Paranormal Activity Blu-ray: Review By Paolo Sardinas

(Original Theatrical Review)

Now I know the Blair With Project comparison is used often. Almost too often. Is it used way too often? Yes it truly is. But the fact of the matter is that that one single film was able to set the bar up so high, it's nearly impossible to compare anything in horror genre to it. Almost like comparing The Godfather or Goodfellas to any other gangster film. Nothing positives really comes out of these comparisons mainly because there has never been anything since that can compare to the film it's being compared to. Nothing is ever "worthy" of being compared to that all great one. Usually because the comparisons never truly capture the magic of the previous. They may have the style but never the substance. The same magic is gone. But finally after ten years of worthless horror flops we finally, finally, get the answer to our prayers.

"Paranormal Activity" is the latest horror flick to use the almost tiring video camera technique, but it's also the only one in recent years to actually be worthy of the "Blair Witch Project" comparison. Shot with nothing but a nice little video camera from your local Best Buy, this movie manages to create some of the most terrifying and altogether frightening moments in film. The story is rather simple. A newly wed couple named Katie and Micha move into their brand new house in San Diego. Now of course, reminiscent of X-Files, one is a believer and one is a non-believer. Katie believes that she's haunted. Strange occurrences have followed her all through her life from house to house. Micha, of course, decides to videotape their bedroom while they sleep. This of course leads to a strange happening of occurrences and a pure 90 minutes of pure terror.

These occurrences seem to be getting more and more aggressive. Terrorizing our new couple as they try to sleep but can't; in fear of what will happen if they do. Now I'm not going to ruing the surprises that lurke throughout the whole film. That would be a waste of time. In order to truly see this wonderful movie going experience you need to get up and go find a movie theater which is playing this limited release feature. Here in Nevada there is only one.

Shot for a very small budget of only $10,000, "Paranormal Activity" feature a no name cast and only takes place in one setting. The house. Directed by Oren Peli, this cheaply made, but very real, movie going experiences is truly one of the best in a long time. The film almost compels to you and tricks you into thinking it's real. Mostly because of the fact it feels real, it looks real, and it sounds real. Everything about this new horror gem screams(no punt intended) classic. The new type of horror is born with this flick. The actors, unknown, do an absolutely amazing job with what they have. In I would bet money on the fact that most of it was improve. Damn good improve.

These scares actually are something much more than just quick little ones. There scenes of pure terror, unlike anything we've seen before. The whole premise of "what happens while you sleep" is something far more scarier than what just landed from outer space. The film's tagline, "Don't see it alone", has some meaning to it. You really don't want to see it alone.

Oren Peli steals most of the show, despite him being behind it. He not only directed this masterpiece but also wrote and edited it. A combination of his writing and the strong performances help to make this the best horror film of the last 10-15 years. The visceral images which are presented on screen not only help but almost force you to be scared. They ravish in the suspense in terror which you know is coming, but you stil don't know when. The only sound you could hear throughout the theater was the sound of people adjusting themselves and getting ready for what was about to occur. The true shock and awe of the movie.

Now for me to call this the best horror movie of all time would be a bit of a long shot. Bu at the same time, it wouldn't. Paranormal Activity manages to create something more than just a couple jumping scenes. Something more than seeing attractive young teens get butchered alive by some man in the forest, or high school, or neighborhood. It manages to create true, nerve wrecking fear. Something missing from today's horror adventures. Rather than just simply offering two hours of nothing but blood and body parts flying across the room, this film actually manages to create deep true fear. Something, which at times, is hard to shake off. Even when you leave the theater. A nice little comeback for the horror genre and a nice addition to the year. Horror isn't dead (no pun intended) it just needed a little boost.

The release of Paranormal Activity on DVD is a it light in the special features department. Light as in there are none. The only extra that is offered is the original, alternate ending which is only different by the last few seconds. But I do have to admit that I enjoyed the alternate more than the original even tough its not as intriguing.

The Blu-Ray transfer looks pretty good considering the fact that the entire film was shot on a video camera. It does lack the vibrant colors and quality of other films but it still looks fairly crisp and sharp in this release. The night vision scares even ended up looking better than the ones with light.

There is no full surround sound on here but for a video camera everything is fairly clear. The dialogue can be clearly heard and so can the screams. For those intense moments throughout the film, you may find yourself pumping up the volume to be able to hear the distant foot steps, objects moving, and the during the quiter scenes I found my self having to raise up the volume so I could clearly hear what the actors were saying to one another. But all in all its not terrible but it definitely could have been better.

The front cover features the one, and only, theatrical poster slanted. On the back we have a little plot summary, tech specs, and everything else that you're custom to seeing on the cases.

Paranormal Activity is definitely a scary movie. Its departs from the usual horro movie cliches of teenagers being hacked off and offers something that is truly entertaining, engrossing, and frightening. The picture quality is sharp and clear for a video camera, but on the other hand the audio could have definitely been better. And despite the lacking extras, Paranormal Activity is a definite must have for any horror fan.