A young couple (Katie Featherston, Micah Sloat) find that their new San Diego home has been inhabited by a “presence” that is possibly demonic.  This unseen entity seems to be attached to Katie, and when Micah decides to record all paranormal events on his home video camera, the “thing” becomes incensed and events escalate.

CRITIQUE

Reportedly made for a budget of $15,000.00, Paranormal Activity is one of the best scare movies that I have seen in years.  Indeed, I found myself jumping in my seat three or four times during the picture’s 86 minute running time.

The movie, which was “discovered” by Paramount after going the “festival circuit,” is a perfect example of how the most frightening elements of a horror movie are the things that you don’t see.

Like The Blair Witch Project, writer/director Oren Peli’s Paranormal Activity is shot entirely through a home video camera and purports to an account of actual happenings.  However, unlike that earlier film, this picture contains a well-structured story and extremely believable performances by the two principal players.

The creepiest moments in this movie are the subtlest.  From the stationary video camera, placed to cover their entire bedroom, we watch the couple as they sleep.  Then, in the middle of the night, we hear a strange sound.  A hallway light goes on, then off.  The bedroom door moves a foot, and then returns to its original position.

I don’t want to be a Spoiler, so I’m not going to go into any further detail, but I would be curious to know how some of the special effects in the later part of the movie were accomplished on such a miniscule budget.

THE VIDEO

Keeping in mind that the movie was shot on a home video camera, the widescreen picture is as sharp as might be expected.

THE AUDIO

Again, keeping in mind that the picture was shot using home video equipment, the Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound is fine.  It’s my understanding that the studio did take steps to enhance the sound quality.

THE EXTRAS

The film contains an Alternate Ending, but I prefer the ending used in the theatrical release.

FINAL THOUGHT

This is the best scare movie to come along in years.