Paranormal Activity DVD Review

In one of the most anticipated horror movie DVD releases of all time, Paranormal Activity is available December 29th from Paramount Pictures Home Entertainment.  This amazing film was made for around $11,000 and the build up of enthusiasm among moviegoers led to a more than $100 million domestic box office take for the movie.

Written and directed by Oren Peli, Paranormal Activity is a chilling story about a young, middle-class couple who 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. The DVD and two-disc Blu-ray include the original theatrical version of the film, plus an unrated version with a shocking alternate ending not seen in theaters.

Paranormal Activity Scare Kit Giveaway – Ends 1/9/2010

What makes Paranormal Activity intriguing to fans of the best horror movies is that it is filmed and developed in a natural, very unassuming way.  This, plus some effective viral marketing, helped convince some moviegoers that the movie was actually a real story turned into a movie. 

Katie (Katie Featherston) and Micah (Micah Sloat) are the main characters in the movie.  Katie appears to be the target of the demon that haunts them each night in various ways.  The movie plays out in a sequence of filmography in which the demon’s actions become more aggressive.  Initially, they hear sounds, then things are out of place, a powder test shows footprints, the camera shows a blanket move as though someone is getting into bed, and ultimately, physical contact is made.

Katie and Micah get progressively more scared, but while Katie insists on getting out, Micah wants to capture the important film.  Soon, though, it is Micah that tries to get them out of the house.  Will they figure out a way to pacify the demon?  What will be revealed in the final scenes in the movie, as the build up intensifies?  These are the key questions heading into the climax of Paranormal Activity.

While the cinematrophy was effectively done and the story was well developed as a low budget effort, Paranormal Activity was a bit disappointing given the hype – some big name critics have called it the “scariest movie ever”.  One of the challenges in waiting to watch the movie on DVD is that the hype surrounding the theater release and the word of mouth grows to unmatchable heights.  As the viewer, you are so geared for fear that you are somewhat desensitized to what actually plays out.

Some people have compared Paranormal Activity to The Blair Witch Project, another made-to-seem real low budget horror flick.  However, the difference is that The Blair Witch Project leaves more of the ending to the imagination, whereas Paranormal Activity does have some closure.  Your real satisfaction with the Paranormal Activity DVD experience will be based on whether you can see what is to come in the end.  With all the Paranormal Activity spoilers telling you about the Paranormal Activity ending, it is hard not to read about the ending before you watch it.  If you do not see the final scene coming, you are likely to be more affected.

There is a Paranormal Activity Alternative Ending on the DVD release that is actually worth the watch.  Unlike some films with alternate endings, there is a distinct difference between the theatrical ending and the alternate.  The original is better, but the alternate does catch you off guard.

Paranormal Activity is Rated R for language based on a decent amount of F-words and others.  There are some modest sexual references, but it is up to the parent to decide whether the thriller fear factor is too much for your kids.  This movie is certainly capable of inducing nightmares in young minds that are under equipped.

MPAA Rating: R
Running Time: 86 Minutes
DVD Release Date: December 29th, 2009

Grade: B

Director: Oren Peli
Starring: Micah Sloat, Katie Featherston

Paranormal Activity DVD Review by Neil of Movie Room Reviews

Tags: Katie Featherston, Micah Sloat, Paranormal Activity DVD, Paranormal Activity DVD Review