DVD Review : Shutter

"I think it's a case of strong emotions making themselves heard" That's one of my favorite quotes from the film "Shudder" which is about spirit photography. In this traditional horror film we watch as Joshua Jackson and his wife experience all sorts of freaky phenomenon in the streets of Japan. I am sure this is a remake of some other Japanese/Thai horror film so feel free to let me know the originals name in the comments section to win a prize.

This film also has an excellent sub plot running through it as well. The idea of a man caught up in his work, his wife roaming the unfriendly streets of Japan. Some of the shots of Japan are superb. Encapsulated the idea of in a modern city like Tokyo you can be among thousands of people but still feel alone. When she is looking at the Tokyo subway map for the first time I can totally feel her pain as I was doing that same thing earlier this year. This all helps buld the suspense of the ghost haunting them both. Ghosts of their past and the present. The film never really scares you the way The Ring did. Or even the original grudge but it has it's parts. I would be lying if I said that the hair on my arms never stood on it's ends.

This is a gorgeous film. Masayuki Ochiai is a true pro behind the lens. Seeing Tokyo in all it's glory really made me wish I was heading there on Vacation again this year. The cinematography was excellent and once again the writing was excellent. I really think something American filmmakers have lost is the ability to do horror without the blood and guts. That's something the Japanese are MASTERS at. A single fly coming out of someone's eye is so much freakier to me that all the blood and guts in any of those crappy Hostel films.

The DVD has some excellent behind the scenes look at the film and has it's own creppy style. Be sure to check out the Cultural Divide feature we are posting later this week. It's really interesting to hear what the actors found different when shooting with a Japanese crew.

All in all although not as freaky as some of the other films I have seen I give
this a B+. Rent it today.

- Dave