This is the original version of Ring, which played as a TV movie in the mid 90's. It compares reasonably closely to the film adaption but also includes elements of Ring 0. It is seemingly the most faithful to the original novel (yeah, there was a book that led to this franchise!). Oddly, given the success of the theatrical movies, it has never been released on home video since 1996. Given the subject matter, perhaps this is strangely apt...
Its an all round good movie, that should definitely be of interest of those who like the later films. It does explain more and Sadako is more humanised, like she was in Ring 0. Sensibly, this was reigned back for the first movie adaption, ensuring that there was much more mystery to proceedings. Also, the method of Sadako's revenge hasn't quite been perfected in this one and is a bit different here. Still, this is a fascinating early entry in the J-horror sub-genre and makes for a fine addition to this series.
Its an all round good movie, that should definitely be of interest of those who like the later films. It does explain more and Sadako is more humanised, like she was in Ring 0. Sensibly, this was reigned back for the first movie adaption, ensuring that there was much more mystery to proceedings. Also, the method of Sadako's revenge hasn't quite been perfected in this one and is a bit different here. Still, this is a fascinating early entry in the J-horror sub-genre and makes for a fine addition to this series.