DVD
REVIEW: SHUTTER
07/13/08
Yet another remake of the
popular Asian horror that has captured the fascination of
this genres aficionados, this one an actually creepy and
original story that deserves a chance. Its definitely one
that you’ll either really like or will just go over your
head, but it does deserve an open mind going in, because
it’s easy to write it off as just another Asian remake with
the usual spooks, but if you give it half a chance you may
be pleasantly (or should I say unpleasantly?) surprised and
even a little scared.
The film is about a newlywed couple, all set to start their
lives together in Japan, far from their home in the U.S.
Jane, the wife, has to not only get used to married life,
but a whole new country and language, but seems happy and
eager to learn everything she can, and her husband Ben is a
photographer who’s amazing job as a fashion photographer is
what brought them there in the first place. Of course due to
the nature of his job, he begins photographing everything in
their new life , and it’s these very pictures that begin to
trouble his new wife. She begins to see strange images, that
are later explained to her as spirits, and having had an
accident on their way to their hotel their first day there,
she begins to wonder if she caused this to happen to them by
injuring someone in that accident, but not having seen the
girl she may have injured since the accident, she begins to
seek her out to make sure she is ok, but what she finds is
bigger and more terrible than the accident on the road that
day and her husbands involvement gives this film a twist
you’ll never expect.
The husband in this film is played by Joshua Jackson, who
has been one of my favorite actors since his days in
Dawson’s Creek, and his portrayal of the loving yet
deceitful husband was one of the many highlights of this
film. His performance was a strong one as was Rachael
Taylor’s who plays his wife. She does a very believable job
as a scared and emotional wife, and it goes without saying
that the character of the scorned young lady played by
Megumi Okina was a truly creepy and scary one. They did an
excellent job in casting just the right person to give you
the creeps. Definitely pop this one in your DVD player in
the daytime and try to sit through it. Just don’t expect to
get much sleep after that for several days .
Review By Helen
helen@smartcine.com
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VIDEO:
Widescreen 16x9
AUDIO:
English
5.1 Dolby Surround
Spanish Dolby Surround
French Dolby Surround
Subtitles - English Spanish - Optional
SPECIAL FEATURES:
Commentary by Production Executive Alex Sundell,
Screenwriter Luke Dawson, and Actress Rachael Taylor
A Ghost in the Len - A look at the mythology behind
the movie. A must see for anyone wanting to know more about
the Yurei (ghost) (8:17)
A Cultural Divide: Shooting in Japan - Producer Rob
Lee, Joshua Jackson and Rachael Taylor discuss working in
Japan. (9:28)
The Director: Masayuki Ochiai - Masayuki discuses
among other things what attracted him to the movie and the
different between this and the original version. (9:33)
A Conversation with Luke Dawson - Screenwriter Luke
Dawson discusses how he changed the original Shutter to
cater to an American audience. (5:34)
Create Your Own Phantom Photo - a step by step guide
on how to create your own creepy photo. (4:00)
The Hunt for The Haunt: Tools and Tips for Ghost Hunting
- For those looking for some excitement in their lives this
feature list a bunch of tips and tools that might lead to a
ghost. (2:30)
Alternate and Deleted Scenes
1. The Wedding
2. Jane Eats a Big Mac
3. Extended Restaurant Scene
4. Jane Watches TV
5. Jane Gets Directions
6. Ben’s Photo Shoot
7. Flashbacks of Megumi
- Shows Megumi having a meltdown after here
relationship with Ben is over. (0:54)
8. The Hospital
9. Jane Becomes Megumi
10. Extended Flashbacks of Megumi - Extended scenes of
what the guys did to Megumi. (1:38)
11. Alternate Ending: The Mental Hospital
- Almost the same as the original ending except the
extra scene gives a better sense of closure to the
relationship between Ben and Jane. (1:44)
RATING BREAK DOWN:
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