Skip to content

PARANORMAL ACTIVITY LIMITED EDITION (2007)

Written By:

John Townsend
PARANORMAL ACTIVITY

For anyone who doesn’t know the story, Oren Peli’s 2007 Paranormal Activity is about a young suburban couple harassed by a malevolent demon. A straightforward premise, expertly executed for a reported budget of $15,000 (although reshoots and a new ending added a little more), that went on to recoup almost $200 million. It is the most profitable film ever, inspired a franchise and, like Jaws and Alien, has entered popular culture; if you haven’t seen it, you know about it.

So, why do we need a new Blu-ray release? The truth is you don’t.

The problem is that the film’s structure and concept are based around surprise and intrigue, the much-quoted and oft-maligned ‘quiet, quiet, BANG’ approach to filmmaking so prevalent in lesser found footage productions and modern horror in general. Once you’ve experienced that initial viewing, any subsequent watch will inevitably dilute the experience. While there is much more to Paranormal Activity than that simplistic generalisation suggests, the point remains relevant.

What is so easily forgotten is how influential a film this is. While The Blair Witch Project spawned the found footage moniker several years before, it was Paranormal Activity that really demonstrated what could be done. For independent, aspiring filmmakers, this changed everything. Since 2007 there have been almost 200 films produced that fall into this genre, with the majority made on limited or small budgets.

The extras here are fine, largely consisting of cast and crew interviews, and the clarity is certainly improved. But really, the only reason to purchase this new release is if you don’t already own it. Paranormal Activity is an important film, but one that doesn’t necessarily require repeat viewing.

Paranormal Activity Limited Edition Blu-ray from Second Sight is available on September 30th.

You May Also Like...

black widow star scarlett johansson in talks to lead new universal jurassic world film

Scarlett Johansson In Talks To Join JURASSIC WORLD Film

Another MCU star appears to be taking up the reins for Universal’s new Jurassic World movie: two-time Oscar nominee Scarlett Johansson is reportedly in talks to lead the franchise that
Read More

Exclusive Reveal! Titan Comics to Deliver Prehistoric Hysterics in First 2 DUMB DINOS Collection

Titan Comics have exclusively revealed to STARBURST that they’re gearing up to publish the first-ever collection of the hilarious cult digital comic strip 2 Dumb Dinos, and we’re not the
Read More

New Dates For Lovecraftian Key of Dreams

Key of Dreams has announced new spaces for its titular immersive luxury horror event. The critically acclaimed company is known for its overnight experiences that dunk you into a strange
Read More

FAB Café to Host Free Film Screening of New Indie Comedy SECRETS OF A WALLABY BOY

We’re well known for our championing of truly independent filmmakers here at STARBURST, so it’s doubly exciting to be writing about one of our own! After joining the crew in
Read More
colin farrell returns as oswald cobblepot in the penguin series trailer

Colin Farrell Returns In THE PENGUIN Trailer

Colin Farrell returns as Gotham City’s answer to Tony Soprano in the first trailer for Max series The Penguin, which spins out of the world of the 2022 DC film
Read More
michael keaton as beetlejuice in beetlejuice 2 trailer

First Look At Jenna Ortega In BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE Trailer

Almost 40 years down the road, the infamous bio-exorcist finally returns in the first trailer for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, a sequel to Tim Burton’s 1988 cult classic film. Jenna Ortega (Wednesday,
Read More