was a cult phenomenon in Japan, spawning a sequel, a prequel, and other spin-offs. Although Verbinski's adaptation shares much in common with its Japanese counterpart, the director distinctly alters numerous plot elements and, in grandiose Hollywood style, employs a much larger budget. The beautiful cinematography is one of the more telling enhancements, along with added screen time for other characters, including the morose Richard Morgan (Brian Cox). However, the key to this RING is Watts, who shines through the creepy atmosphere in a role that follows her success in MULHOLLAND DRIVE. This would appear to be no coincidence, since the film comes across like a David Lynch version of an X-FILES episode that presents shockingly scary moments and makes the most out of the unknown. A clear cut above most contemporary horror films, THE RING offers genuine chills and will make viewers think twice before watching any unmarked videotapes.
![The Ring (Special Edition) [DVD] [2002]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/78499207.jpg)
![The Ring [Collector's Edition]-DVD](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/103286207.jpg)
