Ring, The (2002)

Starring: Naomi Watts, Martin Henderson
Director: Gore Verbinski

Rating: R

Studio: DreamWorks SKG

Review Posted: 3.18.03

Spoilers: None

By John Teves

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.

>Read Sara M. Fetters' Film Review!

THE RING appears in an aspect ratio of approximately 1.85:1 on this single-sided, double-layered DVD; the image has been enhanced for 16X9 televisions. THE RING provides a top-notch video presentation; offering a consistency and clarity through out its presentation. Sharpness was excellent. From start to finish, the film appeared accurate and distinct, giving the film a more terrifying look to it.

Jagged edges created no concerns; no signs of edge enhancement, if there was any I apologize I was to busy being terrified. Print flaws were essentially absent. The color palette was nerve-racking most of the film looked dark and cold seeming somewhat murky; truly a visual experience working very well with the films subject matter. Black levels generally came across deep and rich. Ultimately, THE RING offered solid picture.

THE RING is presented in a both a Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS 5.1 track. I felt the two tracks appeared identical, with the DTS track providing a slightly stronger bass response. This track was absolutely brilliant – you need to crank this one up people, to truly be terrified out of your wits.

The soundfield  provide a consistently active affair, this is really creepy because you begin to hear things coming form the rear speakers and you start to question what is real and what is not. Effects contributed a very solid sense of atmosphere throughout the film, fear-provoking sounds lurk all around the room with all five channels blending together precisely.

Audio quality was also solid. In the end, you are so terrified by what you’ve listen to that you can’t believe you just sat through such a horrifying experience. THE RING, like it’s video transfer, provided a superior auditory experience.

• Featurette

• Deleted Scenes

There is no doubt here, THE RING is sinister, terrorizing, and forbidding, offers better chills than THE SIXTH SENSE. If I were to describe in combination what films would create an offspring of THE RING, I would have to say, THE SHINING, STIR OF ECHOES, THE SIXTH SENSE, THE OTHERS, LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT, THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT – I think you get the point.

THE RING sponges from other horror films but it mixes all the essentials extremely well. The DVD offers exceptional picture and sound with a small supplement of extras. On the subject of extras, I recommend watching the DON’T WATCH THIS which you will see on the main menu screen. On the condition you can’t stomach what you are watching, then I suggest returning the disc, because your experience is concluded.

On the other hand, if you were able to witness the terrifying explanation of THE RING, then you are about to experience a very unsettling film – THE RING comes highly recommended.

Film Rating: 4 out of 4

Review originally appeared on DVDFreak.net

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