Rating: R
Starring:
Katie Featherston as Katie
Micah Sloat as Micah
Michael Bayouth as The Demonologist
Directed by Oren Peli
Special Features:
Theatrical And Unrated Versions With Alternate Ending Never Seen In Theaters!
Includes Digital Copy Of “Paranormal Activity” For Portable Media Players
Other Info:
Widescreen (1.78:1)
DTS-HD MA 5.1 Surround Sound
Spanish Language
Spanish and French Subtitles
Running Time: 99 Minutes
The Details:
The following is the official description of the film:
“You demanded it and now the surprise hit critics call ‘one of the scariest movies of all time’* can be experienced in the most terrifying place of all… your home.
After a young, middle-class couple moves into what seems like a typical suburban house, they become increasingly disturbed by a presence that may or may not be demonic but is certainly most active in the middle of the night. Especially while they sleep.
‘Paranormal Activity’ builds suspense all the way to the shocking ending. Go ahead, we dare you to watch it at home… at least you can leave the lights on.”
“Paranormal Activity” is rated R for language.
Mini-Review:
“Paranormal Activity” had a ton of hype. A lot of the commercials made it sound like the next “Blair Witch Project.” So does it live up to the hype?
From a filmmaking perspective, it is an impressive accomplishment. Using his own house and a very small budget, Oren Peli pulled off what many film geeks only dream of. The movie takes a very simple, familiar, non-threatening setting of a suburban house and turns it into the setting of a very creepy horror flick. There’s a lot for both filmmakers and horror enthusiasts alike to learn from here. I was also under the false impression that this was about ghosts. It’s actually about demons, and it’s a very unique addition to that genre of horror. There are no Catholic priests or head spinning little girls here. “Paranormal Activity” portrays a very malicious spirit that you can’t run away from, and that’s very effective for setting the audience on edge. Simply going to the Holiday Inn won’t save you from this menace.
As for the hype about how scary it was, I have to admit I didn’t find it all that scary. To be honest, I haven’t been scared by a movie since “Aliens” when I was a teenager. Doors open and close, things go bump in the night, and other things happen. Creepy, yes. Scary, not really for me. Your personal horror may vary, but it might make you think twice about spending a night alone in a house.
There were two endings to this movie. The unrated version on this Blu-ray is pretty unsettling, but effective. However, the theatrical ending is also included and it has far different result. The ending is a bit more open ended and, surprisingly, darker because of that lack of resolution. You can take your pick for a favorite.
If you’re a fan of horror movies, this is required viewing for you. You have to root for anyone that can make a filmmaking dream come true. Maybe it will inspire you to get off the couch and create something, too. As for people that liked to be scared by movies, I can see how this would creep out some people, but I don’t think it’s the scariest movie of all time. Decide for yourself.
Unfortunately, the only bonus feature on this DVD is the digital copy and the alternate ending. As interesting as the story is about how it was made, they don’t include a “making of” featurette here. It’s rather disappointing, because not every movie has Steven Spielberg advising on how to tweak it. I suspect a ‘Special Edition’ of some sort will come out in the future.
